If you’re the type of person that doesn’t like to put a physical case on their iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, the Golla line of pouches may be more up your alley. While you aren’t using your iPhone they’ll do a great job of protecting it as well as giving you a bit of storage space for things such as credit cards or an ID.

I took a look at two different kind of Golla pouches – the Golla Jacinda Smart Bag and the Golla Bay Pouch. The main difference I noticed between the two were the material type. The Bay Pouch had more of a corduroy feel to it while the Jacinda pouch was more of a mesh on the inside.

Both cases fit the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S extremely nicely. I felt like the fit wasn’t loose enough that my iPhone would fall out but it wasn’t tight to where it was a pain taking it in and out each time. I also liked the ability to keep my credit card, bank card, and ID in the front slot.

I hate carrying a purse so anytime I can get away with not having one, I do. This case made that possible. I found myself frequently using the carabiner to attach my phone to my belt loop or laptop bag. I thought this was extremely convenient. I never really found a use for the lanyard.

Pros

• Very nice fit with both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S
• I felt as if it honestly did protect the phone in most instances
• Great for anyone who wants to carry their device naked or with just a body shield
• Extra room for credit cards built into the case
• The included carabiner makes it super easy to clip the case onto virtually any bag or pair of pants
• A wide variety of colors, patterns, & styles to choose from

Cons

• Doesn’t play nice with form fitting cases which will make the phone too thick to fit. Certain thinner cases seemed to work but thicker ones won’t.
• Doesn’t provide protection while you are actually using the device
• You will have to take the device out or put it in bottom up when you need to charge your iPhone

Conclusion

I’d recommend this case for anyone that typically prefers keeping their iPhone naked. If you use an actual form fitting case on your iPhone you’ll most likely have to remove it in order for it to fit inside a Golla bag. This would probably go along nicely for those that use products like Wrapsol or InvisibleShield.

The Golla Bay Pouch and the Golla Jacinda Smart Bag are both available in the TiPb accessory store.

Giveaway

We’re giving away a couple (2) of Golla bags! Just head on over to the TiPb iPhone accessory store Golla bag page, pick the one you like best, and paste the URL into a comment below along with the reason you like it. If we pick you, we’ll send it to you! (U.S. shipping address required!)

Ready… set… go!

If you’re looking for a stylish pair of headphones without a hefty price tag – the RF3 LIVE natural wood stereo earphones may be worth taking a second look at. Everything from the design of the actual earbuds down to the elegant packaging makes these headphones stand out from a lot of others in the same price range. But what about the most important feature of a good pair of headphones? Sound quality. Follow along to see how we felt they performed.

When it came to sound quality I thought the RF3 headphones held up extremely well for the price. The headphones themselves are noise isolating and come with a few different sets of tips for a better fit. They were rather comfortable to wear but I wouldn’t suggest them as the best option for athletes or runners as I had them fall out of my ears a few times.

The 3.5MM headphone jack has a longer adapter which also allowed me to use them with virtually any case. One quirk I’ve never really gotten over with my Bose headphones is that the jack is shorter and some cases including bumpers don’t like to play nice with them. That isn’t the case here.

The headphones also have a built-in mic that you can interact with just like you can default Apple earbuds. This means iPhone 4S users can easily interact with Siri quickly and easily. I tested the mic on several occasions and had no issues with Siri picking up on what I was saying even in a semi-noisy environment.

As far as the acoustics and sound while listening to music, I thought they held their own against many other headphones in the same price range. They even performed better than some more expensive headphones I’ve used in the past. The only issue I did see was when it came to bass levels. I felt that they were rather shallow. Even with my iPod settings set to enhance the bass they didn’t seem to perform near as well as my Bose MIE2i headphones. That is not as fair of a comparison though since they are nowhere near the same price range.

Overall, I’d say they perform well for the price if you want a decent pair of headphones that stand out from the rest without breaking the bank. You can find the RF3 LIVE natural wood headphones in the TiPb accessory store for $34.95.

Pros

• Great price for a quality product
• A variety of ear tip pieces included
• Built-in mic works exceptionally well
• Noise cancellation works just as good as most expensive noise isolating headphones
• The sound doesn’t distort when at a high level like some lower priced ear buds
• The headphone jack seems to fit well with almost every case I have, bulky or not

Cons

• Not great for runners and athletes as the headphones don’t offer a very firm and secure fit (or I just have little ears)
• The bass levels seem to be rather shallow compared to other ear buds

Giveaway

Just leave a comment below telling us what you’d listen to if you were given a set of RF3 LIVE Natural Wood Stereo Earphones of your very own! A special song? A great audio book? A bunch of Mobile Nations podcasts? What?

The Incipio DRX case for iPhone 4 is, in my opinion, one of Incipio’s best cases to date — and they’ve made some very good cases. Everything from the way it feels in your hand to how it adds virtually no bulk to your iPhone makes it a great investment. It also offers decent protection as well.

