A new case has landed on Kickstarter that looks to take your iPad back in time and turn it into a fully functional Etch A Sketch. In case you have forgotten or are simply not old enough to remember, the Etch A Sketch was launched in the 1960’s and was a small tablet like slab with two knobs; one on each side. One knob drew a vertical line and the other a horizontal line on the screen. Turning both knobs together created a diagonal line.

Everyone can relate to an Etch A Sketch. It's an enduring childhood memory. Now, you can re-experience Etch A Sketch on your iPad--and share the experience with your friends and family. Etcher adds functional knobs to the iPad. As a user turns these knobs, lines appear on the iPad screen, exactly like the original Etch a Sketch. Improving on the original, users can save their drawings in digital format and share with friends and family over email and social media sites like Facebook.

Source: Kickstarter

Logitech has announced the Solar Keyboard Folio iPad case which is a Bluetooth keyboard and case integrated into one accessory. What's different with this particular iPad case combo is that the keyboard is powered by any indoor or outdoor light source. Even more impressive is the charge that these on-board solar cells can hold. Logitech claims that a full charge can last up to two years even in complete darkness. These findings were based on an average use scenario of two hours per day.

“Now that people are seemingly inseparable from their tablets, using them for everything from sending emails to watching videos, they want accessories powered to meet their needs,” said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. “The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is a smart partner for your iPad. Its sleek built-in keyboard uses light to charge and it provides hassle-free protection for your iPad – both for the front and back. It gives you an ideal way to use and protect your tablet without adding bulk.”

The Solar Keyboard Folio case will be available in the US and Europe later this month and will cost $129.99. It is compatible with the new iPad as well as the iPad 2.

Source: Logitech PR

A metal parts manufacturer in Japan called Marudai has cooked up an iPhone case that offers protection against a .50 caliber bullet from the the rear. The inch of armor plating weighs a whopping 2 kg all told. Both white and black versions are available, and there's even a little hole so you can still use the camera. The manufacturer warns that the front won't take a bullet, and that the armor plating can easily scratch tables you place it on. Oh, and because of the weight, you'll probably want to call using both hands. Despite all of the protection, there's no guarantee that your phone will still work after getting hit, but at least the round probably won't make it through to whatever fleshy bits are on the other side.

Practical? No. Hilarious? You betcha. It's available now for 52,500 Yen, or $US 650, shipping included. Marudai will even throw in a 12.7 mm bullet casing so you can show how badass you are.

Source: Dvice via Gizmodo

Crunchy Logistics has demonstrated its latest innovation designed for the iPad, the Padzilla Too Interactive Case which lets you use your new iPad together with a Microsoft Kinect and a huge high definition display.

This is the largest interactive reproduction of an iPad in the world spanning 24 feet wide and 12 feet tall. The giant iPad display is constructed through the newest 3.5mm LED wall matrix display technology. 3.5mm is the thinnest LED separation currently possible for this type of LED matrix display which increases pixel density to possible “Retina” display quality at typical viewing distances. Padzilla now enables the user to interact on a large scale from a multitouch reproduction platform and is now multi-input gesture capable. This gives a great deal of flexibility on an already popular platform with thousands of apps for entertainment and business presentation purposes.

However, it would be a very impressive presentation tool or interactive advertising billboard. Of course if moneys no object, it could also be a way to impress all of your friends when you fire up a game of Fruit Ninja on that huge screen!

Source: Crunchy Logistics

GelaSkins has been quietly selling some funky iPhone skins for a few years now, but they've recently made the big jump to hard cases. You'll find all of the same high-quality art on their new line of cases for the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G. If you've got your own images you'd like to use, GelaSkins also has a web tool for putting your own graphics on the some accessories.

This is a sensible move to make, considering the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is more in need of impact protection than scratch resistance. but of course, you have to be willing to give up some of that slimness and unified design whenever slapping on a hard case. It's a tough balance to strike, and one I still haven't settled on personally.

They're a tad on the pricey side, but damn are they stylish.

• $35.95 - iPhone 4S/iPhone 4/a>
• $29.95 - iPhone 3GS/iPhone 3G.

Powermat had a decent presence at CES 2012, not only by showing off their first Duracell co-branded iPhone 4 case and wireless charging pad, but also announcing their first app. Powermat has partnered with Madison Square Garden so that when you place your iPhone onto one of the mats built into the counters in the box seats, the app will give you the option to check in via Facebook Places. While that's cool, and sets the stage for a future cross-section of location-based social networks and wireless charging, the real function of the Powermat app is to find charging locations with augmented reality; just point your iPhone's camera in any given direction, and you'll see which spots have a Powermat installed. Favorite places don't have one? You can also use the app to vote on locations you'd like to see sporting some charging mats. Powermat can then use those votes to convince businesses to buy a few. Of course, the app will also issue a notification when you're running low on battery life, and prompt you to launch into a search.

One of the more interesting uses for Powermats in businesses is the notion of monetizing charging, so you'd have to pay another buck or two to activate the charging mat. Sure, it seems like a bit of a money grab, especially if Powermat ends up skimming some of that revenue for themselves, but certainly an interesting opportunity for business owners of call kinds.

Sure, it's handy having a few mats around the house to charge, but it's when you're out on the town that you're likely to need a charge the most, so I'm really excited for these to become a more common sight. The Duracell partnership is cool firstly because it puts stand-alone wirelessly-charging batteries on the horizon, but also because Duracell is a early member of the Qi Consortium, so Powermat may eventually lead the charge in a global interoperable standard for the technology. Smartphone manufacturers will definitely be much more likely to start building in receivers if Powermat has managed to sell a bunch of compatible mats to the public already.

The new iPhone 4 case, charging puck, pad, and app are due out in the Spring. Hit the jump for a video rundown (sorry for the obnoxious lighting).

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has announced that it will soon be launching a line of self repairing cases for the iPhone. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone cases will use a special paint technology that Nissan already uses on its cars. The paint was developed back in 2005 in a joint effort between Nissan, the University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc.

The outer ‘paint’ is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap – ‘healing’ the blemish.

Source: TNW

Third Rail Mobility has made an iPhone case that allows you to not only keep extra power around, but actually swap batteries when and as needed. The ability to change batteries is a feature Apple has never provided for the iPhone but something traditional smartphone users from other platforms have often depended on to have enough power with them on the go. While there are tons of places to recharge now, and a variety of battery cases, dongles and more, if you're going to be away from power for a long period of time, swappable battery can still be the best solution. Thanks to Third Rail Mobility, it's available for those who really want it for the iPhone now as well.

Check out the video above, shot live at CES 2012, to see it in action.

An iPad has survived a massive 100,000 foot fall in the latest publicity stunt for case manufacturer G-Form. The iPad was solely clad in a G-Form 6oz Extreme Edge case and taken into space on a weather balloon.

The company released a stunning hi-def video Thursday where the nearly naked iPad is shown hanging above the Earth in the blackness of space. In the video, the iPad is lifted to over 100,000 feet by a weather balloon which bursts at altitude, then releasing the iPad to free-fall to Earth where it crash lands on a rocky hillside in the Nevada countryside. Perhaps even more remarkable than the dramatic hi-def footage itself is the fact that the iPad survives the adventure, remaining fully functional.

The video is really impressive on its own, without taking into account the magnitude of the fall or the fact that it is an iPad. It’s not something I would be willing to try with my iPad 2 but it is definitely a great way to show some faith in your cases!

Source: YouTube

TidyTilt is a new Kickstarter project with a multi-functioning, innovative case/cover that aims to keep your iPhone earbuds in check.

TidyTilt is an earbud cord wrap, multi-position kickstand, and mount for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. TidyTilt takes up less space than any one of these devices - yet does all three things - without adding something extra to carry.

With TidyTilt, you can wrap your earbud cords the same way you normally do, while also keeping everything nicely organized and always within reach. The case takes cues from Apple's own Smart Cover for the iPad 2, only instead of on the front, it protects the rear glass of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.

You can even apply it to existing cases you already use, then turn around and mount it to a magnetic strip if you're so inclined.

Their goal has already been met and exceeded at nearly $37,000 from a $10,000 initial funding requirement, and you can have your very own by pledging as little as $19.

Source: TidyTilt via Kickstarter

According to BusinessWeek, Apple has apparently issued a notice of complaint against Samsung for patent infrignements tied to the cases Samsung uses on their tablet and smartphone devices.

Apple issued the notice of infringement to Samsung in Australia over the cases, and will file a statement of claim, Apple’s lawyer Stephen Burley said at a hearing in Sydney today. Samsung’s lawyer Katrina Howard said at the same hearing the company was served with the notice that the cases infringe at least 10 patents.

This comes hot on the heels of Apple loosing an effort to keep Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 off the store shelves in Australia last week. Samsung also recently dropped a bid for a temporary injunction that would have prevented Apple from selling the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPad 2 in select countries.

Apple is currently taking time to gather evidence before the case begins, but it looks like we can add another mark to the growing list of Apple vs Samsung disputes.

Source: Bloomberg BusinessWeek

Image credit: SlashGear

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More reports are springing up that the next generation iPhone 5 will feature a thinner, tapered hardware design based off images of 3rd party silicone cases. Now this is not the first time we've come across rumors of what the new hardware will look like. It all started as early as April when we heard about a completely new design and then again earlier this month we heard similar reports of a thinner and lighter device.

However, iPhone 5 -- assuming that's what Apple calls it -- from what TiPb has been hearing for a few months now, from very reliable sources, the next generation of iPhone hardware will look very, very close to the current iPhone 4 design. It will not take on the design of the iPhone 3GS or iPod touch. It will not be moving backwards.

Now Apple often does work on more than one concept, a more audacious design that changes a lot (like iPhone 3GS to iPhone 4) and a more conservative model if the audacious one doesn't work out (like iPhone 3G to iPhone 3GS), so it's possible the different rumors are based on leaks from different concepts.

It's also possible the 3rd party cases appearing with this shape are harbingers of iPhone nano concepts instead, or simply next generation iPod touch cases (with added iPad-style mute switch).

Bottom line is do not get your hopes up for a newly redesigned iPhone 5. Expect a better camera along with the dual core A5 chip with the same externals. That way, at worst, you won't be disappointed, and at best, you'll be surprised.

[9to5Mac]

The DracoDesign Draco IV for iPhone 4 is all curves and industrial grade aluminum. Co-developed by Dëff, handcrafted, and 3D, 5-axis machine CNC'd by DracoDesign, they're yet another example of hypercar aesthetic made iPhone case. And this one is Veyron sexy.

Like other aluminum bumpers, with the Draco IV there's some assembly required. It's a little fiddly, so take your time (or if you're all thumbs like me, get someone with a far more skillful touch to do it for you). You place sleep/wake, ringer/vibrate, and volume pass-through keys into one half of the aluminum bumper, slide your iPhone 4 into place, cap it with the other half of the bumper, and then secure it into place with 2 screws. (They provide additional screws in case you lose one and don't have a magnetic iPad 2 handy to sweep for them.)

The fit and finish of the bumper is superlative. The button pass-throughs do wiggle slightly but work perfectly and many might prefer them to trying to press inside deep cutouts. The curves of the chassis take some getting used to at first. They're gorgeous but they're very different to the flat sides iPhone 4 comes with. The first time you hold it as a camera, for example, you'll double-check your finger position a few times to make sure your grip is secure. Then you won't worry about it again. The bumper rises ever so slightly above the front and back surfaces of iPhone 4 so you can lay it flat without worrying about scuffing the glass. And the aluminum is almost deceptively solid given the silky smooth finish.

In the 8 days that I've been testing my review unit, I had no loss of signal or reception problems with it at all. Everything worked as good as it looked. In addition to the Space Black version featured in the pictures above and below, the Draco IV also comes in Ocean Blue, Passion Red, Metallic Gray, and limited edition Champaign Gold and Astro Silver.

If you're on the market for a high-end, premium iPhone 4 case, and you like curves, the Draco IV should be on your short list.

[Draco Design - Amazon store link]

The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already, head on over and register now!

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• All over the internet there are reports of major light leak issues with Apple's new iPad. Does yours suffer from this hardware defect?

See you in the forums!

The mophie juicepak plus for iPhone 4 is serious charging power for serious power users. If you're on the go, if your iPhone can't run down, won't run down -- if you need a case that can get you through twice the work and play, then here's your solution. To see how it held up for me under the rigors of CES 2011, read on for the review after the break!

Trade shows are the ultimate test of any battery for me. I'm on the go for 18 hours a day and my iPhone 4 is my lifeline to the world. It keeps me in contact, it lets me help run TiPb, and on top of all of that it lets me shoot all the show video and photos you see here on the site. It's bad enough AT&T hits my iPhone 4 battery like a freight train but the constant usage would run any device down. Enter the mophie juicepak plus.

Hardware

The mophie juicepak plus is all black, all soft-touch, and surprisingly solid. Mophie's done a lot of engineering work to prevent breaks around the cutouts and increase protection and it shows. It is a slider case and there have been some worries about slider cases scratching the glass but I didn't have any problems. (I also wipe down my iPhone before sliding.) Also, it sometimes takes a few, wiggling tries to get the iPhone dock port lined up and properly seated.

There are cutouts for the 3.5mm headset jack, rear camera and flash, and mute switch and extender buttons for sleep and volume. The cutouts are deep due to the size of the juicepak but didn't interfere with usage. The button extenders are well built but if they weren't set just right it would take a few presses to make them work.

