The Glam Sparkle case for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is just the latest in a long line of beautiful, shiny cases from Case-Mate. They sent this back from CES 2012 for me to look at and what can I say, they know my weakness and they exploit it well! From the latest brushed aluminum Barely-There to my trusty old Chrome case, Case-Mate has never failed to trap me with their sparkling wares.

And the Glam Sparkle case for iPhone really does sparkle, as the name so well implies! It comes in silver, gold, green, and pink, and it hast a multifaceted backplate that literally twinkles and glitters as it catches the light at different angles. It's not rough to the touch, however, as the sparkles are protected by a tough layer of lacquer that's finished silky smooth.

Like all of Case-Mate's recent Barely-There cases, the Glam Sparkle adds almost no bulk and all the cutouts are generous so you won't have any trouble fitting your favorite 3.5mm headphones or using any dock cable, even the chunkier media or car kit plugs. The edges don't come up over the bezel, which is great for people like me who don't want swiping interrupted, but no so great if you're looking for some protection when you put your iPhone on a table face down.

Speaking of protection, what you give up in bulk you also give up in protection. This is no tank case! It will protect your precious iPhone from scratches and scuffs to the side and back, but it probably won't help you much in the event of serious impact damage.

If all you want to do is make your iPhone look absolutely fabulous, however, the Case-Mate Glam Sparkle has you covered.

My only worry is, after chrome, brushed metal, and sparkles, how can Case-Mate top this level of shine in the next model?

The good

• Incredibly sparkly, thin, and pretty
• Large cutouts make it easy to use any headphones or dock cables
• Minimal bulk

The bad

• Doesn't provide a super high amount of protection
• Not everyone can pull off this level of sparkly!

The conclusion

Case-Mate had me at shiny. Need I say more? Just when I think I have a case that's as shiny as it gets, Case-Mate comes up with something shinier still. If you're a fan of glitter and glamor, and want your iPhone to make as shiny a statement as possible, this case is for you!

$18.11+ - Buy now

Valentine's Day is coming up fast, and if your lover loves their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, you're in luck, there are some fantastic device, app, accessory, and media gifts to thrill them and score you major brownie points. Whether you're romantic enough to prepare well in advance, or if you're scrambling to stay off the couch, sit back and get your groove warmed up -- Rene and I decided to do a little written ZEN and TECH this week and help you pick out the perfect Valentine's Day gifts for your special someone.

Dream devices for the person of your dreams

On the off chance the love of your life doesn't yet have an iOS device to call his or her own, that's a great place to start. An iPod touch can be the perfect travel or exercise companion. An iPad can entertain and inform at home or away. An a iPhone can keep you both in touch no matter where you are. And Apple TV is perfect for all the couple movie classics.

And hey, if you're in a long distance romance, just wait until they discover FaceTime.

• Apple iOS device gift guide

Awesome accessories

If your significant other already has their iOS device needs met, then accessories are your next best bet. There's something about a tangible gift -- something about receiving a gift, opening it, seeing and feeling it for the first time. It's... real.

There are a ton of great iPhone and iPad accessories to choose from. Here are some of our favorites.

Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum Case for iPhone

Year after year, Case-Mate melts my heart with a shiny, sexy case for the iPhone and this year is no exception -- the Barely There Brushed Aluminum Case is simply spectacular. As always, it's light as a feather, extremely low profile, and the finish is fabulous. Girls will love the heart red or stunning silver, guys the basic black. Both will appreciate the aircraft-grade aluminum inlay, gunmetal hard shell, and awesome good looks of the Barely There Brushed Aluminum.

$29.95 - Buy now

Pad & Quill Little Black Book for iPhone and Contega for iPad

Little Black Book's are usually reserved for hot little numbers, and Pad & Quill's take on the classic is no exception -- it wraps your high tech iPhone in old word craftsmanship. It fits both the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, it's precision cut and framed from Baltic Birch, covered in Italian leather, bound in book cloth, with an extra pocket inside for credit cards or ID. If pink is your thing, Pad & Quill is offering the Little Black Book in just that special edition color, just in time for Valentine's. If not, they have a rainbow of other colors to choose from, from red to blue and everything in between.

Contega brings the same hipster vibe and quality construction to the iPad with even more features, notably a fold-up stand to make it easier to type or just watch your movies.

$54.99 and up - Buy now

Jawbone JAMBOX

You put down your wine glasses, take each other's hands, walk over to the dance floor, hold each other close -- and hear the tiny, tinny sound of your iPhone's speaker. Grrrrr. Jawbone's JAMBOX makes up for Apple's still disappointing audio with the best Bluetooth sound ever. It's rich. It's deep. It'll keep you dancing until dawn.

$179.99 - Buy now

8-Bit Dynamic Life Shirt

These light-up shirts from Think Geek will normally show two-and-a-half glowing hearts. But when you and your special someone come together, your heart bar glows full and you power up. Get one for yourself, one for your love, and whenever you're together, your shirts will light up.

$17.99 - $24.99 - Buy now

Amazing apps

You know if there's an app for just about everything, a large portion of those just have to be for love! Whether you're deeply in love, trying to keep the home fires burning, or still trying to kindle the flame, there are most definitely apps for all that.

Romantic apps

If you're already in a relationship, especially if you've been in one for a while, and you need or simply want something sexy to spice up your Valentine's day, the App Store has plenty to offer.

$1.99 - iKamaSutra

Interlude: A romantic rant

We looked for more apps we could recommend, but frankly most of them looked terrible. The icons were horrible, the screenshots were horrible, and the reviews were horrible. We're long past the time lazy, opportunistic "developers" should be able to put out junk and make money off iPhone and iPad users. This should be a good market. There should be a great developer who can make a gorgeous looking, fabulous working dice game, spin the bottle, truth or dare, or something -- anything -- else for adults who simply want to have some fun. Take this as a challenge -- by next Valentine's Day, have some amazing stuff in the store for couples!

More apps

We offer up what we think are simply the best apps day in and day out here at iMore, just because it's Valentine's doesn't mean you need to get a Valentine's specific app. Sometimes something thoughtful, something that shows you've listened, learned your significant other's interests, and found them something delightful is the way to go.

• iMore's best app lists

Online dating apps

If you don't happen to have someone special this year, if you're still searching, it's never too early to get ready for next year. Why not harness the power of your iPhone and iPad? Many of the popular online dating sites have apps in the app store, and since our lives are increasingly mobile, there's no reason our love lives shouldn't be as well. (The apps are usually free, as is browsing, but there are typically fees associated with messaging.)

Free - eHarmony

Variable - More online dating apps

Last minute gift ideas

If you're reading this with only minutes to spare before your special someone comes to the door, or comes downstairs, all hope is not lost. In addition to the apps listed above, all of which can be bought in an instant, there are also several sweet services and certificates that are yours to be had, only a few clicks away.