Click through for a complete review and some pictures!

The first thing you always notice when putting on a new case is how it feels in your hand. This case feels great. The material is slick but not slick enough that your phone is going to go flying out of your hand. It’s also extremely easy to put on and take off. I’ve had it on for a little over a week and it doesn’t seem to stretch out or lose its shape either.

Your buttons are all covered which means no dirt or dust can get in there. Covered buttons normally mean they are harder to press. That’s not the case with the DRX. The buttons are just as easy to push as they are when there is no case on the device. The case also produces a click feedback when pushing the buttons, which is nice.

The case comes all the way around and over the top of the antenna band which means you can set your phone face down for privacy and not have to worry about whether or not your iPhone screen is going to get scratched. The dock connector, headphone jack, and vibrate switch are easily accessible as well. I haven’t had any issues with any chargers, official or third party. They all fit perfectly. So do my Bose headphones.

The DRX provides a pretty substantial level of protection as well. It’ll protect you from moderate drops. If you plan on throwing your iPhone into a wall, I can’t promise any case would protect it except an Otterbox. Overall, if you are somewhat careful with your iPhone and just want a case that’ll protect you from moderate accidental drops, this case is perfect. You can find the Incipio DRX case in the TiPb accessory store. If you use this case or something else, let us know in the comments!

Pros

• Easy access to all ports and buttons
• Slim design means no added bulk
• The material is somewhat slick, slide it in your pocket and pull it back out just as easily (sans all that pocket lint!)
• Easy to take on and off without the case losing its shape over time
• The case curves around the screen edge, so setting your iPhone face down is a non-issue

Cons

• Not meant for heavy duty protection. Moderate, yes. But don’t throw your iPhone into a wall and expect it to come out unscathed
• Dust can sometimes accumulate around the edges of the screen by the corners of the case

The X Gear Anti Glare film for iPad aims to make Apple’s very shiny iPad shine just a little less in our eyes. Now screen protectors have always been my arch nemesis — I have always much preferred the feel of the actual glass over the feel of any screen protector. But I figured I’d give the X Gear anti-glare version a chance to change my mind.

Did it succeed? Read on to find out!

I’m extremely careful with my devices and always have a case on them so I’m not too concerned with screen protectors. The one reason I “would” consider one is to minimize fingerprints. That’s what I was really hoping to do here. Some screen protectors seem to minimize the rate at which fingerprints take over your screen. I was left disappointed after applying the X Gear anti-glare film as it seemed to accumulate just as many fingerprints (if not more), than the naked glass did. It did seem to wipe down quicker than the glass does so I suppose that could be considered a positive. And it didn’t do too much to minimize glare either.

The process of putting the screen protector on was simple enough. If this process is something you’re unfamiliar with, check out our guide on how to apply a screen protector to your iPhone or iPad. I did end up with a few bubbles but I managed to get those out with the soft card that X Gear provides with the screen protector. They also include a cleaning cloth as well.

Overall, the quality of the screen protector was pretty good. It just doesn’t do much to minimize fingerprints. If you’re looking for something to add more protection from scratches, the thickness seems to be pretty substantial. It isn’t that noticeable when it’s on the device until you feel the screen. There’s a noticeable difference from what the glass feels like. When scrolling and sliding your finger around, it just isn’t as smooth. This is unfortunately the case with most screen protectors. It’s just not the same experience.

If you’re in the market for a screen protector that’s a bit more durable and you don’t mind getting used to your iPad screen feeling a bit different to the touch, I’d say this is a pretty decent screen protector. I still prefer the feel of other protectors better, such as the BodyGuardz screen protectors that are also available in the TiPb accessory store for around the same price.

You can check out the X Gear Anti Glare film for iPad in the TiPb Accessory store.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Thicker than some other, flimsier screen protectors
• After applied, it’s barely visible

Cons

• Doesn’t do much when it comes to preventing fingerprints
• The area by the home button didn’t stick as well as it should
• The texture is a bit grippy so it takes some getting used to
• I wouldn’t really call it “anti-glare”

The Belkin headphone splitter adapter is a great accessory to have on hand for long trips or nights at the coffee house. Its purpose is simple. It allows two people to plug their own headphones into the same device. This is great for a long flight where you and another person may want to watch the same movie on an iPad or iPhone.

Click through for a quick review, pics, and a video!

Headphone splitters are a relatively cheap way to share media with someone else from one device. I’ve always found headphone splitters extremely useful on long car rides or flights. Two people can watch the same movie or listen to the same music off one device. This was always great when I was traveling with a friend who didn’t have an iPad or iPhone.

Overall, I didn’t notice any sound quality reduction from using the splitter with the iPad or iPhone. I tried with just regular headphones and then with 2 pairs of headphones plugged into the splitter. This is an extremely cheap accessory that’s easy to place in a travel bag and forget about. It’s there when you need it. They are available in both black and white.

You can pick one up from the Belkin headphone splitter adapter from the TiPb accessory store for $4.95 right now (that’s 75% off).

