Merchandise Tuesday: Accessorize Your Favorite Accessory

They didn’t exist a few years ago, but now you can’t leave home without it. It’s your iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®, and it is your most prized possession, containing all your important data, favorite songs and movies – pretty much your whole life in a lightweight, portable, stylish device.

And now your favorite electronic accessory begs for accessories of its own, and from projectors and speaker docks to cases and solar chargers, Hinda has the assortment of iAccessories you’re looking for.

Brookstone® iConvert® Scanner for iPad® Tablet

Tame the paperwork jungle in your life by getting a scanner for your iPad. The iConvert Scanner captures sharp, detailed JPEG images and saves them directly to the photos folder of your iPad or iPad 2.  Organize and prevent losing all your important documents whether at home, at the office or on the go. Preserve everything from family photos, genealogy records and children’s artwork to meeting notes, resumes, receipts and expense sheets. 

Brookstone® Pocket Projector for iPhone® 4 Devices

The Pocket Projector for iPhone 4 is perfect for on-the-go travel entertainment. Its super-bright LED projector lamp ensures clearer, more brilliant videos and iPhone Slide Shows than other pico projectors. Its 640 x 360 resolution projects up to 50" images and the integrated 0.5-watt speaker delivers the audio. Great for keeping kids entertained with their favorite videos on the road – simply dock your iPhone 4 device and project onto any surface!

Grace Digital MatchStick Kindle Fire Speaker with Charging Dock

The new Grace MatchStick is designed exclusively for the Kindle Fire. Truly enjoy the multimedia apps that the Fire has to offer, such as Netflix, Pandora® Internet radio and even audio books. The full-range stereo speakers and charging circuit unleash the power of the Kindle Fire while keeping it fully charged when you are on the go. Whether you are listening to Internet radio, streaming your favorite TV shows or movies or simply need a quick charge, the Grace MatchStick is your Kindle Fire's perfect companion.

Griffin® AirStrap Carrying Case for iPad®

AirStrap's molded frame with thick, comfortable, contoured grips surrounds your iPad, protecting the edges without getting in the way of controls, camera and ports. Slip your hand under the wide neoprene strap on the back. AirStrap hugs your hand, making your iPad easier to hold whether you're sitting or standing, reading in a coffee shop or checking out the headlines as you ride the 6:45 in to work.

iLive™ Solar Powered Charger

The solar powered charger lets you harness free power from the sun to power your mobile devices and tablets. Set the solar powered charger in direct sunlight to power your device or to store power for later use. The included USB cable and adapters provide power for a multitude of devices, and the package includes a USB charging cable with connectors. Feel good about your carbon footprint when you recharge with the sun instead of a socket.

i.Sound® Twist Bluetooth® Speaker and Speakerphone

The Twist Bluetooth Speaker and Speakerphone features a 30’ transmission range for wireless music streaming, a built-in microphone with advanced noise cancellation for crystal clear speakerphone calls and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers five hours of continuous playtime.  The package comes with two speakers, a subwoofer and works with any device that has a 3.5mm audio plug. Now all the great songs you enjoy on your MP3 device can be shared with the masses.

i.Sound® Universal Car Mount

The Universal Car Mount is fully adjustable to display your device at any angle. It provides 360-degree rotation for horizontal and vertical viewing and features a heavy-duty suction cup, hands-free talk, soft padded brackets and both an air vent attachment and a windshield attachment that work with your iPhone®, iPod®, Smartphone or GPS system. Don’t leave home without this handy system.

Speck MagStylus for iPad®

Designed for more responsive drawing, handwriting and gaming on your iPad or other capacitive touchscreen device, MagStylus adds something many other styluses don't: a magnet. The magnet locks your stylus on to your iPad when not in use and enables the iPad's sleep/wake function. The MagStylus features a rubberized tip for maximum control and flexibility.

It’s truly amazing all that you can do with your cell phone, MP3 player and tablet PC these days. Almost makes you wonder what you ever did without it, right? What are some of your favorite gadgety accessories? Which do you use most, and what comes in the handiest in your life? Why not use your device to leave us a comment below?

Merchandise Monday: The Road to Redemption

Wow, where does the time go? We’re already well into the third quarter of 2012, which means it’s time for an update on redemptions from Q2! As with Q1, people love their gadgets. Apple® was a huge redeemer with the launch of the New iPad®, and Nikon® wasn’t far behind with its popular Coolpix® digital camera.

Another popular redemption category that aligns with Q1 is Home and Housewares. People are still redeeming quite a bit for coffeemakers and cooking utensils. Overall, redemption categories remained relatively steady from Q1 to Q2. Let’s see how that will change as we move into the later months. What will holiday season bring? (We know, it’s waaay to early to even think about it!)

