The best add-ons that kept our devices charged, safe and productive
Being into smartphones is about more than just the phones themselves. You'll be hard-pressed to find someone that has a phone and hasn't gone out and purchased a case, wireless charger, headphones or some kind of other accessory. The editors here at Android Central are fortunate enough to have access to a good number of accessories for review, so we end up buying the ones that work for us.
While it isn't a long or flashy list, these are my top five accessories that I used throughout the year of 2013. Hit the break and see what I keep around for my devices this year.
Logitech Ultimate Ears 350vm headphones
I’ve been using these headphones for just under a year, and have been very happy with the quality for the price. Although I had to have them replaced once (for free under warranty, of course) because of an earbud short, I think they offer a good bang for the buck at about $50. They isolate sound well, sound good and have an Android-compatible in-line mic and play/pause control.
Buy Ultimate Ears 350vm headphones ($44.99)
LG WCP-300 Qi wireless charger
With more and more devices supporting the Qi wireless charging standard, we’ve taken a look at a good number of chargers over the year. At this point the LG WCP-300 might fall into the “oldie but goodie” category, but at somewhere in the $35-$50 range currently on Amazon it’s a great choice. It charges quickly, stays put on the table and keeps your device attached nicely as well.
Buy WCP-300 Wireless Charging Pad ($39.16)
Google Glass
This counts as an accessory, right? Although it probably costs about three times as much as the phone it’s connecting to, Google Glass is certainly an interesting bit of computing magic to have. As we’ve discussed in our “Through Glass” columns on the site, Glass really isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve got $1500 burning a hole in your pocket it can be a really neat purchase for a gadget lover.
Get more information on buying Google Glass ($1500)
DODOcase Durables Nexus 7 Sleeve
Ever since I reviewed the latest line of DODOcases for the Nexus 7 I’ve been in love with the style and craftsmanship they offer. While their book-bound bamboo cases are stylish, I like to have a basic sleeve case that protects my Nexus 7 while it’s in my bag but gets out of the way when I’m using the tablet. The waxed canvas has a distinctive look and feels fantastic, and while it isn’t cheap, it’s a great accessory to have that will last a very long time. If you don't have a Nexus 7, you can still pick up the sleeve for many popular tablets, phones and laptops.
Buy DODOcase Durables Nexus 7 Sleeve ($59.95)
Vaas 5000mAh Dual Port External Rechargeable Battery Pack
If you have lots of gadgets, you know it’s an endless game keeping everything charged up when you’re out of the house. I picked up one of these Vaas 5000mAh charging packs off of a deals site for around $15 and have been extremely happy with it. It may take a while to charge (and unfortunately uses MiniUSB instead of Micro), but this pack offers charging for two devices, including 2.1A output, and a big capacity for only being the size of a pack of cards. Best of all, it’s cheap (about $20) even at full retail on Amazon.
Buy Vaas 5000mAh External Rechargeable Battery Pack ($21.95)
A few things to make your Android experience even better
Everyone loves accessories for their Android phone or tablet. Maybe you need a case because you know you're going to abuse your new phone a little bit, or just want to try a different look. Or maybe you want some headphones or a speaker to get better sound from the little gadget that holds your music (or music subscription). Or, you found the perfect gadget to compliment your Android, and just had to have it.
We get it. Accessories for portable electronics are a huge business, and just about anything you can think of is out there waiting for you to buy it. We get a chance to look at a lot of them throughout the year, and each of us listed a few that we thought were standouts. Jump past the break and have a look at what I thought were the best accessories of the year.
Galaxy S4 S View cover
I’m not a big case guy, but I do worry about scratching the big piece of glass on the front of my phone. I also loathe screen protectors and the plasticky feel they usually impart to the touch screen, so I’m all-in when i can buy a flip cover style case for my phone or tablet. Having one that lets me check the time or swipe to answer a call is an added bonus.
Buy the Galaxy S4 S View cover ($44.95)
Motorheadphones
I like my headphones loud and big, so the Motorizer over-the-ear set is a perfect fit for me. Tuned for clarity in the mid-range and treble, they make my kind of music scream very nicely into my ears, and being endorsed by Lemmy is icing on the cake. Extra touches like removable braided cords and call / volume controls on the short cord are also a big plus. Besides, they come with a Motorhead sticker!
Incipio FIXIE Universal Tablet Stand
Want to know a super-serious blogger secret? Tablets and big phones are horrible to take pictures of without getting lens distortion. You have to try and hold things just so, and get just the right settings or you come out with a picture that’s not even close to rectangular. That’s why I picked up one of these FIXIE stands, but I’ve found myself using it every day, too.
Your tablet sits at any angle you can imagine right on your desk, easy to reach and easy to use. The FIXIE stand is one of those products that makes you wonder how you ever got along without it.
Buy the Incipio FIXIE Tablet Stand ($34.95)
Motorola TX550 SonicRider Wireless In-Car Speakerphone
This was a happy accident. I switched cars, and needed a Bluetooth speaker. Target had a damaged box Sonic Rider from Motorola in the clearance bin, and I jumped on it. I’m really pleased with it, and glad that I did.
It pairs with two devices, recharges fast, lasts what seems like forever on a charge and most importantly is crisp and clear sounding to both parties. If you’re looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth speakerphone, give it a shot.
Arkon Smartphone Grip Tripod Adapter
Inexpensive, adjustable for most “normal” phones (up to 5-inches or so) and works great. That’s how I would describe this Arkon tripod adaptor. It holds your phone steady, is small and stays out of the way of the controls, and attaches to any standard tripod.
Nine times out of ten, when I’m going to dig out the tripod, I’ll be using a “real” camera. But that tenth time, when i want to use a smartphone, the Arkon tripod adapter is exactly what I’m looking for.
Protip: Paired with a Gorillapod in your gear bag makes sure you’ll be able to grab a decent picture anytime, of anything.
More accessories
- Editors' top accessories: Alex's picks for 2013
- ShopAndroid.com has even more accessories for Android phones and tablets.
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