Live from CES 2012, we take a look at the newer, better, missile-shooting Griffin Helo TC Assault iPhone and Android controlled helicopter. Need we say more?

The Griffin Helo TC Assault will be available in the Spring for $59.99.

Griffin is here at CES 2012 demonstrating their new Studio Connect peripheral. If you're a musician looking to take recording on the go, the studio connect aims to bring you this with Midi control. The iPad dock adds extra audio inputs and adds Midi connections.

Once you're done you can upload your content to GarageBand or whatever suite you choose. We got a hands on here at CES and while the product lives up to what it says it'll do, it's a bit bulky to carry around form a convenience point of view.

The Griffin Twenty is the easiest, best-sounding solution for consumers who have speakers that are not AirPlay-enabled but still want to stream high-fidelity audio wirelessly,” said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. “Not only can users stream from their iTunes library, they can easily connect with any AirPlay-enabled iOS device.”

Source: Griffin

In addition to Crayola ColorStudio HD, Crayola also announced Crayola Silly Face Swaps HD. An app that allows kids to place their face on coloring pages and once completed they can be saved to a gallery, e-mailed, uploaded to Facebook, or printed out. Crayola Lights, Camera, Color! HD is now available on the iTunes App Store for $1.99. A free lite version is available, as well, while Crayola Silly Face Swaps will arrive on iTunes this spring.

Source: Griffin & Crayola

The Woogie by Griffin is a soft, plush, huggable, toy that doubles as an iPhone or iPod touch case. It's meant for children, to give them something to hold up their iPod touch for easy game playing or video watching, or to protect your iPhone if you're letting them use it.

With big round body and five legs, the Woogie is easy to position whether it's on the floor, a table, in a car, or on a lap. It comes in either pink or blue and the big round body is soft and fuzzy/furry to the touch. Even on its own could be a fun toy for a young child but what makes it even better is the clear, capacitive window in the front that holds an iPod touch or iPhone. Kids can cuddle the toy and play with the device right through the window, and if they drop it or knock it or kick it, the plushie offers a lot of protection.

The good

• Soft, cute, and cuddly
• Weighted feet so stays in place
• Makes an iPhone or iPod touch harder to lose
• Hold up to the bumps and drops kids are likely to put it through.

The bad

• Larger to pack and carry than a regular case
• Would be nice to have strap/backpack option
• Don't feed it after midnight.

The conclusion

The Woogie is great for young children, wether around the house or to take on a trip. It's huggable, luggable, and colorful for them, and easy to find and safer to keep an iPhone or iPod touch in for you. That's a really smart combination.

The giveaway

Leave a comment below telling us why you'd like a Woogie of you very own. Only one comment per person, please! Make sure you leave a real email address. We won't share it but we'll need it to contact you if you win! Contest starts now and ends Friday, January 13 at 12pm PT. Now hurry up and enter!

Source: Griffin

Griffin has announced a new iPhone, iPod touch and iPad accessory called GuitarConnect Pro, and it aims to add both an instrument input and gain controller to really let you rock out with Apple's GarageBand.

Designed to work with any instrument that has a ¼ inch jack (including guitars, bass guitars, electric violins, keyboards, etc.), GuitarConnect Pro was created to turn iPad or iPhone into a compact performance or practice rig. A built-in gain control wheel allows the user to adjust the strength of the instrument’s input signal.

Any music loving, guitar wielding members of the TiPb Nation planning to try this baby out?

• Get the Griffin GuitarConnect Pro on Amazon.com
• Get GarageBand for iPhone and iPad from the App Store
• Get your groove on in the TiPb Music, DJ, and Jamming Forum

The Giffin Wristlet for iPod nano is nice silicone holder for Apple's tiniest screen-based music player. Just slip your 6th generation iPod nano into the stretchy case, then wrap the wrist strap around your wrist.

The case covers the on/off and volume buttons, protecting them from scuffs and scrapes and minor weather, but leaves the 30 pin dock connector and 3.5mm headphone jack clear for easy syncing, charging, and listening. There's a cutout for the clip, so you can still clamp your nano onto a shirt or band or anything else if you so choose.

The wrist strap is quite comfortable, and the nice thing is you can really hang it on just about anything. And yes, it does let you weaponize your nano, kung-fu whip style -- though it might not survive a lot of impacts. Unfortunately, it's moulded out of the same single piece of silicone as the case itself so it's not really adjustable.

All in all the Giffin Wristlet for iPod nano offers good protection, and the wrist strap an extra option for carrying around your music player. It's available now from the TiPb iPod nano accessory store.

