The CaseBuddy is one of the only accessories for Apple devices which allows you to dock your device whilst your case is still on.  This makes it the perfect iPhone 4S dock, especially if you have the white iPhone 4S.

CaseBuddy

By allowing you to dock your iPhone whilst it still has its iPhone case on, the CaseBuddy makes charging and syncing quick and easy.  It even supports bulky iPhone cases such as the Otterbox range and Griffin Survivor, proving that the CaseBuddy is one of the most useful iPhone accessories available.

Another great thing about the CaseBuddy is that it’s really small so you can just pop it in your bag and take it anywhere with you.  The silicone feet on the bottom of the iPhone 4S docking station stop it from sliding around the table and the handy cable tidy prevents your wire looking untidy and also helps to keep your handset upright once it’s docked.

When using the CaseBuddy, your handset is at the perfect angle for streaming media, surfing the web and sending messages, so you can keep the fun going whilst your charging up your battery all with your case still on.

Capdase specialise in making protective cases for some of the most popular phones out there, including the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Bold, Nokia 5800 and HTC Hero.

To give you an idea on the different styles of case available, here’s a quick guide to Capdase Cases.

Capdase Smart Pocket

Capdase Smart Pockets are custom made for your phone. They’re made from a high quality leather and are lightly padded to protect your phone against knocks and bumps. They have a microfibre lining that cleans your phone every time you insert or remove your phone.

To make removing your phone quick and easy, every Smart Pocket has a sewn in ribbon that helps you to remove your phone just by pulling a tab on the back of the case.  Smart Pockets are available for a wide range of handsets, but the smart pocket that stands out the most is the HTC Hero Smart Pocket as it  is shaped to accommodate the unique ‘chin’ on the phone.

Capdase Smart Pocket for HTC Hero

Soft Jacket 2 Advanced

Smart phones need smart cases, and that’s exactly what the Soft Jacket 2 Advanced is. They’re only available for handsets that have a sliding mechanism that a standard case would interfere with. They are made from a toughened gel material that is much stronger than a crystal case and will protect your phone against knocks bumps and scrapes.

They have cut outs for charging, headphone and data ports, and leave volume and camera keys easily accessible. Soft Jacket 2 Advanced Cases are currently available for the Nokia N97, LG KS360 and Samsung Tocco Ultra.

Capdase Soft Jacket 2 Advanced - Nokia N97 Black

Soft Jacket 2 Xposé

The Xposé is a great, practical case that will suit any phone. Similar in appearance to the FlexiShield Skins, the Xposé Case is a soft gel cover that protects the back and sides of your phone, leaving the from fully exposed (hence the name). This style of case is ideal for touchscreen phones and handsets with small QWERTY keypads.

Every Xposé Case includes a high quality screen protector to help keep you screen looking like new too. Soft Jacket 2 Xposé Cases are available for more than 25 of the most popular handsets, with more arriving every week.

Capdase Soft Jacket 2 Xpose - HTC Hero - Black

Soft Jacket 2 Classic

The Soft Jacket 2 Classic is a precision made silicone case for your phone. They leave your charging and handsfree ports accessible and are moulded around the keys of your phone for ease of use. The Soft Jacket 2 Classic is currently available for the Nokia 6303, with more handsets due shortly.

Capdase Soft Jacket 2 Classic - Nokia 6303 Classic - Black

Capdase Soft Frame Skin

Similar in many ways to the Xposé, the Soft Frame Skin is a much softer, more flexible case that’s designed to enhance the appearance of your phone while adding some protection against knocks and scrapes. They feature satin touch technology that makes the case feel like it’s made from fabric and helps to repel dust.  The Soft Frame Skins are currently available for the Nokia 5800, BlackBerry Curve 8900 and Samsung F480 Tocco, with more due in the coming weeks.

Capdase Soft Frame Skin - Nokia 5800 XpressMusic - Blue

Capdase Classic Leather Case – Book & Flip Style

If you prefer a more subtle, professional looking case, then either of these leather cases could be just your thing. Available in either a side hinged ‘Book Style’ or bottom hinged ‘Flip Style’, these classic leather cases do a great job of enhancing and protecting your phone. Each case is made for lasting protection and is lightly padded to protect against knocks and drops. Built into the cover of each case is a storage area for additional memory or sim cards.

