Fun mobile accessories: CableKeeps characters and Andru charger

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CableKeeps charger accessories

Most of the chargers, cables, and accessories we get with our mobile devices come in plain old black and white. Sometimes it's fun to lighten up the mood and brighten things up. Also, younger folks seem to like bold colors and might appreciate some of these accessories in their Easter basket in a couple weeks.

The first group of products I was sent to check out come from Nice. They sent along three different models of their CableKeeps product.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Goldie CableKeeps

The first one is called Goldie and is made for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad mini. I did not test it with the mini, so am not certain that it fits that charger, but the website lists it as compatible with the mini.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
iPhone propped up on Goldie

Goldie is orange in color and is designed to organize your cable, hold the charger in place, and serve as a stand if you want to prop up your iPhone or iPod touch next to your outlet. I don't think I would try propping up an iPad mini on Goldie, though.

Your charger slides into the front of Goldie and then you plug in your cable and wrap it around the fins. It's a slick way to keep a tangle free cord and keep your charger and cable together. Goldie is available now for $16. You can find it in six colors, including orange, red, green, light blue, navy blue, and purple.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Nibbles CableKeeps

Nibbles serves the same function as Gulp and is an iPad accessory. Be a bit careful with Nibbles, as his teeth (he looks to be a piranha) are pointy and could scratch you as you work your iPad charger in and out of his mouth.

Nibbles is available in the same six colors for the same $16 price. It works with the standard two prong plug adapter and not the international adapter.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Gulp CableKeeps

Another CableKeeps that I tested out is called Gulp and is a blue whale designed to hold an iPad charger and cable. Again, you slide in your iPad charging block and then plug in the cable and wrap it around the fins. You cannot use Gulp to hold your iPad so don't even try it.

Gulp is designed for the iPad, but also works with the international adapter, so if you travel overseas then you may want to consider Gulp.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Gulp in action

These CableKeeps products come in eco-friendly, recyclable packages. The CableKeeps themselves are a durable material and are also made in the US.

Gulp also comes in six colors for $16. This CableKeeps accessory does not work with the smaller iPhone charger, just the larger iPad one.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
CableKeeps collection

All three models in the CableKeeps collection.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Andru Android USB cable charger

Another product sent along for me to test out was Andru. Andru is a unique USB charger that is focused on the Android platform, but can be used to charge up other devices requiring a microUSB cable.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Andru package contents

Inside the package you will find Andru, a matching stand, and a matching USB to micro-USB cable. Andru is a green Android robot with a full-sized USB opening at the top between his antennae. His legs are two prongs for a typical outlet with the stand serving to cover the prongs in green.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Top of Andru

A full-sized USB port is found at the top of his head.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Andru's eyes

Andru is 2.5 inches tall and has movable arms. His eyes also light up when he is plugged in, blue while charging, and white while in standby.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Andru cable

A long cable, 1.2 meters in length, is provided with green plastic on each end. The cable has a white protective coating and seems quite durable.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller
Andru's eyes are lit up

Andru is a fun accessory for the Android fan in your family and is available now for $25.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)
Photo by: Matthew Miller/ZDNet

Caption by: Matthew Miller

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You don't have to live a boring black and white life with your smartphone or tablet, and in this gallery you can see a few accessories to brighten up your day.

Goldie CableKeeps

The first one is called Goldie and is made for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad mini. I did not test it with the mini, so am not certain that it fits that charger, but the website lists it as compatible with the mini.

Published: March 9, 2013 -- 14:34 GMT (06:34 PST)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

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