Pros

• Easy to use and connect
• Small so it’s easily stowed away in any bag or purse
• Standard headphone jack size allows for virtually any headphones to be used

Cons

• If you use an Apple bumper on your iPhone 4, the adapter won’t fit. You’ll have to remove the bumper
• As the main connection is somewhat wide, you may have issues fitting it in the headphone jack with certain cases.

The Incipio NGP Matte Case is made from semi-rigid next generation polymer (NGP) that is tear and elongation resistant. Even though the case is rather thin, there’s no denying its durability. It also provides necessary friction to keep the iPad from sliding from your lap while still feeling soft to the touch. Although the Incipio NGP Matte Case is tear resistant, it is not scratch resistant. I have only used this case while at home, yet the back has obtained some prominent scratch marks.

This skin allows easy access to all ports and buttons. To provide some additional protection, the case covers the volume and power buttons, however,the material is molded to fit over the buttons perfectly, so it is still very easy to use them.

The Incipio NGP Matte Case is available in five stylish colors: black, confetti, sage, gunmetal, and cerulean and is available in the TiPb iPad Accessory Store. If you’re looking for a good durable skin case, be sure to check this one out!

Pros

• Tear and elongation resistant
• Thin, yet durable
• Covers volume and power buttons for extra protection
• Includes screen protector and cleaning cloth
• Available in 5 colors

Cons

• Scratches easily

If you’re looking for a sleeve case for your iPad, the Incipio underGround Case may be for you. It’s envelope design gives it an urban feel while offering protection for your precious iPad.

The outside is made from a wool/felt textured material and feels great in your hands. The micro-suede inside gives your iPad a scratch-free environment. The sleeve provides a snug fit, so pairing it with another case is likely impossible.

There isn’t much else to say about Incipio underGround case because of it’s simple design – which in this case (no pun intended), is a good thing. If you’re an iPad user who prefers to use the device in it’s naked state, I recommend heading over the TiPb iPad accessory store and checking the Incipio underGround Case out.

Pros

• Nice outer material with good stitching
• Soft, suede inner
• Stylish, urban design

Cons

• Cannot be used with another case

If you’re looking for a durable standing case for your iPad, the Incipio Kickstand case may be for you. It is made of rip-stop nylon on the outside and lined with microsuede on the inside.

The Incipio Kickstand is designed with different panels so that they can fold into a triangle, converting the case to stand. Since the inside is made out of microsuede, it has plenty of friction to keep the iPad standing without special notches, hooks, or flaps to keep it in place. Unfortunately, there is only one angle you have the iPad stand at. This fixed angle keeps the iPad standing tall, perfect for setting on a desk and watching movies. If using the iPad on your lap, you will not want to have it set up as kickstand because the angle is too awkward.

Not only is the microsuede great for providing necessary friction, but it’s also very soft and at no risk of scratching your precious iPad. Also, the inside of the middle panel has a pocket that is great for holding items such as envelopes, notes, and business cards. Lastly, the Incipio Kickstand has a magnetic closure which allows it to be free of flaps or fancy closures.

The Incipio Kickstand for iPad is available in the TiPb iPad accessory store in three colors: black, light gray, and khaki/tan. If you’re looking for a nice standing case that also offers some good protection, I recommending checking this one out.

Pros

• Durable outside with soft inside
• Magnetic closure
• Pocket
• Access to all ports and buttons

Cons

• Angle is too steep to use on lap

The iLuv Flexi-Clear iPad Case not only adds no bulk to your iPad, it adds tons of protection as well. It comes in a couple different colors and gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if you set your iPad on a surface face up or face down, the screen nor the back will not obtain any damage.

I’ve always been particularly fond of silicon skins and cases for iPad and iPhone. The iLuv Flexi-Clear iPad case exceeded my expectations. The first thing I look for with silicon cases is whether or not they collect lint or dust. If a case does, I probably won’t use it. This is probably a bigger issue with the iPhone as they normally end up in pockets, but iPads end up in bags, so to me, it’s equally as important. This particular skin doesn’t seem to collect any dust or lint.

The next thing I typically look at is whether or not the skin stretches over time while using it. I’ve picked up a couple cases in the past that seem really nice but after a couple weeks, they lose their form. The bad part about this is, you typically won’t know unless you use the case pretty extensively. Most places offer a 30 day return period and I’ve always found that to be enough to know whether or not a case is going to stretch out. If it does, I typically return it.

I was extremely happy with the fit of the iLuv case. It didn’t stretch at all and stayed incredibly form-fitting. I will stick it in another case and throw it in my bag. The skin provides even more protection for the iPad than a standard case alone, and also provides some grip. If you’re looking for a nice silicon case to add to your iPad accessory collection, check out the iLuv Flexi-Clear iPad case in the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Doesn’t collect lint or dust

• Maintains its shape and doesn’t get loose

• Wraps around the front edges so placing the screen face down on a surface protects the screen

• Provides firm grip on most surfaces and inside other cases

Cons

• Doesn’t provide protection for the screen outside of placing it face down

• Will need another case to put inside a bag in order to protect screen

Looking for an iPad case that doubles as a stand? Overwhelmed by the options? If you desire one that’s nice and slim, your search may be over. The Macally Bookstand for iPad is a form fitting, yet protective case that can be used as a stand when in landscape.

