Accessory Genie - Consumer Electronics and Accessories Industry News

Gifts To Help You Get Out of the Doghouse this Valentine's Day

2012-02-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

If by this point you have yet to buy your significant other for Valentine's Day, it's probably safe to assume that you're in the doghouse, or will be very soon. And what does one do to get out of the doghouse? Buying a nice, extravagant gift is definitely a step in the right direction.

So today, let's talk about the big gifts. The ones that truly say "I love you" or more importantly, "I'm sorry for procrastinating and ruining Valentine's Day."

But going for the big gifts doesn't mean that you have to break the bank. AccessoryGenie.com has plenty of amazing gifts at affordable prices.

If we're going big with this Valentine's Day, GOgroove speaker systems make the perfect gifts. The GOgroove BassPULSE is an amazing and versatile speaker system that delivers amazing sound and bass you can feel with the side-firing subwoofer. In addition to sounding amazing, the BassPULSE is also very versatile, connecting to any audio device with a 3.5mm outlet. The BassPULSE also looks amazing, with glowing blue LED lights that pulsate with the bass when the bass equalizer is turned up past 80%.

The GOgroove BoomBUDDY is another speaker system that delivers incredible sound. Its unique and playful design is definitely an eye-catcher, using sunglasses for speakers, and a light up LED nose that you can twist to power and adjust volume. The BoomBUDDY has a docking station to dock, charge and play audio from iPods and iPhones. In addition, the BoomBUDDY also comes with a 3.5mm AUX-in port to also play audio from other devices. Like the BassPULSE, BoomBUDDY also delivers incredible bass with a built-in subwoofer located at its "feet."

The SonaWave HD is probably our most powerful speaker system, with a 22-watt speaker arrangement and an adjustable subwoofer. Like the BoomBUDDY, the SonaWave HD is designed to dock, charge and play audio from your iPod or iPhone, and also includes the cable to play audio from other devices with a 3.5mm outlet. The SonaWave's sleek design also compliments any home, work or living area, and comes with a remote control for easily switching tracks, adjusting volume and more.

AccessoryGenie.com also offers several different shipping options in case you've waited until now to do your Valentine's Day shopping and need the gift to arrive by Valentine's Day.

And if not, well hopefully these gifts will be enough to save you from doing time in the doghouse. Can't guarantee anything, though.

Happy Valentine's Day!

-Jinni

MORE Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from Accessory Genie

2012-02-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

Procrastination. It's a nasty little habit that I think may haunt us all, even if it's just a little. We all remember being in school and waiting until the day before a paper was due to sit down and actually write it. Or waiting until an hour before class to study up for a test. How about waiting until the day before Valentine's Day to buy your honey their gift?

Last year, I didn't buy my boyfriend his Valentine's Day gift until the morning of. I did manage to find him something that he liked and uses pretty often. But it was really out of pure luck.

Don't make my mistakes. Shop early this year and find your significant other the perfect gift. Shop AccessoryGenie.com!

Last week I focused on gifts for the smartphone owner and enthusiast. So let's talk tablet accessories this week. We carry a wide variety of tablet accessories, including cases, sleeves, stylus pens, speaker systems, docks and more.

We recently got the enerG Portable Battery Dock, a foldable charging dock that will dock, charge and sync your tablet. We currently carry two models - one for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0, 7 Plus, 8.9 and 10.1 tablets, and the other for iPad and iPad 2 tablets. The internal rechargeable 5200mAh lithium polymer battery offers your iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab an extra boost of energy when you're away from power outlets. When connected to the computer, the enerG Dock will also sync the tablet!

We also have a variety of tablet cases for him and her. The Renee Michelle Padfolio was especially designed with women in mind, and is compatible with a variety of tablets, including the iPad/iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Motorola XOOM and Xyboard 10.1, HP TouchPad, and many other tablets.

If your guy has an iPad, iPad 2, or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0, definitely look into getting him a CaseScenario Folio Case. I bought one for my boyfriend last year for his iPad 2 and he absolutely loves it! The case has a built-in rotating stand that allows you to easily prop up your tablet in a portrait or landscape view for easy viewing and typing. The sleek, black leatherette exterior is professional and modest, and will keep his tablet well protected.

We've also got a variety of speaker systems that are perfect for playing audio from tablets! For the ladies, the GOgroove Panda Pal, Koala Pal and Mama Panda Pal make excellent gifts. And guys would LOVE the BassPULSE Satellite Speaker System! Not only does it look great, but it also delivers amazing sound with bass he'll be able to feel!

Trust me, your Valentines will love you even more with awesome gifts like these!

-Jinni

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas From Accessory Genie

2012-01-27T16:55:00.000-08:00

We're coming up on the end of January. Not only does that mean that times is flying by incredibly fast, but that Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Have you thought about what you're getting your significant other? I know that I haven't given the holiday much thought yet.

But why procrastinate when you can do your online shopping at AccessoryGenie.com? We have a wide variety of electronic accessories and products that would definitely make your loved one smile on the holiest of days. So for the next couple of weeks, I'll be giving you Valentine's Day gift ideas for guys and gals!

In a long distance relationship? An FM transmitter makes the perfect gift for your significant other, or even for you. The recently remodeled FlexSmart SP is a great buy, with the capability to mount, play audio from, and charge any smartphone. A redesigned flexible neck and fully adjustable mount makes this FM transmitter compatible with almost any car and smartphones. Multiple USB ports are available to comfortably charge your smartphone while you're on the go! It also works great with most MP3 players.

While we're on the topic of smartphones, the Retro Style Smartphone Handset and Charge Station is a great accessory for any smartphone owner. This handset is great for use at home or work, taking away the need to unplug your phone from its charger when making a call. Aside from its usefulness, this handset also looks great with its retro design. Best of all, the handset is compatible with most smartphones, connecting through the 3.5mm headphone port.

Another great gift for a smartphone owner is the ReVIVE UPLINK series of smartphone Data Sync and Charging Docks, available for HTC Inspire, EVO 3D, DROID Incredible/Incredible 2, Sensation and Motorola Droid X and X2. Not only will these docks charge compatible phones, but they will also sync data when connected to your computer.

These and other items at AccessoryGenie.com are sure to make the smartphone lover happy this Valentine's Day!

