Well, it’s been just over a year now when I bought the Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset. The sole purpose was to be wireless when out and about to stream audio content from my iPhone 3GS. The catch here was that the iOS did not have the full AVRCP 1.0 built-in, so skipping forward or backward had to be done directly from the 3GS. Since then iPhone and iPod Touch users have waited through various iOS updates which added up to nothing more than teases in various iOS betas, now with iOS 4.1 you can finally keep your iPhone where it belongs… in your pocket.

Last night I downloaded the new iTunes 10 and the iOS 4.1 GM. Installed the new iOS on to my iPhone 4 and tested it out with my S9-HD. In one word… s-w-e-e-t. This is one of those features that either works or it doesn’t and in this case it works. I haven’t tested it outside yet to see if the Bluetooth connection is any better but that’s coming. So for those waiting for the official release of iOS 4.1 just know you should have total control of your media via a bluetooth headset once 4.1 is released to the masses. Just be aware that all headsets don’t always play nice with all devices so make sure your headset firmware is up to date, actually supports AVRCP and restore your iPhone as a new device. This way you leave behind any trace of the older firmware/software that may not be compatible and cause problems.

Otterbox’s recent follow up to the Defender line of cases is the Commuter series. Think of it as a scaled down version of the Defender but not as specialized in purpose. It’s more designed for the everyday “commuter” who wants a case that protects their device yet remains understated. If you’ve been looking for something like this for your iPhone 3G/3GS then read on as this just might be the perfect case for you.

In typical Defender series fashion the Commuter case is a 3-part system that acts as one. First, is the included screen protector. A simple plastic film that helps to keep the iPhone’s screen from being scratched and marred. It’s not as high-end as individually purchased screen protectors but it does the job it’s built for. Next, up is the case itself which is divided into two parts. Starting with the rubber casing which doesn’t immediately appear like anything more than a seemingly flimsly rubber case cut to fit the iPhone 3G/3GS. A closer examination though, reveals that the cutouts and molding seem very precise and well made. Once you put it on the iPhone, you begin to see the amount of thought that went into designing this case. Besides the front face there are 4 always open areas for easy access to the ringer switch, speaker, mic, camera, and a cutout to show off that Apple logo. The headphone jack and dock connector are both covered by flaps that are precision cut which fit perfectly into position when closed sealing out dust, dirt and grime. The power and volume buttons are both permenantly protected by well designed moldings that look just like the actual iPhone buttons. The second part is the ridgid plastic shell that fits on top of the rubber casing. Also engineered with precision to fit snuggly into the molded area of the rubber case without adding more bulk to the overall package. Applying the shell takes some manipulation of both pieces as it is an exact fit. But once on, it’s in no danger of accidentally coming off. With all the pieces in place you now have a complete protective system that allows full use of the iPhone while still maintaining a low profile.

I have found no flaws in the design or anything not to like about the Commuter case. It offers protection that is on par to the Defender considering the open face design and thinner form factor. It’s excellently crafted to fit the iPhone 3G/3GS perfectly without developing buldges or gaps around the bezel unlike some rubber cases I’ve used and seen. Although this is an open face design dust protection is still very good. This is in part due to the tight fit and the well crafted protective flaps which stay in place at all times and remaining invisible to the user until needed. The open access points of the case are not over done either. They are designed to be just large enough for easy access and use and nothing more. This reduces the possibility of dirt getting between the the case and the iPhone and reduces the risk of that area being damaged in an accident. This is something very welcome which many case designers still don’t get. Add in the pemenantly covered molded button design which not only protects those moving parts but allows you to forget about the case entirely and use the iPhone as if it wasn’t ina case and you’ve got a excellent user experience.

After several months of use I find myself very impressed with this case. The attention to detail is outstanding and the craftsmanship is exceptional. Everyday use has been fantastic as I don’t even think about the case at all. It feels good in the the hand without restricting one-handed use while still offereing good protection under most circumstances. A big plus to this form fitting case is that it works with my Zagg full-body InvisibleShield without any problems which actually gives this case an even tighter fit. As with most cases some adapters may not work if they are larger than the one that comes with the iPhone. I highly recommend the Commuter case to anyone who wants their iPhone 3G/3GS well protected and still have full access to all it’s functions as if there was not a case on it to begin with. You can get it for $34.95 (direct from Otterbox) which is an excellent value that will do nothing but pay for itself over time.

