Vehicle Diagnostics on your Smartphone, Thanks Griffin!

Griffin announced an interesting gadget at the CES today.  It's a hardware called "CarTrip" which allows you to plug in to most late model vehicle's onboard computers diagnostics (OBD-II) to decipher your car's error codes (when the "Check Engine" diode is on).  It also captures various other data points like fuel consumption and engine acceleration and calculates a "Carbon Score" based on the vehicle owner's driving pattern.

The hardware dongle uses bluetooth technology to pass said data back to your smartphone (iPhone or Android App, available Q1 and Q2 in 2011 respectively).  It also has a built-in SD card slot to record all the vehicle data you can throw at it.

Personally, this sounds interesting since historically, accessing a vehicle's OBD has been limited to professional mechanics or amateur grease monkeys.  I'm wondering to what extent will folks with Force-induction engines like the BMW 335i or Mitsubishi EVO X can do with a gadget like this... can Griffin give us tech geeks the ability to tune up our daily drivers and become the all mighty Vishnu Tuning at home?

Review: new Griffin Threadless Cases for iPhone 4

Griffin Technology and Threadless Tees continues their partnership introducing colorful cases for the latest generation of iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 3.  I received a couple samples for new designs from a collection and as usual, the cases are thin (in a good way, not adding to the bulk) and of solid quality as you would expect from Griffin.  The colorful design is a good match for your unique personality with match t-shirts.

Griffin Radio-Activity (Spread Music Love) Case ($34.99) Pictures:
 

Griffin Everyday Life Would be Cooler with Sound Effects Case ($34.99) Pictures:

Review: Griffin Elan Passport Graphite for iPad

This is a quick review, more photographic review of an update to a popular iPad case (Elan Passport) that I've already reviewed.  Structurally, the new Elan Passport Graphite is identical as the non-graphite version, the main difference being a faux-leather surface versus a faux-Graphite finish.  I happen to be a big fan of Griffin's "Graphite" series of cases as the Elan Etch is still my iPhone case of choice in terms of looks and practicality.

The other noticeable difference with the Elan Passport Graphite (MSRP $49.99) is it seems like the fit is a bit tighter, or snug(er) than the original which is a good feeling to have.  The Griffin Elan Passport series, in Graphite, continues to be a solid performer and very business-oriented with all the pockets/folder inside the front cover.  It just looks sharper than ever.  Enjoy the pics.

Review: Griffin MyPhones (Headphones for Kids)

Chances are, if you own and iPad and have kids, your iPad is likely to be served as your children's companion especially during a vacation or road trip.  One of the most important accessories to own is a pair of headphones for kids.  This is where Griffin's MyPhones come in to save the day (or trip).  Calibrated at 85 decibels, recommended level by many auditory health organization, this headphones can be safely used by your child even if you set the iPad volume to max.  (Warning: be sure to set the volume back down after use just incase you decide to plug in a headphone for yourself afterwards).  The headphones fit small children nicely and is adjustable making it fit children across different age group.

What I like about Griffin's MyPhones is the entire package and when I say entire package, I literally meant the product packaging which can also be used as a storage case for the headphones.  It also comes with three sets of earcap designs for your child to customize the look accordingly.  There are even more creative designs available at http://myphoneskids.com. Griffin MyPhones is $39 MSRP and I think its a must-have for your children if they use any audio device that requires headphones!

Review: Griffin Standle Case for iPad

It feels like in the world of iPad users, there are two types of user preference.  There is the carrying case (folio) kinda folks and there is the stand (prop) kinda folks.  Some carrying cases allows for you to prop up your iPad but it doesn't look good as a stand.  Some stands look nice but offers no protection.  Then, along came the Griffin Standle, the name even suggest that it would be an hybrid of sort.  Sure enough, it is.

The Standle is a hardcase for the iPad offering some protection around your precious hardware.  What makes it different is its ability to prop up the iPad in both Portrait and Landscape mode and, while propped, actually looks very good as if its on an actual hardware stand.  The case comes in two pieces, you simply snap it together sandwiching the iPad in the middle.  Those of you familiar with my reviews will know that I'm generally not a fan of the 2-halves design because of one incident where my original iPhone (EDGE) actually fall out of the case upon impact.  Therefore, I would not rely on this case too much for impact related protection, there are other suitable choices for that.

