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My Favorite Accessories
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Some of the things that I rely on to help make my Apple life work.
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STM Bags
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Specifically the "Loft". Brown with orange leather accents (yeah, very hipster)
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They don't make it anymore, but they have a very similar one called the "Alley"
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I like the balance between size of the bag and the amount of stuff it can hold
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Keeps my 15" Macbook Pro and an iPad 2
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case with all my small accessories
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Power adapter and cable. Portable power strip
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Few cables and video adapters
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Moleskine, pencil, cards (in cell phone pouch on strap)
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Room for some papers in the zippered pouch on the back, sometimes a magazine.
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In a pinch, extra cables and stuff in the "flap" pouch.
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Vertical orientation gives access to the iPad or Macbook while it's still on my shoulder.
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Has a handle if you prefer to hand carry it.
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Has lasted incredibly well
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Not sure on the Alley as the materials are a little different
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Lifetime warranty
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Price: $44.95 USD
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Matais iRizer
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Laptop stand, $39.95 USD
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2 piece design that folds completely flat for travel
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1 piece fits into slots in the other that allow for 4 different angles depending on the slot
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20, 30, 40, or 50 degrees
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I use it mainly as a desktop stand to lift the Macbook pro to better desktop height.
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Also good for travel to put at a better angle for typing on the notebook
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does have a little "bounce" which I don't like
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The way the Macbook Pro rests in the stand it elevates it off the desktop and has space so you get better airflow and cooling
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Came with a "Mini Riser" which works for an iPod or iPhone. I don't use it too much, but may be handy for some.
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They also have an iPad version, but the laptop one also kind of works for an iPad
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Apple Wireless Keyboard
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Versatile, portable keyboard. $69.00 USD
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Bluetooth, so works with all my devices
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Need to completely remove from the Macbook before the iPad will see it.
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Small and very portable
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Incase Origami Workstation
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Protector and case for Apple Wireless keyboard, $29.95 USD
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Covers and protects my keyboard.
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little extra edge helps me avoid pressing the power on button when sliding in my bag
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Plastic clips securely hold the keyboard via the battery "bump"
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Top has a couple "score" points that let it fold around and convert into a stand for the iPad
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The same velcro tabs that hold the case closed over the keyboard also hold the cover in the stand position.
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iPad can orient in portrait or landscape
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Wish it offered more angle adjustment.
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Seems a bit pricey for what it is. Too early to speak of durability.
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Apple Battery Charger
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Small and well designed, $29.00 USD
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Comes with 6 AA batteries, so I can easily cycle between my Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and a set in the charger
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Goes into a minimal "low power" mode when done charging.
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Batteries retain a charge when being stored. Apple claims up to 80% after a year.
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Easily fits into a bag for travel.
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I ordered additional Sanyo Eneloop NiMH batteries. 2000mAh (amp-hour)
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Now have Eneloop XX, which are 2500mAh
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Mophie Juice Pack Plus
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Always in my bag for extra juice. $99.95 USD
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2000 mAh (amp-hour) battery for the iPhone 4 and 4S\Can full recharge the device and then some
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Can keep it on the device and use it.
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Sync and charge while attached with micro USB cable.
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Power indicator and on-off switch.
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Printer friendly colors.
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RadTech ScreenSavrz and Sleevz
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Microfiber fabric laptop sleeve and pad (to cover keyboard)
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ScreenSavrz, $16.95 USD and Sleevz, $24.95 USD
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Seems expensive, but worth every penny and they last
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Protects the screen from keyboard imprints and the outer case when carrying in a bag.
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The microfiber ScreenSavr sheet is good for wiping off screen too.
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iKlear Microfiber "Terry" Cloth
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Cleaning cloth that I use for my laptop and iPad. $9.95
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I prefer these to the "chamois" ones because the extra texture seems to get the grease off better
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I got a "sample" portable sized one, but also bought the "standard" size.
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I don't generally use the sprays, in a rare case. Always spray the cloth, not the device.
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I do carry the travel singles in my laptop bag. Handy when this get particularly grimy.
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Good for cleaning keyboard and exterior case too. (power off and remove batteries)
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Belkin Power Accessories
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Mini Surge with USB Charging
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3 power ports and 2 USB charging ports. $24.99 USD. Can find for as low as $8.00 online.
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Best feature is the plug swivels 360 degrees at 90 degree locking angles. Can orient in any way. Helpful in hotels or at the coffee shop or airport for sharing a wall outlet
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cap for the plug also has a "storage slot" that allows it to double as a wall offset, so when plugging in stuff it doesn't put leverage pressure on the socket end.
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Don't need to carry and extra USB charger.
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5V/500mA each port, so slow charge on iPad.
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Dual Auto Charger
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2 USB ports, 5 volt , so can charge 2 devices at the same time.
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1 port has a "QuickCharge" feature which outputs 1 amp.
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Charges an iPhone or iPod faster. Claim from from under 20 percent to full in just under 90 minutes.
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The 500 milliamp port would take about 2 hours to do the same thing.
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Your Mac USB ports output 500 milliamps
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Apple Camera Connection Kit
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Simply a must have iPad accessory. $29.00 USD
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30-pin to SD Card and 30-pin to USB adapter. You get both.
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Transfer photos and videos
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Directly from SD Card or Camera
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Can also go from iPhone or iPod to iPad with 30-pin USB cable
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Attach USB headsets, some mics, MIDI controllers, keyboards
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For devices that require power you may need a powered USB hub.
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Cannot attach mass storage devices, at east not without Jailbreak.
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Pogo Sketch Pro Stylus
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From tenOne. $19.96 USD
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Also used the Pogo Sketch, around $8 bucks
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Pro has both the foam capacitive tip and a newer "pro" tip. Rubberized material.
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i prefer the "pro" tip. Seems more accurate
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Tips are replaceable
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Handle is tapered, like a brush. Aluminum has a great feel and weight.
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Comes with a little travel pouch
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I prefer the stylus for drawing and handwriting apps
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Noteshelf $0.99 USD - for handwritten notes
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WritePad $9.99 USD - for Handwriting to text
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Procreate $4.99 USD
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ArtRage $4.99 USD
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SketchBook Pro $1.99 USD
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Cheap accessory case
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I got one as a gift. I think it was a Target $10 special.
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Faux leather zipper case with a bunch of mesh pockets.
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Keeps earbuds, cables, adapters, stylus, and other various accessories together and organized.
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David Sparks told me he likes the Cocoon Grid-it Organizers
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