The iPad snaps into the Macally Bookstand at each corner. This makes it very easy to take your iPad in and out of the case. It also means that the corners are the only spots on the edge of the iPad that are protected. This doesn’t bother me; in fact, I prefer it. I’m a fan of slim cases that show off as much of the iPad as possible, so seeing the aluminum edges is a plus in my book. But if you’re of the opposite mindset and want as much protection as possible, this case is not for you.

The front of the case is thin and kind of flimsy, but it holds up really well. About a third of the way from the inside, there is a seem in it which allows it to bend. Bending the front of the case to the back and sliding the flap into the provided slip gives the case a triangular shape. Now you can have your iPad at a nice typing angle on a table or your lap, or stand it up tall for easy viewing. I was nervous that touching the iPad would cause it to fall when having it stand tall, but this is not that case. The Macally Bookstand is nice and sturdy.

The outside of the Macally Bookstand is made from a velvet-like material that feels nice. However, it is prone to collecting lint and dirt. It is fairly obvious on the black one I’ve been using, but I suspect that it wouldn’t look as bad on the gray one. I found that the easiest way to clean it is with an upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner hose – it only takes a few seconds.

If you’re looking for a slim stand case for your iPad, check out the Macally Bookstand for iPad available now from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Photos after the break.

Pros

• Very slim
• Feels nice
• Lightweight
• Access to all ports and controls

Cons

• Material collects lint

The Griffin Jumper [$27.95] is a nice neoprene case for the iPad. If you’re in the market for a sleeve for transporting your iPad, this case may be what you’re looking for.

The neoprene material of the is excellent because it doesn’t need to be very thick to provide protection. It is also very stretchy so that there is a snug fit around your iPad. In fact, the Jumper was almost too snug when I first received it; but after a few uses, the neoprene stretched out just enough to be snug but not a challenge to use.

The inside of the Griffin Jumper is lined with a very soft fleece-like material. There will be no concern of your iPad receiving scratches when sliding it in and out of the sleeve. In fact, a few of the fingerprints on your iPad likely get wiped off when removing it from the Griffin Jumper.

The Griffin Jumper offers full protection of the iPad except at the corners of the flap. Many times there is a very small part of the iPad exposed at one or both of the corners. This may be cause for concern for some, but I don’t see it as a huge problem. Something would have to poke into the spot in order to make contact with the iPad.

I have been very pleased with the Griffin Jumper. The nice slim design, soft interior, and tough neoprene exterior make this an excellent sleeve case for the iPad.

The Griffin Jumper is available from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Video and photos after the break!

Pros

• Made from protective neoprene
• Slim design
• Snug fit

Cons

• Exposes a small part of iPad at the corners of flap

If you’re looking for a sturdy and transparent skin, the XGear Shield case for iPad for $29.95 may be the case for you.

The XGear Shield is made from dual-compound materials that creates a shock absorbing bumper on the edges. Translation: it has thick edges that fit securely to the iPad that can reduce damage to the corners if bumped. Though not completely transparent, XGear Shield has more of a frosted backing that and not only looks good but totally protects the back and sides of iPad and gives you complete piece of mind from scratches.

There are two things that I really like about this case. The first is how secure it is. There are some cases that fit, but the edges and corners are loose. While this may make for easy removal, I fear it can get caught on something and slip off of the iPad. This is not the case with the XGear Shield. The edges are actually a challenge to put on and remove so you know the case isn’t going anywhere. On the downside, it doesn’t allow for docking with the iPad dock. All of the openings are there, but the power button has given me some challenges. Turning on is easy though by tapping the home button instead.

Video and photos after the break!

Pros

• Protects edges and back of iPad
• Very sturdy Accessibility to all ports
• Fits securely around the iPad’s edges

Cons

• Does not work with iPad dock
• Power button can be a challenge to press
• No color options

If you’re looking for a nice, fashionable, and well-made skin for your iPad, the Case-Mate Gelli [$36.95] may be the case for you.

The Case-Mate Gelli is made from cutting-edge flexible thermoplastic material that Case-Mate claims to be more resilient than silicone and rubber. It fits very snuggly onto the iPad even after removing it several times. The skin feel great in your hands and adds some traction to your grip. It is also very thin; so it adds additional protection without adding unnecessary bulk. All ports are accessible with the Case-Mate Gelli.

