
Although the iZone at the IFA Berlin was chock full of interesting and attractive aftermarket enhancements for all things prefixed “i”. My personal iPiphany didn’t occur until I ventured many halls away to the Nuu booth where I zoom in on the unassuming looking “Mini Key.” A protective case that also claims to resolve the iPhone 4 antenna issues sounds OK, but the real excitement here is the slide out adjustable hinge that turns your iPhone 4 into a flip phone, revealing, in all its tactile glory, a physical keyboard with raised letter keys and backlighting.
A potential game-changer for those who experience email and SMS frustrations with Apple touchscreens (it also makes video watching a hands-free experience). I don’t even wait to hear about the Bluetooth v2.0 class 2 and HID profile compliant Broadcom chip and the built-in rechargeable lithium-backlighting before reaching for my wallet. But, alas, this is a prototype and the real deal won’t hit the stores till around Christmas. The price, around $69. Santa, are you listening?