Griffin Rolls Out New Travel Accessories at CES

Ah yes, another combination posting for you. I think I like doing this much better. I mean I could break this down into five separate posts, and I could have done that same with the others but this works better I think, don’t you?  Then again we do have a running post count thing every month here behind the scenes so maybe I should be breaking these down into single posts then I’d be sure to win. Not that we get anything for the most posts, it’s just bragging rights..hmmm…  So, here’s all of the latest Griffin news from CES, well at least the news about their new travel accessories for our mobile devices..

WindowSeat 3 HandsFree is a windshield/dashboard mount for smartphones. Designed for car stereos that have AUX-in jacks, this WindowSeat comes with an AUX cable and mic that can be used to make handsfree phone calls and stream music/navigation commands through the car speakers. A 3-point adjustable mounting bracket securely grips all types of smartphones (even accommodating bulky cases), with rubber cushions that hold the phone in its cradle. A heavy-duty lever-action suction cup grips to the windshield or dash, and a friction-lock ball joint securely positions the device at eye level for safe, easy reference to street maps, directions and other content. The included auxiliary audio cable connects to the car stereo’s AUX input, streaming music, turn-by-turn navigation, and even handsfree phone calls, all through the car speakers. WindowSeat 3 HandsFree is constructed of materials that withstand variations in temperature and complement the vehicle’s interior.

For cars without AUX-in-equipped stereos, the AirCurve Window Mount combines the best features of two of Griffn’s most popular standalone devices: the AirCurve acoustic amplifier for iPhone, and their car Window Mount cradle. The AirCurve Window Mount adheres to glass or dashboard using the included swivel mounting base. AirCurve works like an acoustic megaphone for iPhone 4/4S, amplifying its built-in speakers by as much as 25 decibels. Users can carry on conversations in handsfree speakerphone mode while driving. AirCurve’s cleverly-engineered waveguide does it all without batteries or cables.

Griffin’s AirCurve Window Mount, $29.99, and WindowSeat 3 HandsFree, $39.99, are their latest additions to the brand’s DriveSafe initiative and are now available for purchase at www.griffintechnology.com.

The PowerBlock Reserve, $59.99, is a wall charger for iPod and iPhone that can be plugged into any AC wall outlet to provide a quick boost of power. It can also deliver a charge even when it is not plugged into the wall, thanks to its built-in rechargeable 2,000 mAh lithium-ion battery pack. A ruggedized coating for durability and an included 30-pin Apple sync-and charge cable makes PowerBlock Reserve the ideal travel companion for iPod and iPhone. PowerBlock Reserve Universal, $49.99, is similar in power and form factor, but is designed to quickly charge any USB device. Both PowerBlock Reserve models charge their own batteries at the same time they’re charging connected devices. A row of LEDs serve as a fuel gauge, indicating how much charge is left.

Another newly-refreshed member of the PowerBlock series is the ultra compact PowerBlock, $29.99, an easy-to-carry wall charger for all kinds of USB devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod. PowerBlock puts out 10 watts of charging power for fast, safe charging on the go, and includes a detachable Apple dock cable. Other devices can plug their own cables into PowerBlock’s standard USB port. PowerBlock Dual Universal, $24.99, is another new portable power option for charging two USB devices simultaneously. Two industry-standard Type-A USB ports each deliver up to 5 watts of power.

Rounding out Griffin’s travel solutions is the Tray Table Latch Mount. The patent pending two-part mounting system is designed to be compatible with 90% of the world’s airline and commuter rail tray table latches. The Mount holds your eReader, tablet or smartphone at eye level for comfortable hands-free viewing. Tray Table Latch Mount will be  introduced in an eReader and smartphone configuration in Q2 2012. Additional tablet models are planned.