Netflix, Hulu Plus, Slacker and other subscription

You'll be stuck watching romantic comedies, chick flicks, or something racy, but you won't be stuck on the sofa or the dog house!

• Netflix
• Hulu Plus
• Slacker Personal Radio

iTunes, App Store, iBooks gifts and gift certificates

If romance is still fresh and new and you don't want to risk gifting the wrong app or iBook or iTunes music, you can get them a gift certificate. Don't just hand it over, however. Take their hand and go online shopping with them!

• iTunes gift certificates

Amazon gift certificates

Amazon has a ton of digital content all there own, but they also have old school media -- paper books, plastic CDs and Blu-Rays, games that come on cartridges... Gift certificates let your special someone pick just exactly the goods -- real or virtual -- they want, and Amazon will deliver it straight to the door or the device. Again, shop with them!

• Amazon gift certificates

Your Valentine's gift ideas?

Did we miss any of your favorite Valentine gift ideas, past, present, or future? Anything that especially made your heart melt or soar or skip a beat? Please share in the comments!

Georgia, Seth, and Rene talk about copy-cat apps, iMovie vs. Avid, Launch Center, Jailbreak apps for iOS 5, as well as cases with stands, iPhone guns, and glowing Apple logo mods. This is Apps & Accessories Live!

• Subscription information coming soon! Right now you can enjoy Apps & Accessories Live in the iPhone & iPad Live fees!

Meta

• February is fitness month at iMore and Mobile Nations! [iPad 3 giveaway!]
• Don't forget we give away a ton of stuff!

App News

• Apple removes copy-cat apps from the App Store, doesn’t address larger issues
• iMovie vs Avid Studio: iPad video editing app shootout
• Readdle Remarks brings note-taking and PDF annotating in one to iPad
• Book Palette for Mac offers 10 beautiful templates for iBooks Author
• iMore app picks of the week for February 4, 2012 [Giveaway]

Jailbreak Apps

• BiteSMS vs Messages+ for iOS 5: which should you use?
• LockInfo vs IntelliscreenX for iOS 5 jailbreak: which should you use?
• Hands-on with Zephyr for the iPhone and iPod Touch [Jailbreak Apps]

Launch Center

• Launch Center puts Messages, Facebook, Twitter, a flashlight, more in your iPhone Notification Center

Accessory News

• Xappr Gun turns your iPhone into an FPS dream machine!

• Ten One Design announces Pogo Sketch Plus capacitive stylus for iPhone and iPad
• Hands on with the Jot Touch, a pressure sensitive stylus by Adonit

• Incipio SILICRYLIC case with kickstand for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 vs. Case-Mate Pop! Case with Stand for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4

iPhone Mods

• iFixit Thirsty Bag for iPhone, iPad review
• iFixit iPhone transparent rear panel mod kit review
• Hands on with the glowing Apple logo mod for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Hosts

• Georgia (@GeorgiaTiPb)
• Seth Clifford (@sethclifford)
• Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie)

Credits

You can reach all of us on Twitter [@iMore](http://twitter.com/imore), or you can email us at , or leave a comment on the website when the show goes live.

We're here every Sunday night at 6pm Pacific, 9pm Eastern, 2am GMT, and our companion show -- iPhone and iPad Live! -- is at the same time, on the same channel, on Wednesday nights -- www.iMore.com/live

For all our podcasts -- audio and video -- including iPhone and iPad Live, ZENandTECH and Superfunctional, Iterate and Girls Gone Gadget and more... see MobileNations.com/shows

If you haven't already please subscribe to all our shows in iTunes and leave a rating. It helps people find the show and means a lot to us!

Thanks to the iMore Accessory Store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

"If you want your iPad 2 to finally be able to stand on its own, then the Case-Mate Pop! Case is for you. "

The Case-Mate Pop! Case with Stand for the iPad 2 brings the same blend of protection and kickstand-enabled performance to the iPad 2 as it's younger, smaller sibling does for the iPhone 4S. And like with the iPhone version, that's a very good thing.

Available in two-tone black or white, the Case-Mate Pop! Case with Stand for the iPhone 2 is composed of hard, protective rubber shell and soft, easy-to-grip rubberized sides. The shell feels strong and can handle any minor impact that might otherwise scratch or dent your precious iPad. The sides are what make the difference for me, however, as they really let you grab a hold, and keep a hold, on what's sometimes a slippery device.

Unlike it's smaller iPhone sibling, the Case-Mate Pop! Case for iPad 2 is either open or closed -- there are no gradations.

The stand folds out from the back and does a great job either staying open or being closed. However, unlike the iPhone version, there's no ability to set an angle in between. You either have to keep it closed, set it open, or watch it flap about. Awkward.

When open, the stand is a winner. It keeps your iPad 2 up and at attention in either landscape or portrait mode

The Case-Mate Pop! Case for iPad 2 does a great job protecting the back but the sides feel a little loose at times. I've seen this on numerous iPad cases and while it might just be that these materials don't hold up well over long surfaces like the edges around the iPad's 9.7-inch screen, I still wish they'd figure that out.

The front looks good, protects well, and yet I can't stop wishing the side were just a little less loose.

But this case is really about the kick stand, and how it lets you put your iPad 2 down yet keep watching your movies, following your recipes, reading your books, typing your notes, or any other of a dozen activities.

The Good

• Offers good protection for the back and sides
• Material provides for excellent grip
• Stand works in either portrait or landscape mode
• Rubberized edge keep the stand in place

The Bad

• Edges could be slightly more form-fitting
• No angle adjustments options for stand

The conclusion

If you want your iPad 2 to finally be able to stand up on its own, then the Case-Mate Pop! Case is for you. Wonderfully grippy, nicely protective, the Case-Mate Pop! Case for iPad 2 is everything you could want in a movie-watching, note-typing, kickstand-packing accessory.

• ###$39.95 - Buy Now

The giveaway

Simply leave a comment below telling us how the Case-Mate Pop! Case for iPad 2 could make your life easier and you're entered to win one of your very own! Giveaway starts now and ends Sunday, February 5 at midnight PT. U.S. shipping address required for delivery.

"The ability to use the Case-Mate Pop! Case for iPhone in both portrait and landscape modes, at multiple angles, and without worrying about it slipping is simply brilliant."

The Case-Mate Pop! Cases with Stand for the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 is exceptionally protective without being overly bulky. It's one piece which means you don't get multi-layer protection but it also means it's easier to put on and take off. Available in an array of bright, bold colors including pink and white, purple and black, yellow and gray, dark and light turquoise, and black on black, it manages to strike a good balance between functionality and stylish good looks.

This Case-Mate case for iPhone isn't just about good looks, it has a little secret...

The Case-Mate Pop! Case with Stand for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 shows a lot of nice attention to detail. The cutouts around the camera are big enough to ensure there's no problem taking pictures, and no chance of flash-back glare. The mute button is easy enough to access and the volume and sleep/wake buttons are covered but pass-through pressure well enough. The dock cutout, however, while fine with most cables, might give you issues with the chunkier media and car adapters.

