My Accessory list - how Ryan decks out an Android

For many people their phone is just that... a phone.  No more, no less.  Maybe it has some email, maybe not.  But it's not a 'life style' item.

For some of us, owning their phone is a lifestyle choice, as such we treat it with as much care and respect as we can.  That means we give it the best accessories we can.

What accessories do we use?  I'll be having each of the team write about what they use, but in the mean time, here's what I use.
The other day I asked you about your protection level of the phone - here's the results of that article if you haven't read it yet.

But I wanted to show you all the items that I have for my device. Some folk like Tom who buy a lot of little gadgets, I tend to try to find fewer, more useful ones ... not saying I wouldn't like more, but ... anyways.  To the right I have a photo of most of them all gathered in one spot.  Let's see if you can pick out which is which.

Protection

Sure, I told everybody that I prefer my phone naked, but I got a scratch on the back, so I'm trying out a case.  I bought 2 of these TPU cases for about $2 a piece, so I'm not complaining about cost.  I'm not a fan of them personally, but they do the job.

The added advantage is that it also prevents the phone from being VERY slippery.

I also store my tablet in a generic sleeve to protect it while not in use.

Sound

I have use Sennheiser bluetooth headphones for biking, as I can't stand earbuds, or cables.  You need something behind the head because of the helmet (play safe kids).

For more stationary music listening, or using it in hangout I have the Steelseries Flux.  And when I've got a few people around and want them to listen too I have an iFrogz Boost, which no matter how often I bring it out, people are still amazed by it.

Input

Not that I often use it, but sometimes I still like to have a stylus, and mine are just generic Rocketfish or iFrogz.

For playing games I have my choice of 2 controllers, either the Steelseries FREE, or the Zeemote JS1.

In the Car

Besides a standard Bluetooth headset (nothing fancy, just a plain Samsung one) in the car I've also got accustomed to using Pugoo.  It's a sticky pad that I've just stuck to my dash.  The phone then just sticks to to it.  It's pretty good, but in the cold climate it loses some of its stickyness.

It's also great for the kitchen, as my wife puts it against a cupboard and then puts the phone on it while she bakes/cooks for recipes.

Chargers

I've got a ton around the house.  Usually I'll find some cheap wall outlet USB chargers online and have those as it seems I have a ton of extra microUSB cables.  My house has at least 6 chargers throughout, and the car has one, plus my work has another.

My favourite tho' is Andru.  Thanks +Tom Gray.

 

Everybody loves seeing this thing. (he's charging my device at the AndroidTO conference)

Miscellaneous

I have a few NFC tags from Sony Xperia that I'm still trying to figure out a proper use case scenario for.

I keep dozens of microfibre cloths around to keep my phones/tablets looking clean.

Similar to the Pugoo I have a Capta that I'll sometimes use on my tripod, a Gorillapod (just a simple version).

 

I also have a 'waterproof case', that I haven't really found a use for yet, but it was $2... unfortunately it was for the iPhone, so my phone's a bit of a snug fit fitting in, but it (probably) works.

My sister in law also got me a Breffo.  I love the look of it, but not sure how to properly use it.  Still looks cool tho'.

What I'm still looking for:

I'm by no means done.  Those who know me, know me as the gadget guy.  So I'd love a few more things stilll.  Like I'm looking for suggestions on:

• Wireless charger
• Tom has a neat 'DIY hack' for the Galaxy S3 and the Note 2, which I'm interested in, but as I have the Nexus 4 now, I need something with Qi.
• Good car mount
• No matter what ones I try they never really seem to stick.  Either cold or whatnot causes them to fail, and always whenever I'm on the highway for some reason.
• Touch Screen Gloves
• It's winter, and playing Ingress is getting a little cold on the hands.
• (hmm... there may be some news by the end of the week)