Extra Credit: 9 Gadget Add-Ons You Need In Your Life

April 27, 2012 - 5:16 pm by VIBE

You’ve already copped your latest portable toy. Next step: tricking it out with swag-enhancing accessories. Pocket these third-party add-ons to turn a standard mobile device into a showstopper —Mike Dawson

iHome iP4 Boom Box Dock, $200, ihomeaudio.com
This retro block party blaster’s dual speakers drop with floorboard busting lows, crisp highs and eviction-worthy wattage, so you can really rock out like Radio Rahim. Besides an FM tuner, it comes in his-and-hers hues (gunmetal grey and hot pink). Breakdancing optional.

For Your MP3 Player

iRig Mobile MIX, $100, ikmultimedia.com Even if you’re not spinning on actual turntables, you can still fake like David Guetta with these compact, digital wheels of steel. Plug into your iPod and flex your cutting skills via real DJ features (crossfading, scratch effects). Pro jockeys can combine two for a traditional setup worthy of house party shenanigans.

For Your MP3 Player

iShower, $100, ishowerinc.com Want to soak with Breezy or Nicki? This Bluetooth-enabled bath buddy lets you stream all those Maybach Music playlists from your cell to the iShower’s suds-safe receiver and start the morning like a boss. Wash that dirty mind while you’re at it.

For Your Smartphone

OlloClip 3-in-1 Lens, $70, olloclip.com Hauling a cumbersome camera for pro-level Instagram moments is far from practical. And as crisp as the eight-megapixel iPhone 4S camera is, it only sports a single lens. To advance past basic photo options, fasten this petite piece and you’re shooting macro, wide angle and Hype-esque fisheye shots in a snap.

For Your Smartphone

Sculpted Eers, $199, sculptedeers.com Some miniature earphones stay slipping like DMX. Squash the notion that only clunky headphones knock out major noise and buy buds customized to your ear’s unique structure. With DIY silicone that molds to your shape when inserted, the snug fit and static-free sound is worth the uncomfy fitting.

For Your Smartphone

iCade Mobile Game Controller, Price TBD, ionaudio.com If you’re sick of sling-shooting birds and slicing fruit, it’s time to revert to old-school gaming methods. Load your smartphone into this portable PlayStation-like dock that boasts eight action buttons and two directional pads and you’re no longer trapped in a touchscreen playland.

For Your Tablet

Joystick-IT iPad Arcade Stick, $25, amazon.com Still pawing at your screen to outrun Pac Man ghosts? Play ’80s arcade games the old-fashioned way—without the colossal controller—by sticking this suction cupped, glass-safe nub directly to your tablet. Despite its tough aluminum casing, you’ll have to ease up on aggressive play to avoid popping it off.

For Your Tablet

iLuv Art Station, $165, iLuv.com For those who can’t drop major coins on an idiot box, slip your tablet into this multi-purpose dock equipped with surround-sound speakers. Secure a sturdy Internet connection and you’re streaming flicks, tunes and video games from tablet to tube.

For Your Tablet

ZAGGfolio iPad 2 Keyboard Case, $100, zagg.com Don’t risk dinging your laptop when you hit the streets. Zagg’s double-duty iPad protector comes strapped with a Bluetooth keyboard that turns your tablet into a 9-to-5 ready workstation that’s also (almost) bulletproof.