The Case-Mate Gelli comes in two different chic designs: Kaleidoscope and Checkmate. I took a look at the Tomato Kaleidoscope skin and it is very beautiful. The thin, translucent case looks great with the iPad’s aluminum back. The Apple Logo and iPad branding show through the skin perfectly. The noticeability of the circles designed into the Kaleidoscope case is enough to look great, yet not stand out so much that it seems to be screaming “look at me!” The Kaleidoscope case comes in Tomato, Pink, and Aurora (yellow/gold). The Checkmate skin comes in green, blue, and gray.

I have been very happy with the Case-Mate Gelli case and highly recommend it to anyone interested in a skin case for their iPad.

Video and photos after the break!

Pros

• Nice and thin
• Looks and feels great
• Accessibility to all ports
• Come is two styles and three colors for each style

Cons

• Does not work with iPad dock

The E&B Company eCopilot leather side pouch for the iPhone, [$29.95 - TiPb Store link] has a sophisticated style and classic appearance. The case is made of a durable leather outer shell and has a soft cushioned interior lining. The horizontal pouch opening has a magnetic binding which makes it easy to open and close and yet is strong enough that it will not open on its own.

For more about this case, pictures and what is Project Pink, join us after the break…

The eCopilot can be used on your belt or carried in your bag or briefcase. The belt loop is reinforced and has ample room to fit over various belt widths. For those who prefer belt clips, however, that’s not an option here.

I prefer to keep my iPhone in my purse, so this pouch is well suited for my needs. The case has a streamlined finish so it does not add much bulk or weight and the leather outer layer has a attractive finish. It’s also quite strong and will protect your iPhone from most scratches, abrasions and some falls. In fact, when my child kicked my phone down the stairs — it survived (so did my child, after a lengthy time out…)

The sides have small openings and, whether or not it was the manufacturers intent, this can be used to plug in your earphones without having to take your iPhone out from the case.

There is a small groove in the front of the case which makes it easy to get to your iPhone with one hand.

This case is beautifully constructed and will take a good deal of abuse with ease. Its look is sophisticated and perfect for the professional in your life. For those of you who may want the case in another color other than pink, The E&B Company eCopilot side pouch also comes in black, brown and red and is available for $29.95 from the TiPb iPhone accessory store.

Project Pink: if I get over 50 different people’s comments on this post, Rene has generously offered (will be forced) to carry around my next case for a day (it’s also pink!). Follow me on twitter @GeorgiaTiPb and I will keep you posted on the progress.

** And the response has been so great if we break 150, I will get Video !

Disclaimer: the E&B Company eCopilot leather case was provided for review by TiPb’s iPhone accessory store.

We have all been there. You know, our iPhone is about to die from a drained battery and no charge cable in sight. Well, the Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger [$29.99 - TiPb Store link] is here to change that. The Seidio charger gives you everything you need for any portable situation. You get a USB cable that actually snaps into place (I love that. Most cables I see these days don’t actually snap in place, they just fit, but not securely) and the always capable wall charger and large grip-friendly car charger.

What really sets this charger apart from the competition is the retractability of the cable. Just like with other retractable cords, you pull on both ends and it expands. Of course, it is convenient if you have your iPhone charging on your Mac or PC to just let is sit right next to your computer without any extra cable mess.

I use my cable on the time. My day starts off with getting in the car for work (yeah, don’t use it at home, I have a cradle for that) and plugging it into the car adapter. I have a good 45 minute commute to work, so this buys me time to charge and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once I am work, I take the cable with me and charge at my desk as need. Yes, I am one of those people that if the iPhone 3GS tells me I have 96% battery, I must make it 100%.

As the day winds down, I repeat the morning process. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “Why is this guy telling me how he carries his cable around all day?” Well, that is the point isn’t it? The fact that the cable retracts makes it super easy to pull out of my bag and stow it away. I have a separate cable I stash in my bag too, the one that came with the iPhone. Using that cable is annoying as I have to “stuff” it in my bag, where the Seidio cable retracts beautifully with no mess. I know, it is the little things. Because of its portability, this has quickly become my main cable. On the ever-so-small downside, there is not an airplane adapter. That would make this the ultimate in charger cables, but for now, Seidio will have to do with a “fav” rating from this reviewer.

If you are looking for a functional cable such as this, you can pick it up in the TiPb store for $29.95.

Check out more in the gallery below!

The first purchase you make after you get a new device should always be some sort of protection — ideally, a case that suits your needs in the best way possible. You paid good, hard-earned money for your iPhone, after all, and sometimes a simple rubber skin case or hard case will just not do. So what’s left? A nicely crafted holster case, and today I’m going to be taking a look at the Krusell Apollo leather case for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This case can be purchased directly from TiPb store for $34.95. For the full run down on this holster case read on after the break!

Design

When it comes to cases that nicely fit a businessman or businesswoman’s needs, Swedish case manufacturer Krusell is the one brand that pops into my mind. The previous Krusell case that I was able to review, the Krusell Hector, left me fairly impressed with their quality and design. The Krusell Apollo Leather Case was able to get that half right.