The micro-USB charger is at the bottom right. Not using a dock cable to charge means you have to carry a separate micro-USB cable around with you, and doesn't let you use your existing dock-compatible car or video cables while the mophie is on. Understandable given the size of a 30-pin dock port but still annoying at times.

On the handy side there's a series of battery level lights so you can always tell how much of a charge your mophie is packing with the touch of a button

Usage

The juicepack plus is the bigger, badder charging solution in mophie's stable. It weighs more than the juicepak air but it also provides more power. More than double the power. That's twice the talking, twice the surfing, twice the tweeting, twice the recording, twice the watching, and twice the getting stuff done. Phew!

In my CES tests those results weren't just marketing. It's really tough to judge consistently since usage patterns always vary but when I slapped on the juicepak air I could pretty much go as long as I had on the iPhone-only charge. (I carried a juicepak air with me as well -- them were long days!)

When you charge the mophie via micro-USB it passes the charge on to the iPhone as well, so at night you can charge them both without having to plug in multiple charges for each one, or get up and switch.

Conclusion

The mophie juicepak plus ads bulk, no doubt about it. It makes your iPhone 4 bigger and heavier but that's the price of power. And the plus packs a ton of power. If you're away from a charger for a significant period of time the juicepak makes the difference between getting your work done and carrying around a dead brick for the rest of the day. That's an easy tradeoff to make.

Get your mophie juicepak plus for iPhone 4 now from the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store...

Pros

• Convenient case form factor
• Complete re-charge for iPhone
• Pass-through recharge for simultaneous charge
• Solid construction

Cons

• Button extenders can be finicky
• Uses Micro-USB so not compatible with dock accessories
• Big charge means big case

TiPb review rating

Photos

The iPhonECG by Lifetone Technology is a case that turns your iPhone 4 into a fully functional  ECG (Electrocardiography) device that can be used to monitor your heart. It works via  interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over time captured and externally recorded by skin electrodes.

The case is a simple enough snap on type plastic case with two electrodes on the rear. The patient can hold the case in their hands, touching the electrodes, or hold it against their chest to capture the performance of the heart. The information is displayed on the screen of the iPhone 4 with a dedicated app, again developed by Lifetone. It also has another app that works with the case. The second app is a personal heart rate monitor, to aid with relaxation; it is aimed more at the consumer than the professional market.

Both apps and the case will be announced at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which begins in Las Vegas next week.

[MobileCrunch]

The Nite Ize Crocs o-dial Case for iPhone is the case for Croc-lovers and if that's you it just might be the best thing you've ever seen. If you are way past the Croc wave, however, then this may look more like an accessory abortion. Either way, pro or con, this case is going to be so divisive that I just had to review -- and see it in person. Epic or train wreck? Follow on after the break to find out!

The Nite Ize Crocs o-dial case for iPhone looks like small replicas of Crocs, the foam clogs originally designed for the Quebec spa scene but that have since become popular worldwide. They look so much like the shoes I wonder if they are just small child's Crocs that someone added a belt clip to.

They come with a lanyard and a accessory sleeve so you can put some cash in with your iPhone. What they don't come with is anything is the way of port or button cutouts aside from the patterned "croc" holes. That means you have to treat the Crocs o-dial like a pouch and take your iPhone out if you want to use it for anything.

The Nite Ize Crocs o-dial Case for iPhone is available now from the TiPb iPhone accessory store.

Contest

This seems to be the perfect novelty/gag gift for the tech geek or croc lover in your life. If you have a friend who loves their iPhone get them this case and then take a picture or video of them opening the gift. I would love to see someones reaction to this case! You may make -- or lose -- a friend for life. Either way it'll be funny.

Post a link to the picture or video in the comments below and we'll pick a winner and send them the case of their choice from the TiPb iPhone accessory store.

Pros

• Fun colors
• Looks just like a Croc
• Comes with a accessory sleeve
• Belt clip
• Great novelty gift

Cons

• Looks just like a Croc =)
• No access to ports
• Hard to get phone in and out
• Not very functional

Rating

Gallery

Yes, we've reached supposed case-leak season in the pre-iPad 2 hype cycle and a couple of these bad boys have been spotted sporting what looks like cutouts for rear-facing camera and SD card cut slots.

Apple doesn't give accessory makers advanced access to hardware like iPad 2, but since some of those case makers have connections to the factories that assemble iPad 2 hardware, who knows what they've heard, seen, or even fondled on the down-low?

As always, these cases could be spot on or complete wrong, real, fake or really fake, so check out the picture and let us know what you think. Will we be getting a rear-facing camera and SD card slot on iPad 2?

[iLounge, MacRumors]

This week I got to try out the Griffin Elan Passport Case for iPad and I really like it! The Elan Passport is a leather flip case with a soft microsuede interior. When closed, the Elan Portfolio resembles a book. When you open it you have immediate access to the touchscreen on the right and the left has four slots for credit cards, business cards, etc. or other similarly shaped items and a sleeve to tuck additional paper into such as receipts and more.

The four slots on the left of the case easily accommodate a drivers license, credit card, Starbucks card, business cards or any other type of "card" you might want to place there. When a card is placed in the case sleeve, the card will stop with just enough room for you to remove it with your fingers. I always felt these items were very secure, and they would not easily fall out. The sleeve lies underneath the slots. It is roughly 4 inches deep and can accommodate some miscellaneous papers, but nothing the size of an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper unless it's folded.

The iPad is protected on all sides as the device easily rests about a .25" from each corner. The microsuede is a nice touch and breathes a quality finish. The iPad is held in place by four corner straps. On the right, the straps are sewn into the case. The two on the left are elastic and allows for easy placement and removal of the iPad. When the Elan Passport is closed, it is secured by a tab closure across the top. It does not lock, but it is securely held in place and is there to simply keep the cover from accidentally flipping open.

Overall I really like the Griffin Elan Passport Case for iPad. It's light, looks good, low profile and does a good job of protecting iPad; a very professional case. It's available now from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Compact
• Leather and microsuede
• A couple of pockets to stash receipts, etc.
• Good job protecting the deivce for accidental bumps

Cons

• Though secure, if dropped, the iPad could fly out and damage is possible
• Additional Card slots would nice, four is a bit limiting

The Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad may just be the ultimate in rugged cases. I know, that is a bold statement, but I am really that impressed. What separates this case from the competition is that is clearly engineered by people who like their iPads and want them protected. You get a low-profile case with a lot of extras. Like many iPad cases on the market, the Commuter is a three-layered system...

• Layer 1:  Self-adhering clear protective film (Cleaning cloth and installation card included)
• Layer 2:  Durable silicone mid-layer
• Layer 3:  One piece custom molded polycarbonate shell

Upon removing the case from its packaging, you are presented with a flip-out installation guide that includes your cleaning cloth, screen protector and applicator. After reading the instructions (yes, believe it or not there is a RIGHT way to put this thing on) I was ready to rock and roll. My first attempt failed as the bottom right corner did not properly get placed in the outer shell appropriately. No problem though, on attempt number two, I was successful.

Once you have placed the Commuter case on the iPad, it is very well protected. You have solid polycarbonate protection on the back, top, bottom and sides. There are grooves in the underlying silicone to prevent them from sliding out of place which is nice. In other models of this type, the silicone would sometimes move after putting the case together and would require some adjustment (I did not identify this as a problem till I put on this case).

You have access to all of your openings: Speaker on the bottom, volume rocker, mute switch (previously known as  rotation lock), power button and headphone jack. The headphone jack has additional protection via a silicone plug built into the case. On the bottom of the case there is a hole cut into the back that allows the Apple logo to proudly display.

Now, here is one of the more compelling reasons to get this case. Because of it's design, it really isn't meant to come off frequently. That is a bit of a disappointment to someone like me who uses the iPad Dock and the Keyboard Dock. Well, my prayers have been answered and the Commuter has a removable plate in the back that allows access to a dock! It is easily removed and placed back again. As a matter of fact, I am typing this review on my iPad in the Keyboard Dock with the Otter Box Commuter in place!

Overall, the Otter Box Commuter Series for iPad is a perfect on-the-go accessory for everyday handheld technology. It doesn't get in the way (literally with the dock plate on the back) and you have piece of mind knowing that your iPad is safe and secure. It's available from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Very well protected without compromise to style or bulkiness
• included, quality cleaning cloth and screen protector, plus applicator
• OMG YOU CAN DOCK YOUR IPAD WHILE IN THE CASE!

Cons

• The silicone is a lint-magnet (note attached photos)
• What's wrong with a little color? Only available in black

The iLuv Skin Case is definitely an extremely thin case. It is made of a soft rubber silicon material that feels extremely smooth to the touch. Some people may be willing to sacrifice a little bit of protection to have a thinner more portable case but in my opinion, this case was more than a little too thin.

If you want something extremely thin and don't plan on transporting your iPad very far in this case, you should be okay. Other than that, this case is more for looks than anything else.

I wouldn't say it's durable by any means. And after taking the case off and putting it back on a few times, the material starts to lose its shape. This is the sacrifice you'll make by using a case as thin as the iLuv skin case. In my honest opinion, I'd probably step up to a case that is a little thicker. Sure it may cost you a few more dollars but you'll be buying another one of these pretty quickly since it'll lose its shape. I'd even go as far as to say if you snag it on something, it will tear very easily.

iLuv makes several other great cases that don't sacrifice protection when it comes to making a sleek case. I'm not quite sure why they compromised so much on this one.

The iLuv Skin Case is available in the TiPb iPad Accessory Store as well as several other cases. If you already have this case, let us know what you thought of it in the comments.

Pros

• Extremely thin and adds virtually no bulk

Cons

• While it may be thin, it adds next to no protection
• Material feels cheaply made and very flimsy
• No grip means your iPad may be more likely to slip out of your hands

This week I am looking at the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4. What makes this case great is that it is a two-part case that snaps about two thirds down. You slide the iPhone into the top, then slide the bottom on. The two pieces snap into place to provide a secure casing for iPhone 4.

The inside of the Innocase II is covered with a very soft, velvet like material to ensure that your beloved iPhone 4 receives no scratches when being pulled in and out of the case. Most cases have some sort of lining, but I have not seen too many like this. The lining is not meant for shock absorption, rather it's purely there for protecting your investment from scratches, thanks Seido.

A couple things I have noticed about the case. The instructions state to "wiggle" the bottom of the case to remove it. However, I was unsuccessful at "wiggling" it (I mean, it is already flush against your iPhone 4 after all..). So, instead I used my inhuman strength to simply pull it off. This works for me, but did provide an initial shock when trying to remove it to dock my iPhone 4. Also, you probably know by now that whether it's the iPhone or iPad, I like the glass edges protected on iPhone 4. The Innocase II does this no problem but to the extreme. I received a Fruit Ninja invite to place a multiplayer game on Game Center. After I accepted and started to play, I had problems slicing some fruit because I could not get my finger to touch the very edge of the iPhone 4 screen. Is this a deal breaker? Likely not, but something you should know before considering buying this case. Honestly, it probably won't be an issue for most of our readers.

You can get the Innocase in a plethora of colors in our store; surely one to fit your style. I am sporting the green one and dig it. I feel this case protects well and is secure (it won't fall off) and looks good with adding minimal thickness to the iPhone 4. You can pick up the Seidio Innocase II for iPhone 4 at the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.

Pros

• Solid protection for iPhone 4
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Easily removable for docking, etc.
• Multiple colors

Cons

• The ridges next to the screen are a little too high
• Case can be difficult to remove

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

Waiting for iOS 4.1 to drop? What a better way to kill some time by visiting the TiPb forums to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already head on over and register now!

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See you in the forums!

I spent the past week using the PixelSkin Case for iPhone 4. Speck has a lot of great accessory lines from iPhone cases and skins to everything iPad and iPod as well, but I was a little hesitant at first as I'm not a fan of cases that add bulk and most pattern or etched cases do.  I was pleasantly surprised with this one and still have it on my iPhone. 

I've never been a huge fan of textured cases, but this one is deceiving. It isn't really "textured". Most of the square pattern you see is actually smooth on the outside of the case. It feels nice in the hand and slides in and out of pockets incredibly easily. Part of the reason I have always preferred smooth cases is I'm not a purse girl by any means. I prefer keeping my phone in my pocket. I carry about a messenger type bag with me for all intensive "purse purposes". Throwing my phone in there, it would take me 20 minutes to find it when I needed it. Pockets are quicker and easier. So I've always looked for cases that don't fight me when trying to slip it back into my pocket. Finding smooth, thin cases and not sacrificing any protection is always a tough battle.

This particular case not only feels good in the hand, but protects the sides of the phone and allows the screen to be a bit recessed without adding extra bulk. I'm the master at dropping my phone and I dropped it once with this case on it. It landed face down on hard wood floor with no damage to be seen. Since the case comes up over the edges, it helps for those times when you'd like to set your phone screen down, or Jobs forbid it, you're like me and just have the clumsy gene. Either way - if you're looking for a case that provides a decent amount of protection without adding "too" much bulk, check out the Speck PixelSkin case for iPhone 4 in the TiPb Accessory Store. It's available in purple, pink, and black. If you already have it, let us know your thoughts on it in the comments as well! Still not the case for you, browse the rest of our case selection in the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store!