MobileMe iDisk for the iPhone is one of those applications that can help round out a device in terms of having a complete mobile solution in your pocket. MobileMe iDisk is just that, giving MobileMe users access to their iDisk directly from the iPhone. You get the ability to view files, send links for others to access your public folder, view cached files off-line and access other MobileMe user’s public folders making this a good v1.0 release.

It’s also one of those applications that should have been introduced and released along with the MobileMe service at the same time. Instead, Apple allowed third party software developers to fill that gap with more feature rich applications over the past year. Now that Apple has finally released their official MobileMe iDisk application it seems rather diluted in functionality when compared to currently available third party offerings such as Files (formerly called MobileFiles) from Quickoffice, Inc. which offers a lot more for your money.

On the plus side is iDisk’s UI, speed and integration with the MobileMe service and works just like the iPhone’s built-in applications which are the only aspects that I can see that makes it nicer to use. But in order for it to be even more useful to iPhone/MobileMe users, Apple really needs to add a few more functions and features. These should include:

• Ability to create and edit custom folders in MobileMe.
• Ability to create and edit custom folders on the iPhone.
• Ability to move custom folders and files.
• Ability to copy link to shared files.
• Ability to download files directly to the iPhone for offline viewing.
• Return to where you left off when opening previously viewed documents.

Those are what I think of and call “core functionality” for this type of application which in this case would easily please the majority if not all of the iPhone/MobileMe users out there. They are not a lot but would add even greater value to the MobileMe service and the iDisk application itself. What do you think?

Marware is no stranger to designing good iPhone cases. They were one of the few case manufacturers that could be found in the Apple Stores at the launch of the first iPhone back in 2007. So when Geoff said he was sending me this particular case I already had high hopes for it. Now after three straight weeks of regular use Here are some thoughts on what I’ve experienced.

The Eco-Vue case is a faux leather case designed only for the iPhone 3G/3GS. Made of 100% ecologically friendly man-made materials no animals were harmed in the creation of this case all the way down to the packaging made of recycled paper. Starting with a shell made from corn starch polymers Marware has done an excellent job in recreating a look and feel very similar to leather. The texture and overall feel of the case is very comfortable in the hand. This is complimented with a green interior made of recycled polyester creating a soft lining to keep your iPhone 3G/3GS pretty much scratch free while still maintaining a very snug fit.
Completed by what Marware calls a “tuck-in belt” strap closure design at the top of the case that secures the iPhone secure; preventing it from randomly sliding out. To close the case you simply tuck the strap in between the iPhone and the back of the case. No magnets, snaps or velcro just a simple case design that creates enough pressure that holds the strap in place. This design works surprisingly well as at no time did my iPhone 3GS begin to slide out even when held upside down in the pocket or in hand. Although I wouldn’t suggest flinging the case around as centrifugal force will eventually take over with possibly unwanted and disasterous results. It did however pass my rather unprofessional and unorthodox shake test (please don’t try this at home either) which was good enough for me.

The open face design gives you full access to the entire screen and the home button. You also have unrestricted access to the camera, power button, headset jack, silent/ringer switch, volume controls, and charging port. The speaker and mic are also open but protected by mesh screen which doesn’t seem to restrict sound at all. Calls were still clear and no one had any difficulty hearing me during conversations. Music and even the alarm sounded clear and undistorted from as far as 20 feet away.

The Eco-Vue provides basic protection as this is a simple case design for normal business like activity. For the most part the iPhone is completely covered except for the top portion. This area just below the camera is left exposed on both sides of the belt strap closure and could get damaged should it hit a hard unforgiving surface. The included screen protector is pretty basic in design as it isn’t as scratch-resistant as other higher-grade offerings currently available on the market but is still a good step in protecting your investment. Mareware also saw fit to add a small and simple cleaning cloth to help keep your iPhone shiny and new.

Afyer constant use I have only two gripes with this case. My first is that the opening for the charging port needs to be a little wider as even the minimalist Apple charger is a bit to wide. But that could just be a manufacturing defect with the case I received which slipped past quality control. My other gripe as it is with most cases of this design is that the open portion for the touch screen stops to close to the edge of the screen itself. When tapping the Q, P, [shift] or [123] keys for example my fingers always hit the case first. Both minor annoyances that hasn’t prevented me from regulary using this case at all.

Overall, Marware designed a very good, functional and professional looking case. It does not add much bulk or weight to the iPhone and fits nicely in a standard sized pocket without issue. The included screen protector and cleaning cloth makes this a complete all-in-one package not found in many other offerings on the market. This makes it an excellent value especially for someone starting out who doesn’t want to or can’t afford purchase everything separately. So whether you are a business professional, ecologically conscious or just want a good looking yet functional case the Marware Eco-Vue is may just be what you are looking for.