First thing to point out is the Krusell Apollo’s Multidapt feature that allows for you to have a few different wearing options. The Multidapt system is simply a fancy name for a swivel clip system that is completely removable from the case, reducing the size of the Apollo’s profile. If the swivel clip system is not your cup of tea, just remove it from the back of the case.

This case has been beautifully hand crafted and solidly put together with very soft genuine leather. The color is black on the outside with a very soft, silver interior. On the exterior of the case you will notice a magnetic flip-top closure, an off-white stitching, and a small Krusell badge. The stitching appears to be exact, with no stray threads or excess glue. There are some minor issues with the functionality, which I’ll get into a bit later, but overall the Apollo is a very well constructed case.

Daily Use

So far this has been a pretty positive review for the Krusell Apollo but it’s not all a bed of roses. Yes, the Multidapt feature is nice and convenient to have but if you do choose to use it be prepared to deal with a very bulky case. So bulky, in fact, that I could not use the Apollo as my daily driver. Now if you are the complete opposite of me and wouldn’t mind sacrificing a slimmer profile to wear the case on your hip, this case may suit you well.

Another worry I have is with the magnetic flip-top. It seems to be a pretty weak magnet and it doesn’t take much to flip open, which of course should be a major concern for anyone, especially if you are active person. So if you do purchase this case, be very wary of wearing it horizontally.

The vertical holster functionality, on the other hand, is suburb with the Multidapt clip. It will securely hold your phone tightly to your side via a belt or pants pocket.

This case also keeps your iPhone 3G very well protected. With some cases that you wear, you run the risk of bumping into something, whether it be the corner of a table or wall, that will severely scratch the iPhone itself or, worst case, crack screen. I’m happy to say with the Apollo those are things you need not worry about.

Conclusion

The Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G is a decent product, solidly built with fine materials. While its style will not win any awards, and personally I feel Krusell missed the mark with the Apollo, it is a way to protect your iPhone 3G while at the same time offering more than one way to carry it via the Multidapt clip.

Pros

• Built from high quality materials
• Multidapt clip allows for numerous ways to carry your iPhone 3G

Cons

• Way too bulky
• Magnetic flip-top seems very weak

TiPb Review Rating

[Ed: New Case-Mate Vrooms in new spectacular colors now available in the TiPb iPhone Store! - Rene]

The iPhone 3G certainly has a ton of case options. Everyone has their own take on what constitutes a good iPhone case—some prefer silicone, others want a hard plastic, some prefer loud cases, others search for more subtle options. We take a look at a lot of cases here at TiPb and there’s a different qualification for the case we’re about to take a look at—this falls under the ‘fun’ category.

The Case-Mate Vroom for iPhone 3G ($14.95) is a subtly-fun designed rubber case. From afar the Vroom case looks like a basic, black silicone case that protects the back of the iPhone 3G. Upon closer inspection, whoa what?! The back has tire tread!

Is this merely a gimmick? How cool is it?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Come on. Laugh a little. Ease up. The Vroom case for the iPhone 3G is funny and a definite conversation starter. I mean, it’s a tire on your iPhone 3G! You could even come up with a far-fetched story on how you custom made the case with your old car tire’s or even say its a special edition made by Goodyear or Michelin. I mean, a tire on your iPhone? What other crazy designs can we get?

Jokes aside, the Vroom case is a basic black rubber case that protects the full back of the iPhone 3G while leaving room open for all of the iPhone 3G’s functions. It even comes equipped with a plastic screen to protect the iPhone 3G’s touchscreen. We’re not fans of those plastic touchscreens preferring to go with Bodyguardz or Invisibleshield for cases like these.

But in all, I think it looks great and adds a ton of character to the iPhone 3G.

Usability

The rubber is a lot different from other silicone cases I’ve encountered. Instead of a soft, grippy feel the Vroom case is harder and slicker. I don’t prefer this finish because it doesn’t offer the same amount of grip as other silicone options but I think that’s just a matter of preference.

What’s great about the Vroom case, other than the design of course, is that it doesn’t add much thickness to the iPhone. I found that the case was really easy to hold and didn’t change the contours of the iPhone 3G. And though the rubber is a bit different than most cases, I feel like it’s a stronger grade. Instead of being just a sleeve or a skin, this feels like true tire rubber. I guess it succeeded in its intended effect, right?

But this case does have its fair share of limitations—more thought was put into its design than its actual construction. It attracts lint and dust very easily, I could never really manage to keep the case clean. This may be more of a color issue than anything since dust simply shines on a black case.

Also, this is personal preference but I don’t like it when a case ever-so-slightly exposes the chrome rim around the iPhone. I feel as if you’re going to cover the back of the iPhone you might as well go the extra millimeter to cover the chrome rim.

But in all, the Vroom case offers just enough protection. It’s not going to be mistaken as an OtterBox but it definitely does a good job in preventing nicks and scratches from daily routine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for pure protection, this case probably isn’t for you. I won’t lie, there are better options for you if protection is your biggest concern. For starters, take a look at the TiPb store.