Most of the cutouts are wide and the material is soft and protective

Because the case comes up a bit above the front of the iPhone bezel, it also means you can place it face-down on a table and not worry about scratches. Textured sides add to the design but also make it easier to hold onto the Case-Mate Pop! Case.

The kickstand not only supports multiple angles and portrait display...

The kickstand is the big story here. Just as the name describes, the Case-Mate stand pops out from the lower bottom of the back plate, but unlike some others it works in both landscape and portrait more. You can choose two different angles and the slightly rubberized finish prevents it from sliding away and leaving your iPhone to tumble. Well done.

... But can also go landscape, and the rubberized edge stops it from slipping!

Note: Currently on sale in the iMore Canada Store for only Can$27.95!

Lauren from Case-Mate gave us a look at all their brand new, shiny and stylish iPhone cases at CES 2012. We all know how much Georgia loves her metallic cases and we don't think she'll be disappointed with Case-Mate's new offerings.

If sparkles and glitter aren't for you, they've still got you covered whether your main concern is fashion, protection, or discretion. Besides brand new designs, some old favorites have been updated with new colors and slightly changed form factors as well.

The Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 adds some color, some texture, and some design tweaks to make one of the hottest cases of last year just that much hotter!

• Available at store.imore.com for U.S shoppers
• Available at bluestore.ca for Canadian shoppers

Design wise, the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum case is just as the name describes -- barely there. It's about as close a fit and slim a case as the materials and laws of physics allow. The new colors, silver, black, pink, red, and gold are really nice looking, and as always all the ports and buttons are cut extra wide so you don't have to worry about your 3.5mm headset jack or dock connector fitting. I tried it on both a black and a white iPhone, both the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S, and it looked absolutely amazing on both.

Now because the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum is such a slim and fitting case, and while they say it's impact resistant -- and show a picture of a hammer hitting it to drive the point home! -- you're not getting the same level of protection as you would from a bigger, bulkier case. It will, however, stop any scratches, bumps, and light impact along the back and sides. It also doesn't protect the front, and there's no screen protector included, so if that's a concern you'll need to pick up a BodyGuardz, InvisibleShield, or similar product separately.

Also, you need to know what you're doing to remove it, especially if you're a girl and don't want to break a nail. I flipped it over and peeled the volume-control side off first, the popped my iPhone out. It took some practice to get good at, but if you plan on putting it on and leaving it on, you won't need to worry about it much.

Overall I really like the look and feel of the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. I've always been a fan of Case-Mate's Barely There line, and their metallic finishes, and this one is no exception. If you're looking for something that's stylish and sophisticated, give the Case-Mate a try.

• Available at store.imore.com for U.S shoppers
• Available at bluestore.ca for Canadian shoppers

Giveaway

Would you like to win a Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 of your very own? Wait, why am I even asking? Of course you would! Just leave a comment below telling us why this would be the perfect case for you. We'll pick a winner, and you'll get a case!

Giveaway starts now and ends December 29, 2011 at 9pm PT. So what are you waiting for? Enter now!!

TiPb received the above screenshot today which purports to show Case-Mate Barely There cases for iPhone 5 in an AT&T reseller point-of-sale system (POS). We've seen a lot of case leaks before, even Case-Mate leaks, and it's not hard to imagine case makers gambling on leaked designs, but retail systems stocking them already?

Seriously, October 4 can't get here soon enough.

Friday Saturday Freebie time again, and since I'm doing the post this week I get to pick my absolute fav case from the TiPb iPhone Accessory Store to give away FREE -- the Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for iPhone 4!

This is just one of the sweetest cases for your iPhone 4. Totally shiny. And all you have to do to win is head on over our iPhone Accessory Forum and leave a message telling us what -- or who -- you need this hot looking case to protect your precious iPhone from!

Giveaway starts now and ends Sunday at 12pm PDT. Ready... set... ENTER NOW!

Case-Mate published a page today featuring iPhone 5 case designs and pulled it just shortly after. If the case designs are the real deal we may be seeing an overhauled design for the iPhone 5 after all.

Case-Mate recently claimed to have inside info regarding the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. (Which we are still a bit skeptical about.) As we get closer to an announcement we typically see a lot of case leaks but they don't typically come from a manufacturer as reputable as Case-Mate.

I'm personally hoping these cases are legit as the iPhone inside the case appears to be a drastic change in design and form factor. It appears to be similar to the iPad 2. Real, fake, or really fake?

BGR

Case-Mate has put up a page on their website making a lot of claims regarding the iPhone 5 and further rumored iPhone 4S. Case-Mate believes the iPhone 5 will be a complete redesign and not just another incarnation of the current iPhone 4. They claim it will feature a wider and thinner design, wireless charging, and an upgraded camera.

Given iOS 5 should only be a few weeks away I would think we would hear something officially any day now. In the mean time here's what Case-Mate thinks we are going to see concerning the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S, which is supposedly just an updated model with a similar form factor to the already existing iPhone 4. They believe both versions will be launched, not just one.

The new iPhone 5 will feature a completely different form factor than its predecessor. Wider and thinner, the redesigned device features an extended home button. The screen size could see an increase to 4 inches.

Also included in the iPhone 5 will be an A5 dual-core processor, similar to the one used in the iPad 2. It will also be equipped with an 8 mega-pixel camera, wireless charging and iOS 5, which features iCloud portable storage capabilities...

The debate continues on whether the new iPhone will be an iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S. From our inside resources, it appears that Apple will be indeed launching both an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 4S in early October. The iPhone 4S will feature the same form factor as the iPhone 4 but will be upgraded with the latest technology, including the A5 dual-core processor and 8 mega-pixel camera.

Case-Mate goes on and says that the iPhone 5 will be available in 16 and 32 GB offerings. I'm not quite sure I am confident Apple will release two different versions of the iPhone or continue with their normal tradition of lowering the price of the previous model and using it in place of an entry level model.

The new page also allows you to sign up for updates regarding iPhone 5 and 4S accessories. That seems a bit sketchy to me. Releasing more rumors seems like an awfully good way to get people to sign up for news about your accessories and future products. We would take this insider info with an enormous grain of salt.

Case-Mate

Just get a new white iPhone 4 and curious as to which cases will better show it off? Want to protect that beautiful glass display (and glass back!) and keep that white looking bright? Well read on for the TiPb store's top 10 most recommended, most must-have white iPhone cases to get your started.