Capdase Classic Leather Book Case for BlackBerry Curve 8520

Capdase have cleverly engineered each case so that it provides the best fit possible for your phone, and depending on your device, it will fit into the case in one of 3 ways. Some phones will clip in to a moulded clip (as shown above), some will slide into a stitched pocket (as shown below) and others such as the Nokia 5800 feature a clip in tray that can be removed quickly and easily and have a built in kick stand to make watching films and videos a more pleasant experience.

Capdase Classic Leather Flip Case for Samsung S5600

Capdase Alumor Metal Case

Alumor Metal Cases are two cases in one. The have a strong, metal outer casing and a soft, energy absorbing silicone lining that prevents your phone from getting scratched and cushions it against impact.  The Alumor cases only cover the back of the phone, so a screen protector is included to help keep your screen looking at it’s best. Alumor Metal Cases are currently available for BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Storm 2, HTC Touch Pro 2, Nokia E63 and Nokia E71 with more due shortly.

Capdase Alumor Metal Case For The Nokia E63 - Red

To see which cases are available for your phone, head over to the Capdase Cases page.

iPhone 3G Solar Powered Case

The case design is different to the previous model – it’s now made from a tough polycarbonate that will help protect your phone from knocks and scrapes. The whole of the back cover is a solar panel and can generate enough energy to fully charge the case in around 3 hours in sunlight. Built into the case is a powerful 2100mAh battery – that’s 50% more than the iPhone’s built in battery.

The case can be charged using either the solar panel, or if you need to charge it faster, you can connect it to a USB port on your computer or laptop using a Mini USB cable.  Once fully charged, the case can more than double the standby, talk time and audio playback times of your phone. It has a separate on/off switch, giving you the choice to keep the extra power until you need it or to keep your battery topped up through out the day.

iPhone 3G Solar Case Charging Ports

Another new feature over it’s predecessor is that with the Solar Power Sleeve you can now charge any other device by connecting it to the USB output on the bottom of the case.

The Solar Powered iPhone Case is available to pre-order now with stock due shortly.

Genuine BlackBerry Cases

Genuine BlackBerry
Genuine BlackBerry cases are designed to compliment your BlackBerry, while keeping your phone as accessible as possible. BlackBerry are one of the only manufacturers who offer phone specific cases in a range of styles and colours – and the only manufacturer that offer silicone cases. Genuine BlackBerry cases range from Protective Skins to Executive Leather Pouches. BlackBerry Skins protect your device from knocks and scrapes, without adding any extra bulk to your phone while the leather cases add style to your BlackBerry and normally cover the whole device. Your BlackBerry can still be charged and synchronised with out having to be removed from the case thanks to cut outs in the case for chargers and data cables. The BlackBerry pouches are similar in design to the original pouch provided with the BlackBerry Curve. They protect the phone from everyday knocks and some some also feature the magnet that puts your BlackBerry into quiet mode when insterted into the case.

• Genuine BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120/ 8130 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Curve 8300 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Curve 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Bold Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Storm Cases

Piel Frama BlackBerry Cases

Piel Frama
The Piel Frama range of BlackBerry cases are hand made, with meticulous attention to detail. Every Piel Frama case is assembled by hand, to create designs that perfectly complement your BlackBerry. As with the Genuine BlackBerry cases, your BlackBerry can be charged and synchronised without having to be removed from the case thanks to cut outs in the leather. Each case has space for storing credit cards or business cards. All Piel Frama cases are a vertical flip design and have a removable belt clip.

• Piel Frama BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120 / 8130 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry 8800 Cases

PDair BlackBerry Cases

PDair
PDair BlackBerry cases are Executive Leather cases that protect your phone and keep it looking stylish. PDair BlackBerry cases are available in a range of styles, including; Book Case, Sleeve Case and Flip Case. Most of the PDair BlackBerry cases have a magnetic sensor built in that activates the “In-Holster” profile settings. They have a secure belt clip that can be easily removed if not required and have cut outs in the leather to allow your BlackBerry to be charged or connected to your PC with out having to be taken out of the case.