Overall, the Standle is very easy to use and is truly a versatile case for your iPad.  The black, glossy finish is good looking in a Darth Vader kind of a way but attracts finger prints just as much as your iPad screen.  For basic protection that can be used as a stand, this is one of the most creative iPad case design I have ever seen.  The case is now available online for $49.99.

Review: Griffin Elan Folio for iPad

I have decided to give my iPad a real go and replace my paper notebook and pens at work to see if it can become my right hand man at work.  As part of the preparation, I wanted to find a good case/cover for the iPad so I can protect it from the day to day.  When Griffin launched their new Elan Folio case, I thought it'd be great to go for a test drive with it.

Griffin Elan Folio is a porfolio style case that allows you to slide your iPad into the case providing ample all around protection. The cutouts for all the ports, switches, speaker are perfectly aligned so you can have full control of your iPad.  The case allows you to prop up your iPad into two standing positions (both for landscape view).  All in all, the Elan Folio is a very professional looking case; the iPad looks very handsome inside this case.

There are a couple of feedback that I thought could be improved: unlike the Elan Passport for iPad, this case doesn't have the pockets lined up the inside of the case cover (which proved to be handy when I'm at off-site meetings).  Also, the case can only be setup to prop the iPad in landscape view, it would have been nice to be able to prop via picture mode as well.

If you are looking for a handsome looking case to protect your iPad that can be used to prop up your screen in landscape mode, Griffin Elan Folio (MSRP $49.99) case should be one of the consideration.

Griffin Elan Passport iPad Hack

Griffin has launched a new folio case which will address this, but for those of us still using the first generation Elan Passport case, this is an easy hack allowing you to prop up the iPad screen to allow for better viewing angle when working with your iPad over a lengthy period of time.

I wedged my Swiss Army knife underneath. Other objects should work just fine.

Review: Griffin Prophetik Folio for iPhone 4

Griffin recently teamed up with the good folks at Prophetik and introduced a very fashionable Folio case for the iPhone 4.  Each case is custom-made using reclaimed leather (ECO-friendly and sustainable) by the designers at Prophetik and comes in brown or black leather.  The case is both rugged and rustic offering a unique style that is soft and supple.  These cases are stylish and offers a lot of characteristic than your typical iPhone cases.

I gotta be honest, the Prophetik folio (MSRP: $59), isn't for everybody, its definitely not for the "suits".  Its a perfect fit for those wearing classic Levi's jeans, Converse All-Stars, vintage t-shirts and consume MUD coffee.  In other words, the case is very organic and stylish. The folio case offers a card and bill compartments which can double as a small wallet.

Installing the iPhone 4 into this case was a bit of a struggle for me, once installed, the iPhone 4 stays plenty snug inside the case and has ample protection.  There are cutouts for the headphones, data port as well as the cameras.  Accessing the volume button is tight and the silent switch is not possible (no cutouts).  Bottom line, I think this case is gorgeous and luxurious but is not meant for everybody.  Chances are, if you are a fan of Jack Spade or JCrew, this is probably for you!

Griffin CinemaSeat & PowerJolt for iPad

This summer's best iPad accessories for your road trip!


If you have small children, then you should be able to relate that road trips now takes more time to prepare and endure.  For a long time, I've opted for a tablet-styled portable DVD player system such as this Philips dual screen system.  As you know, taking a portable DVD player would require you to carry DVDs with you, again adding more inconvenience to the process.  This is where your iPad with CinemaSeat + PowerJolt car charger comes in.

CinemaSeat (MSRP: $39.99)
The CinemaSeat is a horizontal faux-leather case that comes with velcro-adjustable strap for the back of your car's headrest.  The case is elegant and has a finish that will blend quite nicely with the interior of any car (so long as your car's interior is lighter color).  The velcro is designed to wrap in between the headrest and the car seat so it will not bother the driver or passenger headrests.  There are no adjustments that can be made so if the position of the iPad is not at an ideal viewing angle, there isn't too much you can do.  In my recent road trip, using the iPad to playback a movie for my child proved to be a very good thing.  The iPad's screen lights up beautifully while the speakers provided ample sounds for the car ride.  My only gripe (and its to no fault of Griffin's) is that I wished there was a way to remotely control the iPad so to restart a movie wouldn't require us to pull the iPad out of the CinemaSeat.  I also wished the CinemaSeat would come with a black finish to blend into my car's interior.  Note: CinemaSeat has a pretty tight fitment so you can't use a case with your iPad, the way I do it is to use the Griffin Elan Passport to transport the iPad so that it can be easily taken out for the car ride while providing ample protection for the rest of the trip.