-Jinni

Keeping Up With the Times of the iBook

2012-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

I love to read for fun, and I therefore have tons of books. In the cabinet in my bedroom, the bookshelf in my living room, and in several boxes in storage, you are guaranteed to find books of all sorts, sizes and genres.

But surprisingly, when tablets and ereaders were first introduced to the world, I wasn't exactly on the bandwagon. I'm not exactly too fond of big changes, and to me, this was pretty huge. How could a computer replace a good book? There was no way anything would be able to replicate the overall experience of reading a good book. Sure the text would obviously be the same. But I wouldn't be able to feel the paper at my fingertips as I changed the page, or highlight phrases or sentences that I loved, or flip the corner of a page down to save my spot when no excuse for a bookmark was near.

Even after I bought my iPad, I continued to buy and read regular books, refusing to use my tablet for to read. But then I realized that reading from my iPad would actually resolve some of the issues I experience when I read from a normal book.

For example, I have horrible eyesight. And I do mean horrible. So when I saw people at the gym reading from their books, I envied them because even with my contacts on, I can't focus my eyes on small print. Plus, the struggle to keep the book on the right page could easily get annoying. So I decided to stick to listening to music while working out.

The other day I knew I had to go to the gym, but I was also really in the mood to read Pride and Prejudice again. Solution? Download the book onto my iPad (for freeeeee) and take my iPad to the gym. And oh, what a glorious idea it was. I kept myself so distracted by Mr. Bingley's ball and his affair with Jane Bennet that I was able to work out for quite a while without noticing that I had bicycled over 20 miles.

Another problem that's been solved was reading at night. My light switch is quite a distance away from my bed, so reading at night wasn't really an option if I didn't want to get out of bed. But now with my iPad, I can comfortably read at night with the lights off until I get tired, and put my tablet aside when I'm ready for sleep.

And with the announcement of iBook 2, I felt a sudden urge to possibly make a return to school and get another degree. I'm sure that when the time comes, the Apple app will have college textbooks for sale. And we'll definitely still carry cute iPad tablet cases and bags.

Can't wait!

-Jinni

Enhancing Your Electronics Experience

2012-01-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Among all of the funny, entertaining and just plain weird articles that I read this week regarding CES, a particular Mashable article by Peter Pachal stuck out the most to me. In the article, Pachal mentioned that for the most part, instead of companies focusing on the latest and greatest technical specs and details, they instead focused their attention on the experience that their product could offer a consumer. "All over CES 2012 I saw a shifting of focus from hyping technological achievements to painting a picture of what those devices really offer," he explained

As a Marketing and Public Relations major in college, I couldn't help but think of how true that is in terms of marketing as well. Think about it. When you watch a commercial on TV, what it will try to sell you on is the overall experience that specific product might be able to provide.

I can't tell you how many times I've gotten teary eyed over a Folgers commercial. Feeling the same thing that the people in the commercial are feeling seems like a great concept. And the possibility that drinking a cup of Folgers coffee in the morning may help me get there makes it pretty appealing. Even though I already know that I don't really care for the coffee so much.

Or how about a television cable commercial? I saw one the other day that showed a rich family enjoying their million dollar condo in a big city somewhere, only showing cable in use for all of two seconds, if that. But maybe if I purchase that specific cable plan, I'll look as happy and carefree as the family in the commercial.

Instead of trying to sell people on the latest and greatest gadgets, companies are selling experiences, ways to enhance your life in some way. Selling electronic accessories, I believe that it's our responsibility at Accessory Genie to provide you with quality electronic accessories that will only further enhance your experiences.

And it doesn't just stop with our gadgets. We like to make your buying experience with us a comfortable, easy and memorable one. When purchasing items from Accessory Genie, you can expect great customer service if you have any questions with the transaction, about your shipment, or about the product itself once you've received it!

We're here to make your consumer electronics experience a great one as a whole. So if there's any questions, comments or concerns you have, please let us know!

-Jinni

Staying Warm and Technologically Savvy

2012-01-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

It's been an amazing start to the year over here in California, with nice 80 degree beach weather all week! Before you get too jealous, we are bracing ourselves for more cold weather to suffer through, which for me is anything below 70 degrees.

As an iPad and iPhone owner, using my devices can become somewhat of a challenge in the winter because I wear gloves to keep my hands nice and toasty. It was getting pretty tedious having to take a glove off every time I wanted to make a phone call or look something up on my tablet. So I looked into my options.

Luckily for me, we sell capacitive styluses of all shapes and sizes! For everyday use, I prefer this Keychain Extendable Capacitive Stylus because of its small and compact design. I managed to attach the stylus to the case on my iPhone, making it easy to use my phone when I need it without having to take off my gloves.

It usually takes me a couple of hours in the morning to warm up before I take my gloves off. That's why I also keep my 2-in-1 Stylus and Executive Pen at my desk at work! It's very comfortable to be able to write something down in my notebook and with a flick of the wrist use my stylus to make a note on my calendar or change the song I'm listening to.
My new favorite product at Accessory Genie is probably the most simple and amazing concept anyone could've thought of! My Touch Screen Sensitive Gloves are amazing because they let me go about my normal day using my tablet and smartphone without having to take any additional steps! I have them in black, and it's also rumored that we'll soon have them in pink!

Now I am definitely prepared for that 60 degree Southern California Winter weather!

-Jinni

AudioACTIVE will Give You a Nice Nudge in the Right Direction

2011-12-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of every January, you can feel the energy of New Year resolutions at work. A new year, a new beginning, a new chance to finally quit, get into the habit of, or start something to hopefully change your life for the better.

I can't count how many times I've witnessed a ridiculous surge at the gym come January. And all of the department stores will conveniently have gym clothes, running shoes and workout equipment on sale. Clearly, getting into better shape seems to be a resolution that is shared amongst many people.

Personally, nothing eases the pains of visiting the gym or going for a run more than a good workout playlist. However, I've never been a fan of cables going all over the place or having to hold onto my MP3 player in my hand. I tried using an arm strap, but it wasn't for me and I still constantly struggled with keep cables away from flinging arms.