Pros

• Doesn't collect dust or pocket lint

• Extremely smooth despite being silicone

• Rugged look but smooth in your hand

• Doesn't add bulk

• Doesn't get dirty quickly like many silicone-based cases

Cons

• Stretches out a bit after being taken on and off

• Some 3rd party chargers and accessories may not fit into the dock connector with the skin on

The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already head on over and register now!

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• Official Apple 2010 Special Music Event predictions/reactions.

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See you in the forums!

Reader Gerald spotted an iLuv case with camera cutout in the center in a local Marshall's clothing store:

[The case] was labeled as an iPod Touch 2nd Generation hard shell case made by a company called iLuv. The reason i liked this case so much was because it had a spot for a rear camera, and the dummy cardboard example of the iPod clearly showed what the camera looked like. I snapped a pic as proof.

Now what could that have been doing there?

This week I am looking at the Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad. This is a two-part case not unlike the Case-Mate Hybrid Touch Case where you have a silicone inside layer and a hard outside layer. The goal being to provide extra durable shock protection.

As you would expect you have the typical openings in the case for the 30-pin connector, speaker, headphone jack and rotation lock. The power and volume controls are covered by silicone, but still function. I found putting on the case was a little easier than other models of this case type offering the same style and function. However, it also has the same weakness; the top and bottom portions of the silicone layer are not very secure and can easily be moved or nudged with little effort. Of course this is because it is difficult to add any rigidity to the silicone case covering the connecting port and speaker, but there has to be a way...

I did find the case to be quite protective and even covered the edges onto the screen to protect any accidental iPad face-plants. As a side bonus, the Incipio Silicrylic Case does come with a screen protector for iPad and a wipe cloth. These are nice additions that you don't receive with other cases and in my mind sets them above the competition in this regard. The Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad is available in four color combinations: Black/Black, White/Grey, Confetti/Charcoal, Lime/Charcoal for $47.95 in the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Durable
• Easy to take on/off
• Nice color selection

Cons

• Does not fit in Apple Dock
• Top and bottom of case are still “loose”

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"

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

I have just finished my stint with the Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 (hence-forth "Feather", that title is just way too long). What can I say? I like! The really thin nature of the case and the grip it provides is really nice. Plus, there are some extra benefits too. Keep reading to see all you get with this awesome case.

The first thing you will notice when you open the packaging for this case is that you get more than just a case, you also receive two surface protectors and a cleaning cloth. This is a very nice value for the price of this case ($23.95). The case itself is, as described, light and thin. It adds minimal thickness to the iPhone 4 and has a nice grip too it. I often refer to this as "grippy" plastic. Not slippery, but adds enough traction to be useful and stick in your pocket. The cut of the case is very precise. The back is completely covered except the camera and flash exposed. The case is very flush against the back with no real room for lint to enter. The sides flush as well. In fact, once you slip on the case, it can be a challenge to take it off. This, is a good thing.

The only issue with this case is that it does not protect the screen at all. For example, Apple's bumper case extends past the glass to prevent any accidental scratches, etc. So, to remedy this and make the case as thin as possible, Incipio kindly includes two surface protectors. To make it easy for you, they even include an applicator for the surface protector. The side of the case only extends to cover the height of the silver antenna, so there is still about a millimeter or so of glass exposed. Even with a screen protector, it is possible that the glass could crack if hit at the proper angle.

This is easily one of the best cases for the iPhone 4 if you like this style of case. It isn't rubber, but plastic, grips well and keeps the device thin and comes with two surface protectors. This case not only looks awesome, but protects in conjunction with the included protectors. Oh, and if you want colors, there are a whopping 12 colors to choose from.

You can find the Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 at the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store.

Pros

• Really light and thin
• Solid protection
• Grippy feel
• Lots of colors

Cons

• Case offers no frontal protection (includes surface protectors though)

Apple Peel 520 is an adapter case that just might hack your iPod touch into something closer to an iPhone, courtesy of a VoIP client, SIM card, and a dream:

Powered by an Infineon baseband chip, this adapter not only offers voice calling and text messaging (presumably requiring a jailbroken iPod touch for the apps; GPRS not possible yet), but it also doubles up as an 800mAh battery and provides 4.5 hours of call time or 120 hours of standby juice.

Whether this ever hits the market in Asia -- let alone North America -- is anyone's guess but if it did show up, would you want?

[Engadget]

The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already head on over and register now!

• If you are waiting for a jailbreak for iPhone 4 what is the number one thing you are looking to get out of it?

• Wondering why Apple chose to use glass for the back of the iPhone 4? So are a lot of our other members in this thread.

• Last week Apple allowed all iPhone 4 owners the chance to select a free case. Which did you choose?

• If you'd like to discuss all of the latest and greatest iPhone and iPod touch games and apps this is the place to do it - iPhone Apps and Games forum.

See you in the forums!

This week I am taking a look at the Incipio Executive Folio black leather case for iPad. This case not only looks good but is super thin. There are no pockets in the case other than the area to slip in your iPad. The flap secures with a tab of leather that tucks into a leather loop.

The fact that this case uses real leather is nice; no "pleather" here. You can smell it as soon as you take the case out of the packaging. The inside is a very soft suede. I feel very safe sliding my iPad in and out of it. Since it is so soft, it slides in smoothly too. Sometimes with these types of cases the iPad won't slide in smoothly and can get stuck on a corner, etc. I have not found that to be the situation here.

The only concern I have with this case is that the leather tab that closes the external flap is only sewn on in two places. It feel that over time, it might easily tear. My case has not torn, but if you watch the video, I show you what I mean.

Overall, this is a slim case that will protect your iPad from daily bumps and grinds. There is not any real padding for falls, but it seems to had handled the daily abuse I was able to give it just fine.

The Incipio Executive Folio black leather case for iPad is available now from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Slim
• Genuine leather
• Soft suede interior

Cons

• I feel over time the latch may tear

Otterbox Commuter Case for iPhone 3GS strikes the perfect balance between convenience and protection. If you're rocking Apple's other big smartphone release this year, the $99 iPhone 3GS (or the unlocked iPhone 3GS, depending on where you live), or still lucky enough to have a 16GB or 32GB iPhone 3GS from last year, this case should be on your radar. (It also fits the iPhone 3G.)

Confession: I thought I'd hate it when it first arrived. I don't know why exactly, maybe it was fear of layers bulk, uncertainty about dual color schemes, dunno, but I was not looking forward to testing out the Otterbox Commuter. Then I put it on.

AD&D analogy time -- If skins are the chainmail of the case world and the Otterbox Defender is the full plate armor (yes, even the pink one), the Commuter is the in-between, plate-mail option. It's strong but still a but flexible, solid and secure but still snug and light.

Like plate-mail it comes in two layers, the silicone that you slip on first, and that has covers for the 3.5mm headset jack and 30-pin dock connector, and the plastic shell that goes over it. Together they provide protection against scrapes and scuffs and minor impacts.

The Otterbox Commuter also comes in a ton of colors -- yellow, white, blue, green, brown, burgundy, and black. (Yes, I'll spare you the strained surcoat analogy).

Again, not as big as the Defender, not as thin as a skin, I found myself leaving it on even after my typical week-long review period was over. Since I've been carrying an iPhone 4 around as well, maybe I was a little more concerned about my iPhone 3GS getting damaged, maybe I started to like the look, or maybe I wanted my fellow SPE editors to think I had an imaginary, super-secret iPhone 5 prototype hidden in a fancy camo case (I'll never tell!)

But leave it on I did.

If you're looking for a combination of protection and convenience, something strong but still light, check out the Otterbox Commuter Case for iPhone 3GS available now from the TiPb iPhone 3GS accessory store.

Pros

• Good level of protection, including minor impact
• Covers headset jack and dock port
• Includes screen protector

Cons

• Dual layers means slightly more bulk

This week I had a chance to look at the black FlexGrip case for the iPad by Griffin, available in black, blue, purple and white. The FlexGrip manages to protect and look good. It's made from silicon, but the slick kind. The case it self is not slippery, but rather it does not stick to surfaces. This is good if you place your iPad in a bag and want to access it easily but bad if you want it to grip on a surface.

I used the case for a couple of weeks putting it in and out of my backpack, laid it on tables, watched content on it, etc.  The only issue I had with the case is that the edge flashings do not grip the iPad's glass tightly. This is an issue for me as I seem to collect lint where ever I go. I found myself having to occasionally clean out the lint particles. Also, it is important to note that if you use the iPad dock like I do, it does not fit in the dock with the case on.

Ultimately I liked Griffin FlexGrip for iPad. Just be aware of the looser flashings and that it is the slip not sticky silicone.

The Griffin FlexGrip for iPad is currently available for $28.95 from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Durable
• Protective
• Stylish

Cons

• Edge flashing are not flush against iPad's glass

The Case-Mate Gelli Checkmate Case for iPad is a beautiful way to add grip and color to your iPad. It is made with a soft silicone base that makes holding your iPad easy and much more secure.

The Case-Mate Gelli is easy to apply and remove from your iPad. The case is translucent so it allows the back of your iPad to still show through. The case also has a triangle pattern on it which gives the case a bit of style in comparison to a regular plain silicone case. The case is very easy to put on the iPad and has open spaces to allow for all the buttons and ports and controls. The case goes over the edges of the iPad so it will protect the iPad against minor impacts.

Case-Mate Gelli Checkmate Case is about 2 to 3 mm in thickness at it greatest points so it is still lightweight but also durable. This case is a nice silicone case as it has good grip but does not feel sticky as some other silicone cases can. I have been using this case for a week and I am quite happy with it. I would have liked if it came with a screen protector.

If you like silicone cases and you like the color selection then the Case-Mate Gelli Checkmate Case for iPad could be what you're looking for.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Openings for all ports and buttons

Cons

• Does not come with screen protector

TiPb review rating

YouTube Link

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

Make no mistake, the Marware Eco-Vue case for the iPad [$42.95] is the executive option for iPad cases. It's the leather bound Cadillac. It's the finely appointed Benz. No, I'm not writing a luxury car review, but that's kind of how this case feels. The quality is excellent -- it smells excellent. Deep black leather with crisp white stitching on the outside sandwiches your iPad providing a think layer of plush protection, softer gray microfiber swaddles it inside while still granting access to hardware buttons and ports. There's also a clear screen protector included to keep the display safe.

A thin elastic band lets you secure the Marware Eco-Vue closed or flipped back and open. There's a leather strap that folds over the top and tucks in to keep your iPad from falling out. I'm paranoid so it didn't de-stress me to the level a snap or velcro or some other form of security would have, but it's long enough and the friction is high enough that the iPad stays put. It's leather-glove tight inside either, which will annoy perfectionists but does make getting the iPad in and out far easier. Since I haven't seen a dock yet that will work with this size case, that could be a plus for those who want to take their iPad out every once and a while.

Inside the Marware Eco-Vue's front cover are a couple of highly useful extras. An elastic leather strap lets you slip one hand inside so you can carry the iPad around and tap away with the other hand without worrying it will slip and fall. A stand folds out to let you prop it up on a table to create a better typing angle. A magnet keeps it from flopping around when not in use. Smart. So smart I kind of wish a magnet was also used to keep the case closed, though the elastic is certainly more traditional.

And if you're wondering about the Eco in the name, Marware says it's made out of substances healthier for the environment and meets RoHS standards.

On the negative side, luxury comes at a price and in this case the price is bulk. The Marware Eco-Vue isn't a skin, it isn't a film, it's a fairly hefty leather bound folio. If 1.5lbs of iPad is already dragging you down, this won't help (hitting the weights might). I found the protection worth it, and didn't even use a bad with the Marware. I just closed it, secured the elastic, and carried my iPad around like a book. That way, the net total was a lighter, more portable, if somewhat Yuppy-esque solution.

I've heard some complaints that there's nowhere inside the Marware Eco-Vue to carry a paper notebook and pen. Sure. Okay. That's valid. I got an iPad so I'd never have to use pen and paper on the go again, but for those of you who want to take the old and the new with you, Marware doesn't offer that option. Nor is there a place to stick some business cards. It's also black only at the moment, so if you prefer your leather in Indiana Jones brown, you're out of luck.

Other than those gripes I've been very impressed, and I'm decidedly not the type of person who usually likes the leather fold-over case form factor. (See Sikora, Jeremy). I've actually been using it more than what's required to review it and I have a sneaky suspicion that means it's won me over.

If you're looking for a smart, sexy iPad case that offers both protection and panache, look no further -- the Marware Eco-Vue has you covered.

Check out the Marware Eco-Vue on the TiPb iPad accessory store...

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad pros

• Excellent craftsmanship
• Good level of protection
• Includes hand-strap and stand

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad cons

• Adds bulk
• No additional pockets/slots for pens, cards, etc.

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad rating

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad video review

YouTube link

Marware Eco-Vue for iPad gallery

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• iPad Wi-Fi issues - There is no denying there is something going on with Wi-Fi on the iPad so whether you do or do not have issues staying connected to your Wi-Fi, let us know.

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See you in the forums!

Here is the OtterBox Defender in pink [$42.95 - iMore Store link], also offered in black, white, and yellow [iMore Store Link] a case said to be strong enough for a man but made in pink for a woman.

As a special bonus, we asked you, our readers, if you wanted to see Rene use this case for a day along with photographic proof, and you responded with a strong, hell heck ya! Though, getting Project Pink to happen was more difficult that originally planned...

Read on for the review, and the results, after the break!