BodyGuardz Protective Skins

What's a better case than almost no case at all? With BodyGuardz protective skins you get the next best thing to naked, "made from the same material that is used to shield the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements." (And we've tested to prove it). If you want to enjoy your precious new white iPhone almost the way Jony Ive intended, this is the way to go. [TiPb store link]

Also try:

• InvisibleShield, for those who prefer this brand of film. [TiPb store link]
• Tat Skinz Carbon Fiber from the same people who make BodyGuardz with a great grip ad feel. [TiPb store link]
• DODOcase BOOKback packs luxury leather into a super slim skin. [DODOcase]

Apple Bumpers

While protective films cover the glass, bumpers cover and defend the antenna and give you enough of an edge you can put your iPhone down without having to worry about it coming in contact with any potentially damaging surfaces. If you're in a low signal area they'll also stop you from "holding it wrong". Plus, the black, white, green, blue, orange, and pink colors look really sweet on the white iPhone -- there's a reason all of Apple's initial bumper art was shown off on white. [Apple Store link]

Also try:

• Element Case Vapor Case for high end, hypercar style bumper-ing [Element Case link]
• Mobi Bumper is so inexpensive you can easily justify getting one each of the clear, gray, pink, and purple [TiPb store link]

Case-Mate Chrome Barely There Skin Case

You knew I had to pic this, right? If you're worried about the white iPhone 4 being 0.2mm thicker than the black iPhone 4, stop. The Case-Mate Chrome fits the white iPhone 4 perfectly. And sure it covers up a lot of the back... but it does it with chrome and, frankly, it looks stunning! It remains one of my favorite all-time cases and with good reason -- it protects my iPhone while giving me unconstrained use of the screen and big opening around the dock and other ports so all my other accessories, like car chargers, fit. [TiPb store link]

Also try:

Mobi Metal Back are inexpensive and look absolutely fabulous on the white iPhone 4. [TiPb store link] White Diamonds and white iPhone 4 equals gorgeous. I'm not even joking. Swoon. [White Diamonds link]

Overboard Pro White Waterproof Case

Life's a beach, but at least with Overboard you can take your beautiful new white iPhone 4 to one without worrying it will suffer water damage. It's also great for long soaks in the tub, jogging in the rain, or even diving into the pool and going through the car wash! You can get it with matching earphones for the total water win. I don't vacation without it. [TiPb store link]

Also try:

• Aquapac, if light blue is more your thing [TiPb store link]
• Golla bags are great if you hike more than splash. [TiPb store link]

Mophie juice pack air

Okay, this doesn't really show off your white iPhone 4, but it will keep it charged up so you can show it off longer and to many more people. Charge it separately or charge both your iPhone and the case together and you'll get up to double the amount of music, talking, gaming, and everything else you love doing on your iPhone. Great for road warriors, travelers, and serious shoppers alike! [TiPb store link]

• Mophie juice pak plus gives even more power for slightly more expense. [TiPb store link]

Your top case?

So there you have them, our top 5 best cases to get you showing off your white iPhone 4. For chargers, cables, headsets, Bluetooth, and more, check out our Top 10 accessories for your iPhone 4 list. Also check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone Accessories Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Sponsored by the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store

What do you get for the iPhone and iPad geek who has everything? Well, first you make sure that they have an iPhone and iPad (of course!). Then you need to get them some awesome accessories and super sweet peripherals.

Rene and I give some examples drawn from deep within our own inner geek:

• Tom Bihn Ristretto for iPad
• Marware Eco-Vue for iPad
• Case-Mate Barely There Chrome case for iPhone
• Griffin PowerJolt Plus for iPhone or iPad
• OverBoard Pro-Sport Waterproof case for iPhone
• Airport Express
• Apple TV
• Jawbone JAMBOX
• Apple Company Store gear
• ThinkGeek

If you have any great gift ideas for iPhone and iPad geeks (like me!) leave them in the comments!

Should you go around with a naked iPhone or do you need a case? If you do need a case, what kind should you get? That's a question we get asked all the time and it's the topic for the third episode of our new, conversational video podcast, TiPb TV.

Rene and I discuss the pros and cons of bare, barely there, and full on armor for iPhone 4. We also show off several of our favorite cases including the Case Mate Chrome and Ivy, the Incipio Ultra Light, the Golla Bag, the Otterbox Defender, and more.

We take on the argument of case vs. case vs. naked, the cost and benefits of protecting against the bumps and scratches of avoiding bulk. So if you've been trying to decide which type of case is best for you, or if you're daring to go bare with no case on at all, we'll help you make the best choice possible.

Watch along and then leave us a comment and tell us -- which case, if any, do you use?

Case-Mate Ivy Case for iPhone 4 is a really beautiful case and I just love the decor. Yes, I choose this case solely on its looks but I was surprised that it packs quite a nice buffer against bumps as well.

Stay with us after the break for more on this stunning case!

The filigree design really caught my eye and I knew the Case-Mate Ivy Case would be the next case I'd get. It has a very different feel than any other case I have reviewed, almost like really dense foam. The case itself does not cover the front glass offering full access to the screen, but it comes with a screen protector that you can place on the glass to prevent scratches. The filigree décor is embossed and soft to touch but is also practical. It makes the case easier to hold and offers extra protection for your iPhone as well.

Overall, the Case-Mate Ivy Case is very easy to put on you iPhone and quite secure when in place (nothing is as annoying as a case that lets your iPhone4 wiggle around!) It comes in two different colors, black on white as shown in the video above and gallery below, as well as pink on whit.

The Case-Mate Ivy Case for iPhone 4 is just beautiful looking and is available now from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store.

Pros

• Very stylish
• Protection
• Slip resistant for holding
• Screen Protector included

Cons

• Edges are a bit unfinished
• Slightly larger than a feather case

Rating

The Case-Mate Walkabout Case for iPad is a great case if you're looking for something low profile.  It's also slim enough to slip into virtually any bag or briefcase.  The outside has more of a suede feel to it (despite it being tan leather) and doesn't seem to collect dirt like some other lighter colored cases might.  So if you're in the market for a new iPad case that has no bulk but provides decent protection, click on through for a hands-on video, review, and pics!

The first thing you'll notice about this case is the feel. It's definitely genuine leather, but it's got a bit of a suede feel to it. I personally like it. I don't feel like it'll slip out of my hand. The inside of the case is smooth and the fit is just right. When sliding the iPad in the case, you don't feel like you have to force it or that it'll scratch the sides of the device. The closure is lined with magnets as well. There's no buttons or clasps to worry about. The case will simply shut and stay that way. I attempted to hold the case upside down and shake the iPad a bit but the clasp never came undone. So if you're worried about the iPad falling out, you won't have to with this particular case.

I've been using this case for about 2 weeks now and I've had it in bags and sitting on random countertops and tables in the house. It doesn't seem to collect dust or dirt. The case still looks brand new. One of my concerns with lighter colored cases is always that they will get dirty or dingy over time. So far, it's stayed perfectly clean.

On a protection level, the Walkabout will typically protect the iPad from normal wear and tear. It'll prevent from things in your bookbag or briefcase hitting the iPad or scratching it, but I wouldn't go as far to say it would protect you from a serious drop. I'd still be concerned that dropping the iPad on a hard enough surface would still cause some damage (denting, cracking, etc..). It should protect you against moderate to mild drops but I wouldn't expect it to be the equivalent of an Otterbox type case. This case seems to be more geared towards being trendy and sleek than protective.