The AudioACTIVE Bluetooth Sports Headset by GOgroove is a great accessory to have for anyone with a workout routine, whether you're just starting out or are a gym veteran. These awesome and comfortable headphones connect to any device with Bluetooth capabilities, including mp3 players, smartphones, tablets, and laptops. During my morning workouts, I usually leave my iPhone in my locker during my workout.

What if I need to change a song? Not a problem, the AudioACTIVE has built-in controls to switch tracks, adjust volume, and play and pause music. What I also love is that if by some miracle there's another human being awake at 4:30 in the morning during my workout and they choose to call me, I can answer the phone call using the built-in microphone.

With a full charge, the AudioACTIVE can continuously play music for about six hours. Might be perfect for that 1/2 marathon that I may or may not run this April, depending if I can manage to run the whole thing, or end up walking after the first mile.

The AudioACTIVE will definitely give you a nice nudge in the right direction to being a healthier you in 2012.

Happy New Year! See you on the other side!

-Jinni

Keeping Your Sanity During Holiday Traveling

2011-12-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready for work this morning, the KTLA Morning News showed a live shot of the traffic going in and out of LAX airport. And I'm pretty sure I've never felt so relieved to not be catching a flight this holiday season. To give you an idea of what the airport looked like, picture a parking lot...with no cars leaving their parking space to make room for a new one.
If that's how many people were just trying to get into the airport, I can't imagine what a flight would be like today, or anytime during the next week. Last week I discussed some remedies for helping you survive being stuck in a car with people you love by default for entirely too long. So let's go over a few ideas for keeping your sanity while stuck in a plane full of crying babies and people's elbows invading your personal space.

Okay, maybe flying isn't as bad as I just made it seem. But it definitely won't be with these friendly flying tips!

First off, if you're heading to the airport anytime soon, make sure to give yourself a little cushion time and leave early. You never know if there will be a traffic jam, car trouble or anything else that might delay your arrival to the airport. And no, your plane will not wait for you if you're running a little late.

Once you've arrived, try to keep any essentials as carry-on. These include things that you will use during the flight, like your smartphone, mp3 player or tablet, as well as anything you will need in case your luggage is misplaced, like medication. Also, try to keep you the size of your carry-on to a minimum, as there will most likely be more people on your flight than normal and carry-on storage may be scarce.

If you're traveling with any wrapped gifts, make sure to pack them securely in luggage that will be checked-in. If you feel that you must carry a gift with you, don't wrap it. There's a chance that airport security will want to unwrap the items and inspect them.

As far as flying comfortably, I believe that keeping yourself entertained is key. Make sure any electronics that you may use during the flight are fully charged and ready for use. If you're using a tablet and it's an especially long trip, I recommend investing in an external battery capable of charging your tablet, like a ReVIVE Series TwinPort, to provide you with a boost of battery life when you'll need it the most. The TwinPort will also charge any smartphone, mp3 player or eReader, in case you drain the battery on any of your other devices.

Hopefully this simple traveling tips will help you keep your sanity during the most wonderful (and stressful) time of the year!

Happy Holidays!

-Jinni

Keeping Your Sanity on Your Way to Holiday Gatherings

2011-12-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

The time has come--The good ol' holidays. The time of year where families come together from all corners of the world to eat, drink and celebrate. As enjoyable as spending time with family can be (for the most part), every year I dread traveling to wherever it is the family has decided to reunite.

Driving is a horrible experience in general for me. If you live in Los Angeles or a busy city like it, you understand that getting from Point A to Point B can very easily become a long and stressful process. And the more people in the car with you, the worse the experience can be.

But no matter how much I dislike traveling, when it comes to the holidays and spending it with my family, it's a sacrifice that must be made.

To alleviate travel stress and discomfort, here are a few items from AccessoryGenie.com that may help you keep your sanity while on the big open road.

A GPS system, or at the very least a navigation app on your phone, is absolutely essential. To help with keeping your eyes on the road and not on your lap or anywhere else your GPS system may be, I recommend investing in some type of GPS car mount, like the Professional Series GPS Vent Mount, that will attach your GPS system or smartphone to an air vent, making it easy to follow directions and safely reach your destination.

If you're driving long distance, an FM transmitter like the FlexSMART X2 is definitely in your best interest. Because you'll be driving through several area codes, it's pretty safe to assume that your favorite radio stations won't be readily available when you're three hours away from home and still have another two hours to go. The X2 will wirelessly connect with your smartphone, mp3 player or even your tablet through Bluetooth, and with the push of a button will find the best station in the area to play your favorite music without interference from the local stations.

Speaking of tablets, they're amazing for entertainment, whether by yourself or with a group of obnoxiously loud kids in the very back seat. Either way, installing your tablet in a car mount, like the USA Gear TabGRAB, is the perfect solution for creating an entertainment system in any car, especially if you connect your tablet to the FlexSMART X2. You can easily and securely mount practically any tablet on a TabGRAB and use it to watch a movie or browse the web!

Smartphones are also a great source of entertainment if you don't have a tablet. But the battery life is just so horrible that you might hesitate using it for recreational purposes and not saving the battery for the emergency roadside call you might have to eventually make. Not to worry. Your DualFlux DC Charger will keep your phone's battery nice and charged, and is capable of charging two smaller devices simultaneously, like a smartphone or MP3 player. In addition, the DualFlux is also capable of charging several tablets, including the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab.

These and many other electronic accessories available at AccessoryGenie.com are sure to at least alleviate the pain of being stuck in a car for too many hours.

-Jinni

Smartphone Travel Tips for Alec Baldwin

2011-12-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Like Alec Baldwin, I'm a HUGE fan of Words With Friends. Unfortunately, you can't play that game on a plane as you have to be connected to a network. So what's the alternative to keeping yourself entertained on a 5-hour flight, since clearly you will be escorted of a plane for refusing to turn off your phone?

Why not try an app or game that you don't need a network connection to use?

On a recent flight to Las Vegas, I noticed that at least one person in every row was playing Angry Birds, either on their tablet or smartphone. And after asking around Accessory Genie headquarters to see what everyone's favorite games were, nearly everyone responded with Angry Birds first. This game is incredibly entertaining, and can make time fly by as you go through each level determined to continue onto the next.