Design

The OtterBox Defender fully encompasses your iPhone. It comes in four different parts: the hard inner shell that separates into two parts, a soft silicone layer that goes over the inner shell for added protection, and then a belt clip which grasps your iPhone. A sheet of plastic covers the screen, camera lens and back Apple logo hole. The other buttons and ports on the iPhone are covered by removable silicone so they are also protected from dust.

The hard inner core provides impact resistance and the outer silicone provides cushioning and a better grip for the user. If you want a case that will provide protection from all but the greatest of falls and bumps, then the Otterbox Defender is for you.

It should be noted, however, that while the Otterbox Defender will resist a little rain or a light splash, it's not water resistant. If you would like something you can take to the beach or the bathtub then I would recommend the Aquapac.

Usability

Just because it's dressed up in pink, that doesn't make the Otterbox Defender any easier to put on or take off your iPhone. I looked at the case, turned it around a few times, trying to figure out how to open it. Sheepishly, I asked Rene to open the case for me. He then took the case and turned it around a few times. In the end we figured out you have to stretch the silicone layer off the inner core, logical you say? Chinese puzzle box, I reply!

So if you need to get your iPhone in and out of its protection quickly than this is not a case to get. Its protective qualities also make this case more bulky than most, though a fair trade for your precious iPhone. I found the belt clip to be less secure than I wanted and I usually carried the OtterBox Defender in my purse. Loose belt clips seem to be a problem specifically for the pink version of this case but not for the other color selections (black, yellow, white).

The front screen was still easily touch sensitive and I had no problems using it for texting and gaming, though the high side bezels did make it difficult to access the inside edges of the screen.

Project Pink

Project Pink began as a simple promise: if 50 comment were made in a past review our dedicated editor Rene Ritchie would wear the next pink case I received for review. As soon as the post went up the comments came streaming in, people Twittered and Facebooked to ensure it would occur -- in short it took on a life of its own. We easily got 50 comments by the end of the first day. A week went by, then two, scheduling conflicts, illness, for a while I doubted that Project Pink would ever come to completion. Then I heard that Rene had to travel to the Apple store. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to have Rene test out the OtterBox Defender and its lovely shade of bubblegum pink. Being a man of his word and a great sport, not only did Rene wear the OtterBox Defender but he twittered, emailed and carried it around on his belt. Though this was not all selfless as he did garner quite a good deal of female attention at the same time.

Conclusion

If you absolutely must have a pink case but also demand something that gives your iPhone the best chance for survival then the Otterbox Defender is for you. It's multilayer design offers protection and grip though it is thicker than most cases, just ask Rene!

Please take a moment to let Rene know how cool he was for going through with the dare! Would any of you other men out there have done it ?

When we met with Tezuka-san and the Capcom Street Fighter IV team at GDC 2010, he was gracious enough to give us not one, but two (2!) special edition promotional Street Fighter IV iPhone cases. Full color, they feature Ryu and Ken and are emblazoned with the slogan "Waiting for a new challenger" and the Street Fighter IV logo. When we got these Capcom told us there were only a few left in North America. This is the real deal, and they're letting us give them away to you, our readers.

How can you enter? Easy, just leave a comment on any of our TiPb Apps Podcast posts (a real, on-topic comment, not just "can has win?", okay?). Only one comment will count per podcast post, but you can make a comment on as many of the posts as you like (and we've got over 20 episodes now!) We'll pick two (2) readers at random to get the cases so be sure to leave a valid email address with your comment. The give-away is open to anyone with a US or Canadian shipping address, starts now, and ends Monday March 22, 2010 at 12pm PT.

(And to sweeten the pot some more, we have some promo codes and gift certificates to give away for a few of the apps as well. Which ones? That's a surprise so try to hit them all!)

Oh, and every post you comment on also counts as an entry for TiPb's big iPad give-away, so get going!

If you enjoy the outdoor activities such as hiking and you don't feel like spending a lot of money on a heavy duty case then the rugged Nite Ize Sideways Clip Case for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [$16.95 - iMore Store Link] is definitely worth a look. For the full review follow us after the break!

The Nite Ize Sideways Clip Case is very well constructed with leather and ballistic nylon accented with weather-resistant hypalon. Your phone's top flap secures firmly with velcro. Those of you who favor magnetic closing may come away disappointed, but if you are using this case for some sort of outdoor activity you are better off with velcro. On the back of the case you will find a super strong "flex-clip" that will fit belts, waistbands or straps up to 2 3/16” (5.5cm) and features an easy on, easy off design. To remove the case you simply pull it away from your hip and then pull up. With that being said, it will not accidentally come off during your hiking or mountain biking trip.

The interior of the Nite Ize is sure to protect your iPhone with its very soft lining. There is no need to worry about the actual case doing any damage to the phone like we've seen in the past with other cases. A really nice touch with the interior is a pocket to store your credit cards, identification, money or whatever else you can get to fit. This especially came in handy while going on some hikes where I did not want to carry my wallet. The interior pocket is a very welcomed addition to this style of case.

The more hiking I do with the Nite Ize Sideways Clip Case [iMore Store Link - $16.95] the more I like it. Is this a case I would use on a daily basis? No. However, those of you who are looking for a well built, rugged case - give it a try. You should not come away disappointed.

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.

Marware's C.E.O. Premiere for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. [$34.95 - iMore Store Link] is a horizontal case with a belt clip and top flap. Either you love that style or you hate it, but there is no denying their popularity among iPhone owners. Marware has been making iPhone cases since day one and some pretty good ones at that. What did we think of the Marware C.E.O. Premiere?

Follow us after the break!

The Marware C.E.O Premiere has the classic horizontal holster case design that covers your iPhone in a textured, soft leather with quality stitching and an ultra-slim non-removable belt clip. The interior of the case is made up of microfiber cloth which is a welcomed addition that promises not to scratch your device while it is in use.

The flap that encloses your iPhone stays closed with the help of Velcro. Though I would have preferred Marware to use magnets, the Velcro does it's job. However, when I am in a quiet room and need to get to my phone I'd like to get it out in silence rather than hearing the sound of Velcro tearing open.

The C.E.O. Premiere is designed only to provide access to the headphone port while your phone is inside. This design allows you to listen to music or take calls with the iPhones headset while you are out and about, but like all other cases of this style, no other controls can be accessed when the it's is closed. Keep that in mind if it's a deciding factor when you're looking for a new case.

Marware was kind enough to include a decent screen protector in the package as well.

If you prefer the horizontal case and can get past some of the Marware's minor shortcomings, the C.E.O Premiere as it's truly a quality case.

Learn more at TiPb's iPhone Store >>>

If cell phone radiation emissions is something that concerns you, you may be interested in taking a look at the Pong radiation-reducing case [$59.99- Web link].

Pong Research was nice enough to send us a sample to check out and, at first glance, it looks like a solid silicone case. It offers good protection while giving you full access to all ports, controls, and the camera. But a quick look on the inside reveals what makes this case so valuable - the Pong Gold PCB Module that reduces overall radiation output by 60%. It is this PCB module that directs an iPhone cell signal and radiation through the back of the phone, keeping it away from the user's head.

While the price is not cheap, if you are in the market for a silicone case and want protection from radiation, it's worth a look.

The XGear Nitrous Oxide case for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [$37.95 - iMore Store Link] is a carbon fiber bottom loading hard case that gives you triple layer protection along with a few extra goodies. For the full scoop, follow us after the break!

When it comes to cases, the amount of protection the case provides is the first thing that comes to mind. The Nitrous Oxide is constructed in 3 individual layers that provides phenomenal protection. You get a super soft interior lining surrounded by hard shell case that is wrapped in a layer of carbon fiber. That carbon fiber not only acts as good protection but also provides you with a pretty solid grip while holding your phone. As an extra little bonus, XGear also tosses in a clear screen protector along with a small microfiber cleaning cloth.

As some of you already know, I am not a big fan of hard cases for the simple fact that many, not all, have a tendency to scratch the bezel of your iPhone and sometimes even the phones backing. With the soft interior lining provided you are guaranteed to not scratch your phone. Why all makers of hard cases do not regularly include a soft lining is beyond me.

While the Nitrous Oxide is on your iPhone you have easy access to all of you buttons and ports. Some of you may even feel like it's too much open space, especially on the bottom, but in my testing I had zero problems with it. The only worry I had before testing was since the case is bottom loading, I was afraid that the phone would slip out if it happened to suffer a drop. However once the case was on, I was comfortable with the fact that my phone would not easily come out. So that's something that you should not be concerned about. Also, some of you may prefer the open bottom for an easy docking solution.

Overall the XGear Nitrous Oxide Case for iPhone and iPhone 3GS is what it is, a hard case that offers good protection that does not add much size to your iPhone. While some of you may be turned off by the carbon fiber look and feel, others are sure to enjoy it and the Nitrous Oxide will most likely meet your requirements.

Learn more and purchase @iMore Store>>>

The iSkin solo for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [$29.95 - iMore Store Link] has quickly become one of the most popular slim-fitting skin cases available today. To find out why, follow us after the break!

The iSkin solo comes in 4 vibrant high-gloss colors: blue, red, black, and white. At first glance it appears the solo is just another hard plastic shell, and some might worry that it has a higher probability of scratching your phone than protecting it. But have no fear, it's actually a very soft plastic with the interior being an even softer matte rubber finish that will not scratch your iPhone.

Another perk of this soft plastic is that it's not tacky like most silicone cases out there. The biggest complaint I hear about silicone cases is the amount of dust and lint they attract. This is not the case with the iSkin solo. So, while it does provide you with a material that will ensure that your iPhone will not go slipping out of your hands, it's also great news for those of you who put your iPhone into your pocket or purse and want to be able to remove it easily and -- lint free.

On the protection front, the solo has you pretty well covered. You get decent protection without sacrificing any functionality. Your screen, docking port, headphone jack, and camera access are readily accessible while your volume and power buttons remain safely protected. As a added bonus, iSkin includes a nice crystal clear screen protector that is equivalent in quality to the ones you can purchase separately. Will the solo save your screen from cracking if you drop it on concrete? Of course not, but it will protect your device from your typical bumps and scratches.

Overall I am a fan of what the iSkin solo brings to the table. If you are seeking a case that provides heavy duty protection, I suggest you look elsewhere but if you want a case that will provide casual protection for every day use along with a a nice sleek look, this would be an excellent choice.

Learn more and purchase @ iMore Store >>>

The RexRegina Hamilton Case [$44.95 - iMore Store link] is hands down one of the finest crafted leather pouches I have used to date. While this particular type of case may only appeal to a certain crowd, I can not recommend it highly enough for those of you who are fans of the pouch case. For the full run-down read on after the break!

This RexRegina Hamilton case is a perfect fit for any business man or woman out there that is looking for a classy yet simple case to keep an iPhone protected. It is made from the finest leather available directly from the Tuscany region in Italy. And once you get the case in your hands you can instantly feel it's high build quality.

With it's slim profile you can slide the case into a computer bag, briefcase, purse or pocket with ease. Within the first couple days of use the fit may feel a bit too snug for your liking but give it time, the leather will break in but not so much that the phone would easily fall out of the case. You can rest easy knowing that the fit is secure. Another nice feature is one that not many pouch cases actually have - access to the volume control and the ring/silent switch. The side height is designed to allow easy access to the controls, which is a welcome addition to a pouch case.

Like I mentioned early, these types of cases are not for everybody, but if you are someone who prefers high quality pouch cases it may be worth your while to give this case a try.

Learn more and purchase @TiPb's iPhone Store >>>

Design

Daily Use

The felt-like interior of the case is soft to the touch and does not scratch the iPhone at all; the parts of the iPhone that touch the case are fully protected. The edges are exposed to give you access to the miscellaneous iPhone ports such as speaker and the headphone jack.

A really nice option for this case is the multiple colors it comes in. I am reviewing the Cocoa Brandy color, but I am also partial to the Cream Brandy color too.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Attractive with multiple colors
• Lightweight
• Solid belt clip
• Great price!

Cons:

• Rigidity over time might be an issue

TiPb's Rating

You purchased a new iPhone 3GS or 3G recently but you are still searching for that perfect case to protect your investment? There are so many options out there in the marketplace that choosing the perfect case can be a tough decision. Today I want to introduce yet another case that you may want to consider, the Belkin Slim-Fit Case for iPhone 3G/3GS. You can purchase the Belkin Slim Fit right here in TiPb store for the low price of $24.95. Follow us after the break to see if this case is the one for you!

Desgin

The Belkin Slim-Fit is a well designed holster case that serves one single purpose, to protect your investment while it is not in use. The case is made up of high quality leather and stitching, with fabric sides and a soft lining that will not scratch your phone. To secure your phone there is a velcro flap that assures you your phone will not accidentally fall out. A nice touch that Belkin added was leaving the bottom of the case open so you can not only attach your charging/sync cable but your speaker volume will not be muffled.

Overall, the case really lives up to its name, as it doesn’t add much bulk to your iPhone, even with a belt clip on the back. Kudos to Belkin.

Daily Use

I am a big fan of holster/pouch cases, and the Belkin Slim-Fit did not disappoint. Your iPhone 3G/3GS will fit perfectly into the case but not so tight to the point where you can not get the phone out quickly if you have to answer a call. The first few times you use it, it may seem like it is tighter than you'd like but rest be assured, the leather does loosen up a bit after a few uses.

The option to use a non-removable belt clip is a nice feature. And the clip itself is very low profile so if you don't wish to use it, the case still fits comfortably in your pocket.

