Don’t leave home without these new, helpful tek accompaniments.

I recently went through tek-puberty, complete with all the mood swings, breakouts and angst reminiscent of my teen years. I was one of the last tek-dinosaurs, busily typing away on my big old P.C., reading books on the original Kindle and using a cell-phone that could never be considered “smart”.

Then I decided it was time to join the 21st century and go whole-hawg Apple. I recently purchased a new iPhone 4S, iPad and iMac. While I’m still struggling to learn how to get Siri to do even one thing that I ask her (that girl has a serious attitude) I’m loving the rest of it, partic all the new gadgets that are easing my transition.

After testing a bunch of new tekky products here are my fab four fave: Don’t leave home without me tekky aids.

1. Pretty in Pink

The Eyn iPhone case offers the perfect solution for when you’re running to the gym, out for a night clubbing or any other time you don’t feel lugging a big handbag. Eyn (clever acronym for Everything You Need) has created a nifty, all-in -one case for your iPhone, with a secret storage space in back for all your essentials: cash, key and a couple of credit cards. They’ve thoughtfully included a mirror for sneaking a quick “any spinach-in-my-teeth” peek and the kick-stand comes in handy when watching movies or FaceTime chats.

My thoughts: Since it’s made from high quality polycarbonate it feels quite sturdy, but the case is a wee bit difficult to open with long nails.

The Eyn case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is available for $30 in black, turquoise, and pink.

Perfect I-Pad playmates:

2. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

Skinny-minnie Logitech

The Jenny Craig of covers, this baby is only 8mm thick. The add-at-will Bluetooth wireless keyboard is a Godsend if you’re like me and have trouble with typos on the iPad.

Nifty Features
-Slim aluminum cover for iPad 2 and iPad (3rd generation) looks very James Bondish cool
-Built-in Bluetooth wireless keyboard gives you up to six months of keyboard power on a full charge
-Magnetic friendly cover securely attaches the keyboard cover to your iPad in seconds
-Integrated iPad stand
-Instant on/off saves battery power

My thoughts: It’s a breeze to type on and I really like the sleek, sophisticated styling, but since the cover doesn’t protect the back of the iPad you might want to bring along a protective case when traveling.

Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is priced around $100.

3. ZAGGfolio for iPad 2

exZaggly right

Slightly more full-figured than Logitech’s version, however for a few additional ounces you get a full case, a Bluetooth wireless keyboard and built-in stand. The hard-shell cover with microfiber lining inside is nowhere near as pretty as Logitech’s but this iPad buddy does offer superior protection.

Nifty Features
-Created with an ABS hard-shell case wrapped in authentic leather or stylish polyurethane and a durable microfiber interior lining.
-Built-in iPad folio stand is ideal for on-the-go use.
-Space-saving removable keyboard designed for fast and accurate typing, supports the iPad in both landscape and portrait orientation. Rechargeable built-in keyboard battery provides months of normal use between charges.
-Available in a variety of colors, as well as leather options.

My thoughts: Love the easy-to-type-on, bouncy keys with a full row of dedicated iPad function keys (volume control, music control, home, search, and copy and paste etc.) but it’s a bit of a hassle to remove the keyboard for recharging.

ZAGGfolio for iPad 2 is priced around $100.

4. Powerbag Business Class bag

Powerbags backpacks-choose your color

Now that you have a bunch of new gadgets, how are you going to carry them all and where are you going to charge them? The answer to both of these questions is the new Powerbag Business Class bag. This large-sized, smarty-pants backpack comes ready for serious business with oodles of pockets for protecting your iPhone, iPad, Bluetooth devices, etc. with room left over for a few changes of clothes plus it’s packed with enough battery power to charge your smartphone up to four times before you need to plug it in.
All this powering business takes place unobtrusively inside the backpack utilizing a battery, Apple connector, Micro- and Mini-USB connectors and an on-board USB port, so no more plugs and cords left behind in your hotel room. Checkout the website for a thorough description of how this works- too technical for me- all I know is that all you have to do is plug it into the wall and it will charge up to four devices simultaneously. Works for me!

Nifty Features:
The heavily padded pockets ensure safe travel and the clever “Checkpoint Friendly” FlyFlat design eliminates the need to remove your laptop so you can whiz through security. (Okay, maybe not whiz but it certainly speeds up the process.)

My thoughts: If you’re the backpack carrying type, this one is uber-comfy although somewhat bulky. If you want to travel lighter, Powerbags come in about a dozen styles from trendy messenger bags to a full-sized office-on-wheels, each containing 3000 mAh or 6000 mAh batteries. Note: It can’t charge a notebook or any other device that needs an AC adapter and not just a USB port.

PS. When you’re on the Powerbag website check out myCharge for the latest in portable power solutions.
Powerbag Business Class bag is priced around $180.

and Hot off the press…
I just finished charging the myCharge Summit 3000 power bank and WOW! This is going to be one item I’m never going to leave home without. This incredible rechargeable power source is waaay cool and ultra-light! Plus it into the wall and in only 2 hours you are fully charged and ready to go. ( or you can use the USB charging cord)
*It charges 3 devices at once.
*Provides +13 hours talking time if you really have some important news to share or +10 hrs browsing
*Has built in cords for your iPhone, iPad, iPod and many non- “i” items also.
*Plus I love the woman’s voice (she’s fluent in 4 languages and so much nicer than Siri) sweetly telling me how much energy I have left. You can turn her off if you’d rather use the illuminating lights method.
Check out myChargepower.com for more details.