SPECIAL THANKS goes out to iPhone Docked crew for having the Guest Writer Contest and sending me this case.

With WWDC behind us, there’s been lots of debate over whether or not this new iPhone 3G S is a worthwhile upgrade. So let’s take a step back from all the hype, relax a minute and take a quick look at what some of the new hardware/software combination has to offer and try to put it all into perspective.

Starting with the hardware the iPhone 3G S will come in two flavors. A 16GB and a 32GB model, both running the new iPhone OS 3.0 software. Along with that each one will also have the following hardware:

• 600MHz ARMv7 processor
• 256MB DDR RAM
• PowerVR SGX graphics chip
• 7.2Mbps HSPA compliant cell chip
• 3.0MP auto-focus camera
• Magnatometer (compass)
• Oil-resistant screen coating (oleophobic)
• Improved battery life (approx 1.5)

All very nice upgrades over the last two generations of iPhones, but the real question that remains is… For who? So here are a few things to consider before plucking down your hard earned dollars on one of these new devices.

For starters and as it always is with new hardware the iPhone 3G S is aimed squarely at those who want all the bells and whistles in one device. The latest and greatest tech must always be in their hands. So for them this is a no brainer type of upgrade.

The rest of the world takes a slightly different approach regarding new tech. For instance, look at the average person hanging out with some friends. For these people the most used and important camera is the one in their immediate possession which is usually the one on their cellphone. The new iPhone 3G S comes with a much nicer 3 megapixel camera complete with auto-focus and white balance. This will produce sharper, clear pictures and get those close-up shots not possible with previous iPhone models. Now add in video recording and you also have a mini camcorder ready for some action when pictures alone are just not enough.

For you more active people out there with a Nike+ system or those who held off on getting one can now enjoy more freedom with the iPhone OS 3.0 software. Apple has also included the Nike+ software, so no longer do you have to be weighed down by a phone and an iPod with the Nike+ receiver attached just to track your progress. All you need now is the iPhone 3G S and the transmitter for your running shoes. When your done connect it into your PC and everything is backed up for safe keeping and you can get on with the rest of your day with the same device.

GPS was introduced with the iPhone 3G in 2008 to help get directions between locations. Now with the iPhone 3G S Apple adds a magnetometer (compass) along side that. What this does is make the iPhone directionally aware. This in turn allows turn-by-turn navigational software to operate properly. The maps won’t just follow you as before with GPS alone. It will now know which direction you are currently headed be it north, south, east or west and tell you where you should be headed. A nice addition for those who travel a lot or would like a GPS unit that can be used in or out of a car without having another gadget to carry around.

Other changes such as the 600Mhz processor, 256MB RAM and PowerVR graphic chip perform the obvious over all speed increase of software and component communication. It also aids in increased software stability by removing some of the hardware bottlenecks that are present in the current iPhone 2G and 3G models. In this instance everything running on the iPhone benefits.

Find my Phone is a new function of MobileMe. While this same service is offered by carriers, all the location data has to be viewed by the carrier operator and then given to the owner. With MobileMe the owner can locate the phone themselves and take the appropriate actions. This is especially handy if you merely misplaced it in your own home. No need to call anyone first; just go to your PC and login to your MobileMe account and verify it’s in the house.

These are the obvious things for new and even current iPhone users to think about. However, if you have an iPhone 2G (the original iPhone) you may want to also put other things into consideration like 3G coverage for instance. Should you be unfortunate enough to live or work in a 3G dead zone you might want to hold off in getting this device as you would not be able to take advantage of the higher data speeds 3G offers. Also don’t count on the new 7.2 HSPA chip for even faster speeds as AT&T won’t be capable of supporting that standard completely until around 2011.

Current 3G owners on the other hand have the biggest if not worse decision to make. Since the new iPhone 3.0 software will give the iPhone 3G many new features and functions it puts it almost on par with the iPhone 3G S. So for you this upgrade is going to be almost solely based on need. Features like voice dialing and video editing won’t be available on the iPhone 3G, so unless you really require the upgraded hardware and all the features of the 3.0 software you may also want to wait for the next iPhone.

For some this may be a hard decision no matter which iPhone they currently own. Hopefully even if it was obvious to you already, reading these few points can help you make the right decision so you don’t needlessly spend that next paycheck. Or even prevent you from continually waiting for the next big thing when what you need is currently available.