If there are any downsides to the case, it would be that, as a slide-in holster, the Slim-Fit doesn’t allow you use your iPhone while it's in the case. Yes, that should be considered a given when purchasing a holster case but it would be a nice bonus to have none-the-less.

Conclusion

Like most holster-type cases, the Slim-Fit only offers protection to your iPhone when it is holstered, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. It all depends on what your preferences are in a case. If you are a fan of similar cases, this one is a great deal. In the end, I can't help but like this case for what it is - the slimmest belt-clip case I’ve used - ever.

Pros

• Slimmest holster case money can buy
• Offers good protection while your iPhone 3G/3GS is not in use
• High quality materials

Cons

• Can not access your screen when your phone is in the case
• Not dockable

The Griffin Streamline is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $19.95. If you are looking for a running/workout case that is lean and comfortable, then look no further than the Griffin Streamline! Let's see how it measure up after the break!

Design

The Griffin Streamline is made of a plastic outer rim, a neoprene "sleeve" that holds the iPhone/iPod Touch and an elastic armband; simple. There is a clear plastic cover in the front of the device to protect the screen. This clear cover still gives you the ability to touch and interact with your Apple device.

Daily Use

I have been using the "Couch to 5K" app [iTunes Link] for a while now. for the most part I have been holding my device while I walked/ran. However this case has changed that! Not only is it comfortable and lightweight, but it protects the iPhone (even if you dropped it) and adjusts to just about any arm.

I typically walk/run 3-4 days a week in the early morning. I can't express what a pleasure it is to run with this case. It does not slip on the arm (really it should lie at almost your elbow and the bend in your arm prevents it from falling off, at least that is my experience. if you try to tighten this or any armband higher up on your arm, my arm will go numb:-) and allows access to the screen while running or resting between intervals. if you need to clean the case (if for nothing else, the build-up of sweat over time) simply wash by hand in cold water with some soap. Another feature that this case has is a reflective trim around the inside edge of the case. The trim is very thin and can only be seen from the front of the case, not the sides. I think it is novel that Griffin added this, but in real life, I don't think a car is going to see me because of it.

Conclusion

This is bare-bones case with no extra pouches for keys or cash; it is just a well made case that looks good, fits well and does what it is supposed to do; securely hold your iPhone while you workout while keeping it safe and remaining comfortable. At $19.95, this case is a steal and a practical give-me if you exercise with and iPhone/iPod Touch. This case has earned a really high rating.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Holds the iPhone securely
• Neoprene is easily washable
• Armband is adjustable
• Clear screen cover still allows input

Cons

• Basic case, no storage for money or keys
• Reflective trim could encompass more of the case

TiPb's Rating

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

Design

The DLO HybridShell for iPhone 3G is a transparent plastic snap-on case for the iPhone. The case protects the back and sides. The openings are all precision cut, even the camera, to allow for easy access to all of the ports and switches on the iPhone. As a bonus, you even receive a screen protector to protect the screen.

Daily Use

The factor that attracted me to this case initially were the raised black rubber "bumps" on the bottom of the case. I think everyone would agree that out of the box, the iPhone can be a little slippery. After snapping on the case I immediately began placing the case on any surface I could find to see how it "stuck". Keep in mind that there is no adhesive, simply solid rubber studs. I have to admit to my surprise it actually made a difference. Specifically in the car. Placing the case on the dashboard for example proved  non-perilous.

With these positives, there are inevitable downsides. The big one? Well, that same awesome non-slip behavior on surfaces also applies to your pant pocket. Though not impossible to wield, depending on how tight you wear your pants, the case can get "stuck" pulling it our of your pocket. Yes, those rubber studs work their magic in there too.

I typically shy away from snap-on cases because my biggest fear is that if the phone is dropped, the case will hit the ground and break apart. Not so with the DLO Hybrid Shell. Once this case is on, it stays on and can be very difficult to remove (I had to get my pocket knife to use as a prying tool to remove the case).

Conclusion

Overall I think this is an excellent case only brought back a tad from perfection by a couple issues including: no docking while in the case (you can still use the USB cable), sticks in your pocket and the case can be rather challenging to remove. This last one only would apply if you swap cases often). These sniggles aside, if you are looking for a clear case with screen protector and rubber grips, I think you can't go wrong with this case. Its low-profile and ridged to serve the most abusive customers.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Case is compact
• Precision openings for accessing everything you need on your phone
• Back grips are nice
• Included clear screen protector is an added bonus

Cons:

• Case can get "stuck" in your jean pocket do to the rubber studs
• Case is very difficult to remove
• Not dockable from within case

TiPb’s Rating:

The DLO SlimCase for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $39.95. If you are looking for a case that allows you to easily remove your iPhone while still keeping it secure when in the case, this one might be for you!. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The DLO SlimCase comes with the case and wrist strap. There is a nice leather finish on the outside of the case and a soft, non-scratch material on the inside. This material allows the iPhone to slide into the case smoothly, yet holds it in place securely as well. The included wrist strap attaches at the top of the case and does not impede placing the iPhone in or out of the case.

Daily Use

When I first looked at this case I was perplexed as to why the whole top half of it was open. As you can see in the pictures, there is no flap or clip to keep the iPhone from falling out! However, after spending some time with the case, I feel this design was done for three reasons; 1) easy access to remove the phone as needed for docking, etc. 2) to keep the form factor compact 3) complete and unobscured access to the iPhone's external buttons.

The DLO SlimCase is durable and stylish. The removable wrist strap comes in helpful too. The smooth leather case allows it to easily slip in your pocket and I feel it is protected. The only concern I have is if the case is dropped. I feel fairly confident that the iPhone will stay in the case, but the issue is the top corners; they are unprotected and if it takes the brunt of a fall, could harm the iPhone's shell.

Using this case daily, I did not encounter any problems. It didn't get stuck in my jeans pocket and it held up well under the daily abuse a case can get. I kept the wrist strap attached, but found that the case gave the iPhone sufficient grip so I did not use it. The Big question I know is on your mind: with a gaping opening at the top of the case, did the iPhone stay in securely? The answer is yes. The iPhone does fit securely, I had no issues with it coming loose.

Conclusion

This iPhone case is a double-edged sword; easily removable and slim, yet a compromise on the top corners if dropped. I am giving this case a 3 instead of a 4 because I have concerns if I were to drop the case, would the top corners be protected? If this is not a concern for you, then this is a great case that looks good, has a nice finish and allows you to remove the iPhone easily for docking or other activities.

Pros:

• Nice leather finish
• Easily remove the iPhone as needed
• Case is compact
• Openings for accessing everything you need on your phone
• Wrist strap

Cons:

• Top corners are exposed
• Not dockable

TiPb’s Rating:

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:

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 Smartphone Experts (SPE) Book Case for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $29.95. If you are looking for a case that folds closed and can store the basics such as a license and credit card, then this case might be for you. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The SPE Book Case for iPhone 3G allows you to carry your iPhone in a convenient flip-open design that not only is practical but also protects your iPhone. The bottom of the case unsnaps exposing the 30-pin connector. This allows you to plug in a cable for syncing/charging, or you can place the iPhone 3G on its charging dock. If you like variety, this case also comes in variety of colors from red and black to beige.

Daily Use

The first thing you need to know is that this is not a "pocketable" case. It is meant to be carried or placed in a purse. Though technically you could place this in your jeans pocket, the size is prohibitive. Having said this, for a case if this type, it is really quite good!

I typically keep my case/iPhone in my pocket when I am not using it. Needless to say, it took some adjustment not keeping it in my pocket. I was able to carry the bare essentials in the case; my license and credit card (I am not a cash type of guy, so that part was not a big deal). This was somewhat liberating since I then did not have to carry all of my wallet possessions with me; I could take only what I need.

The case is sturdy and the leather feels good. The inside of the case where the iPhone lives is not leather, but a soft felt. The buttons at the bottom were very easy to remove but where not so tough as to think I would break them and the iPhone was definitely secure inside of the case.

There are openings around the case to access headphone jack, sleep button and camera. I found with the case that I was using these fields were well placed, but I would have issues with the camera; the hole opening was just a little off. Not a huge deal to resolve, I just nudged the iPhone a little and it would no longer be obscured. My bet is that this is not an issue with every case, just mine. The volume controls are not accessible since they are obscured by the flip-open cover; I did not find this to be horrible troublesome.

Conclusion

Overall, I had no real issues with this case other then having to use it outside of my comfort zone. I think there is a specific target market that will find this case useful, especially due to the excellent protection and sleeves for cards. However, if you are a big gamer, I think you will find that the flip-open design is not the best to allow maximum game playability.

Pros:

• Nice leather finish
• Protects the the iPhone front and back
• Convenient flip-open storage of credit cards or license
• Multiple colors are available

Cons:

• Not very pocketable
• Some leather cut outs are not aligned flush with the iPhone 3G
• Can get in the way of playing games

TiPb's 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 iMore 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 iMore 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 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:

With a Schiller-confirmed June product cycle, it's a bit early for iPhone Next-Gen case leaks, innit? Not that time or likelihood will stop the internet. MacRumors says:

This new iPhone case is said to "shed its glossy appearance for a matte black look" and also introduce a new case-back made of metal. [iPodObserver] seems confident in the photo and reminded readers that they were also responsible for publishing an early back-case photo of the iPhone 3G.

Has Apple ever done matt finish anything? And would Apple really milk the 16GB capacity in a next-gen iPhone? Or would they do 16GB and 32GB next time, the way they did 8 and 16, and 4 and 8 for the previous generations? And will this simply be another iPhone 3G, or will include any (or all) of the guts we've been clamoring for in an iPhone HD?

First questions first, though, is this for real?

Internal comparison photos after the break!

iPhone 3G Casing [via iFixit]

Leaked/Rumored iPhone Next Gen Casing

Dieter thinks the screws and slot for the rumble/vibrate motors match. What do you think? The next iPhone or simply the next Chinese iClone knockoff?

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:

Looking for a new case for your iPhone? Do you like leather cases? Than look no further than the Belkin Eco-Conscious Formed Leather Case for iPhone 3G! This case is available for $29.95 from the Phone Different Store. This case is not only stylish, but allows easy accessibility to your iPhone 3G!

Design

I have never used a leather case before on any of my previous phones. Needless to say I was excited to see what this Belkin product had to offer. The case is very snug against the iPhone and is held in place by a strong velcro flap that flips over the top of the case. I think "formed" is a bit of a misnomer; the leather is simply folded over then stitched together with what I can only describe as ski boot insulation-like material. This is not to distract from the product in anyway, but when I think of "formed", I think of almost a molded-like attachment to the body of the phone, which this case does not have. 

There are cut-away openings in the top (to allow for headphones and sleep button), side (silent switch and volume controls) and the bottom (to allow for a cable for syncing and charging). On the front of the case, there is a cut away area at the top to allow for the speaker and sensors. The screen is also cut to allow full view as well. The home button is covered, but has a carved overlay of the home button. So, how did this case fair during daily use?

Daily Use

However, what durability has giveth, some compromises are made. An example that comes to mind is accessing the lower portion of the touch screen while the iPhone is in the case. Many iPhone applications have buttons located on the very bottom edge of the touch screen; such as Safari. I found that I had a difficult time touching the buttons due to the thickness of the leather directly below the bottom of the screen. Or, when typing on the keyboard, I would tap "B" instead of the Space button. Over time, I was able to get used to it; I simply learned to adjust my fingers differently. However, this does take some getting used to.

While the case does have rather exact openings cut into the case to allow for the necessary ports, I found that the bottom volume control was slightly obscured but the case; the hole simply is not big enough. To be honest, this is really more of an aesthetic anomaly; it really had no impact on the external volume controls, but it is worth noting. 

Conclusion

Pros

• Nice leather finish
• Good accessibility to external buttons
• No plastic; eco-friendly
• Durable
• iPhone 3G can be easily removed from case if needed
• Velcro strap is secure

Cons

• Difficult to use the Space bar while typing (case edge can get in the way)
• No screen protection
• Cannot place in 3G dock when inside case
• No clip for a belt, etc. 

TiPb Rating:

Everybody has his or her own definition for the perfect iPhone 3G Case. Some may want a hard plastic case, others prefer rubbery silicone cases but most prefer a case that is non intrusive and more importantly, offers protection while adding minimal bulk. The Incipio dermaSHOT Silicone Case for iPhone 3G ($14.95) is a rubber silicone case that tries to offer a layer of protection without adding much thickness. How does it perform?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Incipio dermaSHOT Silicone Case for iPhone 3G is a fairly simple case that offers protection for the backside, side, and corners of the iPhone 3G. There are multiple color options and the case also includes a clear plastic screen protector.

The material used in the Incipio dermaSHOT is a very soft and malleable silicone. It is unique among competitive products because most silicone cases opt for the thicker, rougher material. This soft silicone design choice is both good and bad, it feels great in your hand because it almost conforms to your grip but at the same time is also susceptible to stretching and loosening.

The Incipio dermaSHOT covers the entire back of the iPhone 3G leaving a hole for the camera, headphone jack, and the silent switch. The volume controls and sleep/wake button are protected via a thicker rubber that offers protection but also easy access to its controls.

Overall, the design is extremely simple—it doesn’t offer home button protection and doesn’t attempt to over complicate things with a sophisticated design or gimmicky options. It is as straight forward as any iPhone 3G case can be and comes in what seems like every color of the rainbow.

Usability

The case fits really well around the iPhone 3G—it is made out of a softer silicone material that wraps solidly around the iPhone yet offers a certain tactile feel that most other rubber cases do not. Specifically, the case feels soft and has a certain amount of depth to it, there's a give to the case unseen in most rubber options. The extra grip that the case offers is a great touch and really feels good in hand.

Because of the softer, more malleable material of the Incipio dermaSHOT, it seems like it’d be more susceptible to stretching and loosening. Many silicone cases face this problem—the added grip of rubber cases is great but after removing the case a few times it no longer fits as exact as before.

The Incipio dermaSHOT avoids permanent loosening and stretching by using the softer material, it kind of bends towards your movement. Meaning, if you press the sleep/wake button the top of the case is pushed down as well. This is a well implemented compromise, though the case doesn’t offer skin-tight coverage, it also does not permanently stretch. If you’re expecting an exact form fitting case, the Incipio dermaSHOT isn’t that case—but if you want longevity in your silicone case, the dermaSHOT is perfect.

My only gripe with the case is that its cut isn't the most laser-accurate exact. There seems to be excess materials in the opening for the silent switch. The lines are also not as clean as I would like but that’s probably being nit picky. Overall, the design is fair and the protection is more than adequate. I would recommend passing on the clear plastic screen protector because it deters from the sensitivity of the iPhone 3G’s touchscreen.

Final Thoughts

The design of the Incipio dermaSHOT is simple and basic. There will probably be folks that complain that it is perhaps too plain, but the case does its job—it offers great protection and won’t stretch over time (compared to competing products). If you’re looking for an eye-catching product or head turning design, the Incipio dermaSHOT is simply not for you. But if you want a design that fits great around the iPhone 3G, offers above-average protection, and a multitude of color options at a very affordable price ($14.95), you probably can’t do any better.

PROS

• Feels Great in Hand
• Adds Minimal Thickness to iPhone
• Offers Above-Average Protection
• Many Color Options

CONS

• Plain and Basic Design
• Stretchier than Most Silicone Cases

FINAL RATING:

Read on for the full review!

Construction/Design

The case is accessed by flipping open the Velcro front flap. Once open, you have two areas to store stuff. The first area is clearly reserved for the iPhone and stands our by the bright red interior color. The second area is a slightly shorter pouch where you can easily stash cash or other very small items; even the ultra small Apple Bluetooth Headset.

Flipping the case over reveals a loop to place your belt or backpack through. Some may sigh at this because of the extra steps it will take to place this case on your belt, there is no “button” or snap to open or close. I happen to think this is a great idea. Now you don’t have to worry; you know your Golla case isn’t going anywhere. You also have a metal clasp that can be used to attach keys to the case, or use it to attach the case to another bag, perhaps to a backpack. On the left side, you have a very inconspicuous zipper which reveals compartment on the underbelly of the case. Again, it looks sharp since the inside of the compartment is a bright red. This provides excellent contrast with the black external color of the case.

The Golla case is made from 80% polyester and 20% nylon for a rugged yet smooth feel. I don’t have to worry about the case or seams tearing, it is solid. The case appear to repel water well, though it is not water tight by any means, but if you spill a liquid on it, it typically will repel it and the case itself will not stain. However, it should be kept in mind that this is a soft case so if dropped, will probably not provide very much protection. The case is designed to keep your iPhone safe from everyday bumps and bruises.

Conclusion

If you are not a fan of the black look, there are several styles available; one is bound to fit your taste!

Pros:

• Stylish
• Practical
• Many compartments

Cons:

• Little padding if dropped
• Closing flap is not secure- use Velcro
• Metal clip seems more like an add-on

Rating:

What we have here is a solar-powered iPhone case/charger, from Brando.com.hk, an Asian technology importer. And if you think about it, it's really not too shabby an idea.

The cost of this clever case is $48 and it is made of black leather, includes a 3.7-volt rechargeable battery, and a built-in photocell. Two versions are available, a flip-top and a side holster.

How long does it take to fully charge your iPhone? 12 hours in direct sunlight. While that is a long time in the sun, it's better than nothing if you are spending your day at the beach and need battery power. Or if you need some emergency juice, give it a few minutes and you'll have the battery power for a quick call.

If you try it out, let us know how you like it!

(Via MacDailyNews)

How does the Otterbox perform? Is it as secure and successful as the case suggests? Or is it just another case in the iPhone pipeline? Could it all be just a gimmick?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

From a quick glance, the Otterbox Defender doesn’t look much different than any other case. Upon closer inspection however, you begin to notice the well-thought design and construction. Though it adds a considerable amount of thickness to the iPhone, it feels great and solid in hand.

The Otterbox Defender comes in four separate pieces: a front and back hard shell, a silicone sleeve, and a belt clip. The Otterbox Defender includes a protective plastic cover for the screen and an exposed plastic to show the Apple logo—I mean you still have to know it’s an iPhone right?

The camera is also protected by a thin sheet of plastic and the headphone jack and docking port are protected via rubber caps. The speakers and microphone have a very thin sheet of protection on it. The volume, lock, and home controls are also protected by rubber buttons with the silent/ringer switch is completely inaccessible.

Overall, the design of the Otterbox Defender is extremely sturdy and solid. The choice to use a combination of a plastic hard shell with a silicone rubber skin is great because it combines the protection of a hard shell with the overall feel of rubber.

Usability

With such an intricate design for a case, it is obviously going to take time to apply and remove the Otterbox Defender to the iPhone. There are a lot of clips that need to be snapped together and rubber that needs to fit in specific holes, but after you get through that process, make no doubt about it, your iPhone feels as protected as can be. The silicone rubber skin is of great quality and feels great in hand.

All the buttons—volume, lock, home—are equally as responsive with the rubber covering them. Amazingly, the plastic screen that protects the actual iPhone touch screen does not inhibit the sensitivity. I was very impressed by how responsive the iPhone’s touch screen was under that layer of plastic. The only problem with the plastic screen is that if pressed with any amount of force, it would occasionally create unsightly air bubbles. There didn’t seem to be anyway around it.

The included belt clip is made from the same tough plastic as the hard shell and it locks the iPhone into it quite well. In fact, I often times had trouble pulling the iPhone out of the clip—the fit was that secure. The belt clip is able to rotate 360 degrees and the iPhone can be placed either be open faced or face backwards. My problem with the belt clip is that the home button is not easily accessible and it is too tough to remove for easy access.

I have very few complaints about the Otterbox Defender for iPhone because it offers as close to complete protection and coverage of every part of the iPhone. Plus, it gives off a secure and solid look and also feels wonderful. If you’re looking for protection or live an outdoor lifestyle, this case is truly one of the best available and the price can easily be rationalized to be ‘worth it’.

Final Thoughts

I’m very impressed with the Otterbox Defender for the iPhone because of its thoughtful design and excellent execution. I loved the feel of the case because it not only felt sturdy and solid but it also added grip to an obviously slick iPhone. It definitely feels like OtterBox didn’t cut any corners with this case.

Unfortunately, it does come with a fairly high price. But compared with other cases priced near the Defender, the Defender offers an infinite amount more protection. Though it does add considerable amount of thickness, if you’re looking for a case that protects your iPhone from the elements—thickness should be expected.

Also, it cannot be fully submerged under water, a definite shortcoming considering its target market. However, with all things considered, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone is great implementation of protection without compromise. Almost all the iPhone’s features are present with an unparalleled level of protection. I would consider this a buy for anyone who’s lifestyle is rugged, planning an outdoor trip, or is looking for the ultimate protection for their iPhone.

PROS

• Protects Your iPhone in Every Imaginable Way
• Feels Great in Hand
• All Buttons, Most Features Easily Accessible
• Solid Build Quality

CONS

• Adds Considerable Thickness
• Occasionally Leaves Air Bubbles Behind Plastic Screen Cover
• Pricey
• Belt Clip is a Tight Fit and Gives No Access to Home Button

FINAL RATING: 4.7/5

Was Kevin Rose right? Is the Analyst-busting 8-Ball now batting 500? Could there be any more speculation about something that's close-to, but not quite an iPhone?? Engadget Spanish (via MacRumors) has seen the usual pre-Special Event hype, and raised the first "in the wild" case leaks:

The case is by Hama and is a Sport Case specifically labeled "for iPod nano 4G".

While notoriously secretive Apple managed to shock the world with the iPhone in 2007, things have been a tad more leaky ever since, with the "fatty" Nano, MacBook Air, and even iPhone 3G details all getting out before Jobs could utter a single Boom!

Not many were thrilled with the Nano 3G prior to holding it in their hands, and not many seem thrilled with the advance peaks at the 4G either (calling it Zune-like -- ouch!). Personally, I'm not sold on the design yet either, but I've learned the hard way you don't ever count Jonathan Ive out.

What do you think? Hawt or really not?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Nu Form is designed as a 2-piece polycarbonate shell with a smooth upper and grippy bottom exterior. The case is connected together by sliding the top portion (about 3/5th the iPhone length) with the bottom portion (2/5th). There is no snap mechanism or enclosure to click, the case just slides into one another, connecting in a sure grip of the iPhone. The benefit of creating a 3/5th design is to allow the iPhone 3G the freedom to dock, but given that Apple excluded the dock as a standard accessory, there is less need for such a design.

Also included in the box is a front screen protector that seems a tad bit too thick and clunky. Using a clear, thick plastic screen instead of a film solution leaves room for air bubbles and adversely affects the touchscreen, I would recommend searching for another solution from the likes of Bodyguardz or Invisibleshield or doing away with the included screen protector entirely.

Usability

The Nu Form case itself allows for easy access to all buttons and doesn’t inhibit any controls. Though some may complain that the openings in the case allows for easy damage to the controls, I would much rather have easy access to the iPhone than a diminished user experience. The protection that the Nu Form offers is more than adequate and is similar to competitive products.

What makes the Nu Form stand out from being just an average case is its stylish design. The smooth white upper includes a box graphic that added a bit of character to the case. The bottom portion of the case differs from the top in that its exterior materials provide for more grip and texture. Overall, the look and feel of the Nu Form is great. This case is a joy to use.

The case adds minimal thickness to the iPhone 3G and from my testing seemed pretty good to hold in hand. Having the Nu Form case on the iPhone 3G seemed like a much better solution that constantly wiping away all the fingerprint buildup on your glossy iPhone 3G.

One potential issue that I do see with this case is its inner design. I would have been happier if Griffin included some felt lining in the interior because plastic on plastic typically leads to scratches. But in slipping the case in and out multiple times, there seems to not be an issue. So I presume adding a felt lining would only serve for my peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I can recommend this case to anyone looking for a stylish solution that doesn’t strip away all the unique character from the iPhone 3G. It offers adequate protection and is one of the better looking cases available for the iPhone 3G. However, I would recommend doing away with the included plastic screen protector and instead choose a solution from Bodyguardz or Invisibleshield. It comes in either White/Light Grey or Dark Grey/Black Combinations available at the iPhone blog store now!

PROS

• Stylish Design
• Easy Access to buttons
• Easy Removal for Docking Purposes
• Adds Minimal Thickness

CONS

• Plastic Screen Protector Diminishes Sensitivity
• Styling Might Not Be For Everyone

Final Rating: 4.6/5

Need a place to keep your hands free when you hit the gym? Looking for the ideal workout case for your iPhone? The Marware Sportsuit Convertible case for iPhone 3G ($34.95) and original iPhone ($34.95) is a workout case that keeps your iPhone always within reach and your hands free to lift weights, use the yoga ball, run faster etc. It also doubles as a slim-profile sleeve case. And even triples for a clip-on case that is attachable via belt clip. How does it all perform? Does it hold up over time?

Read on for the rest of the review!

What Comes In The Box

• Marware Sportsuit Convertible
• Arm Band
• Belt Clip
• Key Pouch

Design & Fit

What’s unique about the Marware Sportsuit Convertible is its versatility. Marware stresses that you are able to use the workout case as an independent case as well. Though it may look unsightly, the case itself offers great protection with padded backing and edges and a full screen protector.

The Marware Sportsuit Convertible leaves room open for all of the iPhone’s sensors, the camera, ear speaker, and headphone jack. The belt clip works as well as any other belt clip. Most of my testing concerns the Marware Sportsuit Convertible Case as a workout Case.

Usability

In my testing, I found the case to be extremely comfortable and usable. I found the case easy to remove from the arm band and most of the iPhone’s buttons easily accessible. There are gray outlines that detail where the buttons on the iPhone are (not like you would forget, but a nice touch). Though the iPhone does lose some touch sensitivity behind the plastic screen protector, it didn’t seem to be a deal breaker for me. Whatever I needed to get done in the gym—changing playlists, increasing volume, make a quick call—the Sportsuit Convertible handled well enough.

The material of the arm band is great and I rarely noticed my iPhone attached to my arm when running. The velcro attaches well and the arm band is always secure. The quality of material that Marware uses in the Sportsuit Convertible was a great choice. As a workout case, the Marware Sportsuit Convertible succeeds.

Final Thoughts

Though it was a complete pain to remove the iPhone from the case, when it was in the case my iPhone felt safe and secure. There was never an issue of looseness and my iPhone was never in danger of falling onto the treadmill (oh the horror!) or getting smashed by some free weights. Obviously, if you were to use this as an everyday case, the plastic screen protector wouldn't be the most ideal for heavy touch screen usage, but the Sportsuit Convertible is perfect for a trip to the gym and is rugged enough for any physically demanding exercise.

PROS

• Great Build Quality, Neoprene feels soft
• Secure Arm Band
• Useful Key Pouch

• A VERY, VERY tight fit. A little difficult to remove the iPhone
• Not the prettiest design
• Loses some touchscreen sensitivity

The Seidio Slim Rubberized Hard Case for iPhone is available here at the Phone different Store for $29.95.  With so many choices to protect and stylize your iPhone, how does this case measure up?  Read on for the full review!

Case Design

When choosing a case for your iPhone, there are numerous options out there.  For me, protection and appearance are paramount.  I've had cases that protect against impact but, due to a slight amount of movement between the case and phone, scratching occurs (because you and I both know that dust ALWAYS manages to get under the case!).

The Seidio Slim Rubberized Hard Case for iPhone is a hard plastic case with a rubberized paint finish.  The back half of the case is lined with soft velvet, providing a non-scratch cushion between the case and the back of the iPhone.  The case is available in three colors: black, burgundy, and blue.

The case snaps easily together between front and back.  The seam between halves is fairly smooth around the perimeter of the iPhone.  There are cutouts for the ear speaker, Home button, connector port and speaker/mic, camera, headphone jack, power switch, and for the volume rocker and mute switch.  The touchscreen is fully accessible on the front.

Performance

Although I love the design of the iPhone, one of the things I decry is it's "bar of soap" feel in the hand.  The Seidio Slim Rubberized Hard Case does a fantastic job of protecting the iPhone while the rubberized finish makes it more "grippy" without adding much bulk.

One concern I had about a hard, snap-together case was how well it would hold together -- I didn't want the case coming apart at the slightest bump or twist in my hand.  

Fortunately, I have had no problems with this Seidio case.  Once it snaps together, it takes a little effort to separate the two pieces.  Although I haven't tried it myself, I suspect a drop on a hard surface will result in separation (and possibly a scratched iPhone), but few cases will protect well against a drop on a hard surface anyway.  You must ultimately sacrifice a bit of protection a leather or nylon case may provide in exchange for the rubberized paint and slender profile of the Seidio case.

I previously mentioned my concern about my iPhone getting scratched by dust and dirt trapped between the iPhone and case.  I'm happy to report that after weeks of use, I have yet to find any scratches on my iPhone as a result of using this case. The rubberized paint has also held up remarkably well with daily use.

Summing It Up

In spite of the stratospheric rise in gas and food prices, I'm happy to report that your money is well-spent on the Seidio Slim Rubberized Hard Case for iPhone, available here at the Phonedifferent store for $29.95.  With full access to the iPhone, "grippy" feel, and minimal added bulk, it's a great case to complement the sleekness of your iPhone!

Pros

• Full access to iPhone
• "Grippy" rubberized coating
• Once snapped together, it stays put

[Note: This a a Wait-A-Thon post! Tell us what you think the iPhone 3G will look like -- or comment on any post tagged "Wait-a-Thon" -- for your chance to win a $100 iTunes Gift Card! Note that you must post with a valid and real email address so we can send you your prize -- no switching!]

Yesterday we asked you "What's the iPhone 3G Chip and When Will it Ship?" Today we want to know what YOU think the iPhone 3G is going to look like?

Darth Vader black and Paris Hilton thin? Candy red fatty with Kevin Rose cam up front? High-def white with chrome button trim? What do YOU think?

To give you some help, here's a HUGE roundup of all the iPhone 3G form factor rumors. Epic-style. Because let's face it, roughly 0.01 seconds after Steve Jobs pulled the first iPhone from his pocket back at Macworld 2007, and someone, somewhere, put aside their childlike sense of wonder long enough think: "Nice! What's the next gen going to be like?"

Complementary, contradictory, obvious, confusing, all but confirmed or from left field via outer space, the rumors have flooded the internet ever since. It's become almost impossible to keep track of them all.

Six days from today Steve Jobs takes Moscone Center stage for the sold-out WWDC keynote, and according to everyone and their newsfeed, announces the iPhone 3G. In eager anticipation, every day this week, TiPb wil be asking you to tell us what you think the next generation iPhone will be, from 3G to GPS, release dates to price points, colors to casings, 2.0 software to .Mac .Me services, and this weekend we'll wrap it all up with a look into the WWDC/iPhone 3G Crystal Ball, and a roundup of the very best of YOUR predictions.

So come on, let's get in on!

WWDC -6 and Counting: Form Factor

Right after "OMG 3G!" and "when can I get it?!", the next most burning question in the heart of the blogsphere is "what will it look like?!"

The current/original iPhone is 4.5" x 2.4" x 0.46" (115mm x 61mm x 11.6mm) and weighs in at 4.8oz (135g) with a glossy black, optical glass facade, silvered trim, aluminum backing, and a black plastic band over the bottom rear to allow the antennae better reception. It boasts a 3.5" 320x480 display at 163dpi, a rear-facing 2.0 megapixel camera, 3.5mm recessed headphone minijack, 30-pin dock connector, speakers at the top and base, microphone at the base, accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor, top-mounted SIM slot, on/off button, mute switch, volume button, and home button. All of this wrapped up in Apple's trademarked rounded rectangular slab form factor.

It's an admittedly drool-inducing beauty, having won numerous design awards including the prestigious Black Pencil. What then could they possibly change only a year later?

Let's start at the beginning and work our way forward. Please note, since it's ridiculously easy to stuff a current-gen iPhone into a new case and snap a pic, not to mention photoshop an iPhone (or even another phone/device altogether) and claim it's the iPhone 3G, these should all be taken with the largest grain of salt that can comfortably fit in a C-130 sized transport:

March 7, 2008: Beginning the SDK-related leaks, the iPhone Lounge stumbled over a small image of a "fatty" iPhone on the Education First Educational Tours "private page" on iTunes. Sure, it could have been a next-gen iPod Touch or even iTablet, or just Apple playing with us, but it was enough to get the rumors racing!

March 18, 2008: Apple Insider, ever vigilant over Cupertino-based patent filings, came across something that included references to:

capacitive array element [that] may be a dual-sided panel that is capable of sensing touch from either side and sending signals indicative of the touches to a host device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a digital music player or a mobile telephone unit).

And we said "hello" to iPhone Flip rumors!

April 4, 2008: The iPod Observer ran a picture of a supposed iPhone 3G spy shot, and it was painted black. It later turned out to be just a current gen iPhone in a black case, but the iPhone Black rumors were here to stay.

April 25, 2008: Engadget's trusted source claimed to have the know on the iPhone 3G. They stated numerous test units were already out and about in "super secret pockets". And the specs? Same size and shape as the first gen, with glossy black finish like that in the fake "spy shot", chromed(?!) volume buttons, no removable battery, flush(!) headphone jack, and the same screen size and resolution.

May 1, 2008: iLounge provided a picture of an iPhone 3G spec sheet for accessory makers. Highlights included blond, brunette, and redheaded models. Also featured were a tapered back, and a slight repositioning of the sensors. The conservative changes (color aside) made this one of the first leaks to seem at least part-way reasonable.

May 12, 2008: The Boy Genius Reports captured AT&T's website suddenly offering the choice for an "iPhone Black", which added further fuel to the black plastic iPhone fire. A UK accessory store also showed strings for "iPhone Black" accessories (or were they iPhone "Black Accessories"?).

May 13, 2008: But as AT&T leaketh, they also taketh back, and an AT&T spokesperson claimed the iPhone Black listing was a system glitch caused by some placeholder text for the different 8GB and 16GB models. The explanation made no sense to anyone familiar with website wiring, but other reports surfaced saying "Tilt Black", for example, had also shown up, suggesting the excuse did cover a glitch, only a sillier one than claimed.

May 15, 2008: Fed up with AT&T hogging all the leaky glory, Intel Germany Geschäftsführer Hannes Schwaderer let slip that:

There is an iPhone with Intel’s new Atom chip. The device is slightly larger than the current version. That is not, however, because of the Intel chip, but because of the larger display used in the new iPhone.

Intel tried to claim it never happened, but others in attendance's take on the comment was:

The Intel CEO mentioned furthermore, that the display on iPhone 2 would be bigger than on iPhone 1 (although it is already quite big). iPhone 2 is also thinner than iPhone 1.

May 19, 2008: Perhaps riffing on the aforementioned (rumored) specs, accessory maker EXO posted a mock up of what one of their cases would look like on such an iPhone 3G, potentially confirming both the specs, and the Nano-like fatness.

May 27, 2008: iPhoneClub.nl posted some images of an iPhone White that looked eerily like the fake spy shots of the current gen iPhone-in-a-case we saw previously. If by some means legit, they confirmed both the increase in width, and plastic and more rounded back.

May 28, 2008: The spy shots got kinda hectic when IdealsChina showed off a supposed mold for well known accessory maker, Griffin's iPhone 3G case, as well as a mock up that matched previous rumors rather closely. (meaning they were real, or the rumor people had resorted to copying each other).

The same day, MacRumors Forums lit up with what was claimed to be a new iPhone icon file inside the just-released iPhone 2.0 SDK Beta 6. The icon, if legit, hinted at a less-rounded rectangular shape, thinner silver bezel, wider body, and slight rearrangement of the buttons (or that someone was good at photoshopping iPod Touch icons...)

June 1, 2008: Reports had previously surfaced that Apple was filming an iPhone 3G commercial at the Flagship Apple Store in NYC, so it came as little surprise when a "spy shot" surfaced that claimed to be connected to the TV shoot. What was a surprise was that rather than the glossy black that consumed most previous rumors, this one went with a more understated matte blackish-charcoal finish. (Or at least the casing did...)

June 2, 2008: “Inside Steve’s Brain” author Leander Kahney of Wired magazine claimed a programmer source inside a major software house revealed that the next generation iPhone 3G would be a whopping 22% thinner, even with better battery life, and twice the storage (for an uber-cheap $200 to boot!).

UPDATED!

June 5, 2008: iDealsChina (via Apple Insider), who previously leaked the Griffin “iPhone 3G” molds, now claimed that Apple had made some last minute case changes resulting in a next generation device 2mm (0.08 inches) shorter and 0.5mm (0.02 inches) thinner than the previous leaks showed.

At the same time, iLounge doubled up on the rumors and claimed that Apple may be releasing not one but TWO new iPhones with 3.2" and 2.8" screens respectively. Dubious, and they could just as easily be for a next gen iClone as iPhone, but iPhone Nano rumors are hard little things to squash...

Your Turn!

So there you go, now it's your turn. Tell us what YOU think the iPhone 3G is going to look like. Blond, brunette, or redhead? Thinny or fatty? Shiny or matty? More buttons or less? Toned down or pimped to the max?

And after you're done telling us, don't forget to head over to our iPhone Blog's super Wait-a-Thon spectacular where you could win an iPhone 3G of your very own, whatever it looks like, on the very day it's released!

Go back and read Part 1: What's the iPhone's 3G Chip and When Will it Ship?
Continue reading Part 3: What Surprises Will Be in iPhone 2.0 Software & Services?
Continue reading Part 4: What 3rd Party iPhone SDK Apps Will Be Available Launch Day?
Continue reading Part 5: What Will the iPhone 3G’s Hardware Features Be?

To get your Golla guerrilla groove on, tune in after the break for a review of this swanky iPhone case from Golla!

Case Design

I've had the good fortune to try a couple different Golla cases, and there is a consistent theme throughout their product line. Golla cases are all about utility and design, which makes it a nice choice when selecting a way to carry your iPhone when it isn't in your hands.

The Golla Camo pouch arrived to me with the signature caribiner-style clip to attach to a belt loop, purse, etc., but the other carrying options include a belt loop and detachable lanyard.

Washed green camo cloth comprises the exterior of this pouch case with a softer green material lining on the inside.

A Velcro-secured cloth flap secures your iPhone safely inside this pouch case. It is a snug fit for your iPhone, so there isn't much in the way of room for carrying anything else in the case. Many of the other Golla cases have pockets for cash, credit card, license, etc., but not in this case (no pun intended).

This Golla case is somewhat minimalist - that's not a bad thing, but then again, it would be nice to get a bit more bang for the buck. For instance, I would prefer to have a bit more padding for my iPhone. In the event of a drop, this case will likely prevent scratching and scuffs to your beloved iPhone, but may do little to prevent impact damage.

Final Impressions

The Golla Camo Washed Green Vertical Pouch for iPhone (available at the phonedifferent store here for $19.95) is a nice case for going casual with your iPhone and it gives you three different ways to attach the case to your person: caribiner-style slip, belt loop, and lanyard. Golla has always done well in giving their customers both style and utility.

My only concerns with this case are value and protection, both of which are related. Although $19.95 isn't bad for a case to protect your iPhone, I would like to see a bit more padding for my money so that I have a little more peace of mind if I have a clumsy moment and (heaven forbid) drop my iPhone.

Even with these concerns, though, the Golla Camo case is a fun and utilitarian way to carry your iPhone - a nice break from the usual leather, Nylon, rubber, or metal cases you see all over the place. Give the Golla Camo case a try - it just may be what you need to stand out in the urban or actual jungle!

Pros:

• Several different ways to carry the case
• Velcro closure keeps your iPhone securely in place
• Stylish and fun camo design

• Could use some additional padding for protection
• A little pricey given lack of padding

Design: 4
Features: 4
Usability: 5
Cost/Benefit: 4

Overall: 4/5

Yow.  Accessory-maker EXO [via Engadget] has posted the above image of a sample iPhone 3G case. Engadget seems to think that it's possible the here-to-for little-known company is just trolling for link and we're not disinclined to agree. Still, let's assume that these are relatively legit. That gives us two pieces of news:

The good news: it seems to be in line with the earlier "iPhone 3G case guidelines," which means that we're getting closer to confirming the look of the iPhone 3G.

The bad news: it seems to be in line with the earlier "iPhone 3G case guidelines," which means that this thing looks a little fatty fatty 2 by 4, don't it?

There are several choices for an iPhone case at the Phone Different Store. One that caught my eye was the Belkin Clear Acrylic Case ($14.95) due to its unique "kickstand". I was very excited to see this type of case become available for the iPhone. It is perfect for setting on a tray table or on any table for that matter. But the real question is how does it hold up as a case?

Read on for the full review after the break...

Design

The Belkin Clear Acrylic Case is just that; completely clear. The design is clear around the entire case so you can gaze upon the iPhone's beauty wherever it is. The iPhone is encased on both sides by the clear plastic. Every opening you need is available from the hole for the camera to the volume buttons to the bottom exposed for the microphone and speaker. There is an optional second attachment that snaps onto the rear of the plastic case. The attachment offers two forms of functionality; the aforementioned stand and a belt clip in one.

How it Holds Up

I found the case a little difficult to separate after unpacking the case. After "forcing" the case apart, I was able to determine how the case worked. There is no real latch or snap, the case simply fits together. In my opinion, it does not hold together well, a latch-type of mechanism is desperately needed. When I attached this case to my belt as intended, I felt very, very nervous that the iPhone would just plop right out of the case onto the concrete. The clip allows you to rotate the iPhone horizontally or vertically, but either way, it felt just as insecure. I do not trust this case while attached to your belt.

It is not all bad news though. The optional second attachment acts as a stand for the iPhone when attached to the rear of the case. The stand expands to a 45 degree angle making it a great solution for watching your TV shows and movies on your iPhone. When using the stand the iPhone was very sturdy and there was no concern of it falling over.

Conclusion

I don't feel this case was made to be carried around. The weakness of the plastic encasement while on your belt is just too much to be ignored. I have to assume the main value for this case is for its aesthetic look and stand for movies. I know without a doubt that if this case fell from my belt to the concrete, the case would either shatter or break, ultimately not protecting my iPhone. However, if you are looking for a case that looks good and works amazingly well as a stand to watch video your iPhone, look no further than the Belkin Clear Acrylic Case

Ratings (Out of 5)

• Look and Feel: 5
• Stand: 5
• Clip: 2
• Latch: 2
• Protection: 2

Overall: 3.2

Pros

• Looks good
• Great stand for watching videos

Cons

• Weak case latching
• Poor protection

The Seidio Inno Case for the iPhone ($32.95) is a very subtle case that manages to increase the functionality of the phone and enhance the user experience. The design is simple and understated and comes in colors such as blue, black, and burgundy. The case adds some flair but little to no bulk to your iPhone.

Read on for the full review!

Set Up

To put the case on, you simply just slide on the larger, top portion of the case and then slide on the smaller, bottom portion until the two click in place. There is a pseudo-button on the back of the case that allows you to verify that the case is secure and also allows you to un-click the mechanism to disassemble the case. The iPhone fits quite snugly under the case, so a slight push might be needed to get the fit right.

Design and Construction

The case’s structure is a hard plastic that serves as the backbone for the case. On the outer layer of the case, a rubber-like material provides better grip for the user. There are also cutouts for the iPhone’s buttons, camera, docking port, and headphone jack. The iPhone feels very secure in the case and the case feels great in your hands.

The unique nature of the Seidio Inno Case is that it is mindful of Apple’s dock for the iPhone. Many cases on the market today require you to remove the entire case for docking purposes, which create a clumsy user experience. With the Inno Case, all you have to do is slide off the bottom portion of the case and you are free to dock.

The only design flaws that I’ve noticed when using the case is that it exposes a bit of the outer-rim of the chrome bezel of the iPhone. Also, the bottom corners on the face of the iPhone are a little awkwardly designed. Unlike the top corners that follow the trim of the iPhone, the bottom corners jut out on a different slope.

Even with those slight annoyances in mind, the Seidio Inno Case is still a well-constructed case that looks streamline with the iPhone.

Usability

The great feature of having a hard shell with a rubber outer layer is that it provides the user a great tactile feel while not compromising the strength of the case. The material used inside the case is a very firm plastic with a soft felt liner that the back of the iPhone can lay quite comfortably on.

The only potential worry from using this case is the possibility of scratches it can create from using the sliding mechanism to dock the iPhone. Because of the snug fit inside the case, the chrome rim of the iPhone will sometimes rub against the case’s plastic interior. I would have imagined the same felt material that protects the back of the iPhone to be placed under the rim, but this was not the case.

Though to be noted, in my usage of the case, I have slid the bottom portion off numerous times and have experienced no such scratches.

Conclusion

With the Seidio Inno Case, the user gets the best of both worlds. The slightly rubber outer layer provides a great tactile feel that prevents the iPhone from slipping out of your hands and the hard shell of the case allows it to maintain its shape without growing loose over time. Also, sliding only a small part of the case for docking purposes enhances the usability of the case.

I can fully recommend this case to anyone who is looking for a case that doesn’t deter from any of the iPhones features. It combines a clean and minimal look with a clever way to use the dock. Also, it uses great materials that will more than adequately protect your iPhone. Compounding all those facts along with its great feel, it should be a BUY for any iPhone user looking for a rubberized hard case.

Pros

• Great Feel
• Easy to Dock
• High Quality Materials
• Subtle Style
• Not Bulky

Cons

• Doesn't protect the iPhone's chrome bezel
• Awkward bottom-corner design
• Plastic interior can be unforgiving on the iPhone

Overall: 4/5

Watch as I guide myself through the perils of trying to figure out what accessories to buy for my new iPhone. Really, though, it's all about how to spend another two hundred dollars without blinking.

figure 1: iPhone Financiers

I'm in the same boat as some of you. As I prepare to buy an iPhone, I have to choose from the multitude of accessories. As a reviewer for TreoCentral, I've accumulated a solid box full of wireless headsets, a plastic bag full of cases and another box of stuff I can't easily classify -- all for the Treo 750. In a few months, as I write for Phone Different, I'll also accumulate iPhone accessories and form many opinions. But nearly blindly, I have to decide what accessories to acquire.

figure 2: Apple Bluetooth Headset

I think my first consideration is Apple's own headset. If you're a fan of in ear headsets, then this might be the right one for you. I imagine there will be a review up here at Phone Different very soon, but until then there is a lovely evaluation by Terry White (co-author of The iPhone Book) at his website. My main concern is that the price tag of this headset is a bit steep and that it doesn't have noise reduction circuitry.

As for headsets, I want to offer some general guidelines. The first is to go for the brand names. The reputation of these companies are generally earned. Secondly, look for some sort of digital signal processing and noise reduction. These aren't just marketing hype. However, poorly implemented versions do more harm than good. When these features work, they work well. This additional circuitry tends to add to the bulk of a headset which is perhaps why Apple doesn't include it in its offering.

Next to sound quality, comfort is the most important feature of a headset. Part of your choice will be personal preference, whether you like earhooks or in ear headsets. Also take a look at the number of grams. I think headsets are like footwear; once you find a brand that works well and fits correctly, stick with it. And in nearly every instance, there is a direct correlation between price and quality. If you're buying a Bluetooth earpiece, do not cheap out. Why by a phone at $400+ just to have a lousy experience with a headset? Start at the fifty dollar and up range.

Reviews can help you in your quest. You can check out reviews at our affiliate, TreoCentral, and you can use Google to scout for reviews. I've written my fair share of headset reviews; they can be found here. Headset review scores are a moving target, though: what might have earned a high score last year may not hold up to current competition. Look for both recently released products and recent reviews.

If you are tight on cash, then there is no shame in sticking with wired solutions, especially with what Apple sticks in the box. Generally, a hard wire carries better sound than Bluetooth. I also want to stress that you should never buy an item like an iPhone on credit. If you can't afford one, then wait. It's a luxury item. By my very inexact estimation, if you only make minimum payments, it could take about five years and over 300 dollars in interest to pay off the iPhone. Save your pennies in a jar for a year and you'll be able to buy the next generation as a bonus, or pick up a first gen product at a significant discount. (Advice off)

I've really enjoyed the wireless headset headphone combos I've reviewed over the past year. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) allows streaming stereo sound over Bluetooth and this standard is MISSING from the iPhone. Conspiracy? Technical problem? Oversight? No one seems to know. Fortunately, with an adapter you can use this technology. The iCombi looks good and I hope not only to review it soon, but ask the folks to stock it in the Phone Different store. If you get one, you might want to consider the wireless headphones from Motorola. Although the PhoneDifferent store doesn't stock these items yet, trot on over to the TreoCentral store to check them out. These headsets will stream both music and handle your phone calls. I was also a big fan of the Lubix 3D heaphones, which, despite their odd earring like nature, produced the best sound yet.

Another accessory, at $69 (plus tax) is AppleCare for iPhone. AppleCare for the iPhone gives you just one year of additional warranty coverage for both iPhone and headset. It does NOT add additional phone support as that is still provided by AT&T. My advice is to wait a while before making a decision. You have 364 days to decide if you will add AppleCare. By that time, the phone may be lost, broken, or stolen (circumstances not covered by AppleCare) I have a friend who swears by AppleCare, but I've always been wary of extended warranties.

Furthermore, many credit cards, as part of their feature set, extend the warranty of any item purchased with it for an additional year. These warranties are a bit more difficult to get taken care of as you have to produce your original receipt, track down your credit card invoice, and file additional paperwork.

Also, manufacturing defects may be covered even outside the standard warranty period. Apple is having the usual trouble with AC adapters and batteries with the iPhone. I've already had my failing MacBook Pro battery replaced once. Although the machine was under warranty, Apple would have still replaced the battery outside of warranty as they were faulty.

Speaking of damage, you'll want to protect your baby with two essential accessories: a screen protector and case. The Phone Different store offers a screen protector. If you've never owned a PDA or Smartphone, then you should be aware that screens can easily scratch. Although the iPhone screen is reputably super durable, a screen protector is just common sense against the unforeseen key scratch, drop, or sharp clawed pet. As of this writing, we still don't know how well the screen will hold up over time to scratches, oils, what have you. Don't take any chances and get a set of screen protectors.

A case is also essential. In my many reviews for TreoCentral, I've ranted against wearing a laptop computer on your belt. I think it's fine around the house, or around the office, but if you're walking down the street, for God's sake, don't wear the thing on your hip. That said, the SmartPhone Experts Side Pouch Case looks like it will do the job for wearing around the office and stuffing in a bag on the street. Reviewing for TreoCentral, I've found that the Smartphone Experts products are solid offerings and you won't be disappointed.

I do like the look of the Marware offerings. Despite the unfortunate name, I like how these are slim line, some open part way to allow viewing of essential information and allow access to the headset ports. I'd lean towards the hard case version.

For those of you who want a different type of protection, the Pacific Rim iShield protects the sides and back of the device. Mike reviewed the product here and gave it a 4 out of 5.

I think I'd better wrap it up for the day. Good luck with your research and I can't wait to get my hands on my iPhone.

Direct YouTube Link

Part 1 of 2

No bones about it, the Aquapac Waterproof Pro Sports Case (store link, $34.95) isn't a pretty case. It's a pretty ugly case. You don't wear the Aquapac to the beauty pageant though, so this review is less about aesthetics and more about form.

Even still, first impressions are important. Regarding the aesthetics of the case, it took my wife about a nanosecond to mention that I looked like a dork, and I didn't even have it strapped to my arm or thigh, it was just clipped with the fake carabiner to one of the belt loops of my jeans.

The AWPSC is a bit of an odd duck. If you're just using the lanyard or the carabiner and have removed the strap, the side flaps stick out like miniature kid floaties. The side flap and plastic combo isn't really especially comfortable on the skin.

It also has to be said that the strap isn't especially comfortable in the plastic area; you'll probably be happiest wrapping it around clothes (or keeping some cloth handy to act as backing for the plastic.

If you want the velcro strap securely fashioned to your thigh or arm, you'll be best if you attach it to something with a max circumference of about 16". I'm personally more likely to hang it around my knees or shins than I am my thigh, I could definitely use more strap. You can get an extra inch or more of give if you're willing to leave some velcro exposed, the velcro holds pretty well. Still, more strap.

The carabiner and lanyard are fine; the carabiner is a bit too thick to really work with the tiny hole in the plastic. A bit more hole there would have been nice. The lanyard is a decent one; it sports a sliding mechanism to keep your loop anchored around your neck.

Unfazed, I tested on. I took the Aquapac out on a fishing trip recently to see how it would perform (admirably), but the test really left me wanting more. I stuck the Aquapac in the water; the lake I went to isn't deep enough to hit the 30 feet / 10 meter depth limit. Plus, I don't have an underwater camera, so taking it to that depth really doesn't do anyone any good. This is why this review comes in two parts.

I can gripe about comfort and plastic on the skin and not enough strap or whatever. It doesn't really matter; if one way doesn't work for you, there are two more plus whatever else you can think of. What counts is that the iPhone is dry when it's all said and done. And it's dry when it's all said and done. 4/5