• PDair BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120 / 8130 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Bold Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Storm Cases

Krusell BlackBerry Cases

Krusell
Krusell BlackBerry cases are designed for the everyday user. Krusell’s “cabriolet” design leaves the keyboard open, making typing much easier, and the open top allows for quick removal of your BlackBerry device. Krusell cases are also compatible with the Multidapt range of holders – a unique interchangeable clip stystem. Learn more about Multidapt.

• Krusell BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120/ 8130 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Bold Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Storm Cases

The one source of power that is all around us, completely free and has no damaging effects on the environment is the sun, and thanks to a new range of accessories, you can now harness the power of the sun to help reduce the power your mobile phone uses.

Solar Powered Bluetooth Car Kits
LG and Iqua have both released a Solar powered Bluetooth Car Kit.

LG HFB-500 Solar Car Kit

The LG HFB-500 sits on the inside of your car windscreen and charges itself using energy from the sun. While its in sunlight it will charge constantly, and can provide upto 16 hours of talktime, and 1100 hours stand by time from a full charge! LG also provide a car charger, just in case the battery does run out, but as you’ll no doubt be leaving this in your windscreen all day, everyday you’ll probably never need it! If you have an LG handset, you can use the HFB-500 as an emergency charger and charge your phone from it.

Iqua Vizor Sun Solar Car Kit

The Iqua Vizor Sun is a slightly different concept and is designed to be mounted on your sunvisor. You’ll need to have your sunvisor down in order for it to charge, but its clear keypad makes answering calls easy. Talk time is even more impressive than the LG Handsfree, and it has unlimited standby times when in sunlight.

Iqua Sun BH-603 Solar Headset

Solar Powered Bluetooth headset
Iqua are certainly leading the field with environmentally friendly mobile accessories – In addition to their Solar Powered Bluetooth Car Kit, they also offer the worlds first Solar Powered Bluetooth Headset – the Iqua Sun BH-603. Despite having a solar panel built in, the headset weighs just 14g and provides upto 9 hours of talktime in darkness, even more in daylight. As the Iqua Sun draws its energy directly from the sun, it gives you complete freedom from wires.

Solar Chargers

Solar Chargers:
These are a must have accessory for anyone with an MP3 player, Mobile Phone, Handheld games console, or any other gadget that can be charged using a USB Charging Cable. The Solar Chargers have an inbuilt battery that draws its power from the sun. A range of charging tips are included for most devices. Solar Chargers are ideal for trips away, days out or down on the beach!

Using the Sun to charge your mobile phone and accessories may not be the biggest change you can make, but its certainly a step in the right direction. To help you save more energy, read our post on How to extend your Mobile Phone’s battery life.

As an 8310 owner one of the biggest difficulties I faced was getting a case for my phone. I’m not joking, I see a lot of cases listed in various sites but they all have 8300 in the name. Do all 8300 cases fit the 8310? Do only some cases fit? Is it just me??

So after hours (well actually minutes) of pain staking work, I can confirm the cases below not only fit, but where appropriate leave charging points accessible. So despite the names these will definitely work with the 8310.

PDair Pouch for the BlackBerry 8300 Curve

Genuine BlackBerry 8300 Curve Vinyl Pouch

Genuine BlackBerry 8300 Curve Skin Pouch

• Apple iPhone Cases (for the original iPhone)
• Apple iPhone 3G Cases
• Apple iPhone 3G S Cases

I’m sure most iPhone 3G users will agree that the battery life on the iPhone 3G is pretty poor at best. I can just about manage a whole days usage if I turn off 3G, which defeats the whole purpose of having the phone.

To combat this power problem, we have just released a range of Solar Powered cases for the new iPhone 3G. As well as protecting your iPhone 3G from everyday knocks and scrapes these energy saving cases can charge your iPhone. Each case has its own in built 1500 mAh battery, can provide one full charge for your iPhone and will recharge itself through the solar panel mounted to the front of the case, or via Mini USB if you’re in a badly lit area.

The iPhone 3G Solar Cases are available in Black and White and are due into stock mid August 2008.

The steps below assume that you have installed the software that came on the CD with your Bluetooth Dongle, not the generic Windows drivers, and that Skype is already installed on your PC running Windows XP SP2.

