AppAdvice’s Ultimate Back to School Accessory Guide

One of my favorite accessories of 2015, you can leave cables behind when using the Belkin Valet Charge Dock for iPhone and Apple Watch. Featuring an integrated charger for both the phone and watch, Belkin recently unveiled a new rose gold color along with the original silver version. Thanks to the beautiful Apple-like design and ease of use, it’s easily the best combination Apple Watch and iPhone dock out there.

You can purchase either color from a local Apple Store or online for $129.95.

If already have a way to charge an iPhone, Belkin also offers a Charge Dock just for the watch. It costs $59.99.

The innovative and unique case system from OtterBox is a great way to protect your iPhone while using a long list of different accessories. The big feature compatibility with a number of special swappable accessories from other third-party companies including Olloclip, Square, SanDisk, and many others.

When you need to add an accessory, just slide off the removable accent plate near the bottom the case and connect the module. Other accessories, like the popular Olloclip 4-in-1 lens system, can attach to the grooved edge inside of the camera opening and on top of the case.

I reviewed the case last month, and it’s highly recommended, especially if you’re a fan of the different compatible accessories.

Available in either a black or white/gray color, the case starts at $44.95 for the iPhone 6s/6 and moves to $59.95 for the larger iPhone 6s/6 Plus. The wide variety of accessories start at $19.95 all the way to $250 for a thermal camera.

It actually seems to be happening – Apple’s next-generation iPhone will apparently ship without the ubiquitous 3.5mm headphone jack. And if you’re hoping to be prepared, Sennheiser has a great over-ear Bluetooth option. The Urbanite XL Wireless Headphones offer everything you could want in an over-ear option. The ear cups and headband are comfortable and perfect for long jam sessions, and you can also use the included cable if needed when the battery runs out. They can also collapse when not in use to take up less room in your gadget bag.

You can snag the black version for $172.97.

When it’s time to juice up you Apple devices, Satechi’s Multi-Port Charging Station should have you covered. Along with four 2.4A regular USB ports, it also sports a pair of USB-C ports to charge your 12-inch MacBook. Smart automatic detection technology will make sure that each device is charged as fast as possible.

A black or white version is available for $29.99.

And speaking of the new MacBook, Kanex has a great option to help keep you at full power while on the go. The company’s Go Power Slim Aluminum USB-C Portable Battery boasts a 15,000 mAH capacity and can completely charge the laptop once using the built-in USB-C port. It can also provide power simultaneously to other devices like an iPad or iPhone. A standout feature is the priority charging detection that will focus on juicing up any plugged in devices while the battery is receiving power.

Four LED indicators will show you the power level of the battery.

Available in a silver finish, it can be purchased now for $99.95.

A multi-purpose stand for an iPad, iPad mini or iPad Air, the Compass 2 can hold an iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation. A soft rubber coating protects whatever surface you sat the stand on and the iPad itself. As an extra added perk, the stand’s foldaway second leg can place your tablet into a nice typing angle.

When the stand isn’t needed, or when it’s time to hit the road, you can fold it flat and place it into the included soft travel sleeve.

You can purchase the stand now in one of five different colors – silver, black, red, gold or rose gold for $39.99.

A go-anywhere Bluetooth speaker, the new JBL Charge 3 offers a 6,000 man battery that can provide up to 20 hours of music before needing to be recharged. It’s covered with durable fabric and is waterproof as well. Thanks to a built-in USB port, you can charge an iPhone or other device when needed. If you’re looking to turn the volume up a notch, you can wirelessly link multiple JBL Connect speakers.

There are five different colors to select from – black, blue, red, gray, and teal. The black version is currently $144.98 while the other colors are just a bit more.

And a good backpack is essential for carrying your devices, books, and anything else while at school or on campus. While it’s most well-known for its line of cases for the iPhone and iPad, Speck has jumped head first into the bag business. One of its newest options in the Kargo. Able to fit up to a 17-inch laptop, there are three compartments designed to hold other belongings. The laptop pocket can zip completely open so you can leave it in the bag while going through airport security.

Three color schemes are available for the $69.99 bag.

Wallet cases can really help lighten the load by providing a place to carry cash and credit cards right along with your iPhone. Bellboy’s is made with leather and can hold up to four cards and cash. The cover also flips over to form a stand to place the iPhone into a stand.

There are four different colors of the wallet available to purchase. An iPhone 6s/6 version is $89.95 while the case made for the larger iPhone 6s/6 Plus is $10 more.

The sky is the limit with the Nyrius Wireless Smart LED Lightbulb. Using the companion app, you can select from millions of different color choices and even schedule the bulb to turn on and off at specific times of the day. And when a long day of studying is over, you can use the bulb at a party to have it flash and change color in time to the beat of the music.

A single bulb can be purchased now for $19.97.

While a laptop is perfect for carrying around campus or school, Griffin’s Elevator provides a number of great features when you’re at a desk at home. Compatible with most MacBooks, it elevates your device 5.5-inches off the desk while also providing room for a keyboard and mouse. It can also easily be taken apart when it’s time to leave.

You can purchase the Elevator now for $39.99. There are three different colors to elect from – black, gold, and space gray.

The Booqpad can give you the best of both the analog and digital worlds. Along with protecting your iPad, the folio features a removable, 50-sheet notepad. It can place your iPad into a nice media viewing angle when needed and even sports a pocket for the optional Apple Pencil.

Available in gray, it can be purchased now for $60.