GPS + Tough Case + Battery Extender = ToughCase

iPhone may be king, but there are plenty of people who rely on their iPod Touch to get things done and entertain themselves on the road. Unfortunately, iPod Touch does not work with those top GPS applications without an add-on. That’s what those premium iPod car kits are good for. Magellan not only has a very decent iPhone application, but it did release a car cradle early on to give iPod Touch owners the chance to navigate on their devices without having to pick up an iPhone. Magellan has now stepped up its game by releasing a hybrid tough battery GPS case for iPod Touch and iPhone. Magellan Portable GPS & Battery ToughCase does not only aim to protect your iPod or iPhone against somewhat extreme conditions, it turns your device into a navigation handheld.

Magellan’s car cradle was an effective solution for iPod Touch owners, but it was not portable and was mainly for those planning to use their devices in their cars. ToughCase boosts your iPhone’s GPS capability (and adds navigation to iPod) and is still easy to carry around. It has an embedded SiRFstarIII GPS chipset that improves reception accuracy to 3-5 meters or 10-15 feet leveraging SBAS systems. ToughCase meets IPX-7 standards, which means you can technically take your case next to a pool or on the beach without worrying about those splash or wet accidents.

GPS & Battery ToughCase is more than just a case. It has a built-in battery that provides you with more juice on the go. Its 1840 mAh battery can double your iPhone’s battery life (depending on how you use your phone). This case may not be super slim, but it’s rugged and can handle some abuse. Besides, the fact that you can take this case into waters with you (submersible at a depth of 1-meter for up to 30 minutes) makes it an extremely useful accessory for biking, hiking, and even boating.

The price is always going to be a factor with these fancy accessories. TouchCase does cost $199, which is a bit on the high side. The case does deliver many features and can replace multiple iPhone accessories, but how many people will actually pay $200 for a premium iPhone GPS case? That remains to be seen.