Top redemptions according to units fulfilled:

Pyrex® 18-Piece Glass Storage Set with Lids Wagan® Battery Jumper With Air  Compressor Apple iPod classic® 160GB Black     Titleist® Pro VI Golf Ball Dozen        Nikon Coolpix 16MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom Apple New iPad 64GB for Verizon Apple iPod Touch® 8GB with FaceTime Keurig® Special Edition B60 Single-Cup OXO® 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set Garmin® nüvi® 30

 Top redemptions according to dollar value:

• Apple New iPad 64GB for Verizon 
• Apple iPod classic 160GB Black    
• Apple iPod Touch 8GB with FaceTime
• Nikon Coolpix 16MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom
• Keurig Special Edition B60 Single-Cup
• Garmin nüvi 30                   
• Bounty Hunter® Tracker IV™ Metal Detector    
• Coby® 40" LED HDTV 1080p           
• Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones
• Wagan Battery Jumper With Air Compressor  

Merchandise Monday: Fun for Kids!

We always use our “Merch Monday” column to talk about the great new products that have been added to Hinda’s assortment, and usually the products we focus on are geared more toward adults or groups. So today, we’d like to switch things up a bit and talk about three fun new products for kids only! After all, you can always redeem for gifts for your children, grandchildren or other youngsters in your life. In all honesty, though, you’ll probably get just as big of a kick out of these items as the kiddies do!

LunaTik® TikTok for iPod Nano®

Show some art school cool with the latest TikToks, inspired by the CMYK color model. Bright hues rock your wrist with some serious style. TikTok is a simple snap-in design that allows the user to quickly and securely snap the iPod Nano in and out of the wrist dock and transforms it into a modern, multi-functional timepiece. Show off your style and keep your tunes right at your fingertips.

Crayola® iMarker™ Stylus

Crayola ColorStudio™ HD helps young artists unlock limitless discovery and play on an iPad®, complete with pictures, color, animation, sound and music. The iMarker™ digital stylus is the key. Like a marker, crayon, pen and paintbrush in one, iMarker creates your favorite Crayola colors within the ColorStudio HD App. iMarker safely interacts with iPad's MultiTouch display, allowing the ColorStudio HD app to differentiate between the child’s input (finger taps, swipes, etc.) and the input from iMarker automatically.

With pictures, animations, sound effects and music, ColorStudio HD always has something new to discover and color. And new pictures are available through ongoing updates automatically when you sync your iPad. Parents can share the work their children (or themselves) have created by printing it or through e-mail and Facebook.

Jelly Belly™ Party Pack

Looking for a way to entertain your kids during the hot summer months? This kit contains everything you need for an ice treats party at home!  The kit includes a Jelly Belly Electric Ice Shaver, Jelly Belly Flute Pops Mold, 20 cone cups and straws and 16 servings each of Jelly Belly Berry Blue and Very Cherry Premium Flavor Syrups. Cool off this summer with this sweet treat from Jelly Belly.

Kids always need new and different ways to stay entertained, especially during those long, long breaks from school. And since there’s only so much summer reading they can handle in a day, why not pick up one of these fun options and help them stay focused and out of trouble? Your kids will be happy to have a new toy to brag about to their friends, and you’ll be Super[InsertRelationshipToChild].

And you’ll thank us, which you can feel free to do below in the “Comments” section.

Merchandise Monday: Intriguing Audio

Yamaha RestioCan you hear that? Your favorite song just came on Internet radio while you work. Maybe you’re cranking some thumping beats to help energize your run. Or are you playing soft sounds to lull your babies to sleep? Whatever the case may be, music plays a huge role in everyday life, whether or not you’re even aware of it.

Today we’re highlighting several new audio items that have been added to Hinda’s assortment this month that have really caught our eye. What’s interesting about these items is that not only do they provide great sound for all your listening needs, but they have additional functionality and aesthetic appeal to boot.

