We've barely had our mitts on the iPhone 3G for a week and what's old is new again. The bad news? Aside from the addition of blazing fast data speeds, back is the brittle screen, the tinny speaker and the 30-pin connector. The good news? Most of our tried and true accessories are still compatible. Here's our cast of favorites (with a couple new additions.) —Terrence Russell
[Editor's Note: Once again we've assigned these accessories an A-F rating. Remember, don't take what we say here too seriously.]
__ 1.____ Belkin Sport Armband for iPhone 3G____
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Just because you stood in line for six hours to 'go 3G' doesn't mean you're not active. Don't fret — you can rock this low-profile armband to silence those Vista-loving naysayers. On top of a comfortable fit and offering easy access, this active wear accessory is also water-resistant and hand washable.
Grade: You'll thank the perspiration gods that this thing can be washed off after you wheeze through your first bout of marathon training. A
$30, Belkin
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2. MD-210 "iMuffs" Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
Perverse nickname aside, the iMuffs bring a vital function to Cupertino's new pride and joy — stereo Bluetooth. Well, sort of. This wireless headset still requires an unsightly adapter, but that's a small price to pay for hacked A2DP functionality.
Grade: Keep your mind out of the gutter, these cans actually sound heavenly. A-
$130, Wi-Gear
3. Case-Mate Naked Case for iPhone 3G
This acrylic protective case automatically gets two points for employing the word "naked." Oh, and the electrostatic friendly design, 'barely there' looks, and solid protection certainly help too. Best of all, it fits the iPhone 3G's new form factor flawlessly.
Grade: We think things would be much better all around if everyone and everything was naked. Thank you case-mate for leading the charge. B+
$35, Case-mate
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__4. Kensington Mini-Battery Pack
The Mini-Battery is like a snuff box for your iPhone. It's portable, great for a little boost of energy (3 hours of talk-time), and dangerously habit forming. On the bright side, the extra battery power probably won't get you arrested.
Grade: Mini-Battery. Snuff Box. B
$50, Kensington
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5. Dual iPod/iPhone Dock__
We'd love to ditch the 30-pin connector. But in truth, it's what makes throwing the iPhone 3G into this dock so sweet. Not only can you bump tunes in record time, but it can also simultaneously dock and charge your iPod. You know — that other gadget that Apple makes?
Grade: Who cares if it's a little past its prime? We still have mad love for the dual functionality. B-
$150, JVC
And to prove we're not the completely diluted "glass-half-full" types, be sure to check out our list of the Top 5 Stupidest iPhone Accessories.
(Photos by Belkin, JVC, Kensington, Case-Mate and Wi-Gear)
