The Gadget Link

IRVINE, Calif., June 29 /PRNewswire/ — iLounge.com, the world’s largest and most popular web site devoted to Apple’s iPod, iTunes, and iPhone products, today debuted the latest innovation in its coverage of the iPhone: a series of five iPhone accessory videos, titled “The First iPhone Accessories,” designed to help inform new and prospective iPhone buyers about the wide variety of add-ons coming for Apple’s first mobile phone. 

Based upon iLounge’s popular First Looks section, which offers exclusive photos and details on just-released iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV hardware, software, and accessories,

“The First iPhone Accessories” videos place the spotlight solely on the add-ons, rather than iLounge’s seasoned editorial team. Each of the videos offers 3-D looks at new cases, with new speakers, cables, earphones, and car chargers appearing, as well.

“iPhone buyers may be surprised to discover that some of their favorite iPod earphones, speakers, and car accessories don’t work properly,” explained Jeremy Horwitz, iLounge’s Editor-in-Chief. “Our new videos and First Looks help viewers learn about the headphone adapter cables, charger compatibility issues, and other insider tips iPhone users need to know before they accessorize.”

The First iPhone Accessories videos also show off the wide variety of case designs available and soon to be available for iPhone. Ranging from fur-coated pouches to elaborately contoured clear plastic shells and discreet black neoprene holders, iPhone cases offer your choice of protection, flashiness, or anonymity — whatever’s best-suited to your personal needs.

Since 2001, iLounge.com has hosted the world’s most popular discussion forums for iPod, iTunes, and iPhone users. With over 114,000 members and nearly 1.1 million posts, the iLounge forums have been covering iTunes-compatible phones since before the 2005 launch of the ill-fated Motorola ROKR phone, and now cover iPhones and their accessories. Unlike many other forums online, iLounge’s forums are aggressively moderated by a
team of superb administrators, moderators, and assistants dedicated to filtering out surreptitious advertising and objectionable posts.

As with all of iLounge.com’s content, including its multi-million-downloaded Free iPod Book 3.0 and iPod Buyers’ Guide publications, the First iPhone Accessories videos and First Looks are available free of charge from the iLounge.com home page. “iLounge readers depend upon us for honest, objective, and timely coverage of All Things iPod, iPhone, and iTunes,” said Dennis Lloyd, Publisher of iLounge. “Between our videos, First Looks, forums, and daily news updates, we’ve delivered everything iPhone users have asked for, and then some. Just wait until they see what’s next!”

About iLounge

Headquartered in Irvine, California, The Media LLC’s iLounge.com is the world’s leading resource for iPod, iTunes, and iPhone information, not affiliated with or owned by Apple Computer or any other vendor of iPod accessories or services. Founded only days after Apple announced the first iPod in 2001, iLounge has exploded in popularity, today boasting millions of visitors and tens of millions of page views each month. Its editorial content is in no way influenced by advertising, paid placements, or other unsavory practices. iLounge has been hailed by publications such as Forbes, Time Magazine, cNet, and The Wall Street Journal as the leader in iPod-related information online, the former deeming iLounge “The ultimate in product reviews and tutorials on all things iPod.” The site, its publisher and editors have been spotlighted by the Associated Press, CNBC, The Guardian (UK), Italian Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, National Post (Canada), The New York Times, PC Magazine, Reuters, Stuff (UK), TechTV, The Age (Australia), The Sun (UK), and USA Today, amongst many other leading newspapers and magazines worldwide. –>

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Never run out of batteries while taking that long hike. This high-efficiency, water proof Solar Panel Powered 18″ Daypack is perfect for generating on-site electricity anywhere there’s sunshine. Take it on a bike ride or on a camping trip. Now you can Easily connect your cell phone, iPod, GPS or other 12 volt unit using your item’s car charger adapter. A perfect gift for Gadget Geeks who love the great outdoors!

Available at SHOP.com –>

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What is the difference between NiCad, NiMH and Lithium Ion batteries?

Batteries in portable consumer devices such as a laptop, camcorder, cellular phone, etc., are typically made using either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery cell chemistry. Each type of rechargeable battery chemistry has its own unique characteristics:

NiCad and NiMH:

The main difference between the two is that NiMH battery (the newer technology of the two) offers higher energy density than NiCads. In other words, the capacity of a NiMH is approximately twice the capacity of its NiCad counterpart. What this means is for you is increased run-time from the battery with no additional bulk or weight. NiMH also offers another major advantage: NiCad batteries tend to suffer from what is called the “memory effect”. NiMH batteries are less prone to develop this problem and thus require less maintenance and conditioning. NiMH batteries are also environmentally friendlier than NiCad batteries since they do not contain heavy metals (which present serious landfill problems). Note: Not all devices can accept both NiCad or NiMH batteries.

Lithium Ion

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) has become the new standard for portable power in consumer devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH battery but weighs approximately 20%35% less. This is can make a noticeable difference in devices such as cellular phones, camcorders or notebook computers where the battery makes up a significant portion of the total weight. Another reason Li-Ion batteries have become so popular is that they do not suffer from the “memory effect” at all. They are also environmentally friendly because they don’t contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Battery Use

1) Battery Do’s:

Fully charge/discharge battery up to 4 cycles before achieving full capacity of a new battery

Fully discharge and then fully charge the battery every two to three weeks for battery conditions.

Run the device under the battery’s power until it shuts down or until you get a low battery warning. Then recharge the battery as instructed in the user’s manual.

Remove from the device and stored in a cool, dry, clean place if the battery will not be in use for a month or longer,

Recharge the battery after a storage period

Ensure maximum performance of the battery by optimizing the device’s power management features. Refer to the manual for further instructions.

2) Battery Don’ts:

Do not short-circuit. A short-circuit may cause severe damage to the battery.

Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the battery as this may result in the exposure of the cell contents, which are corrosive.

Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain.

Keep battery away from fire or other sources of extreme heat. Do not incinerate. Exposure of battery to extreme heat may result in an explosion.

My new battery isn’t charging. Is it defective?

Usually NO. New batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge the new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity

It is generally recommend an overnight charge (approximately twelve hours). It is normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging.

When charging the battery for the first time, the device may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15 minutes. This is a normal with rechargeable batteries. New batteries are hard for the device to charge; they have never been fully charged and not “broken in.” Sometimes the device’s charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during the first battery charge. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly normal.

How can I maximize the performance of my battery?

There are several steps you can take to help you get maximum performance from your battery:

Prevent the Memory Effect - Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect.

Keep the Batteries Clean - It’s a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.

Exercise the Battery - Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of time. We recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery procedure described above.

Battery Storage - If you don’t plan on using the battery for a month or more, store it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to recharge the batteries before use.

Sealed Lead Acid - (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months. –>

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