A roundup of new mobile accessories

Mobile is hot as can be right now. Google acquired Motorola to build mobile devices, and Facebook stock has suffered because it has no mobile strategy. Mobile products, of course, refer to the technology we carry with us, including smartphones, notebook computers, tablets, e-readers, music players and more.

Accessories for these mobile devices is a category that’s also growing. But with so many companies producing so much of the same thing, it’s difficult to choose. Here are some of the latest accessories that I’ve tried and found worthwhile.

Kensington’s AbsolutePower portable charger is designed to simultaneously charge three different devices at the same time: your notebook computer, a smartphone and tablet, or a notebook and any two USB devices. It’s a significant engineering accomplishment in that it provides 100 watts from such a tiny, lightweight and attractive form factor. It’s smaller than most chargers that come with your notebook. It has a 2.1-amp capacity and comes with interchangeable tips for nearly all notebooks. Unfortunately, because of Apple’s unwillingness to license its magnetic connector, it doesn’t work with MacBooks. But charging three devices from one outlet is a real convenience. (About $95, kensington.com)

Just Mobile’s Xtand Go is a compact, well-designed mount for securing your iPhone 4 on your windshield or dashboard while you drive. It has built-in adjustments for holding it at just the right angle in either portrait or landscape mode. It’s great for use in rental cars when you want to use your phone as a GPS. ($39 at the Apple online store, xstand.net)

Have a spare cup holder? Bracketron’s Universal Tablet Cup Holder Mount is an industrial looking smartphone holder that sits at the end of an articulating arm that can be positioned at almost any height and angle. The holder is adjustable, allowing it to fit nearly all smartphones with or without a case. It has an adjustable base that cleverly fits into any cup holder. It’s much larger and less elegant than the Just Mobile product, but provides greater flexibility. ($50, bracketron.com)

M-Edge’s Incline Jacket is a folding suede and leather case for the new iPad that protects both the front and the back. The iPad snaps into its mounting system, a clear plastic bracket attached to the inside of the back cover. The bracket can rotate and slide, allowing the iPad to stand in three different positions in landscape mode and two in portrait, and take pictures with it in the case. ($50, medgestore.com)

Elago makes some of the most attractive accessory products I’ve come across, and at very affordable prices. Its iPhone 4 cases, for example, are very minimalistic, with thin walls that add no bulk or weight to the phone. They're beautifully molded and finished in a variety of colors and patterns, yet start at less than $10. I’m currently using its Breathe case that costs just $8, but looks better than most $30 cases. Other products include a stylus for the iPad with a replaceable tip, tiny SD card readers and bumper cases for the iPad. Products are designed both in their San Diego office and in South Korea, where they are manufactured. (elagostore.com)

Styli for tablets seem to be a blossoming category, likely as a result of the Draw Something app from OMGPOP. Check out the styli from Logiix, which makes a full line of these devices, even one with a built-in laser pointer ($40). They look good and work well. Prices start at about $20. (logiix.net)

WaterField, which makes all of its products in its San Francisco factory, just introduced CitySlicker, a MacBook Air case that’s thin yet provides excellent protection. There are models for both the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air, each with pockets for the charger, mouse and files or magazines. Its interior is made from three layers of material: impact-resistant plastic, neoprene and a soft padded liner. The exterior is constructed of ballistic nylon and leather. Prices range from $129 to $149. (sfbags.com)

WaterField makes another mobile gadget that’s worth noting. It’s the iPhone Wallet, a small leather zipper case that holds currency, credit cards and an iPhone. A window on the front of the wallet lets you use your phone while in the case. Behind the phone is a divider that keeps the phone pressed up against the window and separates it from the cards and bills. It holds about 10 cards and 10 bills. ($39, sfbags.com)

The iTwin is an unusual looking gadget that synchronizes files between two computers without the need to use storage in the cloud, the method Dropbox, SugarSync and other software uses. It looks like a memory stick, but has two USB connectors, one at either end. The stick, however, separates into two pieces, each with a connector. Plug the iTwin into your home computer. Drag and drop files into the iTwin window to share them. Take the other half of iTwin with you or snap it into your notebook computer. You now have instant access to your shared files, from your notebook or any other online computer, no matter where it is, with greater security than using the cloud. ($100, itwin.com)

Expect to see a lot more mobile devices come out this summer and fall. We’re likely to get tablets from Google and Amazon, new iPads, many new notebooks, and perhaps a phone from Facebook.