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Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
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iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

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Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
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Discover New Music

  • The Dresden Dolls

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Dresden Dolls
    • The energetic duet of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione that make up the Dresden Dolls have created a wonderfully haunting sound in their self-titled album. They have been able to construct an imme

  • Another Day on Earth

    • 10 out of 10
    • Brian Eno
    • In his first proper solo release since 1996's relatively cold "The Drop," Brian Eno has constructed a whimsical and ecclectic masterpiece which is arguably one of the year's strongest records thus fa
  • De Nova

    • 10 out of 10
    • The Redwalls
    • Wow! Perhaps my 5-star rating is simply because the Redwalls are not only new and fresh (none of them older than 22!), or perhaps its because -- despite their ages -- they are able to totally capture
  • Billy Miles

    • 10 out of 10
    • Billy Miles
    • Take the voice of a young Billie Holiday and stuff it into a svelte, petite body with the face of an angel, and you have some idea of what it's like to experience the music of Billy Miles in her self-
  • Album Of The Year

    • 10 out of 10
    • Brother Love
    • Killer grooves, catchy riffs, edgy vocals with oh-so-just-right layered harmonies, and a drive that will move even YOU out of your chair, Brother Love's initial release is what rock and roll should be

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Quick Look Review

iZel is a Light, Portable Stand for iPods, SmartPhones

The Moviac iZel is a portable, lightweight, durable and adjustable stand for most any small electronic device such as an MP3 player, iPhone, iPod, iPod touch, BlackBerry, etc. It's made from a durable, slip resistant elastomer material and can be adjusted for portrait or landscape viewing as well as tilt angle.

iZel front

Portrait Mode

At fist, the device seems rather modest in its design for the price because it is small and ships flat, but that turns out to be a considerable advantage. It's soft, flexible and easy to throw into an equipment bag or briefcase when flat. Then, with a clever design, one just snaps it together in the desired shape for portrait or landscape mode. With continued use, the benefits become more apparent.

iZel folding

From flat to folded and ready for use (landscape mode)

I tested the iZel with an iPhone and and iPod touch. The design of the cradle in the front looks like it will accommodate devices of widely varying thickness. The elastomer material's texture not only holds the iPhone without slipping, but also resists skidding around on the table surface.

The iZel weights just 1.3 ounces (37 grams) and can literally be folded, spindled, and mutilated. It will snap right back to form.

On the back of the iZel is a tab that slides in a groove and can be used to set the viewing angle. Detents and the material's texture make it easy to adjust, and yet the setting is firm and won't slip.

The one small problem I had with the unit is that when the USB cable is connected to an iPhone or iPod touch, and the stand is in portrait mode, there isn't enough room at the bottom unless the iZel is in its full backward tilt position. Otherwise, the stand becomes unstable. In a communication with the developer, it was pointed out that the iZel was primarily designed to be used in places where power isn't available, but he did take into account the connector in portrait mode -- in contrast to some competing products. I didn't check the cable connection with other devices, say, a BlackBerry, and so it may not be a problem with other products at any angle.

iZel w/ charger

The iZel with USB cable attached, full backward tilt.

The iZel is immediately available from Moviac or through Amazon and is priced at US$24.95. iPO readers can get 15 percent off through June 15 with promotional code: WKM6C5RH. Also, shipping is free with the order of two or more.

iZel rear

Rear view, showing adjustment for tilt

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