To determine which Bluetooth drivers you are using, you will need to access Device Manager. To do this, press the "Windows" and "Pause Break" keys on the keypad simultaneously. This will then open System Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, and then you will see a button to launch Device Manager – click it. This will then open a new window listing all devices connected to your computer. Towards the top of this list you will see Bluetooth Devices, click the plus sign to expand the list. The top line should say Bluetooth Enumerator, the second line will tell you which driver you are using and will be either Broadcom/Widcomm, Toshiba, or BlueSoleil. Make a note of your driver manufacturer and close all windows. If you see Microsoft listed, it means you have the generic Windows drivers installed, and probably won’t work with Skype unless you update the drivers. For information on how to do this, read our post on updating your Bluetooth drivers.

Please note that drivers are specific to the dongle you are using, and you can only use the driver manufacturer that is supplied with your dongle. You cannot, for example, use a Toshiba driver with a BlueSoleil supported dongle.

Broadcom / Widcomm – Skype Compatibility Rating 5/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing.
• Right click the Bluetooth icon by the clock and select add a bluetooth device. This will then launch a wizard to guide you through the pairing process.
• The wizard will search for available devices, select the headset you want to use and click on next.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the services you want to use. Mono Bluetooth Headsets will list only Hands-Free Unit, Stereo Bluetooth Headsets will also list Stereo Audio.
• Ensure all boxes are ticked and then click next.
• Click OK on the pop up and then click finish on the confirmation screen. You may then see a further pop up confirmation message. Click ok.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the type of headset. Regardless of your headset, select personal handsfree device with no display.
• You will then be asked to confirm what applications the headset will primarily be used for. Make sure Skype is ticked – click next,
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve allowed it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the BTSTAC~1.exe file name, then on the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked,
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth".
• Check the "Ring PC Speaker" box if you want incoming calls to ring through the PC speakers as well as ring in the Bluetooth Headset then click on save,
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

Toshiba Drivers – Skype Compatibility Rating 4/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing. You can do this through the Toshiba Bluetooth Control panel.
• You’ll see the name of your Bluetooth headset, and three buttons underneath – new connection, detail and delete. Make sure the headset is disconnected and then click delete.
• Launch Skype.
• Go back to your Bluetooth control panel and click on new connection.
• On the wizard that appears, you need to select CUSTOM mode.
• Turn your headset on and put it into pairing mode then press next. Your PC will then search for Bluetooth devices in range, if it doesn’t find your headset on the first scan, click refresh to do another search.
• Select your headset from the list of discovered devices and click next.
• On the next screen you may be prompted to select the type of device you wish to connect. You should see two or three options – Audio Sink, Handsfree, Headset. (Audio Sink may only show up if you are using a stereo headset.)
  You need to select Handsfree on this screen and click next.
• You will now be prompted to enter Pin or Passkey, this can be found in your user guide.
• The next screen you see should ask you if you want to use this in cooperation with a VOIP application. You need to make sure that this box is ticked. If its not, you won’t be able to use it with Skype.
• On the final screen you will be given the option to rename your headset and place a shortcut to the connection on the desktop.
• Click finish.
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve confirmed it you’ll see a brief confirmation message in the main Skype window.
• Click on this message and make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth wave" – Click on save.
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

BlueSoleil – Skype Compatibility Rating 2/5

BlueSoleil drivers aren’t the best for working with Skype. The latest version of the drivers, 5.0.5, doesn’t support VOIP services such as Skype unless you pay for an upgrade. You can download version 3.2.2.8 from the BlueSoleil web site which does support VOIP at no extra cost, but I found it to be more difficult to use than Toshiba and Broadcom. The following guide is based on Software version 3.2.2.8.

• Pair your Bluetooth Headset to your PC as normal and then launch Skype.
• To begin setting up Skype, click on Start -> All Programs -> IVT BlueSoleil -> BlueSoleil VOIP Plug In.
• After a few seconds you should see a pop up notification by the clock asking to allow access to Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve clicked on it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the .exe file name.
• On the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• Connect to headset, (either by pressing call button on headset, or by right clicking on the headset icon in the bluetooth control panel and selecting connect.)
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth SCO" – Click on save.
• In some cases, "Bluetooth SCO" may not work, in which case set these to Bluetooth AV.
• Make a test call. BlueSoleil is a little slow, and you will find that your call initially is played through your PC, but will be transferred to the headset after a few seconds.