No product has even been made better when functionality follows form, and Apple’s decision to only include USB ports on the back of its iMacs has been frustrating desktop computer users for years. An ugly USB extension cable makes life with an iMac considerably more enjoyable, and now, thanks to Bluelounge’s new Jimi, it doesn’t even have to be ugly.
These days, almost all of us are multi-gadget households. This leads to a condition I like to call “chargeritis” – which is the problem we all run into when we have too many gadget chargers plugged into our outlets, and cords dangling everywhere. blueLounge has a solution in the form of their latest revision to their Sanctuary charging station, the newly-released Sanctuary4.
The Sanctuary4 is a stylish and minimal stand that’s perfect for charging up to four of your electronic gadgets at once. The top of the Sanctuary4 provides a platform that you can set a couple of smartphones on, as well as a tablet. The tablet stand is neat because you can adjust its angle so you can actually use your tablet while it’s charging.
The non-slip surface and raised edge of the stand also work nicely for storing small items like keys, watches or wallets, so it works nicely as a bedside or kitchen utility tray. You can even use it as an alarm clock stand for your tablet.
Inside the Sanctuary4 is a 4-port USB charging hub, with two phone ports and two tablet ports. You can charge up to 4 amps worth of gadgets simultaneously, so two iPads or two phones and an iPad at the same time are no problem. Simply plug in the included A/C adapter (which comes with US and European plugs) to your wall outlet, and you’ll cut way down on cable clutter.
Devices can be connected with your existing cables, or with blueLounge’s optional Charge & Sync cables, which are just 8-inches long, and perfect for the inside of the Sanctuary4. Unfortunately, the Sanctuary4 only includes one of these cables – a microUSB, which is good for Android devices, and also worked well with my Mophie Juice Pack Air battery case. Additional cables sell for $6.95 (microUSB), $8.95 (30-pin) and $16.95 (Lightning), though your serial number scores you a 30% discount on the cables. If I have only one complaint about the Sanctuary4, it’s that for 100 bucks, it should come with an assortment of short cables in the box – or coupon codes for three cables of your choice.
The Sanctuary4 comes in black or white versions to blend in with a variety of decors and devices. It’s available now from the blueLounge website.
Up until recently, there haven’t been all that many accessories with Apple’s tiny Lightning connector available. Today, Bluelounge released two new accessories to complement your latest-gen iOS devices. First up is the Kii, a handy USB to lightning adapter that is small enough to fit on your keychain.
Like you might have gleaned from its name, the Kii looks like a key. It even hangs neatly on your keychain. However, the large end of the Kii is a USB connector, and if you snap the top of the Kii off, you’ll find a Lightning connector. This makes for easy docking and charging of the latest iOS devices to the side of laptops, without need to carry around a cable. The center part of the Kii is flexible, which allows for a certain amount of variance in heights of laptops, desks, and iPhone cases. It’s a very handy device, though I wonder how well the exterior finish of the exposed USB connector will hold up over time – especially banging around on a key ring.
The second accessory out today is the Saidokā. It’s a unique take on the desktop iPhone dock. Instead of standing your iPhone vertically, the Saidokā keeps your iPhone at just about the same angle as your keyboard. This allows you to not only see the screen easily while typing, but to actually use your iPhone’s touchscreen while docked. This is especially handy for apps which let you use the iPhone as a trackpad or external screen for your computer.
That said, it’s pretty nice to be able to have your iPhone in such a convenient position alongside your computer. It’s a pretty neat design, and even features a removable rubber liner so you can fit your iPhone in the dock “naked” or in its case. It also comes with special “microsuction” rails which help grip the dock to a smooth desk surface without adhesive. The dock also includes the micro-USB to USB cable needed to connect it to your computer.
Both the Kii and Saidokā are available for order from Bluelounge today. The Lightning Kii sells for $39.95(USD) and the Saidoka goes for $49.95(USD). Both are available in either black or white. 30-pin versions are also available for older iOS devices, with the added bonus that each they sell for $20 less.
Typically, our weekly giveaways feature gadgets, but we like to spiff things up on occasion. If you’re fed up with your current computer desk or workstation (or perhaps you just need a new one for kicks), this will likely be a good opportunity for you to change all that, as Bluelounge is offering up one of its very own StudioDesks. The desks, which are valued at roughly $600, give you a sliding section, a storage compartment and the ability to tuck away your ugly cords. Even if you don’t win one, it’s worth taking a peek at the company’s lineup. In the meantime, good luck!
Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile, Alt
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
How do you make our one-man French bureau really, really happy? Obviously, the answer is to give him sparkling wine, a baguette and maybe a striped boatneck shirt. And also, hand him a $3,000 camera to tinker with. If you’re at all interested in the three-grand Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Mr. Steve Dent has some detailed impressions (and complaints) after the break. And if you’re not, we’re still on the hunt for the perfect gear bag.
Filed under: Misc
Once you start accumulating multiple mobile gadgets, it’s probably time to get a decent stand for those times when you don’t want to hold your devices in your hand or on your lap. However, it makes no sense to have a stand for each of your mobile devices. That’s one of the reasons why this stand is really interesting, because it will cut down on the clutter on your desk, and save you the expense of multiple device-specific stands.
The less-is-more Bluelounge Mika keeps just about any device safely propped up while you’re using it. It can hold most every smartphone or tablet, and even can handle some small laptops.
Its aluminum frame has soft rubber edges that hold gadgets securely, and won’t scratch up your beloved devices. Since it’s made out of aluminum means that it will look nice sitting next to a variety of Apple devices and computers.
The Mika Universal stand is available directly from Bluelounge for $39.95(USD).
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
