Griffin Technology was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1992 by Paul Griffin. Griffin Technology designs and manufactures technical solutions with an excellent design. Griffin Technology is one of the most important providers of accessories for personal computing and digital media.  Their first product, video adapter who provided a way for Macintosh computers to connect to a VGA monitors, was a great success.

Therefore Griffin Technology started manufacturing all sorts of computer peripherals, consumer electronics and most recently accessories. Their biggest selling line is the accessories line for the iPods. The first accessory for the iPod was released at MacWorld in San Francisco in January 2002. Because of this success the number of employees at Griffin Technology increased by over 400% between 2003 and 2007.

Today, Griffin not only designs and manufactures, but also delivers useful and great solutions for personal computing and entertainment all around the world using the online store and some major retailers. Buying an iPod or an iPhone is a great experience. Once you get home you kind of lose all that enthusiasm. If you are a neat person then you are not going to let your new Apple gadget just laid around your desk. You need a dock for your iPod or iPhone. Sure you can choose from the Apple braded one, but their kind of dull. Just go online and search. What are you going to find? Probably the Simplifi Charge / Sync dock with media card reader and USB hub.

Therefore you don't just get a dull dock, you get a great device which will charge and sync your iPod (because it is created for it) or iPhone (it is iPhone compatible) and that will read and write memory cards (CF - Compact Flash, xD, SDHC, SD, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick) and it will be an USB hub (with the two port powered USB hub, using AC adapter). Therefore reclaim your desktop with the Simplifi all in one dock, media card reader and USB hub solution.

This Griffin device combines multiple functions in just one gadget. This device will charge your iPod and iPhone using the USB cable. Additionally, the Griffin Simplifi dock for iPod / iPhone will sync your Apple devices with a personal computer or a MacBook. The USB found on the dock has the latest version (v2.0) and it is capable of connecting with any other gadgets using the same protocol (printers, scanners, flash drives, keyboards, phones, and others). The design of this dock is great and the quality build is flawless. Basically   Griffin Simplifi dock for iPod / iPhone, media card reader, and USB hub is a simple, yet versatile way for you to organize in a neat perspective your desk.

This device has a great anodized aluminum design, and it can integrate in any conditions. The top of the Griffin Simplifi includes a universal dock (in order for you to connect your iPod or iPhone). Because this dock is compatible with any iPod models, Griffin included plastic adapters in order for you to connect safely even your iPod nano, iPod Classic and iPod shuffle. Once you turn your attention to the back of the dock, you will find a mini USB plug, two USB ports, and power input plug. However you don't get for this price ($69.99), neither audio nor video output jacks.

The Griffin Simplifi dock delivers what is suppose to, great connectivity between iPod, iPhone, or flash memory card to your computer (the Griffin dock does not let you neither import nor export files between the memory cards and iPod or iPhone). Griffin technology always delivers great products as accessories for Apple devices. However, this dock, for instances, is to expensive. Remember it lacks any audio and video outputs, and does not transfer any of your files from the memory cards to your iPod or iPhone. Beside the actual dock, Griffin includes in the shipping box an AC power supply, USB A to mini B cable and a set of universal dock adapters (for a better connection with all the iPod models).

Monster Cable Products was founded in 1979 by Noel Lee, a laser fusion design engineer and an audiophile and professional drummer.  Monster's new product development division focuses their entire attention to create the innovative, high performance cables and accessories that make Monster the leader in the industry. They already have an impressive portfolio with over 200 international patents. However, Monster is continuing to develop new products.


Some of the most sold products in the US are the accessories for Apple products, especially the iPod line, but also the three year old iPhone line. If you are the proud user of an old model (or maybe cheap) car, then you probably don't have iPod connection offered. Even more, if your car has a radio cassette player and not a CD player, then you have to bring the system sound from your car back to 2009. If you already have an iPod or iPhone (or maybe both), then the only thing missing between pure boredom and high entertainment, is the Monster iCar Play Cassette 800. You will certainly enjoy your iPod or iPhone on the road.