So if you're looking for something super-trendy and sleek, you can find the Case-Mate Walkabout case for iPad at our TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Low profile
• Magnet enclosures are extremely secure and easier to use than clasps or buttons
• Stays clean despite the lighter color
• Perfect amount of give - not too tight or too loose

Cons

• Won't provide protection against serious drops
• It's a little pricey for not providing optimum protection

The Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for iPhone 4 is just stunningly beautiful. If you've been following me on Twitter you know it's my new favorite iPhone 4 case and considering how long I used the Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for my iPhone 3G it's likely to remain so for a long time to come.

But looks and personal preferences aren't everything -- hard to believe, I know! -- so check out the video above and keep reading after the jump to see how it performs.

Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for iPhone 4 is easy to put on. Just slide it in volume control side first and press it down into place. Once safe and secure, you still have access to all the buttons and ports and it's cut generously enough around the dock that most 3rd party cables should have no problem fitting in.

Thin and smooth around the sides it doesn't do anything to help your grip but it doesn't hurt it much either. If you're worried about the infamous death-touch, yes it prevents that problem in weak signal areas.

The build quality is fantastic. The edges are smooth and well-finished and perfectly tapered so you can run your finger freely across the screen without bumping into them. Because it's a slim case, while it will prevent your iPhone 4 from getting bumps and scrapes it probably won't do much to protect it from high impact drops.

The Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for iPhone 4 includes a mirrored screen protector. It looks beautiful when the screen is off but does darken it and shift colors slightly towards the blue spectrum when the screen is on, which is something the iPhone 3G/3GS version didn't do. If it bothers you, don't use it.

Overall the Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for iPhone 4, available from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store, is just gorgeous and very, very classy looking. I'd recommend it to anyone who doesn't need a higher level of protection. If you want your iPhone 4 to look great and attract attention this is absolutely the hottest case on the market at the moment.

I absolutely love it.

Pros

• Gorgeous
• Easy to take on and off
• Excellent fit and finish

Cons

• Screen protector darkens and tints screen

This week I am looking at the Case-Mate Hybrid Tough case for iPad. This is actually a good case considering its goal; solid protection while staying reasonably thin.

The case is unique in that it has two layers. The first layer is a silicone skin that covers the iPad and all of its buttons. It also covers the lip on top of the glass screen. The other layer is a hard plastic shell that snaps on place on the bottom of the iPad, on top of the silicone. The concept here is that it provides dust free protection while giving you a little cushion for bumps. The combination of the bottom shell and silicone protect the bottom and sides of iPad.

The only exposed areas (besides the glass, of course) are the speaker and 30-pin connector on the bottom and the rotation lock switch on the right side of iPad. There is minimal but reasonable thickness added to the device between the two layers, but I feel it is acceptable based on what the case is doing to protect your investment.

The only real issue I had with this case was removing it when I needed to attach an accessory like the dock or the keyboard dock. You have to remove it very carefully as the case is meant to fit very, very securely in order t prevent any lint build up. If you never have a need to attach iPad to these types of accessories, then there is no concern.

The Case-Mate Hybrid Tough case for iPad is what it says in the name; two layers of protective goodness and tough. It's available now for $47.95 from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Solid protection
• Access to all ports
• Dust-proof protection of the iPad controls
• Two available colors- gray and lime green

Cons

• Can be a challenge to remove
• Does not fit in Apple Dock
• Top and bottom of case are still "loose"

If you're looking for a thin, durable, and stylish skin case to add a splash of color to your iPhone 4, the Case-Mate Gelli Case for iPhone 4 may be exactly what you're after. It's thermoplastic material feels great in your hand and it's chic design is sure to make heads turn!

The Case-Mate Gelli is made from a thermoplastic translucent material that Case-Mate claims is lighter, softer and more resilient than silicone and rubber cases. It adds just enough traction to prevent your precious iPhone from sliding on surfaces, yet smooth enough to allow your iPhone to be easily removed from tight jean pockets.

This case offers great protection to the iPhone 4 while still allowing easy access to all ports and controls. The spaces between the dock connector and mic/speaker phone are also exposed allowing 3rd party cables to easily plug into the iPhone 4.

The fit of the Case-Mate Gelli is very snug and thin. However, since the material is thin, the lip that curls around the sides of the iPhone 4 and onto the screen can be easily pushed off the screen. This allows for dust to easily collect under the case and I catch myself wiping out dust several times a day. However, I have not experienced and scratching to the screen because of this.

The Case-Mate Gelli is a very fashionable case and is available in 6 colors. Pink, Aurora (yellow), and Tomato have the kaleidoscope design (see pictures for a closer look). Teal Blue, Clear, and Gray come in the checkmate design. This style has squares and triangles instead of circles.

If you’re looking for something thin, stylish, and protective, check out the Case-Mate Gelli Case for iPhone 4 available now from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store.

Pros

• Thin, flexible, yet protective
• Fashionable
• Access to all ports and controls

Cons

• Collects dust on the edges of the screen

The TiPb store just got the new Case-Mate Barely There Case for iPhone 4 in stock, so I decided to take a quick look at it. As you'd expect by the name, it's super thin and doesn't add any perceivable bulk to iPhone 4. Same token, while it will protect against scrapes and bumps, there's no padding to help you out in case of a high fall.

The finish is soft-touch but I don't find it that to be a huge difference from iPhone 4 by itself. It included a screen protector so you can be covered front and back.

Is it enough to stop the de-tuning that occurs when you have a low signal and touch the bottom left hand side of the antenna band? We're going to test that out and we'll update with the results asap.

In the meantime, if you're a fan of this style, you can grab a Case-Mate Barely There Case now from the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.

UPDATE: Added a picture at the bottom taken with the iPhone 4 flash while the case was on. No distortion or flare that I could see, but the cutout is fairly wide around the whole camera assembly.

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

If you have been in search of a tough case that offers dual layer protection while keeping a slim profile the Case-Mate Hybrid Case for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G [iMore Store Link - $29.95] may just be the case you have been looking for. For the full review follow us after the break!

Getting your iPhone snug and secure in the Hybrid case is a pretty simple process once you get the hang of it. It's just a matter of two steps 1) put the silicon skin on, and 2) attach the outer hard shell. It may take you a few tries to get the volume rocker seated properly but once that is done you are good to go. My only real gripe with using the silicon skin is that it attracts dust so be prepared to clean it quite often if you are a neat freak like myself. At the end of the day, however, I am happy to trade a cleaning or two for top of the line protection.

The Case-Mate Hybrid feels absolutely great in the hand with it's textured outer shell. It gives you just the right amount of grip to make sure your iPhone won't easily go flying out of your hand. And in the worst-case scenario, if you happen to have one of those moments where a drop is out of your control, rest be assured your device is very well cushioned by the the 2 layers of protection the Hybrid is constructed of.