But if you like quirky designs and/or conversations revolving your iPhone 3G case—hey, this is as good as it gets. Let me tell you, when I was testing out this case, I got numerous compliments and questions about its origins. I found that I personally LIKED the case enough to ignore its limitations.

Though it only offers middling protection—this is the case I reach for most for my iPhone 3G.

PROS

• Great, Fun Design
• High Quality Rubber
• Adds Minimal Thickness

CONS

• Offers Average Protection
• Attracts Dust

FINAL RATING:

I’m a big fan of not using a hard case as doing so hides the beauty of the iPhone. So I tend to look for pouches, sleeves, and sometimes leather cases. Enter the Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G which happens to be available in TiPb Store for $29.95. I’ve spent a good amount of time using this case, so read on for the full review!

Design

Lets start out by saying when you first see this case you probably won’t come away that impressed. But after a closer look at this side case, it might just make you change your mind. The first thing that you’ll notice is how the Krusell Hector Case is built out of a very soft, high quality leather. A lot of leather holster cases out there are very stiff but that is not the case with this Krusell. It is by far one of the most subtle leather cases that I have personally come across in a very long time.

On the inside, Krusell has lined it with a soft suede leather. So there is absolutely no reason to worry about this case scratching any part of your iPhone. On the outside, you have a magnetic flap keeping your iPhone securely in place along with an open slot underneath so you can push up to get the iPhone out with a great amount of ease.

On a negative front there is one thing that I found to be missing… a normal clip. All you get here are belt loops… More on that later.

Daily Use

Like I mentioned, I’m a big fan of not hiding my iPhone 3G in any way, shape or form. When my phone is not in use and is in my coat pocket or pants pocket it is always in one of my pouch cases to be kept well protected. So giving a new case like the Krusell Hector a try was a very welcome opportunity.

Right away I could not help but notice it’s one and only major flaw. It only has belt loops and it omits a regular clip! Seriously? While this may work for some of you, it is something that I just could not get past. When my iPhone is not in use it stays protected, whether it’s sitting on a desk, table or whatever it may be. In order for this to happen with the Krussel Hector case I would have to undo my belt. Not very convenient in my honest opinion.

Another gripe about the lack of clip is what if you don’t wear a belt one day? It pretty much renders this case useless. So note to non-belt wearers out there: This may not be the case for you.

Now for all of your who like having your iPhone attached at your hip all day long. This may just be the case you’ve been looking for.

When it is attached to a belt, it is actually more sturdy than a normal clip, which leaves you with less of a chance of actually leaving your device behind for someone else to pick up. That is obviously a plus. While wearing the Krusell on your side you will notice that it is reasonably comfortable and eventually you forget it is attached to your side. It’s also important to note that removing your iPhone is also a piece of cake. So no worries there.

Conclusion

The Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, available at TiPb Store for $29.95, is a good side holster case with one major drawback. Yes, you guessed it. The lack of a normal clip. Now if you are the type of person who likes to keep the case attached at your hip for your entire day, I suggest you give this case a try. You will not be disappointed in it’s build quality. It is very well crafted and it suits it’s purpose well.

Pros

• Superbly built with high quality leather
• Comfortable to wear
• Does a good job of protecting the iPhone while holding it securely

Cons

• Lack of removable clip!
• Did I mention belt loops only?

TiPb Review Rating

The Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in the TiPb Store for $34.95. If you are looking for an armband case for your iPhone, this might just be it! Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Marware Sportsuit is a convertible armband for the iPhone that is made primarily of neoprene for soft, stretchable, secure use. The iPhone is held in place by a faux leather case with a clear plastic front (to cover the screen) and a strong elastic at the bottom (to prevent the iPhone from falling out). The neoprene is laced with Velcro to adjust to any arm size. The armband comes with the ability to remove the iPhone case component to use separate if desired and there is another optional carry compartment for a couple of keys, cash, etc. 

Daily Use 

When GPS and all of the running/walking apps were announced for the iPhone I was so excited. I thought surely Apple would release their own armband for the iPhone like they have for the Nano and iPod Touch. Alas, this did not happen. Well, thank goodness for companies like Marware for releasing their take on what an armband should do/be for the iPhone. 

First things first. if you have any fear or apprehension of the iPhone falling out while running, you can set those aside. The iPhone fits very securely in the accompanying case. The iPhone is held in by the case itself (very, very snug) and the strong elastic at the bottom. There are no snaps or other contraptions to keep the iPhone in place. This elasticity is sufficient. The encapsulating case is attached to the armband via a plastic snap-in option. This plastic clip attaches to the neoprene armband AND a convenient belt clip; that is right, you are done working out and you can remove the case from the armband and clip it right on your belt with the supplied belt clip. Also, the case has a clear electrostatic cover, so the touchscreen is accessible in the case. Very nice indeed.