The Monster iCar Play Cassette 800 is an adapter for playing an iPod or iPhone's audio through a car stereo cassette. The iCar Play Cassette 800 has an improved cassette head for better quality, a digital display, and multiple cable outlets to fit most cassette deck slots. The iCar Play cassette adapter offers a 3 foot cord to keep your iPod or iPhone within easy reach while driving (in case you get a call or a short message). The sound quality is excellent and the device also sports a great feature: the audio goes through your car stereo during a call and your collocutor can easily hear you.

The sound from the iCar Play Cassette 800 is clear and deep, because of the dual balanced conductors who deliver more natural audio than any other similar devices. It is easy to carry around because of its light weight (99.8 g). Cable length (24 k gold contacts for maximum corrosion resistance) is about 0.91 meters or 3 feats. The Monster iCar Play Cassette 800 is compatible to all iPod models but also with iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS. The "accessory" fever has reached all manufacturers. Most of these accessories are being sold on holiday or even local holidays.

The marketing direction chosen by Monster is successful, because many people spend every day at least one whole hour in their cars. Therefore, accessories that will keep drivers and their passengers entertained while getting to their destination, is a safe bet for Monster. Beside the actual iCar Play Cassette 800 for iPhone and iPod, Monster doesn't deliver anything else in the shipping box. For only $24.95 you can really make a difference to your care entertainment system without having to go through an expensive and boring process. You don't have to purchase new sound system for hundreds of dollars and you don't even have to go to an electrician to install it, just slide your iCar Play Cassette 800 into your car's cassette deck and play your favorite playlists from your iPod and even iPhone.

Released on July 15, 2009, by Megara Entertainment, the Arcana Agency: Prologue is a great game for iPod touch and iPhone users (iPhone OS 3.0 required). It is not an action game or a shooter game, but it still provides a lot of interesting action for the game book fans. This game is more like an old mystery book. Arcana Agency: Prologue takes a rather polished approach to provide the same feel as a great book.

The Arcana Agency: Prologue is one of the best game books offered on the App Store for the iPod and iPhone users because it combines the game action with an excellent story. Basically the whole action expends on the the route you choose to follow. Arcana Agency combines mini puzzles with storytelling. However don't be disappointed because it will still entertain you. Always think before you make a decision, because the outcome is influenced by decisions you make in the game. The game puts you in the shoes of Dr. Humphrey Brown. Dr. Brown gives up his anthropology professorship in order to become a private investigator (after he reads an ad in the newspaper). The action is settled in 1932 New York. Your sabbatical leave might create problems into the future, but you have to pursue your dream of adventures. The story is not that deep, but it is captivating nevertheless. Because the game build the finally you can play Arcana Agency: Prologue more than once and still be entertained.

The graphics are good with an old comic style and a lot of attention to the details in every single frame. You can even tap on them for an enlarged view. However the size and style of the font is not that great. For some people it might even be hard to read. In the settings mode you will not find any options to change the font. Additionally, beyond the opening theme song, there isn't any other background music or effects (very bad for the overall feeling while playing the game). Megara Entertainment should have added some sound effects in order to complete the game with a good story. The Arcana Agency has innovative game play that includes physical and mental injuries that can result from too risky choices.  The game has several quality features like: realistic comic style graphics, 1000 routes through the adventure, backup system if you need to stop playing and resume later, and mini games test your success with physical and mental tasks. Also be aware that the game ending depends entirely from the choices you take during the game.

The newest version, 1.1.5 for the iPhone operating system 3.0 add to the feature list, new high resolution pictures and also fixes minor bug issues. Visually the interface is a master piece. It looks good and it is not complicated at all. At any time during the game, you can access notes on the specific characters (in order to correctly evaluate the situation), a bookmark in order for you to save the progress and even a map to make the game easier to play. Because of the "tree" game play it will be rather difficult to play the game as you progress through the story. This game is much related to the first puzzle games released in the 90's for PC's. If you spend enough time calculating your next move, the game might even be extremely fun. Remember this is a mini puzzle game, therefore if you know you are a more of a "does it" than "think it through" kind of person, don't buy this game. The mini puzzles add some entertainment to the game. After reading a part of the story, a series of choices are provided.

This is the ground zero point from where the game splits into multiple directions. Therefore if you are looking for a peaceful game that will necessitate your brain activity and not just tapping to shoot, Arcana Agency: Prologue is the game for you at only $3.99 price list.