Along with two layers of protection Case-Mate also delivers one sweet look with the grey outer hard shell in combination with the black form-fitting soft silicone skin. The case wraps completely around the device leaving the screen, camera, headphone jack, vibrate switch, and 30-pin charging/sync port open. Meanwhile, the power button and volume buttons are covered and very well protected. It would have been nice if Case-Mate tossed in a cover for the 30-pin port but that is something I can get over with the over all quality of the case.

With a few minor annoyances aside, Case-Mate has done a fantastic job with this Hybrid Case for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G, which you can purchase the TiPb store for $29.95. It has a little something for everyone. If you are a hard shell case guy/gal or a silicon skin guy/gal this is perfect combination giving you the best of both worlds and you should definitely consider picking one up. As picky as I am with my cases, I promise you this one is a winner.

In the box you receive the form-fit Case-Mate Vroom (color of your choice including black, red purple and yellow) and a screen protector. It seems that Case-Mate wants to ensure that your iPhone receives plenty of protection it's great they include a screen protector. The case slips on quite easily while allowing access to all aspects of your iPhone. The sleep button and volume controls are the only components that are covered, but still easy to press; every other part is partially exposed for easy access.

The case design is reminiscent of tire tread, hence the "Vroom" name. This case excels in two areas; grip and accessibility. First let’s look at grip. This case has stupendous grip if placed on the dashboard, desk or in the hand. The solid rubber form factor coupled with the “tread” on the case makes for excellent style and usefulness.

Second, if you want to dock your iPhone, the case easily slips off. You don’t have to worry about breaking the case trying to take it off (I have come across some cases that are so hard to put on or off I wonder if I will break it with my inhuman strength). So what is the down side? The case easily slip off for some. I have not encountered any problems personally, but if you are looking for a case that is affixed tightly to your phone, this is not it. It certainly protects the phone, but it is meant to be removed without a problem. I even gave the case to my wife for a test run. She placed it in her purse and let it jostle around for a while and the case did not fall off. My concerns were not validated, but still, I think it is something to make note of if you plan on purchasing this case. One other note, since it grips so well, it also grips a lot of lint, especially if you keep it in your pocket. However, since the case is easily removable, you can wash the case off with ease, no problem.

I have to say that this case design is one of my favorites for this style. It does not add a lot of thickness to the case and it looks good especially with the color options available. At such an accessible price, you can get a couple! Check the video and pictures below.

After being Barely There last year, at CES 2010 TiPb wanted to know how much slimmer Case-Mate could go -- turns out they could go Bare. You read that right, one of the big products on display for Case-Mate in 2010 was their entry into the iPhone skin market, and the twist is their version doesn't require any application liquid, you just peel and apply.

Video of the skin being applied, after the break. And if you're the guy who made a living selling the tiny little squirt bottles, please don't comment spam us -- we're just the messenger....

With iMakeMyCase, Case-Mate is taking their popular case model and not only offering you hot, artist-based designs, but breaking apart those designs to their core elements and letting you customize and collage them to create your own unique variation.

There are lots of on-line tools provided, included spays, mirror effects, and if you're not feeling particularly creative, reference designs by each artist.

Check out our walkthrough after the break!

You just got your new iPhone for Christmas and you may have been wondering what case you should purchase to protect your new gift. I'm here to tell you if you are in the market for a slider case the Case-Mate Smooth for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [iMore Store Link - $27.95] is one to consider. For the full review follow me after the break!

Inside the package you obviously get the case itself but you also get a crystal clear screen protector along with a small microfiber cleaning cloth. I personally choose not to use them but it's a nice gesture that I'm sure some of you can take advantage of them. The Case-Mate Smooth feels as it's name describes - smooth. With it's soft to the touch matte finish and with very minimal bulk added, it feels great in the hand. Even better is that offers a decent amount of grip without the sticky finish. You don't have to worry about a ton of dust or having a hard time removing your iPhone from you pocket or purse.

Like a majority of other sliders the Case-Mate Smooth comes in two separate pieces that easily slide on your iPhone and lock securely together. The major difference I noticed was that this particular case is the installation, it is much easier to slide on and off than most other cases. In more or less words, it fits perfectly. It slides on easy enough that you do not have to worry about scratching the back of the phone or the chrome bezel.

On the negative front, some may feel the case simply does not cover enough area of the phone as the complete top of your phone is unprotected. I'm sure Case-Mate feels some would like access to the sim card tray but I am not one of them. All of the other ports you would expect to be accessible are. Things like the volume control, power button, and headphone jack are all can easily accessed.

Admittedly slider cases generally are my least favorite to use out of all of the various types on the market today. This really held true until I was given the chance to test out the Case-Mate Sooth case [iMore Store Link] and then my opinion changed. Sure there are a few minor annoyances but it's a very solid effort. All other slider case manufactures need to take note here follow Case-Mate's lead.

Say hello to the Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case for the iPhone [$19.95 iMore Store Link]. It's a streamlined case with a chrome outer shell and a mirrored screen protector. And it's the hottest iPhone case to come around in a while.

If you haven’t already bought a gift for that special man/woman in your life, then just pick this one up. The perfectly mirrored surface is beautifully complimented by the gleaming chrome case. Yes, if Hercules had had this case he would have been able to defeat Medusa and make sure his hair still looked good. The back of the case also has a “beauty spot” for your apple icon (a hole in the case so you can see the apple logo). This case is such a stunner that it got a gasp of approval from one of my more difficult to please male friends.

This case offers protection for the iPhone without being bulky and cumbersome. It covers the edges and corners of the phone while allowing easy access for volume, mute and charging.

My favorite feature on this case is that the sides are protective but it fits below the level of the screen. This means that you can swipe right off the edge of the phone, without hitting the edge of the case. (I find cases that have a raised side edge very constraining and disruptive.)

The case easily comes off and on the iPhone. You place the iPhone into the case sideways with the volume and mute button going in first. Taking off the case is easy if you first gently pry off one of the corners and then use the Apple logo cutout to push out the phone.

Every case has an Achilles heel and one of the drawbacks to this case is that it would not offer the phone a lot of protection in case of a high drop.

Also, I was hoping that this case would allow me to place my phone into its base charger. It is close but you still need to remove the case to charge it into a base charger.

I enjoyed this case so much that I removed my Gelaskin backing so that the apple logo would be properly displayed! (Yeah, I'm cool geeky like that).

Disclaimer: iMore Store provided the case for this review.

To learn more, check out TiPb's iPhone Accessory Store...

One of the biggest gripes a lot of iPhone 3G/3GS readers have is battery life. Now this is mainly due to not being able to put the iPhone down to give it a rest, but we now have another solution to your iPhone addiction. Enter Case-Mate's Fuel Case for iPhone 3G/3GS, which is available in TiPb's store for $74.95. For a full review, follow us after the break!

Design & Usability

The Case-Mate Fuel Case for iPhone 3G/3GS is integrated with a 2300mA Lithium Polymer battery, Case-Mate says it will add up to nine hours of additional talk-time, up to seven hours of internet browsing, up to eight hours of video, 24 hours of audio, and 250 hours of extra standby time.

