Must-have accessories for the iPhone…

While Apple provides the basics out-of-the-box, there are a number of accessories that are - no doubt strategically - noticeably missing. So, if you are thinking I buying an iPhone, these are the minimum additional things you’ll need to cost in…

Like many iPhone owners, I have also purchased a number of additional accessories. Here’s my list of essential must-haves, in priority order:

1. A Good Case.

The iPhone is delightfully smooth in texture and feels great in the hand. However, the downside to this is that it can be slippery and very easy to drop. Hence, you need are decent case that provides easy access but also good protection.

In the end, I settled on the black InCase Leather Folio, and I’ve been very happy with it. It’s an excellent, high-quality case that protects the phone well, secures safely on my belt, and closes reliably. It retails at US$39.95 which is getting up there, but personally I definitely think I got value for my money. (Also available at the Apple Store.)

2. A Screen Protector.

Again, since the iPhone has glass display taking up virtually one whole side, there’s a pretty good exposure to scratching. However, the main reason you are going to want one of these is that it dramatically reduces visible ’smudging’ marks. I was surprised at how much difference this made.

I went with the Power Support Crystal Film Set, again also sold at the Apple Store. I have had absolutely no problems with this film - it was easy to apply, and you virtually can’t tell it’s there. Sold for US$14.95 a pair - which probably makes sense since it wouldn’t be hard to screw up the ‘apply’ process if you don’t read the instructions!

3. A Decent Headset

As you probably guessed, Apple iPod’s do not come with the world’s best headsets and unfortunately, the iPhone is no exception. Frankly, the white ones that come in the box are simply junk. So, if sound quality is even vaguely important to you, you will definitely want a better headset…

Which brings us to that virtually unforgivable design-flaw: the recessed headset jack! This means you have the following options:

(a) If you already have a reasonable headset, you could try getting out your penknife and whittling-down the plastic around the plug until it fits. (Not recommended.)

(b) Buy an additional ‘made-for-iPhone’ headset like the v-moda vibe duo.

(c) Buy an adapter plug for your existing reasonable headset like this basic one (US$19.00), or the Shure version (US$39.95) if you want inline-microphone capability (also available at the Apple Store).

Initially, I went with the vmoda vibe duos - and while they are well-made and deliver full inline-mic functionality, I have been disappointed with the sound quality. However, the first pair I received were faulty and this were promptly replaced, so I have to say that vmoda’s customer service was excellent. Nevertheless, I’m probably just fussy, but I have gone back to my previous Sennheiser CX-300s (US$79.95) with a basic adapter. The sound these deliver really is fantastic for the price.

As a result, I have also ordered a inline-mic adapter from FastMac (US$19.95), but this hasn’t arrived yet.

So, total cost for the recommended accessories? Around US$150+, depending on which brands you buy.

Update (17 Dec 2007): I have now received the inline-mic adapter from FastMac - great quality and really useful to have the volume control as well. The only drawback of course is that you end up with double the length of cord you need!