Another application that is great for passing the time and can be used without a network connection is a Kindle App. Simply make sure that you've downloaded the book that you'd like to read and you're good to go!
I am personally a huge fan of good ol' fashion video games. I can easily spend hours playing Sudoku on my iPhone. Bubble Shooter and iJewels and are other favorites that I use frequently to pass the time, especially on long flights.

One huge problem with using your phone or tablet for entertainment is that it can quickly drain your it's battery life. A powerful external battery pack, like the TwinPort 5000mAh Portable External Battery Pack, is perfect for occasions when you don't have access to an AC or DC charging port.

Two USB ports allow you to charge two smartphones or MP3 players at the same time, and it's also capable of providing a charge to smaller tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet, as well as the iPad and iPad 2.

For those of you who are always traveling and therefore using your smartphone or tablet's battery for entertainment, the TwinPort is the perfect accessory.

Also, make sure to take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING promotion this weekend at AccessoryGenie.com! Starting Saturday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Dec. 12, enjoy absolutely FREE SHIPPING on all your orders!

Just use the Promo Code 72SHIP at Checkout and enjoy!

-Jinni

Replacement Laptop Batteries to Keep Your Laptop Going

2011-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

These are hard times, my friends. And anyone who tells you different is either lucky or blissfully ignorant. Nowadays, every dollar spent counts.

I remember a time when I could afford to buy a brand new laptop when my computer's battery died. I simply used it as an excuse to myself to upgrade. But that excuse is no longer valid. So when my laptop's battery died a couple of weeks ago, I momentarily went into panic mode because I simply could not afford to buy a new computer like I had done in the past.

After my dramatic episode, I realized that the solution was as easy as buying a replacement battery for my laptop. I knew it was going to cost me money, but nowhere near as much as it would have to replace my laptop all together.

I started out looking at the manufacturer's website for a replacement battery, but quickly discovered just how expensive a replacement laptop battery could be. Not willing to pay what I think was an absurd amount for a battery, I decided to look at the replacement laptop batteries we carry at AccessoryGenie.com.

Finding the right battery at a great price was easy, too. I just looked at the model number of my original laptop battery and did a search for it on the Accessory Genie homepage. Another easy way to look up your laptop battery is by clicking the "Batteries" link on the homepage, and then clicking "Laptop Batteries." On this page, you will be able to look up your laptop battery by the manufacturer of your laptop.

AccessoryGenie.com carries several batteries compatible with laptops by manufacturers including Toshiba, Dell, Sony, HP, Apple and more!

If you're in the market for a new battery for your laptop, or even your cell phone, camera, or camcorder, Accessory Genie is definitely a good place to start your search, especially if you're looking for quality and a decent price.

-Jinni

Black Friday Savings Minus Crazed Crowds

2011-11-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready for work this morning, I turned on the TV, occasionally glancing over when I heard anything interesting. Black Friday news is always rather entertaining and shocking simultaneously. So when I heard the news anchor talking about a store pretty close to the office, I looked over to see what the commotion was about.
A woman at a local WalMart was on such a mission to cross off all the stuff on her list that she decided to pepper spray anyone who dared to be in her way. Later at the office, I saw another video of a riot over a $2 waffle maker...

Really? Who on earth would want to go through that? To what limit will we go to save a few bucks? I personally prefer to stay home and do all of my Black Friday / Cyber Monday shopping from the comfort of my warm and comfy couch, with my sweats on and a nice cup of hot cocoa to sip.

This weekend, you too can shop from home and save a bundle, without getting pepper sprayed or trampled. If you've shopped with us before, you know all about our Reward Points. Basically, with every purchase you make at AccessoryGenie.com, you earn a certain amount of Reward Points, depending on which items you purchased. These points can in turn be used as credit on future AccessoryGenie.com purchases!

From today through 5:00 PM on Cyber Monday (11/28/2011), your Reward Points are worth double the amount! That means you can save twice the amount on many of our popular electronic accessories, including the GOgroove FlexSmart X2, AudiOHM earbuds, and the AudioACTIVE!

To check out how many Reward Points you have earned, visit AccessoryGenie.com and click the yellow "Accessory Genie Login" button at the top right. After you have filled out the correct email and password, your Reward Point will display at the top left of the home page!

Don't have an AccessoryGenie.com account? No problem! Click on the save "Accessory Genie Login" button on the homepage and fill out the short form to be on your way to AccessoryGenie.com savings!

In my opinion, shopping from home certainly beats dealing with cold weather, crazed crowds, and pepper spray any day.

-Jinni

Staying Neutral - Our Lowdown on the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet

2011-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

There was so much buzz around the Amazon Kindle Fire when it was first announced back in September that I even considered buying one for myself. I think that we at Accessory Genie may have noticed it more than others, especially when most products that were compatible with the Kindle Fire suddenly started flying off the shelves.

Regardless of the lack of news coming from Barnes & Noble, I always had a hunch that they weren't about to let the Kindle Fire take over the "e-reader gone tablet" scene. And low and behold, turns out Barnes & Noble had a little announcement of their own, telling the world of the new Nook Tablet a week before the Amazon Kindle Fire.

And so the competition began, or at least from what we, the public, saw. Barnes & Noble didn't stop there. The Nook Tablet just happened to be available to the public the same week as the Kindle Fire was sent out. Oh, and remember how the Kindle Fire was shipped a day ahead of schedule? Barnes & Noble decided that their customers would receive their Nook Tablets TWO days ahead of schedule.
With all of this evident competing, it's no wonder why almost every tech and news site out there is comparing either tablet to the other. And from what I've personally seen and heard, the competition is pretty close.

Both budget-friendly tablets are designed serve their purpose in the most simple and efficient way. Physically, neither tablet is especially different or particularly appealing; the Nook Tablet used the same design as the Nook Color, and the Kindle Fire just looks like the regular 7-inch Android tablet.

With such closeness in price, the only reason I can see to prefer one tablet over the other is whether you're an Amazon/Kindle person or a Nook person. Aside from being $50 cheaper than the Nook Tablet, the Kindle Fire is really designed around Prime. Prime is like the VIP of Amazon, costing members $79 a year and allowing them to enjoy unlimited videos, free and quicker shipping, and what is essentially a free library where users borrow and read books a month at a time.