The iPhone 3G S is a good upgrade and even more so than the iPhone 3G was to the iPhone 2G in terms of hardware. But whether or not this is a worthwhile upgrade for you is entirely up to you. Regardless of what you read only you can figure out what’s best for you and your wallet. But in either case enjoy your iPhone no matter what model you may have.

Long ago HP made it easy to print your favorite photos directly from the printer without the need of a PC. So how could it get any easier now. Well, HP went along and created iPrint Photo for the iPhone.
What this little app allows you to do is print out 4×6 inch photos straight off your iPhone via WiFi to a network connected HP printer just like their Windows Mobile version.

IPrint Photo is as easy to use as the built-in Photo app. There is no configuration necessary from the iPhone side except for turning on WiFi and connecting to the proper WiFi network. Then all you have to do is run iPrint Photo. Once the printer is recognized by iPrint Photo simply select a picture, press print and iPrint Photo handles the rest.

There’s nothing to it at all. This is a good app for quick photo printing and even even more so for creating postcards.

I think this is an excellent extention to the built-in Photo app. And with the added functionality of the new iPhone coming soon this app is a keeper. You can get HP iPrint Photo for absolutely free. So you have no reason not to at least check it out.

If you work in the medical field as an Emergency Medical Techician, nurse, doctor, etc. there’s two important things you need to administer effective treatment. Time and pertinent information about the injury or illness. Being an EMT, I can tell you from experience that we rarely have enough of either. So what do we do? We read lots of reference materials, and ask lots of questions when on scene. So to further aid you along in this field of continued learning here are 3 of the most widely known and used mobile medical reference software that’s been made available to the iPhone.

Starting with Epocrates Rx, a free drug reference guide whose strength lies in it’s pill identification and drug interactions database. Using only physical characteristics you can identify almost any unlabelled pill found at the scene of an incident. This is just one of the many tools available in Epocrates Rx. Also included are drug interactions, dosing, various medical calculators and up-to-date clinical and research information you get a lot without spending a dime.

If you require even more you can upgrade to the Premium Clinical Reference which is the paid subscription version by just tapping on the free trial from within Epocrates Rx itself. This upgrade adds many extras such as peer-reviewed disease content, evidence-based treatment options, alternative medications and a conscise infectious disease treatment guide.

A feature offered in both versions called DocAlerts gives you an outline on some of the latest clinical research information to review every time you sync to the Epocrates server. Should you want a more in-depth look on a particular subject in the DocAlert you can simply have it emailed to you to view the entire article at a later time.

Epocrates is not a dificult piece of software to navigate. Created in a dictionary/reference like format with the search tool permanently fixed at the top; finding information is relatively easy. If you have used Epocrates on any other mobile platform you should have no problem with Epocrates on the iPhone.

Next on the list is PEPID Elements which was created more with the doctor, nurse or medical student in mind. It’s designed to function as a clincal decision support information tool whose main focus is on toxicological emergencies. This resource provides the user with information for identifying and managing a broad range of emergencies from a simple over the counter drug overdose to the more exotic such as insect bites. Continually updated PEPID keeps you on top of the latest research and clinical information as it’s made available.

PEPID Elements is the core of their platinum series of specialty suites. With the platinum series you get more tools like drug interaction generators complete with information like dosing indicators and administration information. There are many more treatment based tools such as IV compatibility, lab manuals and even a symptom-driven diagnosis generator.

PEPID has also kept navigation simple with a similarly styled interface like the one found in Epocrates. So finding information should be a breeze.

The third application here is Skyscape which gives you access to a multitude of resources. Skyscape seems to have the largest library of the three with a current total of 41 individual reference applications for the iPhone alone. Skyscape is most noted from their Palm days with the 5-Minute Clinical Consultant application. They have since worked long and hard to offer as many services as possible in a mobile format.

Starting with Skyscape Medical Resources you get access to all their free offerings which includes a drug reference database, clinical medicine outlines an evidence-based resourse, Archimedics a medical calculator and MedAlerts an up-to-date medical journal and clinical trial resource. All basics for their richer more in-depth premium content.

Skyscape’s paid resources are variably priced as they target specific medical practices. So tailoring Skyscape to your specialty is at the heart of what makes this suite stand out from all the others. From their most famous 5-Minute Clinical Consultant to Hematology/Oncology or the more specific AJCC Cancer Staging Manual there is something for every level of medical professional.

