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The iLuv iAD117 can charge 3 USB devices simultaneously.

(Credit: iLuv)

As owners of the iPhone are wont to (correctly) point out, their uber-handheld obviates the need to carry a separate phone, media player, and game device. But there are plenty of us who still need to tote an employer-issued BlackBerry, prefer a plain old iPod, or just can't bear a coast-to-coast flight without a DS or PSP. For that multidevice crowd, the new iLuv iAD117 USB wall charger is an inviting choice. It crowds three USB charging ports into one compact wall wart, and offers foldable power prongs for easy travel.

The triple-ported iAD117 beats similar offerings from Belkin and Griffin, both of which offer wall and car chargers with a mere two USB ports. But the iLuv is one shy of Kensington's 4-port model. In fact, I have an OEM version of the Kensington--the Lenmar ACUSB4 AC Travel Adapter--that costs less than $20 at Amazon. Unlike the Kensington, that one also includes snap-on plug sets for international travel. It's been faithfully sitting on my desk, simultaneously charging two iPods, a phone, and a Bluetooth headset during the workday for months.

Still, 3 ports will be enough for many, and the travel-friendly foldable prongs of the iLuv are a nice feature. The iLuv iAD117 is set to debut in September for $20; the single-port iLuv iAD116 will also be available for $15.

Related:
Transform a USB hub into the ultimate DIY gadget charger

It sure doesn't take these third-party add-on makers long to slingshot off the momentum of a new iPhone announcement. The latest company to step up to the plate is iLuv, which just announced the immediate availability of a new accessory line designed specifically for the iPhone 3G S. The selection is made up almost exclusively of cases, with one car accessory thrown in for good measure. Check out the gallery for pricing and details.

iLuv accessories for the iPhone 3G S--photos

ZAGG, the company that makes those screen protectors for mobile devices, is diversifying its product catalog by getting into the overcrowded earbuds market. Its new ZAGGaudio line features a pair of over-the-ear headphones, USB laptop speakers, and the Z.buds earphones.

Not unlike the recently reviewed V-moda Vibe II earphones, the Z.buds do double duty as a hands-free headset for devices with a 3.5mm jack, e.g. the iPhone. They also kind of look like the original Vibe 'buds. However, they're about half the price of the Vibe II's selling at the company's site for $64.99.

The Z.buds come in black and red versions, and both feature a microphone, in-line volume management, and an on-cord button to control calls and music as well as interchangeable foam, silicone, and triple-flange tips for the best passive noise-canceling seal. Plus, you can wear the cord in back of your head to keep things up and out of the way.

Haven't used them, not endorsing them, just letting you know they're out there if you're looking for a lower-cost alternative.

The Pure-Fi Anytime: One of Logitech's latest iPod clock radios. But how does it compare to the other models in the Pure-Fi line?

(Credit: Logitech)

Logitech's line of Pure-Fi iPod speaker docks has swelled to six, and CNET's reviewed pretty much every one. Some of the models have very similar features and price points, so it seemed like a perfect candidate for a cheat sheet:

*The Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 is not yet reviewed, but it's pretty much identical to the original Pure-Fi Anywhere, but with the addition of iPhone shielding.
**The Pure-Fi Express isn't yet reviewed, but it's effectively a renamed version of the older AudioStation Express.

Basically, go with the Elite if you want the best sound quality--we still think it's one of the best-sounding models from any manufacturer, and it's available for as little as a third of its list price. The Dream or the Anytime are good choices if you want full clock/radio functionality, while the Anywhere 2, Express, or Express Plus are good if you want portability.

Of course, if you want to move beyond Logitech offerings, check out our list of best iPod speakers.

Have a favorite iPod speaker of your own? Share your suggestion below.

Click for more pics.

(Credit: Radius)

The iPhone is a great multimedia device, but it's not perfect. One of the most glaring oversights for this music phone is the lack of stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility. As a result, you're limited to clunky adapters or wired headsets if you want to enjoy music and conversation to the fullest.

Now, you can count on another wired option from Radius, the Atomic Bass earphones for iPhone. These headphones will only set you back about 50 bucks, and they retain the built-in mic found on the set included with the phone while offering improved audio and comfort. In fact, the Atomic Bass iPhone earphones put forth sound befitting a pricier pair--just be sure you're a fan of heavy bass before you snap up a set. Read the Atomic Bass for iPhone review.

The $19.99 Pogo has an ultralight aluminum body with an anodized finish and laser graphics.