However, if you're not a fan of Prime and don't mind the extra $50, why not give the Nook Tablet a chance? Although not by much, the Nook Tablet's specs were generally better than the Kindle Fire's, after all.

Whatever tablet you choose, make sure to check out our speakers and cases compatible with both the Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire. Clearly, we chose to not be involved in this continuous battle between the extremely similar e-readers-turned-tablets.

-Jinni

Affordable Headphones Without Compromising Quality

2011-11-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

To say that I am happy with my Apple products would be an understatement. It all started with my 3rd generation iPod Classic, and as I bought my MacBook, my iPad and my iPhone, I became more and more convinced that Apple in general delivers quality products.

BUT I am also convinced that Apple is not good at one thing: earbuds. Sure, they get the job done. And it is nice to buy an iPhone or an iPod and not have to worry about buying another pair of earbuds. But as far as comfort goes, Apple in-ear headphones did not make in onto my favorites list.

Solution? I have several! When using my iPod, I'm pretty attached to AudiOHM earbuds. They're probably the most comfortable earbuds I've ever worn, and the noise-isolating feature is great for helping me focus at work or avoid being social.

One feature that I did appreciate from my Apple earbuds was the remote and microphone built into the wire. Although I did use them for driving, the microphone came in handy when my hands and shoulder weren't free to hold onto the phone while in the middle of a conversation. They were great when I was cooking, folding laundry, or when shopping at the grocery store (although I did get weird looks from strangers who thought I was talking to myself).

But as with my iPod's earbuds, they became increasingly uncomfortable. Luckily around the time that I was ready to retire the uncomfortable earbuds, GOgroove came out with the DynaMIX earbuds, which are not only incredible comfy, but they also have an in-line microphone AND control for switching tracks, answering and ending calls, and playing or pausing music.

Although it's not exactly a fashion-forward accessory for us ladies, my favorite headphones to use are the GOgroove SoundCLUTCH Over-Ear Headphones. When it comes to quality and comfort, these headphones are the by far best ones I've ever tried. With cushioned, noise isolating earpads and an adjustable headband, these headphones are so nice to wear that I would forget I was wearing them if it wasn't for the crystal clear audio coming out of them.

Best part of all? All of the earbuds and headphones mentioned above are reasonably priced, saving you money without compromising quality!

-Jinni

GOgroove Pal Family Has a New Member!

2011-11-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

Being the proud owner of a Panda Pal and a Koala Pal speaker system, and of course, a lover of all things CUTE, this post may be a little biased.

When I saw this little gal make her first appearance at Accessory Genie headquarters, I knew that it was love at first sight. And after seeing all of its little quirks and unique features, I could hardly contain myself! I had to complete my collection of the GOgroove Pal family and get MAMA Panda Pal!

MAMA, as I we like to call her, is as versatile and powerful as her family members. With a 3.5mm cable, you can connect and play audio from any media device with a 3.5mm plug, including smartphones, MP3 players, laptops, desktop computers and more.

In addition, MAMA is powered by the included AC power adapter and cable, or by 4 AA batteries, making this speaker system great for use at home and at the office, or at the beach or park!

When turned on, MAMA's little nose glows red! And adding to her cuteness, the volume is controlled by her touch-sensitive ears!

Since its starting to get cold out, my MAMA Panda Pal is stationed in my kitchen at home, where I listen to music from my iPad as I read cooking instructions from my Epicurious app. But come summer 2012, MAMA will definitely be hitting the great outdoors, joining me at the beach, camping, and on family outings.

My 5 year old niece has also developed a recent obsession with MAMA, and always tries sneaking her out of the house to take home. Little does she know, she's getting her own MAMA Panda Pal for the holidays!

With the holidays fast approaching, the MAMA Panda Pal arrived just in time as the perfect gift for friends and family, adults and kids!

-Jinni

How to Enjoy (or At Least Survive) Mondays

2011-10-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered why Friday is such a magical day? Why you can go to sleep on Thursday night unusually happy? Why Fridays in general seem to be better days at work? Eight more hours, and it's officially the weekend.

For two days, you don't have to drive to the same office, sit at the same desk and do the same job you do for (at least) eight hours a day, five days a week. The crazier part is that I actually LOVE my job and I still feel this abnormal delight on that last day of the work week. I can't imagine how glorious 5:00 PM on a Friday afternoon must be to people who really dislike their jobs.

And Mondays. Oh Mondays. After only two days of freedom, why is it always so difficult to somehow find the will to roll out of bed and get to work? Why is it always so tempting to call in and fake a cold or say you ate some bad sushi the night before? Again, I actually enjoy coming to work most days. Can't imagine how dreadful Mondays are when you can't stand your job.

To avoid having a case of the Mondays, I like to make my desk as cheery of a place as possible.
I keep several things that make me feel happier to sit at my desk in general. Since I unfortunately sit under the air conditioning vent, I have a designated Snuggie (yes, a Snuggie) that I use whenever it gets chilly. I also keep my drawers well stocked with snacks.

My Koala Pal is connected to my computer and sits on my desk to keep me company. He's my little buddy and companion at work, not making a peep when I don't feel like listening. But the moment I give him the okay and he'll play my favorite office music, and look cute doing it!

The newest addition to my desk is the TECHnamouse Precision USB Optical Mouse! This light blue mouse is designed for gamers, but looks great on my desk at work. Aside from being extremely comfortable and easy to use, the bright blue and silver paint job and distinct design gives it a unique feel! The most fun I have using it is after lunch, when I sit in my office with the lights turned off for an hour or two. That is when the glowing blue LED light is most visible and most entertaining to use!

The way I see it, I sit at this same desk in this same office for at least 40 hours a week. Why not make it a more pleasant and comfortable environment? At the very least, it will make Mondays a lot easier to make it through.

-Jinni

Having it All: Using Your Smartphone Without Worrying About a Dead Battery

2011-10-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Do you remember a time before smartphones? I know it's difficult to imagine life before your smartphone, but there was a time before you could Check-In on Facebook, find good restaurants in your area on Yelp, and play Words with Friends with your cousin who lives on the other side of the country.
Before upgrading to the iPhone, I had a hot pink Motorola RAZR. And even after texting all day, every day (T9!) I could easily go at least a day and a half without having to charge my phone. For the most part, this is not the case anymore. In fact, I'm lucky if I make it to the end of the work day without having to charge my phone.