Pros

• Easy to put on and take off
• Protects sides and buttons
• Wrist strap works well

Cons

• Doesn't protect the screen
• Wrist strap is not adjustable

TiPb review rating

The Griffin AeroSport for iPod nano is an armband strap for those who are always on the go and want to take their music with them. It's made of a lycra so it is very light, comfortable, and flexible and stays put on your arm whether you are jogging or playing sports. For more on the Griffin AeroSport for iPod nano stay with us after the break!

The Griffin AeroSport band is one piece. You just strap it on and then velcro the band in place. It was very secure and extremely comfortable when I tried it out. The nano just slips into the clip on the AerosSports faceplate and you have full access to all ports. You can change music easily while using the armband and it is great for those of you who are active and enjoy music to keep you moving. I really love this armband. I only wish they'd made it adjustable enough to wear as a watchband!

The Griffin AeroSport for iPod nano is available now from the TiPb iPhone and iPad Accessory Store. Let me know if you'll be picking one up!

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to use
• Full access to ports
• Light
• Affordable

Cons

• Wish I could adjust it to be a watchband

TiPb review rating

Photos

The Griffin TuneJuice 2 Back-up Battery for iPhone is a battery charger for iPhone or iPad touch (or traditional iPds) that, instead of being rechargeable, uses AAA batteries. That means to use of the TuneJuice you do not have to constantly find an outlet and make sure you recharge it before your iPhone. You can just throw in fresh batteries and get going. So if you are traveling for a long period of time and worry that you may need to keep a few items charged then this is the charger for you.

To find out more follow us after the break!

The Griffin TuneJuice 2 is made to give you power when you will be without an outlet for a extended period of time. If you are planning a camping trip but still want to have your iPhone working throughout, and don't mind packing a bunch of AAA batteries, this is perfect.

The main unit slides open to allow you to insert the batteries then you just plug the 30 pin connector to your iPhone or iPod. I do find the 30 pin connector a bit odd. It's long enough to be in the way but not long enough to be able to keep the TuneJuice in your pocket or purse and use your iPhone while charging. If anyone knows how this short cord is helpful let me know in the comments!

In terms of power the Griffin TuneJuice for your iPhone will give you up to 14 additional hours of audio and up to 2 hours of additional video play. I was hoping that it would give me more power but to get that you need to carry extra batteries with you.

The Griffin TuneJuice 2 Back-up Battery for iPhone is available from the TiPb iPhone accessory store.

Pros

• Use of batteries eliminates the need to charge charger
• Can recharge phone multiple times by adding fresh batteries
• First set of batteries included
• Very inexpensive

Cons

• cumbersome
• 30 pin dock cord of unusual length
• Needs batteries
• Not iPhone 3G compatible

TiPb Rating

Take old world fun like drawing with crayons or magic markers and update it with the latest in high tech so it runs on the iPad and what do you get? All shades of awesome.

Grab an iMarker, launch the companion app, choose a active coloring landscape, and get your crayon on.

We checked it out live at CES 2011 so watch the video up top and let us know how busy this would keep your kids!

[Griffin]

Griffin's CarTrip is a tiny Bluetooth peripheral that plugs into the diagnostic port contained on most modern cars and transmits back usage data and error messages to an app on your iPhone. You can use this data to track different performance data over time to try and maximize your fuel efficiency, or just to pull off any problem reports so you know when -- and why! -- you need to go to a mechanic.

We got to take a look at it live from the CES 2011 show floor so check out the video up top and let us know whether you'll be getting one for your ride in the comments below!

[Griffin]

Remember last year’s summer vacation? Are we there yet Dad? How much further Dad? Well hopefully when this app launches, those days will be gone. Simply pass your beloved iPad into the back of the car and you won’t hear another word until you get there. Crayola has long been a favorite with the younger generation, add in the iPad and this app is a winner for the children!

The ColorStudio HD app allows young artists to color and interact with special “live” animated coloring book pages that move and react as they color, combining custom-produced pictures, animations, music, sound effects, and high quality special effects. For example, in one setting fish swim, doors open to reveal surprises, and mermaids serenade the young artist. The iMarker digital stylus brings the app to life.

The only fear I have is when the little ones misplace the iMarker; I can see permanent marker pens and crayons being used instead, leaving your iPad in a bit of a mess!

[Press Release]

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

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

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

The Griffin PowerJolt Plus means you never have to worry about running out of power for your iPhone AND iPad on the road ever again. You see, not only does it plug into your car's cigarette lighter (or any 12v accessory socket) to easily charge your iPhone but the back of the connector opens up to provide a second 12 volt socket that you could use, for example, to charge your iPad (or iPod touch, iPod, partner's iPhone, whatever!).

I love the Griffin PowerJolt Plus. The fact that it allows you to plug in another 12 volt adapter is a brilliant idea. I was worried that the second adapter would not charge at full capacity or would be buggy but that was not the case. I tested the PowerJolt with three different adaptors over the course of two 6 hour road trips and it everything worked perfectly.