(Credit: Ten One Design)

Most people use their fingers to operate their iPhones and iPod Touches because Steve Jobs made sure the touch-screens of those devices were finger-friendly. But that hasn't stopped Ten One Design from making a special stylus, the Pogo ($19.99), for those of you who just don't think your fingers cut it when it comes to operating your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Ten One Design's marketing materials sum up the new stylus this way:

The sleek design of the Pogo Stylus features an ultralight aluminum body with an anodized finish and laser graphics. The soft tip glides easily over the surface of the display, making it fun and easy to sketch, draw characters, or just slide to unlock. Sized for accuracy, it does away with the awkward typos and misfires common to fingertip-only use.

Eliminating fingers has the added benefit of keeping the screen free of smudges and grease. Designed to firmly hug the contours of the iPhone 3G, the Pogo Stylus travel clip will keep your stylus close at hand. A second clip is included for the original iPhone and iPod touch.

What do you guys think? Are you not satisfied with your fingers when using your iPhone or Touch? Would this help with banging out e-mails faster with the virtual keyboard?

I personally would probably lose the thing within a month--even with that clip-on holder, which impinges on the sleek design of both products. But that's just me.

The SoundDock Series II is similar looking to the SoundDock Portable--but it doesn't take batteries.

(Credit: Bose)

Like a lot of other iPod audio speaker companies, Bose is introducing a GSM-shielded "Works with iPhone" certified version of its iPod speaker system, the SoundDock. It's calling this one the SoundDock Series II and it says it's been "updated to more closely resemble the clean and distinctive lines of the Bose SoundDock Portable digital music system." Priced at $299, the SoundDock Series II will be available in early September in glossy black for a $100 less than its portable sibling. Meanwhile, the original SoundDock can be had for around $220.

Here are a few other highlights from the press release for those who care:

The system features a new auxiliary input that lets users connect other audio devices, such as an MP3 player, portable CD player, or music-enabled phone. It provides dock-and-play simplicity and will charge an iPod or iPhone while in use. No additional setup is required. An included infrared remote controls the system and basic iPod and iPhone functions, including playlist navigation, from across the room. Volume controls are located on the unit.

The SoundDock Series II system maintains a small footprint, measuring just 6 5/8 inches high by 12 inches wide and only 6 1/2 inches deep.

The SoundDock Series II system works seamlessly with the iPhone 3G and original iPhone models. It also works with most iPod models, including iPod Touch and any iPod featuring a click wheel, including all Nano, Mini, Photo, Video, and Classic models.

Bose SoundDock systems sound good, but you can today get better-sounding systems that cost less and have more features. For instance, it would have been nice if this model had an AM/FM radio. A clock and alarm would have been nice additions as well--especially for $300.

Power three devices--plus two USB products--with this portable surge protector.

(Credit: Belkin)

You'd think that the design for power strips and surge protectors would be pretty much played out, but Belkin has actually done some pretty interesting things with them in recent years: clamp-on models, ones that hide all of the wall warts, and even the forthcoming Conserve, an eco-friendly model that truly shuts off connected devices at the touch of a wireless remote.

The company is taking that spirit of innovation on the road with its latest power product: the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. The travel-friendly model packs three grounded three-prong power outlets and two powered USB ports into its tiny frame, and plugs directly into the wall socket, so there's no dangling cord. A green LED confirms that connected devices are protected against surges, which Belkin backs with a $75,000 warranty. In other words, this one miniature power strip should be able to power and protect your laptop, iPod, and cellphone--and still have space left over for connecting two other AC-powered devices. Belkin even throws in a mini-USB cable, which will work with many brands of cellphones. Yes, laptop-toting travelers can usually use the spare ports on their computer to juice up various mobile devices. Considering that the device is slated to cost less than $25, the Belkin Mini Surge Protector looks to be a worthwhile combination of the Monster Power Outlets To Go (see related hands-on review) and Belkin's Dual USB Power Adapter. Like that latter model, we wish Belkin would include more USB ports, since the list of USB-powered devices--phones, Blackberrys, iPods, the Nintendo DS, PSP, and Bluetooth headsets--is seemingly endless.

You might see the Belkin Mini Surge Protector already available for preorder on some online stores, but the company says that it should be widely available "in office superstores" by the end of April.

The Skullcandy iPhone FMJ in chrome

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

If you listen to the MP3 Insider podcast (which, of course, I think you should), you know that I'm like a crow: inexplicably drawn to shiny things. So when I grabbed a black case, unzipped it, and pulled out the latest review item to discover the Skullcandy iPhone FMJ headphones in all their chromey glory, I "oohed" and "aahed" with the fervor that I reserve for such things. Even the cable is chrome-colored. To top it off, these 'phones have teeny, tiny skulls etched onto the end of each earbud--and a couple more sketched around the edges for good measure. It's almost too cute for words. Almost. Stay tuned for a full review on CNET. Oh, the iPhone FMJ also comes in black or silver, though I personally don't find those color variations nearly as exciting.