A co-worker of mine with the same problem (let's face it, if you have a smartphone, you probably have the same issue) came up with a great solution! During the day, he uses the ReVIVE Series Uni-Charger to charge his spare smartphone battery. Once his phone's battery is drained, he switches the batteries, giving him battery life until the next morning!

I thought this was a very creative way to keep your phone alive and well, especially since AC and DC chargers aren't always available.

Unfortunately for us iPhone owners, we don't have the option of switching out batteries. But using an enerG4 from Accessory Power is a great alternative!

The enerG4 iPhone 4/4S Extended Battery Case provides your iPhone with a nice boost in battery life, providing 40 extra hours of music listening, 13 hours of talking on the phone, and 10 hours of video and web browsing!

The ON/OFF switch on the case lets you decide when you're ready for an extra power boost, and will allow you to charge both your iPhone and the enerG4's batteries without removing the case! In addition, the case is also very protective, keeping my iPhone safe and sound.

My co-workers also like the fact that it's black and unisex. Although I do miss the good ol' days of the hot pink RAZR!

But don't worry, I had my enerG4 bejeweled.

-Jinni

How to Kill (and Not Kill) a DSLR Camera

2011-10-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

On a recent camping trip, my friends and I decided to go on a hike and get in touch with Mother Nature. After packing a few backpacks with water bottles and healthy snacks, I noticed my friend, Drew, wrapping his digital SLR camera around his neck. Drew is pretty big on photography, so I knew he would bring his camera along. But what I found odd was that all he brought was the camera with its strap - no camera bag or sleeve to make sure his camera was safe.

"It'll be fine," he said.

We were having a blast while on our hike, until we reached a small creek that had to be crossed to continue. There were plenty of rocks that we could use as stepping stones, and one by one we safely and dryly crossed over to the other side.

That is until it was Drew's turn. While hopping from one rock to another, Drew lost his balance and fell, his camera crashing into another rock before landing in the water. After attempting to save his camera, we declared it as a lost cause.

A few weeks later, Drew came over to my house to show off his brand new DSLR camera. After witnessing his last camera's demise, my first reaction was "What kind of case did you get for it?"
"Oh I don't need one. It'll be fine."

Where had I heard that before...?

I showed Drew my USA Gear Deluxe dSLR Zoom Bag while explaining that after experiencing what he had, he of all people should realize the importance of a camera bag. Had his camera been in my Deluxe dSLR bag, his camera would have been well protected against crashing into the rock AND being submerged in water.

"It's too big for my taste," he said.

Well, good thing that Accessory Genie's sister site Bags-Cases.com carries a variety of camera bags and cases to accommodate every photographer's needs! We carry camera bags designed to comfortably and securely hold your dSLR camera and its accessories, without adding extra bulk.

Whether you're looking for a messenger bag, shoulder bag, or backpack, our bags and cases will protect your dSLR camera against drops and falls, rocks and water.

In the end, Drew decided to go with the USA Gear dSLR Camera Zoom Holster. Since then, he has slipped and fallen over a fair share of stones and puddles. But his camera has stayed safe and sound!

Can't say the same for Drew, though.

-Jinni

Steve Jobs: A True Leader in Our Tech Universe

2011-10-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

I think everyone has key moments in their lives that they can vividly recall, and maybe even relive in a sense. I still remember exactly how my morning went on September 11, 2001, where I initially thought a building was on fire until I saw a plane crash into the World Trade Center.
I perfectly remember the day my dad had a quadruple by-pass surgery, down to what I was wearing, to the relief that washed over me when I received the phone call saying he was going to be okay.

I remember sitting in my truck in the process of moving from one apartment to another when I noticed an obnoxious amount of Michael Jackson songs being played on every radio station I could find, until a DJ announced that he had passed away.

And I believe that October 5, 2011 will be one of those days. I was sitting at my desk working the afternoon away when I heard a co-worker walk over to another person's desk, saying "I think Apple just confirmed that Steve Jobs is dead."

What?! That was the only response I could bring myself to have. For whatever reason, I couldn't wrap my head around it. "Another hoax," I thought to myself. It had to be. But just to make sure, I went to Mashable's website where I was confronted with the headline "Steve Jobs Has Died."

Now, whether you're an Android fan or an Apple fan, you have to admit that Steve Jobs was a brilliant visionary who had the dedication and brilliance it took to make Apple the innovative company it is today.

At the very least, I feel that many of us look at Steve Jobs as a man of inspiration. It takes courage and strength to dream up and create something that no one else has thought of, that no one else may think will be a success, and to turn it into something that will have an impact on the world.

Steve Jobs once said "Design is not just what it looks like. Design is how it works." He believed in his products and did what he had to make others see his vision. And because of that vision, we have extraordinary products and services that many of us believe we can't live without.

At Accessory Genie, we strive to build our business around this concept. We want to see our customers happy with our products, and look forward to new items we'll bring to the table. We know that it's easier said than done, but with leaders like Steve Jobs to draw inspiration from it's made our jobs a little easier to bear.

RIP Steve Jobs. And thank you.

-Jinni

Bluetooth - Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device

2011-09-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've always thought of myself as a problem solver. I don't like problems, and I will not rest until they are solved. Kind of a downfall really, since I've lost hours of sleep on issues or situations that any other person would never have encountered or thought of in the first place.

It's nice when I encounter situations that are easy to resolve. Problem: I'm having trouble docking my
phone on its speakers system because the case is too thick. Solution: buy a new case. Great! I feel accomplished without spending restless nights concerned about docking my phone.

Unfortunately, the problems that I encounter are rarely this quick and easy to solve. Being from out of state, I still enjoy listening to radio stations from home, and like streaming the stations live from my computer. The problem isn't that my computers aren't loud enough (because my SideStream computer speakers are AMAZING). The problem that I constantly encounter is that it's hard listening to the streaming radio stations when my computer is immobile and I'm working in every part of the house other than the office.