Like the other two applications Skyscape also uses a similar dictionary/reference style interface for navigation and has kept all their mobile offerings in-line with each other to avoid large learning curves between mobile OSes.

As you can see I have only scratched the surface of what any of these applications have to offer. The wealth of information made available is incredible and makes any of these applications an excellent choice for any medical professional no matter the specialized field.

Each one requires you to sign up for a free account on their website allowing full access to all the content in their libraries. So I’d suggest using that to evaluate each one and view the subscription offerings before committing to any particular application suite. No matter which one you choose I’m sure you’ll find something that fits your medical practice needs. So check out Epocrates Rx , PEPID Elements and Skyscape Medical Resources in the App Store.

Another classic game that recently hit the App Store is Lemonade Tycoon from Electronic Arts. This unchanged iPhone version appears to be a straight port of the original. Absolutely nothing new to learn here if you’ve played it before which is fantastic. But if by some slight chance you haven’t played it then here’s the goal. Like the name says you must become the best at what you do and here it’s making and selling lemonade. From the neighborhood to the mall or at the beach sell as much as you can by mixing the right amount of lemons, sugar and ice to create that “perfect” glass of nice cold lemonade to draw the most customers.

You’ll also have to contend with different types of weather, locations and a few finicky taste buds and a small starting budget. So spend wisely and price fairly as in real life, people don’t like to be over charged and will pass you by. Use you’re business savvy and you’ll be able to make good money, upgade your stand and even hire additional staff for those really busy days to come.
Remember you are in charge here so there’s no one to help you out, but your customers will let you know if their happy or not with your product. Check your results at the end if the day to see how profitable you were and if you need to make adjustments. Did you buy to many lemons and not enough cups? The value of a dollar is really stressed in the game so whether you decide to play “Career” or the 30-Day Challenge” mode you’ll never look at selling lemonade the same again. Right now you can get Lemonade Tycoon absolutely free in the App Store.

For all you frugal software purchasers out there Tapbots has just updated their Convertbot application to v1.1. So what does this mean to you? Well, it means that if you are in the market for a good piece of conversion software you can take advantage of Convertbot’s nice new low introductory price of $0.99. Making it a super value for all your conversion needs. Whether you do a lot or a little Convertbot has you covered. Besides offering numerous amount of and even rare conversions, this application allows you to turn each one on and off as you please. So if for example you never use Power conversions then you can turn it off. Never to be viewed again until you change your mind and turn it on again. Want to get even more precise then you can even control what conversions within the general Power conversion table appears. So if hp is never used you can turn it off too. Tailored to your needs an never having to look at extra or unwanted conversions also makes it easier to get the answers your looking for quickly.

The user intereface is superb. Using a rotating dial you can get to any conversion quickly. No scrolling here. Turning the dial in any direction reveals all the conversions available. Tap on the one you want and your ready to start coverting.

This is a well thoughtout and well designed application that not only works and looks good but shows that simple up and down scrolling is not the only mechanism an application has to use function.

Check it out Convertbot now before you miss this deal on a great piece of software. This price won’t last for long.

Do you sleep better with the sound of rain hitting your window or a breeze blowing outside? Do you like to use various sounds to bring you to that Zen like state when relaxing or during meditation? If that’s the case then, White Noise by TWSOFT may definately be the type of application your looking for.

White noise by definition is a constant background noise which is exactly what this application aims to provide. White Noise currently offers 40 high-quality ambient sounds for your listening pleasure and relaxation. From the sounds of the Amazon jungle to the static like pink noise of a speaker, there’s a sound for almost every occassion and relaxation technique.

The interface is clean and easy to use. A simple touch of a sound title in the catalog will get you started. Looking for a specific sound then just scroll through the catalog or swipe your way through, sampling each sound as you go along.

White Noise is filled with a good but simple set of options consisting of volume, balance and pitch controls. This allows you to tailor it to your liking or your current environment. You can also group favorites together for faster access and use the built-in timer to set a specific duration you want it to play for. Timer options like volume fader, alarm and exit help to keep you on track and get back to business or merely give you enough time to fall slowly aspleep.

White Noise is a great piece of software that you can easily pay well over $100.00 for a dedicated device to do the same. Each update had brought added value so the current $1.99 price tag is more than a bargin for an application that you can have with you all the time. So if you’re in the market for something like this, then head on over to the App Store and download White Noise first. It’s more than worth it. If your one of those that won’t spend a dime unless you can try it out first fear not as there is also “lite” version available for free for you to try.