The Week in iOS Accessories: Feel the power

31.10.2012
This weeks roundup of iOS accessories offers better ways to write on, power up, or type when using your iPhone or iPad.

The $99 is a 4G hotspot that gives your iPhone touch access to cellular signalspermitting voice calls and data downloads even when youre not in range of Wi-Fi. Users are required to purchase a minimum of 500MBs of data access each month; the device itself offers six hours of battery life. (See for a demonstration.) The company promises no contracts are involved.

: The $299 converts your iPhone into the centerpiece of an office-based calling system. The system powers your iOS device while its docked; the handset lets you take and make phone calls comfortably from your desk. (You can also play music over the AudiOffices speakers.) The system uses the legacy 30-pin dock connector, rather than the iPhone 5s Lightning connector, so it cant recharge that phone but it can otherwise be paired with the device via Bluetooth.

: The $80 is a small dock that plugs into your MacBooks USB port and offers cable-free charging and syncing for your iOS device (or, at least, older devices with a 30-pin dock connectoryoull need a Lightning adapter for newer devices). The KwikDock is pitched at business travelers who want to cut down on the number of cables they have to bring on trips.

: The company now offers white versions of its $60 , $80 , $100 initially exclusively at the online Apple Store. The first charges just the iPhone or iPod; the second can handle either the iPhone or an iPad; and the third can charge both your phone and tablet at the same time. The company says the new white models will be available in brick-and-mortar Apple Stores starting October 31.

The $25 from More/Real let you turn any pen into a stylus for your iOS touchscreen: Just cap your Sharpie with the tip and youre ready to start writing or drawing on the screen. Whats more, you still have the Sharpie itself available for paper writing and note-taking if need be. Replacement tips for the Stylus Caps cost $6 apiece.