cell phone accessories

The unfortunate fate of our constant smartphone use is how quickly the battery drains away. Carrying a charger at all times isn't a practical option for most people . . . if only there was a way to charge a phone while it's just killing time in a sleek purse. But wait — there is! Welcome the Everpurse ($119 for leather, $99 for fabric), a current Kickstarter project.

The wristlet fully charges most currently available smartphones with a built-in mat that sends wireless energy to the device. Although the Everpurse must first be charged through an AC adapter, it can fully charge a dead phone twice in one day. Not the purse-carrying type? There are future plans to create a charger perfect for suits and pockets.

In the latest issue of Elle Decor, Gwyneth Paltrow talks about some of the things she can't live without. Though most of these items are beautiful interior pieces, she does mention one item we've seen other celebrities carrying around NYC: a retro cellphone handset attachment. Though we weren't sure if Lenny Kravitz was carrying one last month for health reasons or to make a fashion statement, Gwyneth is pretty clear on the matter. She says, "A handset cuts down on cellphone radiation. I use this one for my BlackBerry calls."

As a health nut, it's not surprising that she totes one of these around, but a BlackBerry? I would have taken her for more of an iPhone girl. Either way, Gwyneth's retro phone attachment of choice is a YUBZ ($50), which promises a 96-percent reduction in cell phone radiation exposure.

Yesterday on my Facebook page, someone mentioned that they were looking for a case for their Droid. I set out right away to find something awesome when I stumbled across these adorable Android robot cases on (where else?) Etsy. Version 1.0 ($18) fits your Android T-Mobile G1, whereas Version 2.0 ($22) is hand crafted to fit your Motorola Droid, and even comes with an accessory pocket. Speaking of pockets, I want to stuff that little robot in mine and take him home!

Whatever you might think about Cell Phone Straps and charms, they are definitely useful for getting a hold of your cell phone. In fact, since a surprising number of people drop their cell phones in the toilet, maybe we'd all do well to have a system for hanging on to our phones.

I'm not into cutesy charms and leashes, but these Mobigrips ($10 each) might be just what I need. So discrete they disappear into your hand, all you do is unpeel the sticker on the circle of the grip, and stick it to your phone. Then each time you hold your phone, you simply thread a finger through the attached elastic, so if you get bumped or fall, you're still hanging onto your phone.

And it looks like it might be fun to fake people out with an "OH NO I dropped my phone!" bit.