Like I said, to anyone else, this isn't a situation worth losing sleep over. But every Saturday morning when I would work in the yard, tidy up the kitchen, or clean the living room, it was a little frustrating to not be able to listen to the music I wanted to. Especially when I knew there was a solution to my problem that I had been avoiding trying to discover.

I began to wonder whether there was a solution to my problem or if I was never going to listen to music from my computer in rooms other than the office. Alas, my friends at Accessory Genie came to my rescue once again!

The GOgroove BlueBar Clip-On Wireless Bluetooth Adapter was the most simple and inexpensive solution to my dilemma! Through a Bluetooth connection, the BlueBar can connect to any Bluetooth enabled device, like a computer. Through the 3.5mm plug, I can then listen to audio from my computer or any other device without having to be near it!

Unfortunately, my ancient computer isn't Bluetooth enabled, which did present another roadblock. But I was easily able to purchase a Bluetooth dongle from Amazon for a couple bucks!

Not only can I now listen to my favorite stations, or anything else playing on my computer, but I can also connect wirelessly to my phone and listen to music through my earbuds or my Koala Pal without having to cart my phone around.

Looking forward to enjoying a nice Saturday filled with yard work and my hometown's radio station!

-Jinni

Feminine Style in a Tech World

2011-09-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

In a world of black, grey, and occasionally white smartphones, the HTC Rhyme, announced earlier this week, is a welcomed feminine addition to what many would think of as a man's world. Aside from being purple, the new HTC also comes with several accessories, including a charm that plugs into the Rhyme's headphone jack and glows when it receives calls and texts - perfect for noticing an incoming call or text when the phone is tucked away in a purse and the vibrations or ringtones are unnoticeable.

As a girl very much involved in the tech world, I sometimes get frustrated with the lack of feminine products available and can definitely appreciate when a product is specially geared towards women. For a moment, I considered switching to Verizon Wireless just so I could have a purple phone with a fantastic little charm attached to it, among the other accessories it comes with. Only for a moment though, until I realized that aside from the girly-ness of the phone, it wasn't worth the cost.

I realize that being more prone to purchasing items with a feminine feel can be a dangerous habit to have. And I know that not all women are like this. But its nice when electronic devices and accessories are designed and manufactured to fit a woman's needs (even if it does only look good.) This is why I'm such a fan of the new Renee Michelle PADfolio.

Before purchasing this case for my iPad, it was being kept safe in a plain black sleeve while a debated whether $100 was worth spending on a designer iPad folio case. Even though the case was beautiful, I went back and forth for a month whether I could justify spending that much money on something that would simply hold my tablet.

Then I saw the PADfolio, and the debate was over! The PADfolio provides a very secure and stylish home for my iPad. It comes in ivory or black with metallic accents, making my iPad fun to carry around, and making me look less like a nerd. The chic design easily goes from meetings at the office, to joining friends for dinner or drinks after work.

What's also great about the PADfolio is that it completely replaces my purse and/or briefcase most days. A small pouch located on the left hand side is great for storing my reading glasses, pens and pencils, my keys, and of course the occasional lip gloss. It also has a document slot that holds any papers or notebooks I need. The PADfolio comes in two sizes, which are compatible with the Apple iPad, iPad 2, HP TouchPad, Motorola XOOM, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and other tablets and e-readers.

Had tablets been around while I was in college, it would have been perfect for class taking to class as well. However, I love using it for work, and it comes especially handy when I'm on travel, making my carry-on less bulky and much easier (and cuter) to carry.

Now if only I could get my hands on the HTC Rhyme's charm...

-Jinni

Are You Prepared? Emergency Preparedness for the Unpredictable (and Inevitable)

2011-09-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

The initial reaction I get when I'm visiting out of state is how lucky I am to live in California... Lucky? I guess. Sure, I live in a place where I can soak my feet at the beach and simultaneously look up at the mountains and see snow. And the Kardashians live about 20 minutes away from Accessory Genie headquarters. And we don't have to deal with hurricanes or tornados. Okay, I guess you could say that California is a pretty cool place to call home.

But when it comes to natural disasters, I personally wouldn't consider dealing with unpredictable earthquakes a plus to living in California. Sure we all take certain measures to prepare as much as possible. But when the earth underneath your feet starts shaking uncontrollably and with no fair warning, it's not exactly a good time.

As uncomfortable as it may be, us Californians think it's a small price to pay for living in such a great place. So to prepare ourselves as much as we can for the unpredictable and inevitable, we have emergency preparedness kits to use in the event of a strong earthquake.

My emergency kit is pretty basic. But from personal experience, sometimes the most basic items are the most useful after an earthquake. For starters, I have a pair of running shoes unlaced and ready to be put on. Walking around barefoot (if I'm at home) or in heels (when I'm at work) post-earthquake is never a smart idea because of all the debris that is most likely all over the floor.

A first aid kit is an essential I had to include in my emergency kit. Mine is small and simple, with only the essentials, like gauzes, athletic tape, bandages, antibiotic cream, etc.

Of course, in case of an emergency, I prefer to be able to stay in contact with friends and family, which can be an obstacle when the power is out. My Solar ReStore comes especially in handy for this, as I can charge my cell phone without having to plug it into a power outlet. I simply plug my phone into the Solar ReStore, and it automatically charges it using power from the internal battery. When the Solar ReStore's battery is running low, I expose it to the sun, allowing it to charge using solar energy. In addition, the Solar ReStore also works as my emergency flashlight, having a side-loaded flexible LED light.

In addition to these supplies, I also maintain a bag of canned food and water, checking my supply twice a year to throw out anything that is old or expired and replacing it with new cans. By keeping an emergency kit, I can feel slightly more at ease about earthquakes.

I strongly encourage people who live in other parts of the country and suffer from other natural disasters to maintain their own emergency kits. You never know when an earthquake will hit the east coast, or when a tornado will touch down on the west.

-Jinni

Jazzin' Up the Workplace With GOgroove SideStream

2011-09-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

When it comes to productivity, putting on a good song in the background has always been a favored solution. Although many people ask me how I get any work done while listening to music, I'm much more productive when I'm listening to Michael Buble than listening to the sound of someone's keyboard four cubicles away.
Up until recently, I was using an old pair of clunky computer speakers I found in my garage that I hadn't used in over seven years. With money tight, I knew that I couldn't justify to myself spending money on a pair of computer speakers when I had a "perfectly good set" to use.