Griffin PowerJolt car charger for the iPad (MSRP:

The PowerJolt for iPad is the other essential road trip accessory for your iPad.  Unlike your typical charger which runs at 5V DC output at 0.5 or 1.0A, this bad boy pumps out the juice at 2.1A.  In basic terms, this charger will charge your iPad at a much faster rate than the lower amperage chargers.  The package also comes with a USB cable since that is the plug type at the back end of the charger.  In theory, this charger would work and charge all USB devices as Griffin pretty much suggests it to work with most of the iPhones and iPods up to date. The PowerJolt makes a great companion for your upcoming road trip for obvious reasons.  Note: Personally, I don't like to mix the chargers amongst my device when they have different amperage rating even if the output are all at 5V DC, I am not sure if the extra amperage/increased charge rate will do any negative impact to the battery of those devices.

Review: Griffin FlexGrip for iPhone 4

Ever since the very first iPod, there has always been an interest for some people to find the most see thru protection so they can proudly display their beloved gadget while protecting it from being scoffed up.  That said, the Griffin FlexGrip is probably something ideal for those looking for see-thru protection on the iPhone 4.

The FlexGrip is made of a rubbery-flexible material known as TPU entirely.  There are two finishes and the one I have is the clear version; while it is not completely see-thru, this translucent case will display the back of your iPhone 4 clearly when installed and pressed up against the iPhone.  Installing FlexGrip on an iPhone 4 takes seconds and the fit is nice and snug.  When installed, it barely adds any thickness to the device.

I like the FlexGrip because it offers a clean finish and keeps the iPhone 4 to a minimalist style.  The fact that the entire case is made of TPU which offers added grip traction which is always a good thing.  At $19.99 MSRP, this is one of the better valued iPhone 4 cases on the market today.

Review: Griffin Elan Frame Graphite for iPhone 4

If you oppose the idea of having a protective case covering up your gorgeous new iPhone but has succumbed to the "antennagate" issue surrounding the iPhone, then Griffin's Elan Frame Graphite is probably perfect for you.  In short, the Elan Frame is just like the Apple iPhone Bumper, except that its available and ready to ship (apparently, Apple is currently not selling the Bumper to public right now since it was one of the few free choices offered in the make good free case program). 

Elan Frame comes in three flavors, black/graphite/platinum.  I've trained myself at this point to automatically take anything option that is either graphite or carbon fiber when its available because it has never failed me, these patterns (real or faux) always look great on just about anything.  As expected, the Elan Frame Graphite looks amazing on my black iPhone 4.  The case comes apart in two pieces and snaps together snugly.  All the cut outs for buttons and ports are precise as usual.  The overall effect is very slick, a little shiny and the graphite print just takes it home when you can see the pattern in the right amount of light.

The Elan Frame works as advertised and will help you dress up your iPhone 4 in a limited way while solving the antennagate issue, personally, I like to opt for a little more protection so the Griffin Reveal Etch Graphite (my review) would still be my preference. 

Review: Griffin Stylus for iPad

If you are one of those people that brings the iPad to every function you tend to, then I think this little gem might be the perfect accessory for you.  Griffin's Stylus for iPad is a 4.5" extension between your greasy fingers and that gorgeous iPad screen.  I was a bit skeptical at first when I start to notice the number of stylus products coming to market, but once I received this stylus, I immediately understood and appreciated its function.  Here are some of the benefits I noticed:

Better Typing:  having this light weight stylus offers better control when typing on the iPad, I noticed an increase typing speed with a nice and soft feedback since this stylus has a cushy air-pocket at the end made of rubber.  The action of scrolling the page up or down took me a while to get used to with the stylus but it didn't take long before I was browsing the web like a champ.

Better visibility:  I noticed an improved visibility to the screen while typing or navigating using the stylus since the rest of your palm is no longer blocking your view.  I would almost preferred if the stylus was another half inch to one inch longer but it works just fine as is.

Greasy Reduction:  If you are obsessive-compulsive like me, then you'll know how much finger smudge bugs.  With the Stylus, you will be able reduce that problem.  Although the grease reduction is only good until you have to use your fingers for the pinching (zooming) actions. I'd say this cuts down the unnecessary wiping down to 1 time per day instead of my usual 10 times a day.

Griffin Stylus for iPad is $19.99 and is available for sale at GriffinTechnology.com.