The times that Case-Mate claims are pretty much dead on. If you have trouble putting your iPhone down and typically end up with a dead battery sometime during the day, Fuel is the right case for you.

Usually when I get into my car after a full day at work I would have 20%-30% of my battery left. With the Fuel I've been leaving with anything from 80% to being topped off and that's still with some juice left in the case itself. Not too shabby. I think it's also important to note that you do not need to remove the phone from the case to use the iPhone in any way, including phone calls.

On the bottom front of the case you will find 3 built-in LEDs that allow you to see exactly how much "Fuel" you have left and a power button that allows you to turn the charger on or off as you see fit. Both of these are nice little bonus features.

To charge the case you only have one option -- you must use a standard 5-pin USB cord. One is included but it would be nice to have the option to charge the case without using my laptop. On the plus side, Fuel fully supports syncing while iPhone 3G is docked into the case.

One nice features Fuel has that other iPhone charging cases lack is a belt clip that rotates 180-degrees. This sounds great but unfortunately Case-Mate dropped the ball on this one. I found myself worrying about the lack of protection on the upper half of my iPhone and the screen. Since you have to place the iPhone face-out, the screen is left completely unprotected. This means you have to be careful not to bump into anything or you will damage your device.

So, the next possibility would be to place the phone in your pocket. There's only one thing wrong with that -- the belt clip is not removable. Granted it still would be a tight fit without the clip due to the added size it gives the iPhone, but the option would still be better.

As to the belt clip itself, it does it's job well. Rest assured, your iPhone is locked in place and will not fall out on you.

Conclusion

Even with the complaints about the belt clip, I still like this case. The pros outweigh the cons by far. I found myself using the case at work around my desk and at home when I was lounging around. Even though the size adds to the iPhone it still feels good in the hand while using it.

Overall the Case-Mate Fuel Case for iPhone 3G/3GS does it's job and it does it very well. Since Apple chooses not to make the iPhones battery replaceable companies like Case-Mate have stepped up and offered us some solutions. For $74.95 you can't go wrong with this one, Fuel will give your iPhone the boost it needs to easily make it through your entire day and, in some cases, days.

Pros

• Battery life as advertises.
• Feels good in the hand
• Reasonable price
• Ability to sync while your iPhone is in the case
• Works with the new iPhone 3GS

Cons

• Lack of screen protection
• Belt clip is not removable
• Case only chargeable via micro USB cable

[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:

The Case-Mate Barely There case for the iPhone 3G, available for $19.95 from the TiPb iPhone Store, is designed to accomplish several things:

• Protect your iPhone from minor impact and abuse (e.g. bumps and scratches)
• Do so without adding significant bulk or making it un-pocketable (if that's how you roll)
• And to look good while doing it.

How well does it hit these targets, and what if anything could it do better? Find out in our review...

I'm not a huge fan of cases. More often than not, my iPhone goes commando in my pocket. Well, almost. I have a sticker-skin on it to protect from minor scratches since the plastic iPhone 3G backing is so prone to them. I do worry, however, that one day I'll drop my pride and joy and that same plastic backing will chip or crack on me. Living with that fear in the back of my mind is what drove me to try out a few options, starting with one that's as close to naked as a hard case can be.

Design

Case-Mate's Barely There case comes in a rainbow of colors. Enough to make the latest gen iPod nano jealous. Case the rainbow. Seriously. Black, white, red, orange, purple, pink, and blue are your options. Being somewhat stalwart and sedate myself, I went with black.

It covers the back and sides of the iPhone 3G, with cutouts at the corners to increase flexibility and aid in getting it on or off. Cutouts are also provided for the controls, speaker, mic, and dock port, and a hole is cut in the back so the big Apple logo on the iPhone can represent. Fandom rejoice. Everyone else scratch your heads and hope nothing spears it right in that target spot.

For the front, in lieu of armor, Case-Mate provides a fairly typical screen protector.

Usability

Slide your iPhone in, volume buttons first, and the other side flexes and snaps into place securing your iPhone in its protective shell. Simple, direct, easy. Win.

For the screen protector -- it's a screen protector. Clean thoroughly. Apply carefully. Squeegee down deliberately.

day in, day out, the case just does what it's supposed to from that point on -- protect your iPhone from the abuse of casual use. Living up to it's name, it often times felt like it really was barely there, adding nothing appreciable to the in-pocket experience, and even giving a tiny bit of extra, and appreciated, heft in-hand.

It's not coated in soft-touch, so there's really no added security when it comes to actually preventing drops, but it feels tough enough to survive a pretty good whack. And hey, if you break it, at least you're only out an Andrew Jackson and not the heap of Ben Franklins a new iPhone would cost you.

Of course, the front is covered with only a thin plastic film, so while you still get the scratch protection, dropping it face down will offer nothing in the way of similar impact resistance.

Problems? A couple minor ones to start, mostly to do with fit and finish. The edges in the corners were left a tad sharp. Don't get me wrong, nothing skin-piercing here, just enough to give you an annoying poke. A little extra rounding off in the factory would have been appreciated.

Likewise -- and I preface this by saying I have a sticker-skin on top of my iPhone 3G which might have caused just a millimeter or so of extra girth, creating the problem -- plastic interiors make me to worry about cases causing scratches as much as they prevent them. I saw some depressions on my sticker-skin. No idea if that would have translated to anything on a bare iPhone back, but a little more inside finish at the factory would be reassuring here as well.

Being a complete and single unit case, it's not compatible with all dock-port accessories. Anything slim and at the end of a long cable, like the standard USB sync that comes with the iPhone, should do you fine. Any kind of cradle, however, will almost certainly require you to remove the case first.

Lastly, the added size, even while minimal, will of course make it incompatible with some holsters and pouches. Without a belt-clip option, this case seems pretty much targeted at people like me -- those who prefer not to have cases or case-like trappings at all.

Again, just like the product name promises -- this case is barely there.

Conclusion

For those who prefer nothing to come between them and our iPhones, the Case-Mate Barely There case is definitely worth a look. In the eternal compromise that comes between comfort and protection, Case-Mate strikes an excellent balance. And, since Apple in its infinitely looped wisdom only offers the iPhone 3G in black and white models, the Case-Mate is also a great way to splash some color on your unit while keeping things lean and still getting some added peace of mind.

Pros

• Strong and flexible
• Easy application and excellent fit
• Wide range of color choices

Cons

• Edges and inside could have better finish
• Not compatible with some dock-port accessories
• Not compatible with all holsters/pouches and no belt-clip option

TiPb Accessory Review Rating

The Case-Mate Dockster Leather Case for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in iMore Store for $34.95. If you are looking for a case that is slim and dockable, then this case might be for you. Let's see how it measures up after the break!