I thought they worked fine -- not really. But they got the job done, and that's what mattered. My office wasn't as desolate as before the speakers, where the silence was so loud that it was difficult to get any work done at all.

As much as I appreciated having sound in my office, I started noticing minor details from my speakers that made me appreciate them less and less. I hated that they took up such an obnoxious amount of space on my desk. And I began noticing how awful the sound quality was. Worst of all, the speakers would randomly completely turn off by themselves, and I was forced to wiggle wires behind until I heard sound again. Over time, my frustration with the old speakers continuously increased, as did my urge to toss them out the window.

One day my speakers decided to increase in volume, on their own. The more I tried turning down the sound, the higher the music blared, distracting the whole office. I finally waved my white flag and muted my computer completely while unplugging the old speakers and tossing them in to the electronics recycling bin.

I was on a mission for new computer speakers. But if I was going to spend the money, I was going to buy a pair that would at least meet my needs without breaking the bank. I wanted speakers that had good sound and on-board volume controls, had a unique look or style, and didn't take up too much space on my desk.

I remembered that we had recently received an order of the GOgroove SideStream clip-on speakers, so I decided to try them out for myself. These computer speakers are exactly what I was looking for! They connect to my computer through a USB cable and clip on to my computer screen, leaving plenty of space on my desk for all of the other clutter! The SideStream speakers can be divided and clipped on to each side of your screen, or connect to form one full speaker!

Best of all, these speakers sound amazing. I didn't realize the sound quality I was missing out on until I tried these out! The built-in amp and subwoofers generate great sound that makes listening to audio a much more enjoyable experience. The on-board volume and power controls are also very helpful when I need to quickly turn down the volume when my boss walks into the office, or to turn up on Friday afternoons for an office dance party.

-Jinni

Creating My Own "Car of the Future"

2011-09-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I read an article about the Ford Evos, a car that Mashable called the "Social Networking Vehicle of the Future." What does it take to earn this title? The idea of the Ford Evos is for it to always be connected to a cloud and understand the driver's wants needs and interests. It'll keep tabs on traffic and weather that is relevant to where the driver needs to be, know the work schedule, etc. It will also monitor the driver's physical state and will adjust temperature controls and handing to better accommodate them.
After reading only the title, I couldn't understand why a person would feel the need to send a Tweet or write on a friend's Facebook Wall while driving. Why can't they just wait until they arrive at their destination to be "social"?

But after reading the article, I was much more intrigued by the concept. A car that could work with me to be where I need to be when I need to be there, all the while keeping me comfortable and complacent... Sounds pretty amazing, especially for those of us living in Los Angeles, where getting to somewhere on time is a constant struggle.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the Ford Evos will be coming out any time soon, if at all. With no Evos in my near future, I decided to take my car and some Accessory Genie products, and make my own "car of the future."

I started off with the FlexSmart X2, a wireless FM transmitter that connects to your car through Bluetooth. Aside from playing music wirelessly through your car's speakers, it also enables you to make hands-free phone calls. I also use it with my navigation app to get step by step directions through my speakers.

When I want to easily see my smartphone's screen, I mount my phone on the USA Gear Ventmount to look at my screen quickly without taking my eyes off the road for too long. My Ventmount also rotates horizontal to fit my TomTom Navigation system, which I use when I want to avoid as much traffic as possible.

To entertain any company I may have in my backseat, I set up my USA Gear TabGRAB, a tablet mount that easily attaches to my headrest and adjusts to securely display my tablet. When I wirelessly connect my tablet to the FlexSmart X2, my nieces and nephews will watch shows and movies with what I like to call "surround sound", and I'm left peacefully driving without any fighting coming from the back of my car.

With a few products from Accessory Genie, I have my own "car of the future!" Okay, maybe it still doesn't compare to the Evos. But these products do make my daily commute significantly more tolerable. And in L.A., that's really all that matters.

Oh, and we're still working on a product that does climate control...

-Jinni

AudiOHMS: Good for Productivity, and the Anti-Social Person in You

2011-08-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not afraid to admit that I am ridiculously attached to my earbuds. I seriously can't go anywhere without them. I always think to myself - self, do I really need these? And the answer is always YES! What if you are stuck waiting for someone and you get bored? What if you are in a car with people and want to drown them out? Or even worse, what if you are on the bus or subway? Earbuds are the perfect way to be anti-social without being rude.
Think about it. When you see someone sitting on a bus or at a bus stop, or waiting near a restaurant or mall and you think about approaching them, don't the earbuds throw you off? You see someone with earbuds and it sends a signal that they shouldn't be approached. I know I do it all the time. When I take the subway or go to the gym, the earbuds stay in. Yeah, I enjoy the music, but even better is drowning out the people around me or putting up a barrier between myself and the wierdos out there! I've even been known to putting in earbuds and not listening anything just to avoid talking to people. It's the perfect excuse.

Earbuds also help me stay productive. I'm one of those people who doesn't like the quiet. It's not that I'm afraid of it, but if it gets too quiet, I find myself looking for stimulation. I find that more and more people are like this, maybe because there is so much more out there than ever before and we are getting used to this fast paced world... maybe it's just because my generation just wants to rebel but who knows. All I know is that I'm grateful for my earbuds come the 4pm lull at work.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way about my earbuds. When you walk in to the electronics department of Target, you see how many choices there are! There are earbuds of all shapes, sizes, colors, and price points. You need to decide if you want the in ear earbuds, headphones, big ones, small ones, huge ones... There are an endless amount of options.

I love my audiOHM earbuds from Accessory Genie. Thank goodness I found an affordable pair of earbuds that fit comfortably in my ears and have excellent sound quality. Before I got them, I thought my Apple issued earbuds were just fine, but these make those other ones look like a joke. They come in 3 colors, a dark green, bright blue, and red. I have the red ones and they're awesome. They also come with 4 sizes of silicon ear pieces so I can customize them to fit my ears perfectly. Also makes sharing a little better if you're like me and are grossed out by other people's earwax.

I would recommend these to anyone in need of a good pair of earbuds that doesn't want to spend a lot just for the brand name!

-Jinni