• Separate flashlight and laser pointer accessories for iPod use
• Handy flashlight attachment helps find items in poorly lit areas
• Class IIIa laser pointer assists in business presentations
• Includes pair of snap-on caps that attach to keychains
• Compatibility: iPod mini, iPod (3rd and 4th gen), iPod Photo (4th gen)

The Griffin iBeam adds more functionality to the iPod you always carry with you. It's a snap-on flashlight that attaches to your iPod, iPod mini or dock connector. Add a little light to the stuation next time you're in a dark parking lot, or looking for something in the car at night. It also includes a class IIIA laser pointer -- handy for iPod-friendly presentations and other, less professional pursuits. The laser pointer's beam is so powerful it can be seen over one-quarter of a mile away. The iBeam is fun, functional and easy on the budget.

While your iPod won't start washing your dishes anytime soon, Griffin is committed to making sure it does just about everything else. The iBeam is the latest manifestation of this effort, turning your iPod into a combination flashlight/laser pointer, which is a handy combo for people who take their iPods everywhere. The package actually consists of two different attachments, both of which fit into an iPod's headphone and remote ports (they only work with docking models, including the iPod mini). Griffin recommends using the iBeam flashlight to find keys in the dark or to locate a keyhole when the porch light is off, while the laser pointer makes a good business aid during presentations. The accessories are compact and smooth, with shapes that seamlessly complement the iPod's contemporary design.

Both the flashlight and the laser pointer are easy to use and are a truly useful iPod accessory.

We tested the flashlight attachment first, and it performed nicely. It emits a moderate amount of light with a relatively soft, wide beam. The beam certainly wouldn't make it as a camping flashlight, as it's too diffused to light a clear path, but it's more than adequate as a keychain-type light. iPod owners will find it particularly effective when they need to examine items in poorly lit rooms, such as the words written above the buttons on stereo components.

The laser pointer attachment, which is equipped with a class IIIa laser, works even better. Whether you're using it to enhance a PowerPoint performance or merely entertain your restless kitties, the bright red laser shows no signs of dimming. Both iBeam accessories also include snap-on caps with small holes for attaching to a keychain. This is a nice touch, as it would be easy to lose the iBeam items otherwise. --Rivers Janssen

Pros

• Portable and easy to use, with no setup or batteries required
• Flashlight excels at close-in tasks, such as finding keys in the dark
• Class IIIa laser produces crisp point
• Handy snap-on caps for keychain storage

Cons

• Flashlight doesn't have the power to light a path

What's in the Box
iBeam flashlight, iBeam laser pointer, two snap-on caps.

Disappointing as it is not something that works on the new iPods and Griffin has discontinued it

This was touted as good with "all dockable ipods"but does not work with Ipod video, etc. I gave it away to someone with an older ipod. There needs to be a slot next to the earphone jack for this to work. Ad is deceptive!

Okay, so go ahead and laugh at me. Only a cat person could turn an iPod into a toy for their pet, but it works great! I hated paying over $21 for batteries to fill up the laser pointer for my cat every month. This is such a great solution. No batteries needed because the iPod just recharges in the dock.

I got this as a Christmas present, and the person buying it knew what IPOD I had (IPOD Video), but there is nothing on this page or on the packaging to indicate what versions of the IPOD it works with. So disappointed! Amazon needs to modify the item description to indicated which versions of the IPOD this works with and which it doesn't.

The main problem is battery life, but that is not a huge obstacle for brief uses.

I put the lanterns on my car key chain. It's convenient, and the torch or flash light really comes in handy in places like Disney World or the road at night when looking at maps: focused light is better than overhead car light.

Also, the torch or flash light is brighter than is generally credited. It will not work as a fully functional lantern, but if it's dark enough to warrant a lamp, you can see the ground with 20/20 vision.