On June 22, 2009 seller Benjamin Padget released an excellent game, Earth Vs Moon for the iPhone OS 3.0 you can find it on the App Store with the 1.0 version. However an update is on the way, therefore you can now buy this version for 50% less the asking price. "Don't let Earth get completely destroyed. Although partially destroyed is ok". Originally based on the Missile Command Atari game, the Earth Vs Moon is an evolved touch shooter for the iPhone / iPod touch platform. This game provides an excellent combination of nifty battles with a great Armageddon humor. The story line is solid: Earth finds itself confronted by a previously unknown enemy, the Moon Army; equipped with advanced alien technology, the Moon Army attacks Earth. Its mission is to enslave Earth-kind, conquer or naturally resources (like we have some left) and make a mockery of humans. The humor is worth pointing out because is one of the special features provided by the game. Don't expect at comedy humor, no, just pure dry humor. Comments will appear during the whole game.


Also there are a few intro and level conclusion scenes that appear in the form of front pages from newspapers. The game consists of 3 play modes: Story Mode, Score Attack and Boss Attack. Story Mode consists of 20 missions which are progressively unlocked. You must complete through level 8 in order to unlock Score Attack, which is the endurance survival mode where you attempt to survive as long as you can. Beside these two levels, you also have the Boss Attack where you battle the bosses. The Score Attack mode features randomly generated content so no two games are the same. The graphics are great, the levels have a good story integrated, and the explosions are lively.

The game play is frantic; therefore all the details added in this game will probably be left out from the big picture while playing. Whether it is a localized explosion or a chain reaction, there is a sense of satisfaction you get when you complete a mission. The soundtrack is excellent. Overall the game packs good visual effects and great sound effects. As you advance through levels you will feel how the game gets tougher. You have to defend Earth by using three satellites located above the Earth. However, each satellite has limited ammo with shields that can be activated for each individual satellite by tapping on it. In order for you to protect Earth, you must first protect all the three satellites. You will lose the war against the Moon's Army if your satellites get destroyed. Every shield activation uses two ammo. You can also launch an array of missiles, when needed, but keep in mind that every time you use a satellite its ammo will get consumed. This game is not just an action shooter; it is also a way for you to prove your strategy skills in counter time.

At the beginning of every level, a full overview is provided (about the enemies and their weapons on the current level). In order for you to win this game, you have to be capable to anticipate where enemy ships and missiles are headed. Fear not, because you are not playing against a real adversary, but against an artificial intelligence (which does repeat itself in the process). Do not be afraid if you let any ships or missile hit the Earth, because is not the end of the game. Sure, the Earth will be a little destroyed, but then again, isn't it already destroyed by human kind? Even if this game seams realistic, it is still a game. At every new 200.000 points a ship will zip across space. If you manage to shoot it than a part of the destroyed Earth gets healed. It kind of ruins the integrity of the game, but then again it is a way to remind you that you still have a life beyond the virtual world.

The game puts you in the shoes of the Missile Commander. You will have to battle against 5 gigantic bosses, including the supreme overlord of the Moon Empire, Emperor Noom. You will also have to shoot down and destroy 10 types of enemies that are hurtling straight toward Earth. There are 5 boss battles. However these battles are not the greatest feature of Earth Vs Moon. Apparently, the Moon people have a habit of releasing a huge ball on the planet they are conquering. Your objective is to stop the ball, by bouncing it toward the mother ship using all weapons you have left. However the best part is an alien voice that is constantly calling you names.

The boss battles are unique but also you get a feeling that there from another game. Even so they will keep your interest for the game at a high level. Another excellent feature is the title you are being given after every battle. Therefore if you dare to lose a battle the game will stamp you with "Epic Failure", while if you win the battle you are going to be rewarded with an "Earth Approved Good Job". Also you can keep an eye on your scoring, because that what all is about, right? You get a bones based on how much of the population survives (therefore do a good job protecting Earth, or at least heal it using the special ship offered at every 200.000 points) and missiles remaining.

