Last minute iOS gifts: our top picks « The BEST Apple Hardware and Software Reviews

Written By Justin December 18th, 2011

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It’s a week until Christmas and you’ve realized there are a few people you still haven’t crossed off your Christmas gift list. Luckily, there’s still time to head to the local Apple store or shop online and pick out the perfect gift.

PowerBlock Plus

The problem with purchasing an extra USB charger for your iPad is that sometimes they can’t handle the power that the iPad needs. Griffin Technology has a solution to this issue with the PowerBlock Plus, a handy charger with great capability. Just plug it into any 100 to 240 volt AC outlet and connect your dock connector cable for your iPad, iPad2, iPhone, or iPod. Our favorite part is that it gives you a built-in AC plug so you don’t use up an outlet and can plug right into it. Rated at 10 watts for fast charging, its output voltage through USB connector is 5 volts DC at 2.1 amp, and through the passthrough outlet is 125 volts A. ($35)

aLoksak

If you want to keep your iPad, iPhone, or iPod safe, this is the best way how. How many times have you wanted to keep it dry from the elements, safe in the kitchen, or thinking of not dropping it in the tub? Plenty, we’re sure. Yes, there are many waterproof cases and sleeves, but we love the aLoksak the best: a cost efficient, resealable, water and element-proof pouch that is essentially a glorified Ziploc bag. These bags are certified waterproof to 60 meters / 200 feet, tested and approved by the Navy Experimental Diving Unit, safe, temperature rated from -40F to 140F, and made of recyclable Polyethylene. The best part is that you can still use the touch screen right through them! ($7 to $15)

Zaggfolio

The folks at Zagg have created an awesome keyboard/case, dubbed the Zaggfolio, that supports your iPad 2. The keys themselves are arranged in a standard layout, and the case, as a whole, offers a lot of protection. It’s also one of the thinnest folios available. You can truly customize it with a wide variety of colors for the case, with options of polyeurethane and leather. Even the iPad centric keyboard can be selected as black, white, or silver (and it’s removable, too). The case supports the device in both landscape and portrait settings, and the rechargeable built-in keyboard battery provides weeks of use between charges. ($100)

Mountek MT5000

If you’re looking for the best option to mount your iPhone or iPod in your car, look no further. The Mountek MT5000 is a sleek, convenient cell phone and MP3 player holder is an affordable, versatile, high quality option. Its design is what makes it so special: the mount securely grips your device in the CD slot tray of your car by inserting into the front loading CD player slot. Don’t worry, though – it slides just far enough in as to not damage anything, and can be angled for the best viewing. It even will change between portrait and landscape. The mount doesn’t need any sort of suction cups, clips, adhesives, and screws (which are common among others) and offers a simple solution for folks who want the best option out there.