Design

Daily Use

Placing the case on your iPhone could not be any easier; simply slide the top end on, then slide the bottom end. There are no buttons to snap, no clips to latch; they just slide together easily. Once the two pieces of the car are together, they are secure. I did not have to worry about one side slipping or falling off. The other benefit of this case is it adds a little extra grip too without become too think. The leather feels really nice in your hands and solid plastic frame adds piece of mind if it is dropped.

Docking the iPhone is easy, simply slip off the bottom end and yo are in business. I was very surprised at how easy it was to do.

Conclusion

Pros:

• It is dockable!
• Attractive leather finish
• Sturdy plastic supportive frame
• Thin
• All ports are very easily accessible

Cons:

• I really can't find any pertinent negatives with this case
• A variety of colors, currently black-only

TiPb's Rating:

The Case-Mate The Hipster for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in the iMore Store for $34.95. If you are looking for a leather hip-case for your iPhone, this might just be it! Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Case-Mate Hipster is constructed of hard plastic both on the back of the case and the molded over the front. The case is fitted with leather all around it, including the back and belt clip. The inside of the case has a soft, felt-like material. This is a nice touch knowing your iPhone 3G won't receive any nasty scratches from within the case. The cover is held in place by a magnetic button.

You also receive (as a bonus) a cleaning cloth and screen protector as part of your purchase (both are included from Case-Mate).  This is a first, and a nice welcome; I have reviewed other Case-Mate purchases, and this is a first to have these included in the box. 

Daily Use

So with extra attention, I realized that this essentially a plastic form-fitted case with felt on the inside and leather on the outside; the iPhone was a very tight squeeze to fit. This initially made me apprehensive. However, I began to realize that there would be no harm done to my iPhone and that the "tight" nature of the case meant that the iPhone 3G was not going to easily fall out.

The latch made me a little worrisome at first as well. You seem I am used to a Velcro closure on my current case. It closes, and it takes a little effort to open. This case has a simple button closure that stays closed by a magnet, built into the button. The two issues I have with the magnetic button are: A) the fact that it is magnetic means it is not as secure as the velcro that I am used to and B) when I close the outside flap, it has to match up exactly with the button on the case to close properly.

So, I have listed my initial concerns with this case. How does it fair after a few weeks of use?

Perfectly. For the most part.

The tightness I experienced with the iPhone 3G fitting into the case eventually gave way to a more "glove" fit. I liken my experience to that of blue jeans: at first, they might be tight, but they eventually "fit". This was a welcome relief. My other concern wasn't as clearly addressed over time. The button eventually homed in and clasped properly. However, I still have concerns whether it will stay closed if the case were to drop. The only consolation I have is that the iPhone is held very securely still, even after using it a while.

Oh, and I almost forgot, the belt clip works just fine... it clips on your belt. I wish there was more to say about that, but there isn't

Conclusion

Pros:

Cons:

• Magnetic button closure is not as secure as I would like

TiPb Rating:

Ever wish you could keep prying eyes away from your iPhone? Always paranoid that strangers can read all your sensitive e-mails, bank account information, and stock portfolios? Well here’s the solution: the Case-mate Universal Privacy Screen Pro for iPhone ($19.95). It prevents those snoopy people from peering over your shoulder and keeps your information private by offering a viewing angle of 45 degrees.

Read on for the rest of the review!

What Comes In The Box & Application Process

• -2" x 3" Privacy Screen
• -Graph Sheet (for sizing)
• -Screen Cleaning Cloth
• -Applicator card

The instructions states that one must cut the privacy screen to match the size of your phone screen. Luckily, the maximum size of the screen fits perfectly around the iPhone’s screen. Manually cutting the privacy screen would have been a tediously unnecessary step for a product that should already be tailor made for your phone. (note: Another reason to buy an iPhone! Sorry Blackberry & Treo Owners, have fun cutting!)

The application process is fairly simple. Unlike many protective film covers on the market, the Privacy Screen attaches to the iPhone through static cling. Just line up the iPhone’s screen with the Privacy Screen and it just sticks. I haven’t experienced any problems with the Privacy Screen falling off, it’s as if some sort of voodoo magic binds the two together until you want to remove it. An added bonus is that the Privacy Screen works flawlessly with film protectors such as the invisibleSHIELD and BodyGuardz.

Usage

After applying the Privacy Screen, there is no discernible difference in the iPhone's screen quality. Which is quite amazing considering how dark the tint looked before putting it on the iPhone. Pitting an iPhone with the Privacy Screen on against an iPhone without, the screen quality and brightness is in essence, the same. The only difference is that the iPhone without the Privacy Screen offers minimally deeper blacks, but in all, you’d be hard pressed to notice the Privacy Screen has been applied.

In short, the Privacy Screen really works. When viewed at an angle, the iPhone’s screen is darkened and unintelligible. Even at a closer angle, the Privacy Screen will look hazy to onlookers. Only at a direct angle can you begin to determine what is on the screen. For those looking for a privacy screen, the Case-mate is extremely effective and the ideal solution.

For better or worse, the Privacy Screen attracts the same amount of fingerprints and grease as the iPhone’s glass screen. Also, unlike other non-privacy film protectors that change the iPhone’s tactile feel, the Privacy Screen feels exactly the same as the iPhone’s glass screen. The Privacy Screen is also prone to scratches, though unnoticeable when the iPhone is turned on, the scratches are a bit of an eyesore when the iPhone’s screen is off.

My biggest concern about the Privacy Screen is the dust build-up along the edges. Because the Privacy Screen covers only the actual screen of the iPhone and not the entire front face, dust will get caught along the top and bottom edges of the film. Also, probably because of the type of material used to lessen the viewing angle, the Privacy Screen is very thick.

Final Thoughts

The Privacy Screen succeeds in deterring those nosy folks who peer over your shoulder. You can safely examine any sensitive documents without fear of anyone copying down that information. As a privacy filter, the Case-Mate is the best solution on the market.

With that said, I believe that the product can be improved by offering protection to the full face of the iPhone rather than just the screen itself. Though it is understandable to not expect the same materials in products like the Invisibleshield and the Bodyguardz, covering up the entire front face would attract more potential buyers and alleviate the dust build-up problem.

However, a benefit of the screen-only protection is that the Privacy Screen can be used and re-used because of its easy application process. Thinking about going out to the local coffee shop but think too many people would peer over your shoulder? Just slap it on and have your worries be gone. It is not as permanent as other full body skin protectors.

The Privacy Screen should be considered a BUY for anyone looking to protect their iPhone from wandering eyes but those considering it for screen protection should look toward the invisibleSHIELD and BodyGuardz.

Pros

• Very Easy to Apply
• Screen Quality and Brightness is Unchanged
• Dramatically Decreases Viewing Angle
• Texture of the iPhone's Glass Screen Remains the Same
• Made of High Quality Materials

Cons

• Dust Builds Up Along the Top and Bottom Edges
• Does Not Cover the Full Face of the iPhone
• Prone to Scratches

Overall: 4/5