Grace Digital’s Eco Terra Rugged and Waterproof Boom Box

Forget John Cusack in “Say Anything” – this is not your typical boom box. The Eco Terra Boom Box is a floating waterproof iPhone®/MP3 player case which is fully submersible in water. An internal waterproof storage compartment holds and protects your keys, MP3 player, credit cards, driver's license and cash, keeping it safe from sand, sun and water. A uniquely designed exterior pressure release valve ensures your case is closed airtight and easily opened at low and high altitudes. When thrown into the water, the Eco Terra case will rotate to float with the speakers pointed up so you can always enjoy your tunes. Enjoy the nostalgia of an old-school boom box without losing your street cred.

iPod® Nano with TikTok Multi-Touch Watch Band

You’ll have no excuses to skip your workouts when you’ve got this pair in your corner. The iPod Nano keeps you moving and grooving with your favorite songs at your fingertips. Shake to Shuffle lets you literally give Nano a shake and it skips to a different song in your music library. LunaTik®’s TikTok is a simple snap-in design that allows the user to quickly and securely snap the iPod Nano in and out of the wrist dock. It cleanly and simply integrates the Nano and transforms it into a modern, multi-function timepiece. With 18 different clock face designs to choose from, you can have a new watch style whenever the mood strikes you. Crank the tunes, strap on your Nano watch and get moving.

Yamaha® Restio™ Floor Standing Audio System

This is a speaker system like you’ve never seen before. The Restio is an elegant new floor-standing style desktop audio system that is entertaining, energizing, relaxing in the evening and invigorating in the morning, with sophisticated styling and superb sound. Featuring a built-in iPhone®/ iPod® dock, a CD player, a USB input, an FM/AM tuner and IntelliAlarm, it’s an endlessly enchanting companion. A thin body style and half-moon shaped stand allows you to position Restio right up against a wall. Restio also features a digital clock and looks more like a work of art than a speaker system. It’s sure to make a statement among your home décor and will be cause for conversation whenever guests come over.

Like what you hear? How do you prefer to listen to your tunes? Are you in the market for an upgrade of your personal or home audio? Talk to us in the “Comments” section below – we promise we’ll listen!

To Redeem, or Not to Redeem…

Depending on how you look at it, 2012 is either one-third empty or two-thirds full. We don’t know where the time goes, either, but what we do know is that a lot has happened in the first quarter – specifically in the area of award redemption and fulfillment. Recently, Hinda had a meeting to discuss redemptions so far this year, and it’s interesting to see what people have been redeeming for since January.

As expected, many of these redemptions fall into the “Electronics” category. This shows no sign of slowing down. People love their gadgets, and with new versions and varieties coming out all the time, people like to stay up to date. Another popular redemption category is “Home,” with many people redeeming for items such as coffeemakers and cookware. As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, this is a trend we see in this particular economy, as people cut back on dining out and trips to trendy coffee bars.

Here we present the top ten redemptions according to dollar value. This is where most of the gadgety stuff comes in to play:

Apple® iPad® 2 Apple iPod® Touch Amazon Kindle Fire 7" Multi-Touch Wi-Fi Keurig® Special Edition B60 Single-Cup Home Brewing System HP® 15.6" Notebook Computer Coby® 19" Wide Screen LCD HDTV Nikon Coolpix® S6100 16MP Digital Camera with 7x Zoom Coby 32" HDTV LCD 1080p 120Hz Microsoft Xbox 360® 250GB Bundle Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones

This list outlines Hinda’s top redeemers according to units fulfilled. Much of this list contains the home and housewares redemptions:

World Kitchen® 18-Piece Glass Storage Set with Lids Wagan® Battery Jumper With Air Compressor Royal Consumer 10-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder Titleist® Pro VI Golf Ball Dozen Apple iPod Touch® 8GB with FaceTime (Black) Lipper Bamboo Thin Cutting Boards Conair® Weight Watchers® Body Analysis Scale Dirt Devil®  Swift Stick Vacuum Coby Dual USB Car Charger for iPod® And Other USB Powered Devices Black and Decker® Six-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer

It’s kind of cool to see what people have been saving up their points for, and it will be interesting to see how these lists change – or if they change – as we move into the rest of 2012. Keep your radar tuned to Hinda Blog for more updates in the future!

The New iPod Family: Merch Monday

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Apple is at it again. They've taken the time to update not just one iPod but made changes to most of their iPod family in some form or another. 

The new iPod touch received what was probably the most intriguing new feature, though it wasn't a cosmetic addition. Remember how the new iPhone 4 had this clever little front-facing camera with an application called "FaceTime" attached to it? You guessed it, the new iPod Touch now boasts that same feature (accessible only through a Wi-Fi service of course). 

The most dramatic changes were probably seen by the newest version of the Nano. The last time we featured a Nano update, the new device featured a video camera but still kept it's same basic aesthetic look. However this new version has seem almost an entire overhaul. The Nano has not only been significantly reduced in size (now a 1.54 inch display) but has an added touch screen feature. Even though there is that additional feature, it lacks it's once awesome video camera. 

Could the Nano realistically get any smaller? Especially with a touchscreen? What are your thoughts on the new Apple updates?