Based on these elements you are going to be appreciated with a star rating. Therefore if you don't mind: lack of the global leader boards and the small text, you will find great features like: polished graphic and sounds, easy to learn game play, boss battles that offer a variety of challenges and not just "defeat this extra powerful enemy", easy individual levels and great replay mode to improve score, rating and to unlock modes. Overall, Earth Vs Moon is totally worth a look if you are interested in buying a great game for your iPod and iPhone with iPhone OS 3.0.

Everyone needs a good display. At work, at home, connected either with your PC or notebook a good display is needed. The current trend is bigger the better. Therefore look for a good solid (over 20 inches) display. As all the other manufacturers, Apple tries to convince the customers that their new LED Cinema Displays (flat panel) are the best on the market. The 24 inches LED Cinema Display has a great design. It's made of aluminum and glass. Therefore the display aligns in design matter to the new MacBook Pro line (13, 15, 17 inches). Also the LED Cinema Display, like the latest generation of iPod, iPhone and Mac notebooks and computers, features new technology as the LED backlight (which is mercury free) and the arsenic free glass. The glass and aluminum design make the LED display very recyclable.

The display is also free of BFRs and PVCs in all internal cables and components. Other technical specifications include screen type - TFT active matrix LCD with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, up to 16.7 million colors. The display boosts an impressive brightness up to 330 cd / m2 with a viewing angle 178" horizontal and 178" vertical. The LED Cinema Display is designed for the MacBook. Therefore don't waste your money on this display in order to connect it to a PC. The new diplay is compatible only with Mac computers with a Mini Display Port, including MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Pro, Mac mini and iMac. The LED display sports three powered USB 2.0 ports and Kensington security slot.



The USB ports will also allow you to charge your MacBook. The connectivity is ensured by the Mini Display Port. This new kind of connector has no pins and doesn't need screws to be fixed. The LED Cinema Display attaches to the new MacBook line, MacBook Pro line and MacBook Air. Also you can connect the Cinema Display to desktop computers that have a Mini Display Port (Pro, Mini and iMac). By using this kind of new connector the attaching the Display is even easier and faster than before. By using the Universal Mag Safe connector the MacBook connected to your Cinema Display will charge itself.



The excellent quality of the monitor is represented by the crystal clear and bright projected images. The 24 inches LED Cinema Display has no problems in a light control environment, text is sharp and clear. Reflections are present but they are not more distracting like the ones from the MacBook Pro. Also the glossy finish makes graphics; photos and video appear in rich color and deep black. Because of the new LED technology the Cinema Display powers up fast from the display sleep. Also LEDs are environment friendly because of the mercury free construction.

An extra touch to the specs list is the built in iSight camera with microphone, built in 2.1 speaker system and USB hub. You can have videoconference with your MacBook closed. You can listen to music without headphones. The quality of speakers is good, nothing extraordinary. You should use external speakers for excellent quality music playback. Because the LED Cinema Display meets Energy Star requirements it receives a gold rating from the Electronic Environmental Assessment Tool. The input voltage is from 100 V to 240 V AC 50 - 60 Hz. The maximum power consumed is 212 W when charging MacBook Pro. In the energy saver mode the Cinema consumes 1 W or less.

The dimensions of this device are impressive. With a height of 47.84 cm, wide of 57.32 cm and deep of 19.71, it weights a good 9.5 kg. Beside the actual display the containing box comes with AC power cord, cleaning cloth and printed documentation. Pro arguments: it looks like a work of art; the picture is bright, sharp and clear. It connects excellent with a MacBook Pro or a Mac Mini. For the typical consumer this LED monitor is usable.



For someone who needs a color accurate display for professional quality works this Display is just a waste of money. Other bad feature is the short cables. For this price the connectivity should have been better. Also the lack of inputs (lacks simple DVI port). If you have more than two Apple products then one of them for sure has dead pixels. The same goes with the LED Display Cinema, who comes with one or two dead pixels.

Overall this is a good display with high quality, good color support and excellent style. But you are the only one who can choose what is good for you, your work or quality time. If you are planning to buy the 24 inches LED Cinema Display then you should know that you need to format the audio and camera for each program like Skype or iChat. Although the cables are really short, you can hide them behind the central stand. Therefore check this display in a Apple store than buying it from straight from the internet.