Playlist review round-up for August 24

In case you missed them, here are the most recent product reviews published by Playlist . (For a complete list of reviews, check out the Playlist Product Guide:

Accessories

RadTech iPhone headphone adapter (

): Like Belkin’s Headphone Adapter, RadTech’s offering plugs into the iPhone’s recessed jack and then provides a standard headphone minijack for connecting your favorite headphones; it worked well with a range of third-party headphones. However, whereas the Belkin adapter is short (two inches), thick, and rigid, RadTech’s is 6.5 inches long overall with a thin, flexible cable in the middle. Although I was impressed with the build quality of the Belkin adapter, I think the lower price and flexible design of the RadTech ProCable makes it more appealing for everyday use.—DF

Car Audio

Griffin Technology PowerJolt for iPhone and iPod (

): Griffin’s PowerJolt for iPhone and iPod is the same product, at the same $20 price, as the “2006” PowerJolt—just renamed to emphasize compatibility with the iPhone. With a better design and an additional cable, the current $20 PowerJolt is that much better a bargain.—DF

XtremeMac InCharge Auto (

): This USB-based iPod auto charger is attractive and well-made. However, at the same price as Griffin’s PowerJolt, you’ll have to decide which is more important to you: the additional connection options provided by the PowerJolt’s mini-USB cable, or the InCharge auto’s more-attractive design.—DF

Cases

Case-Mate Signature Leather Case for iPhone (

): The Signature is made of soft, Napa leather, but it’s also got a rigid internal shell that, with two exceptions, offers a good deal of protection against shock if you accidentally drop your iPhone. The exceptions are the upper-right corner, which is exposed on the back, and the screen. Unlike cases that include a small hole for the iPhone’s camera lens, the Signature case cuts away the entire corner. The Signature is attractive, feels well-made, and, apart from the upper-right corner, offers good protection for a use-in case.—DF

Crystal Armour for iPod nano (

): Made from transparent polycarbonate, the Crystal Armour is a hinged hard case. The best feature of the case is a flexible rubber cover for the nano’s Click Wheel that’s attached to the case, so there’s no chance of it popping out and getting lost. One downside to a case that’s as secure as this one is the lack of accessibility. And though the case itself is pretty robust, the latch that secures the case seemed a little too willing to slide open or closed of its own accord and the lanyard is also a bit suspect. The Crystal Armour is not a bad case, but the shortcomings do bear note if you’re planning on using the case for extremely rugged activities.—DM

WaterField Designs iPhone Smart Cases: Slip (

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WaterField Designs iPhone Smart Cases: Flap (

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WaterField Designs iPhone Smart Cases: Clip (

): A number of editors have long been fans of WaterField Designs’ various bags and cases, so we’ve been looking forward to WaterFields’ entries into the iPhone accessory market. The first such foray is the company’s iPhone Smart Case, which is actually one case available in three different versions: Slip ($35), Flap ($39), and Clip ($39). The Slip is the basic case, while the Flap and Clip add a strap-grabbing flap or a belt clip, respectively. Each is available in one of six stock colors—the fabric is water-resistant and has a slight metallic finish—or you can request another Waterfield fabric for an additional charge.—DF

Games

The Sims Bowling (

): This game for fifth-generation iPods adds a Sims twist to an arcade-style bowling game. It’s fun and different, but the bowling itself isn’t overly challenging.—PETER COHEN

Headphones

Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset (

): Apple’s iPhone Bluetooth Headset doesn’t provide the best performance on the market, nor does it offer an extensive set of features. On the other hand, it’s the sleekest and perhaps most attractive Bluetooth headset I’ve seen, and, when used with an iPhone, pairing and charging work like no other headset on the market. If you don’t need noise-canceling technology, these features, along with the headset’s style and included accessories, may make it an appealing package. —DF

Speakers

Chestnut Hill Sound George (

): The George is an impressive package of technology, a great iPod speaker system, and a very good desktop stereo. It provides excellent sound quality, is easy to use, and offers unique features not found on any other audio system we’ve seen.—DF

Sonic Impact i-P22 (

): The i-P22 has the same advantages and disadvantages as the i-Pax portable speaker system for Sonic that preceded it. Overall, it’s an easy choice for those who need a compact speaker system that offers good sound and will hold up to some abuse.—DF