The armband is comfortable and does not pinch the arm. The area where the iPhone attaches has a slightly curved plastic piece that conforms to the arm. This adds stability and is also the area which the case attaches to the armband. The accompanying carry compartment is also non-intrusive. It is very small and slides onto the armband just about anywhere you want it. I as able to stuff a key, cash and a credit card into it (hey, you never know when running if you are gonna need supplies, buy a paper, or get some additional water).

While exercising, the armband stayed in place, but not without some effort. I want to make it clear that this is through no fault of the armband, but rather the weight of the iPhone 3G (iPhone 4.7 ounces, iPod Touch 4.05 ounces and the iPod Nano 1.3 ounces). As you can tell, the iPhone is clearly the heaviest of the bunch. Because of this, I found I had to make the armband rather tight. The good news is that the armband held securely through my running travels. The downside is that my arm became “numb” from having to tighten the armband securely enough to where it would not slide down my arm. So, to try to circumvent the “numbing factor” of my upper arm, I tried attaching the armband to my lower arm, just below the elbow. This seems to be more comfortable (and don’t worry, the running apps still seemed to work OK. Most of them register your movement via the accelerometer, and placing the armband lower on the arm, still gives the iPhone the motion it needs to register your movement. 

Conclusion

I really liked the design and flexibility of the armband. I can’t say I am a huge fan of the case as a stand alone case, but it works just fine for what it is made for. The added functionality of the additional compartment really makes things easier for carrying more items with you.

As a quick extra tip, there are a couple of cool apps out there to help you make the most of your new armband. I recommend; iMapMyRun, Pedometer and RunKeeper.

Pros

• Its a sports armband for the iPhone! (Why doesn’t Apple make one?)
• 3-in-1 armband!
• Adjustable armband that will fit anyone
• Soft neoprene elastic texture
• Case is removable
• Extra storage for keys or money

Cons

• Can become uncomfortable for extended periods of time (due to the iPhone’s weight)
• Can be tricky to remove the iPhone from the encapsulating case
• iPhone case is not really useful or flattering if used independently of the armband

TiPb Rating:

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G uses a unique wave lock design to create a snug fit for the iPhone and offer solid protection. The hard plastic case was unique among competitor’s offerings because instead of choosing a slide mechanism to connect the case together, it uses a front piece and a back piece to hold the iPhone. Does the Griffin Wave succeed as a case? We think so. Read on to see why.

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G is a hard plastic case that offers protection for the chrome rim, corners, and entire back of the iPhone. It comes in four color choices and allows accessibility to all the ports, switches, buttons and jacks on the iPhone.

As mentioned before, the Wave case comes in two parts. Unlike other cases which offer a top and bottom slide mechanism, the Griffin Wave opts to use a front piece and a back piece—held together via the interlocking wave design. To explain it briefly, the wave shaped closure overlap and inserts into each other to create a very, very snug and secure fit. It kind of looks like DNA.

The polycarbonate of the Griffin Wave is clear and the wave lock design is very pleasing to the eye. The helix design adds a certain amount of depth and improves the look of the iPhone 3G.  

Usability

I found that the material used in the Griffin Wave feels great in the hand. Though it is unmistakably a hard plastic case, there is a soft touch rubber feel to it and the iPhone feels safe inside. I believe that Griffin found a great compromise with soft cases and hard cases in the Wave. Whereas soft cases offer better grip, it often loosens over time. The benefit of a hard case is that it soundly protects the iPhone without wear and tear. But the main problem is it typically adds too much thickness and that the material doesn’t provide for much grip.

In the Wave’s case, it combines both the sturdiness of a hard case with the tactile feel of a soft case. I loved the added depth and dimension of the material and found it very pleasing to hold. Also the clear polycarbonate material allows you to see the Apple logo on the iPhone and gives off a better look than an all plastic material would.

All the ports and switches of the iPhone are made available with the Wave case. The hole for the camera is exact. Because of such precise cuts along the ports and openings, it leaves little room for dust to settle and build up. Though it does add some amount of thickness, I didn’t find it to be bothersome.

However, the case doesn’t seem to match up exactly where the front portion and the back portion meet. This is odd considering everything else about the Wave is so exact and beautiful. Though the slight opening might only affect the most nit picky of people, it is a design flaw nonetheless. The packaged plastic screen protector is a throwaway, it diminishes the iPhone’s sensitivity and is difficult to use. Spring for a adhesive screen.

Final Thoughts

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G is a subtly styled, great feeling case. Griffin really did a good job with the Wave and its unique locking system not only offers a secure fit but also adds to the design. I think if you were looking for a hard case for the iPhone 3G, you couldn’t do much better in regards to look, feel, and all around security than the Griffin Wave.  

PROS

• Unique closure system
• Great Design
• Adds minimal thickness
• All ports are accessible

CONS

• Back and Front portions don’t meet up exactly
• Packaged Plastic Screen Protector is a throwaway

FINAL RATING: