And queue the supposed case-leaks for the iPad 3, one of the traditional sings of impending Apple-pocalypse that every new device, real and imagined, has to go through before it gets announced, much less launched. These particular cases, when compared to an iPad 2 cases, seems to show some small, subtle differences between the two, as highlighted in the images above. We’ve also got some more rumors on both graphics power and chipset power — or lack thereof.

First up, that supposed iPad 3 case, picture above. Here’s what they have to say:

1. You can see here that the mounts for the logic board are very different, which means the logic board shape will be different allowing for . . . .

2. More battery. The width of where the logic board sits on the iPad 2 appears much larger than that of the i.Pad 3. We have long heard that the iPad 3 was going to provide longer battery life, and this back housing seems to support that.

3. The camera is different. It is hard to make a judgment just by looking at the casing, but what we can expect is a different camera on the iPad 3 than what we had on the 2.

4. LCD will be different than what we have had before. Whether or not it will be the super screen we have seen reported will have to wait. But the different mounting does mean that the LCD has been redesigned at the very least.

We’ve heard nothing but conflicting rumors about this, some saying it’s slightly thicker either to make extra room for LTE and more battery power, or to properly light that big 2048×1536 Retina display screen. Others say it’s the same thickness as the iPad 2, no difference at all.

The Verge is also weighing in on the iPad 3, saying it will be powered by upcoming Apple’s A6 chipset but that the A6 chipset would not be quad-core as previously rumored.

Instead, the iPad 3 will supposedly remain a dual-core device with a more powerful GPU inside. Given Apple’s tight control of both hardware and software, they’ve often been able to do more with less than other platforms, like Android, where the same software has to run on many different types of hardware. If Apple chooses to optimize for something specific, everything gets optimized for it. That’s part of the reason iOS devices, despite typically having less RAM and clock speed than competing Android devices, were still able t more than keep up and offer a smooth user experience. Don’t get us wrong, we’d love a couple gigs of RAM and a quad core, but Apple may not think it’s needed.

Once again, the only thing we know for certain is that none this is for certain but with the speculation of a March announcement gaining steam, we’ll hopefully soon find.

Sources: Repair Lab Blog, The Verge

When it comes to iPad 2 cases, everyone has an opinion on which type is best — hard, soft, waterproof, leather, or skin case

There are advantages and disadvantages to all styles of iPad 2 case. Do you value form or function? Style or security? Gloss or grip? Protection or low-profile? A lot will depend on what you do with your iPad. A construction site has different iPad case requirements than a vacation on the lake or a trip to a trade show. And now that all the basics have been covered — how many little black iPad cases can one girl or guy own? — manufacturers are getting more creative with materials and molding. iPad cases can now be about fashion and fun as well. Cool colors, terrific textures, and niche needs are all being covered now. And the very best iPad 2 cases bring all of that together, and more.

iPad 2 hard case: Otterbox Defender

People who love iPad cases love Otterbox. It’s a perennial favorite. With triple layer protection, it’s the ultimate iPad case for those who need their iPads ruggedized for work, travel, or just for kids. It even comes with a shield-like front cover that can double as a typing or movie-watching stand.

• $59.95 – iMore store link

iPad 2 soft case: Hive Honeycomb dermaSHOT Silicone

Incipio has been experimenting with new and unusual textures in their iPad 2 cases lately, and with the Incipio Hive Honeycomb dermaSHOT Silicone it’s really paid off. They’ve added extra grip to both sides of the Hive Honeycomb to make it more comfortable to hold onto while gaming, and it manages to avoid being both slippery or tacky at the same time.

• $29.95 – iMore store link

iPad 2 waterproof cases: Overboard

Until Lifeproof comes out with an iPad 2 case, Overboard is my go-to companion for everything from baths to beaches. The Overboard not only has room for your iPad 2, but you can keep some cash or credit cards in there if you’re traveling, and if you drop it in water, it’ll even float.

• $44.95 – iMore store link

iPad 2 keyboard cases: ZAGGfolio

The ZAGGfolio is an iPad 2 case that packs in a keyboard and is best suited for road warriors, or anyone who needs to pound out some serious productivity on the go. When not in use, it protects your iPad from harm, but quickly folds out into full on work mode.

• $99.99 – ZAGG link

iPad 2 leather cases: Pad & Quill Contega

Pad & Quill’s Contega case for iPad 2 takes the now familiar hipster moleskin style to a new level, incorporating a hidden pocket and cover that can fold up into a stand. It’s lacquered Baltic Birch, finely bonded Italian leather, expertly handcrafted for your iPad 2.

• $109.99 – Amazon store link

iPad 2 luxury cases: White Diamonds

Okay, the White Diamond iPad cases aren’t all about protection — they’re about stunning good looks. With amazing artwork and glittering Swarovski crystals, these cases are only for those who want to deck out their iPad 2 with serious bling.

• Variable – White Diamonds link

iPad 2 film cases: BodyGuardz

If you want a lot of scratch protection with as little bulk as possible, BodyGuardz for iPad 2 has you covered. Literally. We’ve taken nails, stones, and children to it and almost a year later, BodyGuardz have kept our iPad 2s sensationally scratch free. BodyGuardz won’t stop drops or bumps, but it will kill scratches dead.

• $19.95 – iMore Store link

We’re here at CES 2012 talking to Belkin about iPhone cases. This time around they’ve aimed to differentiate cases for white and black iPhone users. Their new lines expected in April are focused specifically on the color differences. Certain cases will compliment the black variant while others will look better on white models.

Outside of expanding selection from a color and form factor aspect, they’ve been experimenting with new types of plastic that allow them to make cases even thinner and lighter. Not only are their new lines thinner and lighter but certain plastics can be used to create very realistic textures such as wood. While actual wood cases are on the market currently, plastic tends to allow your device to breathe better and not overheat, especially while charging.

We had a chance to take a close look at the Eton Mobius battery case for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S here at CES 2012. This case not only features an 1800 mAh battery backup system but a solar charging panel on the back as well. Set your phone face down to gain a solar charge.

While Mophie and Incipio also make battery backup cases, Eton is unique in how they designed the case. Instead of having to force your phone into a slide case which may cause damage to the dock, the Mobius case slides to allow easy placement. Once your phone is in the case, snap the dock connector in place.

The Eton Mobius is currently available for $80 USD.

Personally, I just switched to the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum case and I’m loving it. Before that I was using the Draco IV and before that, the BodyGuardz Carbon Fiber.

As always, vote in the poll up top and give us the reasons why in the comments below. And if you’re not sure what kind of case you like yet, check out the links below for lots of examples!

• TiPb iPhone 4S Accessory Store
• Amazon iPhone 4S Accessories

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

DODOCase redid their classic for iPad 2. Pad & Quill took things up a notch with their Contega.

Otterbox added the Reflex to their armored offerings. BodyGuardz added the thin and strong Carbon Fiber.

Incipio kept thing sleek with the Feather Ultra-Light. Case-Mate went with a kick-stand for the Pop!

Yup, that’s a lot of different kinds of cases, but to keep the number of categories sane, we had to it. They all have two things in common, however — they’re all great and you have to pick your favorite. Vote up top and tell us why you voted they way you did in the comments! These are your awards, so get to it!

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

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

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

Conclusion

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

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

Giveaway

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

Ready… set… go!

While at the most recent Show Stoppers event, I had the opportunity to check out the LifeProof case for iPhone 4S (and iPhone 4). Protection is always key for any of our beloved electronics, and whether you are a mountain biker, a swim lover, or a karate king trying to keep your iPhone protected while doing your favorite event is a struggle — until you meet LifeProof. The folks at LifeProof have spent a lot of time (over two years) designing this case, and a whole lot of money (over two million dollars) into making sure that their product was the best to hit the market.

Whether in rain, snow, ice, dirt, sand, or any other horrid condition you can think of with your device the folks at LifeProof know that their case can protect your device without you needing to take any additional precautions. So, does the case really hold up to its name? Let’s take a look at some video action and check out some more images of the case on the device.

Pretty impressive stuff, huh? Not just everyday would you trust a case enough to just toss it in a tank of water, or drop it from six feet onto the ground without cringing in fear of what damage was just done to the device. We know, you understand that it can keep the device protected, but you want to know how much bulk it adds to your device, and if it is comfortable in the hand, right? Well, short answer, yes — and let’s take a look at why.

Personally I always fear the super protective cases because I know you need to add bulk to protect, and often times companies love to go overboard with the bulk, and it makes holding the device feel unnatural, and it no longer comfortably fits in your hand and pocket, but this case is different, very different. Adding only 1/16 of an inch, or 1.5mm, and adding less than an ounce of weight, to say the case is surprisingly small would be an understatement.

Featuring a two piece snap together design the case fits very snug over the device, making getting the case on and off a bit of a struggle, but that is their intentions for the waterproof seal that the case offers.  The top piece includes an attached scratch resistant and waterproof screen protector that still allows for complete operation of the touch screen, and with the waterproof seal around the edge of the case you don’t have to worry about any dirt or dust getting under there.

The headphone jack is sealed by a screw in cap that can be removed and they include a headphone extension that screws in for those of us who wish to use their headphones will keeping the device protected. The charging port is covered by a flip down piece that seals very tightly. The cut out will allow chargers to be plugged in to the device without the removal of the case, and LifeProof also offers a dock extender that plugs into the charging port and allows the device to be docked with the case on.

Overall the case does an extremely good job at protecting the device while adding minimal bulk to the slim profile of your iPhone 4S (or iPhone 4). The look of the case is quite plain, but they do offer a few different color selections such as black, white, pink, and purple, and the color covers the complete device, including the front so you can make it appear as though you have a totally different color iPhone than you really do!

Giveaway

We are giving away our review unit; it was used slightly (don’t worry it isn’t the one in the test video!) and it is in near perfect condition. Simply leave a comment letting us know what kind of abuse you put your iPhone through that requires LifeProof to protect it.

More: LifeProof

Let’s be blunt — if you’re not already in the TiPb Forums you’re missing out on the best darn discussion in iPhone and iPad today, so head on over and register now!

• Discuss iPhone 4S data speeds

• Funny Siri responses

• What are your thoughts on iMessage?

• iPhone 4S cases

• You’ve now had your iPhone 4S for a few days, are you happy with your new purchase?

See you in the forums!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case-Mate

The Seidio Innocase Active case for the iPhone 4 is a nice choice if you want decent protection but don’t want something as bulky as an Otterbox Defender. The case is made up of two separate pieces – a harder outer shell and a rubberized case that goes on first to give the phone a little more protection and padding.

The Innocase Active provides good protection and easy access to all ports. Port accessibility is something I’ve noticed to be a downfall with cases that provide more protection. Sometimes the ports are harder to access or the buttons are hard to push through a thicker casing. Since the Innocase Active goes on in two pieces, the harder outer shell gives you more protection but only the rubber portion covers all your buttons, making them easy to press which is always an added bonus.

I also didn’t feel like the case added a ton of bulk which is a huge issue of mine with cases as heavy as the Otterbox. I love the iPhone 4′s smaller form factor and adding a heavy case to it always seemed to ruin that for me. My iPhone is never in my purse but always in my pocket. So a thicker case makes it more of a pain to slide easily into a jean or shirt pocket. I was happy with the thickness of the Innocase Active and thought it provided more than adequate protection without adding tons of bulk.

I also had no issues with any accessories (3rd party or original Apple). All my chargers fit in nicely including my Griffin car charger. I despised the original Apple bumpers because no 3rd party chargers typically fit. You’d have to remove them. You won’t need to worry about this with the Innocase Active. All my accessories worked just fine with the exception of the Apple dock. But that’s to be expected unless you have a case where the bottom comes off such as the Innocase II line for iPhone 4 which is a great line of cases made by Seidio as well.

Pros

• Provides extremely decent protection in a slimmer form factor
• A wide variety of colors to choose from
• Good price for the amount of protection it provides
• All buttons and the volume switch are easy to press/toggle
• All ports are easily accessed without removing the case

Cons

• The case is a bit tough to get on at first as aligning the inside rubber case inside the grooves in the outer shell is a bit annoying
• After taking it off and putting it back on several times I found that the inner rubber case started to fray around the edges a bit

The Seidio Innocase Active for AT&T iPhone 4 can currently be found in the TiPb accessory store for $27.95.

Giveaway

We’re also going to give one away. If this is a case you think you want, leave a comment letting us know why you want one or your favorite thing about the Seidio Innocase Active. We’ll pick one lucky reader and mail you one on us!

From the Forums is a great way to see what all of the current hot topics are on the TiPb forums. In order to create any new threads of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is a simple process that will only take a few minutes out of your day, so if you have not already already done so, head on over and register now!

• iOS 5 beta 5 bugs and issues.

• You have one new hardware feature you can choose to be included on the next generation iPhone, what would it be?

• Do you have iPhone obsession?

• What kind of case do you use to protect your iPhone? Or do you choose to roll naked?

• Yesterday Google released a major update for Google+ and we finally have a working version for iOS 5. What are your thoughts on Google+ so far and after this update will you be spending more time using the social network?

See you in the forums!

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

Click through for a complete review and some pictures!

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

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

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

The Dooney & Bourke Pouch for iPhone is a great case for the lady who is looking for something fashionable and practical to carry her iPhone in. This multifunctional pouch works as both a wallet and iPhone case.

This pouch is much larger than your average case and is designed to not only carry your iPhone, but replace your wallet. The inside flap has 3 card slots and there are pockets in the front and back of the pouch. The main compartment is big enough to hold additional items with your iPhone, such as make-up, cash, and earphones. Because the pouch is bigger than the iPhone, it is also possible to have another case, like a bumper or skin case, on your iPhone and it still fit inside the pouch. For some, the extra large pocket will be a welcomed feature, and for others, it will be a frustrating amount of empty space. The Dooney & Bourke Pouch is also equipped with a leather wrist strap, but it is easily removable if you prefer to toss the case into your purse without the strap.

The exterior of the Dooney & Bourke Pouch is made out of a durable nylon material with leather trim. The coffee color is dark brown and branded with large “Dooney & Bourke” lettering. The black and gray version is gray with Dooney & Bourke’s signature “DB” in black. The interior is lined with a material that isn’t exactly soft, but won’t scratch your iPhone either. The flap over the large pocket magnetically and securely snaps closed.

I find the Dooney & Bourke Pouch to be a great option when I’m looking to minimize the amount of items I’m carrying around. If I’m wearing an outfit without pockets and do not wish to carry around a purse, I grab this pouch, add my ID, credit card, random cash, and iPhone, and head out the door.

The Dooney & Bourke Pouch for iPhone is available in the TiPb Accessory Store.

Pros

• Extra pockets for ID, credit cards, receipts, etc.
• Big pouch has room for other items in addition to iPhone
• Compatible with thin cases
• Removable leather wrist strap
• Magnetic snap closure
• Fashionable

Cons

• Big pouch seems a bit awkward with only a (case-free) iPhone inside (too much extra space)
• Interior is not very soft

Looks like the white iPhone 4 is roughly 0.2mm thicker than the black iPhone 4 released 10 month ago — roughly 9.3mm to 9.5mm. MacRumors had this up earlier today, and I noticed it when my trusty Case Mate Barely There case barely fit on my new white iPhone 4. In fact, it fit like my old black iPhone 4 did back when it had BodyGuardz front and back. It still went in, but it was a much closer, almost too close fit compared to the black iPhone 4.

Apple’s iPhone 4 spec page lists only 9.3mm as the depth for the iPhone 4, with no breakdown or difference given for the white iPhone 4. Whether the extra thickness has to do with opacity, a layer of UV protection, or something else is unknown.

I tried out a bunch of different cases and those that were just a tiny bit loose on the black iPhone 4 fit perfectly on the white iPhone 4 (like the CaseMate Chrome) while those that just fit the black iPhone 4 were just a tiny bit too tight (like the aforementioned Barely There). Given manufacturing tolerances, that might vary on a case by case basis as well.

Since the white iPhone 4 has the same antenna as the black iPhone 4, people in low signal areas with big watery man-hands are absolutely still going to want a case of some sort.

Here’s what I’ve had a chance to test so far:

• Skins like BodyGuardz and InvisibleShield aren’t subject to the depth; they’re fine.
• Likewise pouches and bags, from the Golla to all the leather ones had no problem.
• Bumpers have all been fine, from the Apple bumper to the Element Case Vapor Pro.
• The CaseMate Chrome was fine, the Barely There, Mobi Metal Back, and Incipio Feather Case were just a tad tight.
• The only slider I had handy was the mophie juice pack pro and it fits fine.

I’ll update the list as I test more cases, and if you’ve tried any on your white iPhone, let us know how they fit for you.

Pictures of our measurements, taken at three points on both sides of a July 2010 black iPhone 4 and April 2011 white iPhone 4, after the break!

[MacRumors]

UPDATE: Apple’s SVP of marketing, Phil Schiller, has denied any difference via a Twitter DM. [9to5Mac]

UPDATE 2: Consumer reports also claims to have measured both iPhone 4 colors and found no difference in thickness. [Consumer Reports]

The Keru Pocket Pouch is for anyone looking for a slim, stylish pouch for iPhone 4. Its super trim form will fit nicely in your pocket and the designer print will make you look good.

The biggest appeal of the Keru Pocket Pouch is how slim it is. Your iPhone will fit perfectly. So perfectly, in fact, that without the pull ribbon, it would be too difficult to remove your iPhone from the case. Only a small portion of the iPhone is exposed on the top, and the case hugs it in a way to prevent your iPhone from being bumped or removed by hand. Only about 1 inch of ribbon sticks out of the case for quick and easy removal.

The exterior of the case is made from leather and is designed using a process that allows museum quality prints without sacrificing any of the performance. The interior is lined with a felt material that is mediocrely soft. I’m not worried about scratches, but it’s probably the least soft liner I’ve felt on a case.

The Keru Pocket Pouch is available in five different designs (both girly and manly) from the TiPb Accessory Store.

Pros

• Super slim
• Fashionable design
• Leather
• Draw string for easy removal

Cons

• Liner isn’t very soft

White Diamonds makes iPhone 4 and original iPad cases with artistic prints embedded with Swarovski crystals. We first saw them at CES 2011 and when they offered us the chance for a closer look we jumped on it. Frankly, we wanted to see how well these gorgeous cases stood up to daily wear and tear. White Diamonds was kind enough to send us an Angels Calling iPhone 4 case by Vince Fraser, a Rainbow collection iPhone 4 case by Livius Dietzel, and a Nafrotiti iPad case also by Vince Fraser.

[White Diamonds]

White Diamonds cases consist of clear plastic frames with artistic, crystal enhanced back plates. They come in a variety of colors and in several designs. I found them a little difficult to put on and take off but once on they fit well with no looseness or wiggle room. The sides come up slightly higher than the display of the iPhone or iPad which isn’t my personal preference (I like to be able to swipe and select without hitting an edge) but it does let you place your device face down without worrying about the screen if you so wish.

I was initially worried about the crystals falling off during day to day use or when placed down on a table but after several weeks of consistent use they’re all still there and look as good as the day I got them. That’s very impressive. I did drop my iPhone 4 while using the Angels Calling case and though the corner chipped slightly it’s sacrifice was not in vain — it protected my iPhone 4 completely.

If you want to add a splash of style and sparkle to your iPhone 4 or original iPad, check out White Diamonds!

Give away

We’re giving away the black Rainbow Collection iPhone 4 review unit — it’s been tested but is still in near-perfect condition. Just leave a comment below saying which artist you’d like to see get the crystal treatment and you’re automagically entered. (Real email address required. We won’t make it public but will need it to contact you if you win!)

If you’re looking for a stylish pouch for your iPhone, the Pamela Durkin Designs Vertical Pouch Case for iPhone may be exactly what you’re looking for. This leather pouch is slim, lightweight, and simply gorgeous.

The exterior of the Pamela Durkin Designs pouch is designed using a process that allows museum quality prints without sacrificing any of the performance of the leather. The design itself is very geometrical – evenly spaced rectangles with ovals and lines and comes in two different colors schemes: pink and green, or blue and green. There is a magnetic closure at the top and a belt clip on the back. The belt clip can be rotated 360 degrees into 8 different positions.

The interior of the pouch is lined with a soft, felt material that will protect your phone from scratches. There is also a little bit of padding for added protection.

One of my favorite things about this case is that it can be used simultaneously with any case similar to Apple’s Bumper case. This allows me to use the Pamela Durkin Pouch for protection when my iPhone is not in use, yet have the bumper for looks and minimal protection while using my iPhone.

The Pamela Durkin Designs Vertical Pouch Case for iPhone is available in the TiPb iPhone Accessory Store.

Pros

• Beautifully designed
• Durable leather exterior
• Rotating belt clip
• Magnetic closure
• Compatible with bumper case

Cons

• None

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!

• The Verizon iPhone 4 is almost here, if you are making the jump what device and company are you leaving?

• Most of you purchasing a Verizon iPhone 4 will want to pick up a case and screen protector, which will you be choosing?

• Post an image of your current lock-screen, everyone else is doing it so why not join in on the fun?

• For those of you who might be new to the iPhone and are on the hunt for some killer applications and/or games, be sure to visit our iPhone Apps and Games forum.

See you in the forums!

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!

• For your chance to win your very own Verizon iPhone 4 that we are giving away, visit this thread right here!

• Let’s say you win the Verizon iPhone 4 we are giving away, you’ll need a new case to go along with that phone so drop by this thread and see what’s currently available to you.

• Are you planning on purchasing an iPad 2? Visit this thread and tell us why or why not.

• Help forum member nibbz430 make a decision, iPhone 4 or Droid Bionic?

See you in the forums!

That… Rene ran off to the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas and left me here to anchor the show all by myself! Luckily (for him!), he sent back lots of footage from the CES 2011 show floor, including some of the coolest iPhone and iPad accessories we’ll be seeing this year. That’s the topic for this special edition episode of our video show, TiPb TV!

We’re talking cases, chargers, stands, robots, apps, and even a sneak peek at just what might be a model of the next generation iPad 2!

Want to see it for yourself? I know I do! Watch along up top and then tell me which ones you’re most looking forward to in 2011!

iSkin isn’t content to let their SoloFX for iPhone series sit still — the 2011 model doesn’t just wrap around, it slides over for even more protection, and more good looks. They’re also continuing to push the envelop (i.e. case) when it comes to colors, textures, sparkle, and pizzaz.

We could up with the live at CES 2011 to get the full story so check out the video and let us know what you think!

[iSkin]

If the Otterbox Defender is like full plate armor when it comes to iPhone protection, and the Commuter is plate mail, then the newly announced Reflex is easy on, easy off, ultra modern kevlar.

Rather than layers of soft silicone and hard plastic, Reflex is a two part plastic shell that slides off when you want to dock and slides back on when you’re ready rock.

We got a look at it live at CES 2011, so check out the video and let us know what you think — old school Defender or new school Reflex?

[Otterbox]

White Diamond knows that there are many humans who, when they see something bright and shiny out of the corner of their eye — like a crystal emblazoned iPhone or iPad case — they’ll move irresistibly towards it. Available in Europe and coming soon to North America, they focus on iPhone and iPad as high end fashion accessories with artistic design.

Check out the video above, live from CES 2011, and let us know what you think!

[White Diamonds]

Did you hear about the huge sale going on at the TiPb iPhone + iPad accessory store? Some of our favorite iPhone and iPad cases are now up to 70% off, so whether you just got a new device for Christmas or you’re looking to change things up for the New Year, there’s never been a better time or place to get your gear on!

Head on over and check out the full sale, or follow on after the break for some recommendations!

BodyGuardz skin for iPad: $17.99

Superb protection for your iPhone or iPad against scratches with the least amount of bulk possible, BodyGuardz is a high-strength skin that goes on and stays on. We tested it against nails, stones, and even kids and it’s held up fantastically well.

• Shop BodyGuardz for iPhone and iPad

Case Mate Barely There Chrome Case or Case-Mate Gelli Case: $10.51

If you want a case rather than a skin, if you need something to insulate you against antennagate or just to keep that beautiful glass back in one piece, Case-Mate’s Barely-There gives you good protection with almost no added bulk. And yes, it comes in chrome. If you prefer soft to hard, the Gelli Case does all the same in flexible, fun, fashionable colors.

• Shop Case-Mate for iPhone and iPad

iLuv Flexi-Clear case for iPad

A silicon skin that protects the aluminum body of your iPad from scratches, scrapes, dings, and dents, without a lot of bulk but with a lot of color — what’s not to iLuv?!

• Shop iLuv cases for iPad: $15.14

Otterbox Commuter for iPhone: $20.11

Tougher than a skin case but not as bulky as the Defender, the Otterbox Commuter for iPhone and iPad strikes the perfect balance between portability and protection.

• Shop Otterbox

Aquapac waterproof case for iPhone and iPad: $24.95

Whether you’re lounging at the pool, playing at the beach, or just soaking in the tub why risk water damage to your precious iPhone or iPad if you don’t have to? Keep them safe and waterproof in an Aquapac or Overboard. They work. We know. We drowned them in the deep end and took them through the car wash!

Just get a new iPad and curious which are the best, most must-have accessories you need get first? Want to protect that beautiful glass display, keep that aluminum back scratch-free, or just keep your battery charged on the go? Well read on for the TiPb store’s top 10 most recommended, most must-have iPad accessories to get your started.

Skin cases: Bodyguardz protective skin

You can’t get much lighter than an ultra-strong, ultra-durable protective skin like Bodyguardz for your iPad. If you like the look of your iPad, don’t want the bulk of a regular case, but do want to protect it from scratches and abrasions, then this is the way to go. [$29.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Case-Mate Gelli Kaleidoscope Case for iPad for protection from minor impact and a lot of color and style. [$36.95 - TiPb store link]
• Incipio SILICRYLIC Case for iPad adds shock absorbing, two piece, two color design to the mix. [$47.95 - TiPb store link]

Flip cases: Marware Eco-Vue

The Marware Eco-Vue is the executive iPad case with all the trimmings. It’s the Cadillac option. Eco-friendly leather exterior meets plush suede interior meets hand-strap and keyboard stand. This is the iPad case for those who mean business or want to look like they do. [$42.95 - TiPb store link]

• DODOCase for iPad brings old world style and craftsmanship to your high tech iPad. [$59.95 - DODOCase store link]
• Griffen Elan Passport Case for iPad adds slots for credit cards, business cards, and a place for your papers. [$47.95 - TiPb store link]

Protective cases: Otterbox Defender

The Otterbox Defender case is multilayer armor for your iPad. A hard inner shell with clear plastic protection for the screen and Apple Logo is covered by a soft rubber outer shell that covers all the buttons and ports and keeps your iPad safe from impact, abrasion, and incidental weather. It even has a kickstand you can fold up and use as a faceplate for extra protection. It’s pretty only in the bulldog sense of the word but if you need to keep your iPad safe, it’s also your go-to case. [$86.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Aquapack Waterproof Case for total bath, pool, and beach protection for your iPad. [$42.95 - iTunes link]
• Otterbox Commuter Case gives a good level of protection with less bulk. [$62.95 - TiPb store link]

Charging cables: SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable

The SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable is just like the standard iPad cable — USB 2.0 on one end, 30-pin dock connector on the other — but can go from 24-inches fully extended down to just 4.5-inches to easily fit in your jacket, bag, purse, or pocket. You can plug it into your WIndows or Mac PC, or into an AC adapter to charge your iPad without worrying about excess cable getting in your way. That makes it especially useful for road warriors, students, and frequent travelers. [$4.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Apple USB AC Adapter with Sync Cable so you can plug into a wall as well into a PC. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
• Griffin PowerJolt Plus not only lets you plug into your car, but passes through power to a second car adapter. [$27.95 - TiPb store link]

Stands: Griffin A-Frame for iPad

The Griffin A-Frame has high quality, aluminum construction that not only matches your iPad’s good looks but makes it more convenient as well. You can either set it up easel-style to watch movies, look at photos, or follow recipes, or lay it back so it props up your iPad at a more comfortable keyboard angle. [$49.99 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Element Case Joule Stand for high end, high polish iPad viewing in landscape or portrait. [$129.00 - Element Case store link]
• Twelve South Compass Stand is a versatile, collapsable, low cost option for iPad. [$39.99 - Twelve South store link

Keyboards: Freedom i-Connex Mini

The iPad has a good virtual, multitouch keyboard but if you want to pound out pages of prose, slave away on spreadsheets, or just get a lot of document work done, you're going to need some hardware keys. The Freedom i-Connex Mini connects via Bluetooth and gives you that tactile feedback while staying ultra small and ultra portable on the road, in the air, or at the coffee shop. [$37.95 - TiPb store link link]

Also check out:

• Apple Bluetooth Keyboard is the same keyboard Apple supplies for Macs and MacBooks for those who value consistency. [$69.00 - Apple store link]
• Apple iPad Keyboard Dock is for those who want a wired connection and specialty iPad keys on their board. [$69.00 - Apple store link]

Battery Chargers: Ventev PowerCELL

Since iPad doesn’t have a removable battery crafty accessory makers have made all sorts of different external battery packs for it, including Ventev PowerCELL. Rather than a case or dongle, the Ventev is a power pack with ports for not only iiPad’s dock cable but also mini and micro USB so you can charge Bluetooth headsets and even other devices. This makes it the perfect universal power solution for travelers. [$54.95 - TiPb store link]

• mophie juicepack powerstation is an external battery pack that can charge iPad or just about anything. [$99.95 - Mophie link]
• Hypermac offers a wide range of colors, sizes, and price points. [Various - Hypermac store link]

Headsets: v-moda vibe duo In-Ear Stereo Headset

The v-moda vibe duo cram a huge audio punch into a tiny in-ear package. With amazing clarity, great noise-reduction, and a ton of drive they’re a great compromise for getting high-end quality at lower-end prices. They’ve also got a microphone so you can not only rock, but use them for VoIP calls, recording, and more. [$99.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Apple In-Ear Headpohones with Remote and Mic are also great quality at a good price and perfect for Apple purists. [$79.00 - Apple store link]
• maximo iMetal Isolation Stereo Headset are for those who don’t want to spend a ton of cash on their headsets but still want a ton of music for their money. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]

Stereo Bluetooth headset: Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD

Motorola’s MOTOROKR S9-HD makes a great product better with better audio quality and full 3D immersion. If you like the behind-the-head style of headset, you won’t find better — or more booming! — than the S9-HD. [$84.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Motorola MOTOROCKR S305 are a great, lower cost alternative that still sound terrific for the price. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]
• Jawbone JAMBOX aren’t a headset but they are a fantastic sounding speakerphone that pounds out music like nobody’s business. [$199.99 - Jawbone store link]

Amazing extras: Pogo Sketch Stylus

Steve Jobs might not think much of the stylus but for artists or just cold climates they can let you do everything from painting fantastic works of art to staying iPad-functional with your arctic mittens on. Pogo Sketch comes in pink or silver, is light weight, and has a handy clip to keep it from getting lost. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Apple iPad Camera Kit lets you plug in an SD card from your digital camera, or your digital camera itself via USB and download your pics to your iPad. [$29.00 - Apple store link]
• HP e-All-in-One Printer is cheap and AirPrint compatible so you can take your digital iPad docs and photos and put them in ink and paper. [$129.99 - HP store link]

Your top accessories?

So there you have them, our top 10 best iPad accessories — cases, chargers, cables, headsets, keyboards, Bluetooth, and more! — to get you started. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPad Accessories Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Sponsored by the TiPb iPad Accessory Store

Just get a new iPhone 4 or iPod touch and curious which are the best, most must-have accessories you need get first? Want to protect that beautiful glass display (and glass back!) or keep your battery charged on the go? Well read on for the TiPb store’s top 10 most recommended, most must-have iPhone accessories to get your started.

Light cases: Case-Mate Barely There

The Case-Mate Barely There is tough enough to protect your iPhone 4 from scratches or scrapes without adding a lot of bulk — just enough to keep your signal from dropping if you’re in a low-reception area. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue, pink, green, and chrome, and has wide cutouts so it works with pretty much any cable or connector. There’s also a cutout for the Apple logo on the back, if that’s the kind of thing that appeals to you. Includes a screen protector. [$22.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Incipio Ultra Light Feature Case has even more colors and no logo cutout. [$23.95 - TiPb store link]
• Seidio Innocase II Case has pastel colors and 2-piece design. [$29.95 - TiPb store link]

Leather cases: Griffin Elan Passport

The Griffen Elan Passport is a wallet-style case that keeps your iPhone safe, secure, and in the same place as your cash and most-used credit cards. It comes in black with a platinum variant that includes a lanyard. Rich leather with tasteful metallic accents give it just the right touch of class and styling. It even includes a cutout for the camera so you can take snapshots and shoot video without removing your iPhone from the case. [$37.95 - TiPb store link]

• SPE SidePouch Case lets you clip your iPhone to your belt for holster-fast access. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
• Nutshell Leather Belt Case blends high quality New Zealand cowhide with soft ultrasuede interior. [$59.95 - TiPb store link]

Protective cases: Otterbox Defender

The Otterbox Defender case is multilayer armor for your iPhone. A hard inner shell with clear plastic protection for the screen and Apple Logo is covered by a soft rubber outer shell that covers all the buttons and ports and keeps your iPhone safe from impact, abrasion, and incidental weather. It comes in black, blue, or red and includes a fast-action belt clip if you want to wear your iPhone at your side. It’s pretty only in the bulldog sense of the word but if you need to keep your iPhone safe, it’s also your go-to case. [$47.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Overboard Pro-Sport Waterproof Case for total bath, pool, and beach protection for your iPhone. [$39.95 - iTunes link]
• Otterbox Commuter Case gives a good level of protection with less bulk. [$32.95 - TiPb store link]

Charging cables: SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable

The SPE Retractable Sync and Charge Cable is just like the standard iPhone cable — USB 2.0 on one end, 30-pin dock connector on the other — but can go from 24-inches fully extended down to just 4.5-inches to easily fit in your jacket, bag, purse, or pocket. You can plug it into your WIndows or Mac PC, or into an AC adapter to charge your iPhone without worrying about excess cable getting in your way. That makes it especially useful for road warriors, students, and frequent travelers. [$4.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Apple USB AC Adapter with Sync Cable so you can plug into a wall as well into a PC. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]
• Griffin PowerJolt Plus not only lets you plug into your car, but passes through power to a second car adapter. [$27.95 - TiPb store link]

Battery Chargers: Ventev PowerCELL

Since iPhone doesn’t have a removable battery crafty accessory makers have made all sorts of different external battery packs for it, including Ventev PowerCELL. Rather than a case or dongle, the Ventev is a power pack with ports for not only iPhone 4′s dock cable but also mini and micro USB so you can charge Bluetooth headsets and even other devices. This makes it the perfect universal power solution for travelers. [$54.95 - TiPb store link]

• mophie juicepack plus is a slider-style case with battery pack built in. [$99.95 - Mophie link]
• Griffin TuneJuice2 lets you load up AAA batteries and transfer the charge. [$29.95 - TiPb store link]

Headsets: v-moda vibe duo In-Ear Stereo Headset

The v-moda vibe duo cram a huge audio punch into a tiny in-ear package. With amazing clarity, great noise-reduction, and a ton of drive they’re a great compromise for getting high-end quality at lower-end prices. They’ve also got a microphone so you can rock, pause and answer a call, then get right back to rocking. [$99.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Apple In-Ear Headpohones with Remote and Mic are also great quality at a good price and perfect for Apple purists. [$79.00 - Apple store link]
• maximo iMetal Isolation Stereo Headset are for those who don’t want to spend a ton of cash on their headsets but still want a ton of music for their money. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]

Bluetooth headsets: Plantronics Voyager Pro

Many states and provinces now require hands-free driving options so if you have to wear a headset it might as well be one that looks like it comes straight from the bridge of the Galactica. Sure you can find smaller headsets but they typically have flimsy ear loops or no ear loops at all and might just fall out if you chew or move your head too quickly. This headset says “pro” and means it. [$84.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Jawbone ICON, the latest in the line that sets the bar for headset style. [$79.95 - TiPb store link]
• Motorola H15 gives the best bang for Bluetooth buck with great sound at a great price [$49.95 - TiPb store link]

Stereo Bluetooth headset: Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD

Motorola’s MOTOROKR S9-HD makes a great product better with better audio quality and full 3D immersion. Listen to all your favorite iPod music and then, with the tap of a button, answer a call, talk, hang up, and go back to jamming. If you like the behind-the-head style of headset, you won’t find better — or more booming! — than the S9-HD. [$84.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Motorola MOTOROCKR S305 are a great, lower cost alternative that still sound terrific for the price. [$49.95 - TiPb store link]
• Jawbone JAMBOX aren’t a headset but they are a fantastic sounding speakerphone that pounds out music like nobody’s business. [$199.99 - Jawbone store link]

Car mounts: iGrip Custom Fit Mounts

Bluetooth is great for audio but it won’t hold your iPhone up so you can look at turn-by-turn directions or quickly access the other functions. That’s where iGrip’s Custom Fit series of car mounts come in, with options for power plug (cigarette lighter), suction cup, and vent mounting systems. [$19.95 and up - TiPb store link]

• TomTom car kit for iPhone, for those who use the TomTom app, provides enhanced GPS (there’s even a model for the iPod touch) [$99.95 - TomTom store link]
• iGrip Universal series is for those who want to fit more than just an iPhone [$19.95 and up - TiPb store link]

Amazing extras: Pogo Sketch Stylus

Steve Jobs might not think much of the stylus but for artists or just cold climates they can let you do everything from painting fantastic works of art to staying iPhone-functional with your arctic mittens on. Pogo Sketch comes in pink or silver, is light weight, and has a handy clip to keep it from getting lost. [$14.95 - TiPb store link]

Also check out:

• Freedom i-Connex Mini Keyboard is for those who need to do serious writing while staying seriously mobile. [$37.95 - TiPb store link link]
• Glif Tripod Mount and Stand takes your iPhone from being the best camera to one of the most stable ones as well. [$20.00 - Glif store link]

Your top accessories?

So there you have them, our top 10 best iPhone accessories — cases, chargers, cables, headsets, Bluetooth, and more! — to get you started. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone Accessories Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Sponsored by the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store

Gear4 recently announced that they would be making iPhone cases based on the tremendously popular iPhone and iPad game Angry Birds, and now it appears they’re starting to crop up in Apple stores. The cases are made of hard plastic and feature the red and yellow birds as well as the infamous green King Pig.

They’re currently selling for $24.99. Anyone buying?

{Gear4 via MacStories]

The Marware Eco-Flip case for iPad is a portfolio case which offers your iPad both style and protection. The padded outer layer of the case is an eco-leather material which is water resistance and beautiful to the touch. The inner microfiber layer of the case has a soft suede feel and cradles your iPad snugly inside. It also offers vertical and horizontal stand options as well as a keyboard lift. If you are looking for a vertical flip case then Marware has your covered.

The iPad slips easily and snugly into the inner fold of the Marware Eco-Flip case and the cover stays in place thanks to a smartly placed elastic strap. To open, just slip off the elastic and flip back the cover. If you want to use it as a tablet, reverse the elastic and the cover stays out of your way. If you want to stand it up vertically or horizontally to watch a picture slideshow or movie, leave off the elastic and keep the cover angled open.

Inside you’ll find several great features. My favorite is the hand strap. It allows you to easily hold your iPad with one hand and without effort. It is securely kept on your had due to the two elastic straps and is comfortable due to the inner microfiber material.

There’s also a small flip-out stand on the inside of the case which places your iPad at a 30 degree angle. This makes using the keyboard on the iPad much easier.

The only slight drawback to this case is that I find the vertical flip of the case to be more cumbersome than the booklike opening of its sister, the Marware Eco-Vue. This is a personal preference though as both cases are equally beautiful and equally well designed.

Overall, the Marware Eco-Flip case is one of the most beautiful and useful cases that I have reviewed to date. If you are looking to get someone a gift or a case for yourself this case will not disappoint you. Marware thought of everything when they designed the Eco-View case. Absolutely impressive.

The Marware Eco-Flip case for iPad is available from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Brilliant design
• Exceptionally well made
• Hand grip on back
• Flip top used as a vertical and horizontal stand
• Has a mini stand for keyboard use
• Your iPad screen is protected while closed

Cons

• The vertical flip is more cumbersome

Rating

Gallery

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

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

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

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

The 2010 TiPb Awards are underway and right now it’s time to vote on your favorite iPhone/iPad luxury case of the year. Whether they look good or feel good, whether they’d soft leather or cool chrome. Price isn’t the object — a little or a lot — just style.

With the debut of the iPad and the all new form factor of iPhone 4, there are lots of new cases vying for your vote, but there can only be one 2010 TiPb Award winner! Choose your favorite in the pole above and then let us know why you chose the favorite you did in comments below. (And if you don’t see your favorite here, add it as a write-in as well!)

• Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case
• DODOCase for iPad
• Element Vapor Case for iPhone
• Marware Eco-Vue for iPad
• Vaja iVolution for iPhone

Ready, set, vote!

The 2010 TiPb Awards have begun and it’s time to vote on all your favorites. This time it’s for your favorite iPhone/iPad protective case of the year. You know what we mean. The full plate armor or kevlar vest. The case you go to when you absolutely, positively can’t afford to get your iPhone or iPad damaged.

With the debut of the iPad and the all new form factor of iPhone 4, there are lots of new cases vying for your vote, but there can only be one 2010 TiPb Award winner! Choose your favorite in the pole above and then let us know why you chose the favorite you did in comments below. (And if you don’t see your favorite here, add it as a write-in as well!)

• Case-Mate Hybrid Tough (iPhone / iPad)
• iLuv Durable Ultra-Thin (iPhone / iPad)
• Incipio Destroyer (iPhone / iPad)
• Otterbox Defender (iPhone /iPad)
• Speck Candyshell (iPhone / iPad)

Ready, set, vote!

‘Tis the season to be gifting and with iPhone and iPad being pretty much the perfect travel companions, there will be lots of vacationers to shop for this year. That means not only devices like iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad all wrapped up and ready to go, but all the great apps and accessories that go with them. Do you know someone special who’ll be traveling over the holidays? If so, here’s TiPb helpful holiday gift guide!

Don’t need anything for a traveler? Check out the recommendations anyway, something great might still catch your eye. If not, no worries, we’ll have plenty more holiday gifts guides coming your way this month!

Sun and fun

iPhones and iPads are great… dropping them in the sand or surf really, truly isn’t. That’s why we never go near the beach or poolside without a waterproof case. Both the Overboard and the Aquapac have a lot to recommend them. Aquapac’s design makes it a little easier to see through but Overboard has just turned it up a notch with a new model complete with waterproof headphones. Hot tub. Ready. If we’re not so much swimming as hiking, we want something a little more secure and for that we like the Golla Bag. Tons of styles, tons more functionality.

• Aquapac or Overboard and headphones
• Golla Bags

Nothing harshens our vacation mellow more than overcast skies and rainy days, so we use Weather Channel Max or AccuWeather.com to keep as up-to-date and informed as possible about the climate. Both are US-centric, however, so if you’re traveling outside the states, the quality and quantity of information declines. If there’s a golf course nearby, V1 Golf or Golfplan with Paul Azinger can help tune our swings either before travel or between hitting the links. Need a few good books to get us through a hard day’s lounging? We like iTunes or Amazon gift certificates so we can download iTunes movies, TV shows, and iBooks or Amazon Kindle books. iBooks is frankly the better reading experience but Kindle has a much bigger library and works on a wide range of devices, so it comes down style vs. quantity and compatibility.

• Weather Channel Mac [iTunes link] or AccuWeather.com Quick [iTunes link]
• V1 Golf [iTunes link] or Golfplan with Paul Azinger [iTunes link]
• Apple iBooks or Amazon Kindle

Home for the holidays

When we’re heading home for the holidays, and that means snow and pine trees, we keep the same waterproof cases we mentioned above handy in case our iPhone or iPad takes a tumble in the snow. And since we don’t want our fingers frozen, we also pack a Pogo Sketch stylus. Yeah, Steve Jobs hates them but he lives in California, not the frigid north. We also love our SCOTTeVEST cold weather gear since it looks great and has room for tons (and we mean tons of iOS and electronic gear. Lastly we pack a stereo BT headset with some serious base. It’s great for the slopes… and for drowning out in-laws and other assorted family members (don’t judge us!)

• Pogo Sketch Stylus
• Motorola SD-9 HD Stereo Bluetooth headset
• SCOTTeVEST clothing

When we’re on the slopes, iTrail Map 3D is a great way to keep track of what we’ve done — as long as we have a good GPS signal in the mountains. Speaking of GPS, both Apple’s Find my iPhone (part of MobileMe) and iHound are lifesavers if you lose your iPhone or iPad while traveling. Just go to the nearest other iOS device, or any internet-enabled computer, log in, and track it down. MobileMe offers a lot of other features, like Mail, iDisk, etc. but has a much higher annual subscription price to go with it. And when we need to entertain the little ones, we pull out How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or one of the other Dr. Seuss or Disney books.

• iTrail Map 3D [iTunes link]
• Find my iPhone [iTunes link] or iHound
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas [iTunes link] or other Dr. Seuss [iTunes link] or Disney books [iTunes link]

On the Town

When we’re spending the holidays in the big city, the first thing we make sure of is that we have a lot of power to get us through the day. The Griffin TuneJuice 2 will take care your iPhone or iPod touch, and any other iPod you might have. If bling is more your thing, than the Case-Mate Barely There Chrome Case will match any lights the big city can throw at it. And to keep walking and talking, we’re currently hooked on the Jawbone Prime Bluetooth headset. For serious noise, like clubs and pubs, we turn to the HP HX1 Endeavor.

• Griffin TuneJuice 2
• Case-Mate Barely There Case
• Jawbone prime or Motorola HX1 Endeavor.

When we want to get our munch on, high-end style, ZAGAT TO GO is our go-to. If we need to know about more than just food, there almost always a Lonely Planet Guide for that.

• ZAGAT TO GO [iTunes link ]
• Lonely Planet travel guide apps [iTunes link]

Your picks?

Remember, you’re part of Team TiPb too, so if you’ve already picked the perfect gift for your iPhone or iPad business user, or have the perfect idea for one, let us know in comments!

Since Apple still hasn’t shipped a white iPhone 4 — much less a pink one — I decided try out a few, fun Incipio Ultra Light Feather Cases instead. Because really, why should I have to wait for style? They come in black, turquoise, metallic black, metallic white, pink, metallic orange, forest green, yellow green, metallic gray, coral, metallic purple, and bright purple (phew!), and are thin and unobtrusive enough you’ll barely notice the difference in your pocket or purse. They also come with a screen protector, so if you’re worried about scratches, they’ve got you covered.

Changing the color of my iPhone 4 to white or pink was as simple as snapping on the case. There are openings for all of your buttons and ports with the exception of the small micro sim slot opening on the side. I do not think this omission is a big deal. I have an officially unlocked iPhone 4 from Apple and it’s just something I rarely need to have access to in the first place.

Also noteworthy, the Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case should be compatible with most iPhone 4 chargers and sync cables. The wide cut around the 30-pin dock port meant everything from my slim Apple USB cable to my bulky car adapter worked just fine. I did have some problems with Apple’s own dock but that is to be expected as most Apple chargers are made to exacting measurements. (I did not have any trouble with the Seidio Inno Dock Jr. of course!)

Overall I liked the look and feel of the Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case, especially the matte finish which lessens the chance that I will drop it and damage my precious iPhone. Also, the case doesn’t come up over the iPhone screen which is one of my pet peeves. The white version is a little different, it feels more solid and less flexible, but that’s probably due to the more difficult nature of making a white product, something Apple no doubt understands!

So if, like me, you’re tired of waiting for a white iPhone (or any color iPhone really) give the Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case a try. It’s the perfect way to add a splash of fun and excitement to your iPhone 4.

Just because Apple has stopped giving away free iPhone cases doesn’t mean TiPb will!

And this time it could be any case of your choice! Just go to the TiPb iPhone store, pick out your favourite case, copy the link to the case, and paste it in our special contest thread on the iPhone Accessory Forum, and tell us why you picked that particular case (or cases if you’re bold!).

Yes it is that simple!

We will choose some of you at random and give you the case of your dreams!

So enter now!

If you had to trust a water-proof case to protect your precious iPhone 4 during a torture test, which would it be — the Overboard or the Aquapac? That’s the challenge they gave me for the latest episode of TiPb’s Amazing Case, our hardcore, case vs case tests of strength, durability, and performance.

We figure if either — or both — of these water cases could survive being thrown into the deep end and taken through the high-pressure car wash then they can survive a dip in the tub or day at the beach.

Follow on after the jump for the details, and the give-away!

Aquapac vs Overboard

Truth be told these two cases are very similar. Both are clear plastic that retains the capacitive touch so you can keep using your iPhones while they’re inside. (At least when you’re out of the water — no capacitive touch can work when you’re under water). This means you can still make calls, record video, check the web, etc. with ease.

The Overboard has a black outer lining that does conceal part of the iPhone which I found kind of annoying. The Aquapac is clear all the way around allowing you to be able to see the whole screen of the iPhone and use the camera without having to worry about the view being obstructed.

Both the Overboard and the Aquapac have hard plastic seals that close tightly and securely. They do allow a small amount of water to get caught in the closure though, so you need to open the cases with caution or you risk dripping water on your iPhones. And yes, both cases are equally hard to get iPhones into and out of.

Lanyards are included with both the Overboard and the Aquapac so you can hold onto them or tie them to something to make sure you don’t lose them in the water.

It should be mentioned that the Aquapac has a three year warranty which covers the phone if damaged in proper use (would a carwash count?). The overboard has a 1 year warranty but this does not cover the phone. Thanks Andy!

Fight! (and give-away)

So which water proof case was the most protective? No spoilers! You have to watch the video above for the results of our Overboard vs Aquapac ultimate iPad scratch test.

When you’re done leave me a reply in the comments below and tell me which one you’d rather have protecting your iPhone 4 — Overboard or Aquapac — and where exactly you want to take you iPhone 4 that it needs water protection.

We have a one of each to give away, so make sure you leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win. (US mailing address required for delivery).

Ready? Fight!

If you don’t like the mostly drab black and bumpers and cases Apple is giving away, the Talon Hard Shell Case for iPhone 4 is a great way to add a little color and fun for under $10. It isn’t anything fancy — you can’t throw your phone into a wall and expect it not to break (I would never try that anyways) — but when it comes down to a nice colorful case without shelling out over $30, this is it.

Read on for more detail!

The overall appearance of the Talon Hard Case is pretty slick. It’s clean and simple. It doesn’t stick to the inside of your pocket or add too much bulk to your phone. But on the flip side, since it doesn’t have much grip, it may make you more susceptible to drop your phone or for it to simply slip out of your hand. Mine almost did at work the other day. This is where a compromise between silicon and hard cases are nice. They add grip but not enough to where you have to have someone help you rip your phone from the inside of your pocket.

Another nice thing about the Talon Hard Case is the fact that it comes completely around the top of the phone (refer to pictures). I like this because if you set your phone face down, or Steve Jobs forbid it, drop your phone face down, it’s less likely you’ll do damage. Just setting it down, you’ll be just fine.  This case also allows easy access to all ports and controls on the phone without a fuss, which is nice.  I know some cases are a little too thick or narrow and I’ve had a few where when I’d go to charge my phone, the charger would fall out easily because it wouldn’t go in all the way.  This isn’t the case with the Talon, the charger fits in the port nicely.

The only thing I’ve noticed about this case that I really don’t care for is how difficult it is to pull it off. The easiest way I’ve found was to put wedge a fingernail in between the top left corner of the case, once you get that loose, work your finger carefully to the right on the top of the phone, then you should be able to pull it off. I always have a tendency to do this over a bed or soft surface so if your phone comes flying out of the case, you don’t damage it. I made the mistake of removing a Speck hard shell case over our granite kitchen floor once. I was extremely lucky my trusty 3GS sustained no damage when it tumbled from the case, but I can’t say the same about my heart, as I’m pretty sure it stopped for a brief second.

Overall, if you’re waiting for the perfect case, or just can’t decide where to put your money at but want something to put your mind at ease, it’s a $10 bill well spent. Talon Hard Shell Case for iPhone 4 are available in 3 colors (based on stock and availability of course); pink, blue, black, and purple and you can pick them up now in the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store.

If you’ve already picked this up, let us know your thoughts as well!

(As a side note, a day after writing this, I dropped my iPhone 4, with my Talon Hard Shell case on it. Not on carpet my friends, but on a granite kitchen floor.  I was attempting to let both the dogs out, had the little one in my hands while trying to grab the big dog’s collar, all while opening the door.  Well the iPhone 4 got dropped.  It made a pretty loud smash on the floor. I was terrified to take the case off.  Well, once I worked up the courage, I was pleased to see there was not even the tiniest blemish on my phone.  For $10, that’s a deal!)

Pros

• Creates an edge around the screen to protect the screen from damage
• Cheap — under $10!
• Comes in several colors
• Stays on well and doesn’t lose form
• Doesn’t add bulk and fits in a pocket easily
• Easy access to all ports and controls on the phone

Cons

• Unusually hard to get back off the phone
• A little “too” slippery, a little grip would have been nice

Why won’t my iPhone or iPad case work with this cable? is one of the questions we’re being asked a lot lately. A naked iPhone can pretty much fit any sync, charge, or media cable you connect it with at home, at work, or on the go. When you start introducing some types of cases, however, and add in different kinds of cables — all bets are off.

The USB to Dock cable Apple includes with every iPhone and iPad box is typically razor thin. It just has an incredibly small profile and will generally fit almost any case you throw at it. [Cheap plug: the Apple USB cable with AC adapter is 50% off right now at the TiPb Store]

Other cables, especially when you get into things like car or video connectors can be broader, thicker and fatter. Maybe it’s a lack of forethought, maybe it’s a matter of shielding, maybe it’s both.

If your iPhone or iPad has a skin shield, it’s basically the same as being naked and not a problem. With cases, your mileage will certainly vary.

Many of the very light, thin cases, especially where they have very large cutouts around the dock, aren’t usually a problem either. It’s when you start getting into the thicker, more protective cases that are cut tighter around the dock that there starts to be a problem. Namely, the thicker cables don’t fit.

In an ideal world all cables would be as thin as possible and all cases would have the ports cut as wide as protection allows. In the real world, here are your options:

• If you want to use one of the cases that offers better protection try to get as thin a cable as possible.

• If you want to use thicker car, media, or other cables, get case that’s cut as wide around the dock as possible.

The same rules can apply to some cases when matched with some headsets as well. It’s a mix-and-match game that accessory makers have forced onto iPhone and iPad users.

In an ideal world, case makers would pay attention and provide ample room around the ports and cable and other accessory makers would pay attention and keep their profiles as slim as possible. And hey, if you’ve run into any problems, writing the accessory maker in question and letting them know might just get them to pay more attention in the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

• Collects dust on the edges of the screen

The Belkin Max Sleeve for iPad not only does a great job of protecting your iPad, but it gives you a little extra room to stick some of your accessories in as well. The case is made of a fabric material that is pleated on the front. This is what allows you to have a zipper compartment in the front to stick your other gadgets in.

The inside of the case is a foamy white mesh material. It’s extremely soft so you don’t have to worry about it scratching your iPad. It’s also a loose fit, which means you won’t damage your iPad while taking it out and putting it back in the case. There’s always a down side to a case not fitting snugly though, and that’s if you forget to zip it and pick up the case by the wrong end, it’s very likely your iPad could go crashing to the floor. We didn’t have this happen with this case, but I could see that being a problem as the material on the inside doesn’t offer any grip.

The way we cast that fear aside was to put a silicon case on the iPad and then put it in the Belkin Max Sleeve. The silicon provides the grip and solves the issue. I know a lot of people wouldn’t want to buy 2 cases so it isn’t an ideal situation. My advice? It’s a great case worth the money, just be careful how you pick it up, or make sure you always zip it up.

Other than the sliding out of the case issue, this is a great case and well worth the money. It offers superior protection in an unobtrusive form factor. Even though it’s small, it still lets you stow away other objects, which is nice. If there’s any girls out there like me that hate carrying around a laptop/iPad bag and a purse, this is awesome. Simply throw your phone, credit cards, etc in the front pouch and you’re good to go.  You can purchase the Belkin Max Sleeve for iPad from the TiPb Accessory Store.

Pros

• Allows for extra storage room in the front pocket

• Material on the outside is easy to grip on to

• Material on inside won’t scratch your iPad

Cons

• Inside material is a little slick so forgetting to zip up could cause an iPad to fall out

• Zipper on front pocket is sometimes a bit hard to pull

We’re planning something really fun for later in the summer and Otterbox was kind enough to send us out some Otterbox Defender Cases for iPhone 4 so we could start the prep work. If you’ve used an Otterbox Defender on previous iPhones, you know what you need to know. Same great protection, all new form factor. If you haven’t used one before, this is basically the full plate armor of iPhone protection in AD&D parlance. You have the hard plastic inner shell for structural support, the soft silicone outer skin for grip and scuff proofing, and a holster to keep it loaded and ready to go on your hip.

They’re just starting to come out, so if you absolutely have to have it as soon as possible, head on over to the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store and place your pre-order.

Pictures after the break and much more to come!

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!

• Still on the hunt for a new iPhone 4 case? Look no further than the following thread: iPhone 4 Cases.

• The iPhone 4 has one of the best smartphone cameras currently available so after you’ve taken advantage of it’s camera why not post some of your pictures in our forums? Show off your iPhone 4 pictures here.

• The whole reception issue debate continues with some people effected more than others. Chime in on this poll thread and let us know if you are one of those who are suffering with poor reception.

• Miss your jailbreak on your new iPhone 4? Sound off in this poll thread!

See you in the forums!

What kind of case do you want for your iPhone 4? Reason we thought about it is iPhone 4 has a glass front and back that we think is some unicorn tear infused admantium/transparent aluminum hybrid, but the moment he saw it Chad’s reaction was to shriek “oh my goodness no there’s two sides to shatter if I drop it” (which Dieter’s imagination went immediately to ball-peen hammers, don’t ask!)

My pocket says naked, but my pocket-book says “protect me!”. Jeremy prefers his executive leather folders, Georgia her chrome and Leanna her bright, colorful skins. Matt might still want his armor, and I think Ally just wants ninja tabi).

It’s a new design for the iPhone 4 and a brand new day for case makers, so tell them what you want!

From the Forums is a great way to see all of the current hot topics within our forums are. In order to create any new threads of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is a simple process that will only take a few minutes out of your day, so if you have not already already done so, head on over and register now!

• 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.

• What do you use to protect your iPad? Screen protector? Hard case? Flip case? We want to hear what protective measure you are taking!

• What are your thoughts on the next generation iPhone leak? Was it legal? Illegal? Vote in this poll that is split 50/50 at the moment.

• Words with Friends ID – Share your ID with the latest gaming craze on the iPhone and iPad.

• iPhone Jailbreak and Unlock – for all of your jailbreaking and unlocking needs visit our dedicated forum on the topics.

See you in the forums!

So I have before me the new iSkin solo FX SE for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [$29.95 - TiPb Store Link]. What does this new iSkin line of flexible cases offer?

We’ll take a look (and tell you about the give away!) after the break!

The first thing I wanted to know was, what is special about the iSkin solo FX SE in comparison to the regular iSKin solo? The iSkin solo FX SE keeps is the same great form and feeling as the iSkin solo but instead of being plain, the SE has a circular pattern emblazoned on the back for added dimension, and a frosted finish.

What’s Included

The iSkin solo FX SE also comes with two screen protectors instead of one: a mirrored screen protector and a bonus anti-glare clear screen protector (my choice was based purely on narcissism).

The case is composed of a flexible silicon base which is infused with Microban. What exactly is Microban? I had not clue, so I looked it up. Turns out that Microban is an antimicrobial protection agent which impedes the formation of microbes, mold and some kinds of algae. Why would you want that in a case ? Well, considering that a phone is probably the dirtiest thing you own (for some, maybe not…), it helps protect the case from stains, odors and product break down. Really cool for an iPhone case. Just imagine if they had full body suits made of this stuff!

On second thought, lets not… Ok, back, sorry.

Usability

You wont have to worry about reception issues as there are no metallic components in the case. The flexibility makes it easy to place on and off your iPhone without worry of scratches, and it has all the usual openings for easy access to all of your iPhone’s jacks and buttons, with the exception of the volume button and top start button, which are protected by a thin layer of Microban.

This case will not protect your phone from massive drops but the rubbery finish does offer a good amount of compression for its thickness. It will protect your iPhone from the everyday scratches and scrapes that can occur in briefcases, pockets, or purses. The case is easy to grip in your hands yet that same soft-touch finish can make it hard to get out of a tight pocket. (Though if you worry about your iPhone being pick-pocketed, then this is the case for you!)

Another mixed blessing, the side edges of the case goes up higher than the bezel of the iPhone, this offers more protection but it also means that you cannot swipe your fingers off the edge of the iPhone without hitting the case .

Conclusion

The iSkin Solo FX SE is a wonderful case for those who want to add a bit of texture and grip to your iPhone. If you want a case that will survive being sumo dropped…

…then this case may not be for you (we’ll review the sumo-proof option next time) but if you want a light streamlined case with a nice look, then iSkin is a great choice, and you can get it for $29.95 from the TiPb iPhone Accessory Store.

Give Away (and iPad Give Away Qualification)

Now what we have all been waiting for, the give-away!

The TiPb Store is giving away three (3) iSkin Solo FX SE cases, one each in black/gray, clear, and pink. To enter:

1. head on over to YouTube:
2. Subscribe to the TiPb YouTube channel
3. Leave a comment on our iSkin Solo FX SE video and include which color you’re entering to win (black, clear, or pink).

Only one comment per user, so pick your color carefully! We’ll choose three lucky recipients, one for each color, at random.

The give-away starts now and ends Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12pm PT.

iPad Give Away

Oh yes, everyone who enters this give away is also automagically entered into TiPb’s big iPad give-away (just read them details to make sure you’re eligible), so now you have even more reason to go subscribe and comment now!

YouTube Video Link

The iSkin solo FX SE was provided for review by TiPb’s iPhone accessory store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did I choose the iPhone Golla Bags for iPhone [$19.99 - TiPb Store link] for my first TiPb accessory review? Well, I have tried a wide variety of cases. Being active, I need a case that can withstand life’s little brutalities (includes being dropped, kicked, drooled on by a baby, or just plain surviving a day in my purse). So, when choosing my first review item the question that came to mind was: which iPhone case would Sarah Conner use?

Well, she would probably have a triple-lined Kevlar pouch with extra ammo clips, but if she was stuck with stock, I think she — like me — would go for the iPhone Golla Bag. Here’s why…

These soft, padded pouches come in a variety of colors and designs, from flowery pink to camouflage chic and so can blend in with whatever you are wearing, and are affordable enough that you can justify getting a few and keeping them around to mix and match.

On the less fashion, more function side, Golla pouches allow for easy access for your phone in any situation. Small enough to fit into your purse, convenient enough to attach to a belt loop via the carabineer (D ring), and flexible enough to offer a strap and a lanyard (for those who, like me, have no clue what that is, it is a looping rope with a spring clip), you have all the carry options you’ll need.

In the heat of battle your Golla Bag may be subjected to various terrains and elements, and luckily the Golla pouches are easy to clean. Most stains will come out with a wet cloth, and that includes blood, dirt or anything else you may encounter (just short of Judgment Day).

The inside of the pouch is soft and will protect the phone from scratches, though it comes at the price of having to take the phone out of the pouch each time you need to use it. There are two strips of Velcro on the front of the bags which keep the iphone secure so you don’t have to worry about it becoming unattached and having the phone fall out. The pockets are great in that you can go jogging and bring your phone and have space for some cash and keys.

If you are like me and lose your iPhone ear buds and accessories all the time, the Golla pouch has two extra pockets in order to keep all of your iPhone items in one place when you need them. The side pouch has a zipper for extra security.

Though I love the D-ring for its versatility. The downside to using the D ring is that I worry about getting my precious iPhone caught on something as it dangles. (I also managed to damaged the D-ring on one of the cases during my first week of testing — don’t ask).

Overall Golla bags are a fun versatile pouch that is affordable and comes in a wide variety of looks. Not yet tested against the T-1000.

The iPhone Golla bags were provided for review by TiPb’s iPhone accessory store.

The following Top 5 Must-Have iPhone Accessories for New Users guide is sponsored by the TiPb iPhone Accessory Store

Just got a new iPhone? Congratulations! Now it’s time to decide if you need a little something extra to go along with it — a case to protect your investment, Bluetooth for wireless phone calls or music, headsets for wired, batteries and chargers to get you powered, and cables to keep you connected.

There are lots to choose from, enough to personalize your iPhone just the way you want, but if you’re having trouble deciding, we asked TiPb’s editorial staff to pick some of their favorites. Check them out, after the jump!

Cases

Cases come in all shapes and sizes, from the full-on armor of Matt’s favorite, the Otterbox Defender to the barely-there BodyGuardz skin. If leather is your thing, check out Jeremy’s pick, the Sena Elega Pouch, or if your prefer silicon like Leanna, try the iSkin SoloFX. And if you want to combine a charger into your case, James still loves him his mophie Juice Pack air.

Bluetooth

If you just want a Bluetooth headset to use while you drive, or for some walk-and-talk, Dieter is currently going gaga over the Motorola H17. Jeremy is likewise enthralled with the Blueant Q1. If you’d rather have it on your visor than in your ear, Chad likes the Blueant S1 while Rene has been driving with the frenemy, BlackBerry VM605-style. Now if you want to rock stereo music with Bluetooth, the Motorola S9-HD is still turning heads.

Headsets

The iPhone and iPod touch come with Apple’s trademark earbuds but for those with ears that like to listen different(ly), or just better, Rene likes the iharmonix Platinum i-Series, and Dieter’s given the thumbs up to the v-moda vibe duo. If all you need is an expensive backup or replacement buds, however, Smartphone Experts has you covered.

Sync’ers and Chargers

Everyone, and we mean everyone, loves the Griffin Power Duo charger. And again, if you just want a second sync/charge cable, Smartphone Experts has one that’s perfect, and perfectly inexpensive.

Mounts and Cradles

Still not enough? Well, if you want to mount your iPhone in the car (for turn-by-turn navigation, or to use with a Bluetooth Stereo device perhaps?), the iGrip Custom Fit is always popular. If the desk is where you dwell, then the Seidio Inno Dock is Rene’s pick — and it’s friendly to most cases!

Your Recommendations?

What did we miss? Any must-have accessories? Check out the TiPb iPhone Accessory store and drop some ideas in the comments, would ya? Make sure we get this right!

Would you pay $1000 for a hand-craft, culturally symbolic iPhone case?

Crunchgear says they’re intended “to show how Japanese warlords from the Sengoku period would probably use their iPhones if they lived today”:

The so-called JAPAN TEXTURE [JP] series consists of a total of five cases with different designs. Created under the supervision of a historian, SoftBank says each case is covered with special lacquer and gold dust. It takes three to four weeks to make one, which kind of explains the price.

Given the prices for lacquer bowls, tea sets, and other object d’art, maybe $1000 is no barrier? What say you?

[Picture credit - Nobi]

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

Nothing makes people more paranoid than a shiny new gadget, especially if it’s an expensive-to-replace shiny new iPhone 3GS gadget fresh from Apple. Cases can’t work miracles, but they can go a long way towards helping you avoid dust and dirt, nicks and scratches, and — depending on how hardcore you go — cracks and breaks. Oh, and they can also stylize your iPhone beyond Apple’s iconic black and white, if that’s how you want to roll.

We’ll be rounding up some accessories for new iPhone owners in the coming days, and because we’re just as paranoid, we’re starting with cases.

Luxury Leather: Sena Elega Case

Jeremy loves the Sena Elega Pouch Case ($39.95 – TiPb Store link). Napa leather on the outside, velvet on the inside, with shock-absorbing padding and a belt clip, this top loader also has cut-outs so your speakers don’t get muffled when listening with the case on.

Get a Grip: Seidio Innocase II

Dieter still likes the grippy goodness of the Seidio Innocase II [$29.95 - TiPb Store link] because, let’s face it, the plastic backing of the iPhone 3GS might not blend, but it doesn’t exactly stick to the hand either. With a soft-touch, “rubberized” finish, and ultra-slim profile, the Innocase II provides just enough protection without getting in your way about it.

Layered Protection: OtterBox Defender

Casey called this one protection without compromise, and certainly if you need to keep your iPhone 3GS safe come rain or shine (light rain, not the pool!), Otterbox Defender [$44.95 - TiPb Store link] brings it like armor. Rather than chain and plate, however, a polycarbonate sheet covers the screen, a polycarbonate skeleton provides crush-protection, and a silicone skin finishes off the impact-proofing.

Charge and Go: Mophie Juice Pack

James still won’t leave home without the Mophie Juice Pack ($99.95 – TiPb Store link). What with push notification, video shooting and sharing, and faster, better processors, the iPhone 3GS is even harder to put down, and that means even harder to keep charged. If you need a case, and want to keep going, and going Mophie Juice Pack can give you 6 additional hours of 3G talk time and 8 hours of video watching.

More than Skin Deep: BodyGuardz

If you want some of the protection but none of the look or bulk of a case — high-tech applications to the rescue! Made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements, BodyGuardz [$24.99 - TiPb store link] is transparent, tough, and come two to a box should you need to protect more than one iPhone, or want a spare just in case.

Conclusion

From almost not-there, to full on hasmet suit-like coverage, from clear to colorful, if you want a case to protect or pretty up your iPhone 3GS, there’s a wide variety of forms and fashions to fit your needs.

Case Design

The OtterBox Impact case offers a slim, form-fitting Silicone layer of protection for your iPhone 3G while still providing impact-absorbing features. The back of the case and the corners are impact-absorbing and dissipate impact away from your iPhone 3G. Additionally, the sides of the case are textured for a more secure grip. All ports, buttons, and functions are accessible through the thin Silicone layer, including an opening for the headphone jack, the mute switch, and even a cutout on the back of the case to display the shiny Apple logo proudly. Having the option of purchasing the case in black or white is also nice – if you have a white iPhone, then switch things up with the black case, and vice versa.

Performance

One of my main concerns about skin cases is that, historically, I’ve had poor luck with them. Why? Usually they stretch a bit over time and start slipping around my smartphone like a cheap oversized suit. I’m very encouraged by the OtterBox case design because although the Silicone is thin and flexible, it wraps completely around each end of the iPhone and resists unwanted stretching and shifting.

The feel and grip of the case is comfortable, particularly with the textured sides. The screen is fully accessible, as well as all of the functions, ports and buttons. The additional thickness of the Silicone along the back and corners provide additional impact from impacts and scratching. The case has a stylish look and the open round window on the back for the Apple logo is a nice touch.

Conclusion

The OtterBox Impact Series Case for the iPhone 3G is hard to beat for the price. The Silicone skin is protective and comfortably grippy, all ports and controls are accessible, and you have a choice of black or white, depending on your taste. The case is stylish and seems to resist the stretching and slipping that can occur over time with other skin cases. I’m happy to report that there are many positives and nothing negative to report. Especially for the price of $12.95, I can give this case a big thumbs up.

Pros

Cons

TiPb Review Rating

We have a few good topics being discussed on the forums today, so lets get right to it.

First up, What is the most over-rated missing iPhone feature? MMS? Copy and Paste perhaps? Something else? Check that thread out and cast your vote!

Back in December we told you that AT&T started selling refurbished iPhones. Well that brings us to our next thread, started by Madscotsman. He is wondering about the quality of the refurbished iPhones that AT&T is currently selling. If you have bought one, how is it holding up? Is everything grand or have you had issues?

This next thread was started by xintelinsanex, it’s all about the new iPhone. What do you expect from Apple? Better camera, more storage, how about a higher resolution screen? Describe what your ideal next generation iPhone should be!

New to iPhone and need some protection to make sure it stays in perfect condition? Well you are going to need a case and what a better thread to see what other forum members are using than the iPhone 3G Case Options thread. If you bought a case that you loved or hated… be sure to give your opinion!

Before posting in our forums be sure to be a registered member, it’s free and will only take a minute or two of you time. Registration can be done right here.

See you on the forums!

The Griffin California Roll for iPhone 2G and 3G is in stock and ready to ship from the iPhone Blog Store for $19.95. Personally, I’m not much for sushi, but this is a California Roll I can sink my teeth into. If you want something to carry your iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and other small accessories and to organize them into one case, Griffin’s California Roll could be what you are looking for. Follow me after the break to get to know this case a little better!

Overview and Design

Made of durable high-tech synthetic materials, the Griffin California Roll has a stylish design with built-in elastic band for securing your valuable items. The exterior of the case is glossy with an interesting visual design. It’s a bit difficult to describe, but there appears to be a dark green textured material just under the glossy exterior material, making the outside of the case interesting to look at.

Opening the case reveals a tri-fold configuration with a Velcro-secured middle compartment with similar Velcro-secured compartments on either side. The side compartments are constructed with a mesh material so you can get a better idea what’s in the pockets without having to remove the item. Each of the compartments are about the same size and the interior of the Roll is a soft suede-like material to gently cushion your valuables and protect from scratches and impacts.

Usability

I was able to fit my iPhone 3G in the left pocket, my big fat iPod 160GB Classic in the middle, and a set of earphones in the right pocket. I then folded up the case and secured it with the built-in elastic band and was ready to roll (no pun intended). The case folds up reasonably well, even with all that stuff packed inside of it. The whole point of this case is that it’s soft and flexible, allowing you the most flexibility with different kinds of devices and accessories. The stitching around the case seems top-notch and the elastic band for securing the case is sewn into the case well and stretches just enough to secure the case but is tight enough to stay in place.

Conclusion

The Griffin California Roll case is one of those cases that will meet certain needs. It may not be a case that you use for everyday use, but then again, if you are “gadgety” and carry a phone, iPod, earphones, and other stuff around with you on a regular basis, this is a great case for securing everything in one place and it offers some protection against the cold, cruel world that would be harsh and unkind to your expensive tech gear. I think it makes an excellent travel case, perfect for keeping everything together for use on the airplane, then easily taken with you to your rental car, and finally resting at your side by the swimming pool while you sip a drink.

But why limit yourself to traveling? This is a good case for just carrying all your stuff around with you, secured in one place inside the Roll. As you can see in this picture, I successfully crammed my iPhone 3G, my iPod, and not seen are the earphones stuffed in there as well. Even if you aren’t a fan of sushi, for $19.95, you may want to give this California Roll a try.

Pros

• Flexible case to accommodate many types and sizes of devices
• Built-in elastic to secure items
• Three storage compartments

Cons

• A little big to carry around as your regular case

TiPb Rating:

The kind folks over at Element Case have hooked TiPb up for the holidays! That’s right, they were generous enough to drop off a pack of custom tricked-out iPhone cases not just for us to review — but for us to give away to you, the best dang blog readers, forum posters, and podcast listeners on the interwebs.

These aren’t just any cases, mind you. These are the hardcore high-end rigs of cases. Jeremy’s already gotten his hands all over them (and took some time out of his hectic holiday schedule to snap the pics above and below) and he says they’re well made and built for gaming, with the special bonus of making sure you don’t cover up the speaker when holding them (nice touch!).

Thanks to everyone at Element Case for hooking us up, and stay tuned for your chance to take one of these custom TiPb cases home for the new year!

(To check out their whole selection, head on over to the Element Case Shop).

More pics after the break…

[Ed: Wondering where you may have seen this case before? Look no further than our ongoing Smartphone Expert Round Robin! Yup, one lucky TiPb reader will be winning the Naked Case along with a shiny new iPhone 3G, both courtesy of Case-Mate! Huge thanks to them, and our new sibling store Smartphone Outlet for making all this possible! Now hurry up and read all about what you just might win!]

Need a new case that is light-weight, thin and protects the iPhone screen? Look no further than the Case-Mate Naked Case Touch Through Acrylic Case for iPhone 3G! This case is available for $34.95 from the Phone Different Store. This case totally encompasses your iPhone protecting it from any accidental damage. How does it work? Read on for more information!

Design

Case-Mate’s Naked Case comes in a few different colors; black, white, grey, pink and clear. In this review, we are looking at the “clear” case. The design allows for a simple two-piece solution. The two section of the case slide together, seamlessly snapping at the bottom of the case, by the iPhone’s dockng port. The top half has openings for the front sensors, power button and volume controls. It also have an elegant black outline covering the perimeter of the device. The translucent top piece is not only a protectant, but it is an electrostatic membrane that allows you to touch the screen. More on this later.

Daily Use

Once your iPhone is encapsulated by the case, it is fully protected. That doesn’t mean you can drop it in water, it means that 95% is covered. There are still needed openings for the Home button, speakers, power button, etc. How does this device work on a daily basis? Let’s start with the basics: the touch screen.

I have to admit I was a little leery of using a case that covered my touch screen. However, there is no need to fear, the device responds perfectly fine. The case is designed with such precision, the touch screen lines up beautifully with no gaps; even the home button is exact. Kudos to Case-Mate. The only distractor I could find is sometimes that the too screens just barely touch, So sometimes, there are sections of the case and touch screen that meet and it can leave a somewhat distracting “bubble” on the screen. To be honest though, if you touch it, it typically disappears and probably won’t cause too much distraction.

I have myself trained that I use the power button to turn by iPhone on and off. I don’t use the home button, just the power button. This has been a challenge because I find the the power button is recessed a little too far for my “fat” fingers. But hey, I embrace change, and pressing the home button to boot up is a satisfactory second place. 

I have found all of the other opening sufficient for what they do. I can easily access the ringer switch, volume controls, camera lens, headphone jack and docking port with ease. 

The case adds minimal bulk to the iPhone. I am not one to usually have a case attached to my phone all the time; I typically slide it in and out of a case. However, with the very thin form factor of the Naked- Case, I could still easily slide it into my pocket with no worry of it being uncomfortable or bulging out too much from my pocket (ok, no jokes here). 

Conclusion

Overall, I like this case, I really do and this is a first for me with this type of case enclosure. Sure there are a few distractors, and a couple nagging idiosyncrasies such as the Apple logo is completely obscured when using one of the colored cases. However, what is gained is awesome; a lightweight case that protects your iPhone top, front and back. The electrostatic membrane is responsive and works like a charm. All ports are assessable and is easily taken off and removed. Oh, that part reminds me of something; durability. I can’t say I feel that I were to drop the iPhone on concrete the case would live to see another day, but I sure feel the iPhone will. Oh, and check out the gallery and YouTube video at the bottom

Pros

• Solid
• Touch screen works great with case!
• Easy to snap on and off

Cons

• Not dockable with case
• Some iPhone buttons are hard to access

TiPb Rating:

Searching for a unique case that’ll make heads turn? Looking for a case that offers great protection and adds superb grip for your iPhone 3G? Well then, the Speck Products PixelSkin for iPhone 3G ($24.95) just might be for you. With a waffle-like texture wrapping around the entire case it offers both daring style and a sense of security. How does it perform? Are all those squares really put to use?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Make no mistake, the Speck Products PixelSkin isn’t an ordinary iPhone 3G case and it doesn’t pretend to be. Where other case makers choose to offer simple designs that try to remain as invisible as possible, the PixelSkin is loud, fun, and bold.

The PixelSkin is a rubber case that is textured with square blocks that wrap around the entire case. Imagine it as a big graphing grid or a waffle or a turtle shell or even a grenade. The rubber is thicker than most other cases and offers great protection of nearly the entire iPhone 3G—the PixelSkin even offers protection for the home button!

The color options are bright, bold, and plentiful. Black, White, Purple, Blue, Green, Pink, and Yellow are all available—for this review we’re using the Yellow version.

Usability

By choosing a thicker rubber, the textured grid of squares offer a much more superb grip than ordinary iPhone 3G silicone cases. Not only does it offer better protection than thinner cases, it also feels magnificent in hand. The rubber that Speck chooses is certainly best-in-class. However, the downside of using thicker rubber is the added thickness—you would have to debate whether the added protection outweighs the thickness.

Design-wise, the PixelSkin is likely to be a hate-it or love-it type affair. When using it as my main iPhone case for the past couple days I’ve received numerous compliments on it and questions asking where did I get one. I think for those wanting a stylish, attention-grabbing case— the PixelSkin is as good as it gets. It is eye catching and it is fun. The coloring is also wonderful, the yellow was more bright and bold than mold and mustard.

Because of the PixelSkin’s unique bottom port design (it kind of extends a thinner layer of rubber outward) it is able to be docked. This is highly unique with rubber cases because the added thickness typically does not fit. Applaud Speck Products for creating a great design. Frown on Apple for not including the dock with the iPhone 3G. Also, the cut for the headphone jack is very snug with the included Apple headset, so there may be connection issues with bigger headphone ports.

The problem with the case however is that the square grid design creates a lot of grooves for dust to settle in and the material itself seems to attract a lot of lint and dust. Though this isn’t a huge factor, I did find myself brushing off dust inside the grooves more than a few times.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved the feel of the PixelSkin—it manages to use a bold styling choice that doubles as a wonderfully grippy texture. The grid design will certainly have onlookers wondering just what the heck you are carrying. Though some might find the added thickness a nuisance, I think the added protection is worth it. Some silicone cases protect from just nicks and scratches, I’m fairly confident that the PixelSkin can survive drops. I think the PixelSkin should be considered by anyone looking for a fun case that adds good protection and incredible grip.

PROS

• Fun & Bold Design
• Grippy Material
• Many Color Choices
• Great Protection

CONS

• Design Might Not Appeal To Everyone
• Adds Thickness
• Attracts Lint & Dust

RATING:

With WWDC only a weekend away, is it any surprise the rumors are flying faster than ever?

First up is Forbe‘s Brian Caulfield [who kindly corrected a blunder and provided a direct link to his story with tons o'pics-- many thanks!] with word of yet more mysterious boxes, this time at supposed current iPhone manufacturer Quanta. While some are labeled “iMac”, 20 others are in plain brown wrappers (no jokes!), with employees either unavailable or unwilling to dish the dirt. Of course, they could be anything… or they could be iPhone 3G’s or iTablets!

Next up we have the Flickr posted WWDC banners, which show the newly re-named iPhone OS X, which means either it’s the latest addition to everyone’s favorite band of mutant superheroes, or its been rebranded to match it’s big desktop banner (bannered no longer as Mac OS X, but as OS X Leopard… for now…)

Lastly is iDealsChina (also via Apple Insider), who previously leaked the Griffin “iPhone 3G” molds, now claiming Apple has made some last minute case changes making the next generation device 2mm (0.08 inches) shorter and 0.5mm (0.02 inches) thinner than the leaks previously showed. Anyone need a ton of suddenly scrap plastic?

Here we go again. The sheer number of iPhone 3G case leaks is getting to be embarrassing. The latest looks to be from a Chinese manufacturer of Griffin cases and all but confirms the “new” form factor: A more rounded back, slightly less beveled front, and perhaps more squarish corners.

Thinking back to our last iPhone 3G sighting, it occurs to me that we might still have not seen the final look of the device — the white and black plastic we’ve been looking at has had an awfully chintzy feel. Since all these leaks are coming from case manufacturers, it’s possible that:

1. They created mockups of the basic iPhone 3G casing based on Apple’s specs in order to better create cases or
2. Apple sent out a bunch of “dummy phones” that match the shape of the iPhone 3G but do not match the look?

…more renderings after the break!

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