The plug itself is well built and fits solidly into the car socket. I didn't have to worry about it coming loose and my iPhone not charging. Likewise the pass through socket. The Griffin PowerJolt Plus has a coiled dock cable which helps prevent tangles and the 30-pin Dock connector, while not Apple-thin, should work with a good amount of cases. If your favorite case is cut very closely around the Dock port, however, it will most likely need to come off (that's why I use the Case-Mate Barely There, just saying...) It also has SmartFuse for circuit protection.

Note, the Griffin PowerJolt Plus doesn't come with a second adapter, just the socket to plug one in. If you want to plug in a second adapter or something like an FM-radio adapter, you need to get that separately (you can get a regular PowerJolt SE from Giffin for a matched set). Also, I'd recommend getting a car mount so you have somewhere convenient to place your iPhone, especially if you're going to use it for something visual like turn-by-turn navigation.

If you are looking for a car charger I highly recommend the The Griffin PowerJolt Plus for iPhone and iPad. It's inexpensive so it makes the perfect gift for your someone special for the holidays. You can find it at the TiPb iPhone + iPad accessory store. I am going to be picking up another one for my other car I like it so much!

Pros

• Coiled cord is durable and doesn't get tangled
• Socket for second adapter works perfectly
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Thinner Dock connector would work with more cases

Rating

Gallery

Griffin Elan Passport case for iPhone 4 is beautifully crafted wallet-style case that protects your phone while providing convenient storage for cash and credit cards. It comes in two color designs, platinum and black, but for men considering using it as a... European carrier, be warned that lilac accents and paisley inner lining means only the most confident need apply.

Interested to see if the function lives up to the form? Stay with us after the break!

The Griffin Elan Passport stays securely closed with a snap, but flips open easily to give you access to your iPhone 4, your favourite credit cards and some cash (and maybe even a Pogo stylus!). The inner lining will protect your iPhone 4 from scratches caused by almost anything that your might carry in your purse or briefcase. I really liked the feel of this case and the meticulous design. It even has a chrome accent on the front of the case which was a nice finishing touch.

Your dock port stays accessible and should fit most cables. There's also a camera cut out that allows you to take pictures with your iPhone 4 still inside the Passport case, something many wallet-style cases forget.

The only thing that I felt could have been better executed was the manner in which the home button works. The case has the home button covered instead of being cut out. They added a small metal piece to the fabric to help depression but I did find it takes a bit more effort to turn on your phone.

Overall, the Griffin Elan Passport for iPhone 4 is perfect for anyone who wants the convenience of a wallet and case in one, with easy, elegant access to phone and funds alike. Pick one up today from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store for the man or woman you love!

Pros

• Stylish
• Able to take pictures in case
• Good protection for iPhone4

Cons

• Only holds about 4 cards
• Need to press hard for home button
• Sorry boys, the lanyard only comes with the platinum case

Rating

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

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

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

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

Pros

• Durable
• Protective
• Stylish

Cons

• Edge flashing are not flush against iPad's glass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video and photos after the break!

Pros

• Made from protective neoprene
• Slim design
• Snug fit

Cons

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

The Griffin PowerJolt Reserve Backup Battery [$34.95 - iMore Store Link] is one nifty little iPhone/iPod touch accessory, One of the biggest gripes people have with Apple's iPhone is the lack of a removable battery. Sure you have some other battery charging options but if you don't wish to be bothered carrying around cords or bulky cases then the PowerJolt Reserve just may be for you. Get the full rundown after the break!

I've been using the Griffin PowerJolt Reserve for iPhone & iPod for a little over a month now and it has turned into one of those things I need to carry around with me whenever I leave the house. You simply plug it into your vehicle's cigarette lighter or 12 volt power outlet which then allows you to plug in your standard iPhone USB charging cord to charge your device while on the road.

A simple car charger alone would be on the boring side, what makes this accessory so special is that it also happens to have a built in rechargeable battery attached to it which you can carry with you in your pocket for backup power wherever you go. While it takes only a short time to fully charge, the backup battery will provide you with a 50% charge on your device. I was hoping to get a bit more but beggars can't be choosers and I've learned that it's usually all I need. Some more great features are as follows:

• Charges any iPhone and iPod touch.
• Charge your device the same time you are charging the backup battery.
• The battery connects to the charger magnetically so it is a breeze to attach and detach.

The Griffin PowerJolt Reserve Backup Battery for your iPhone or iPod touch [$34.95 - iMore Store Link] is a must have accessory for any road warrior who needs that extra juice to make it through the day. With the PowerJolt you will never have to worry about battery life again and even better there will not be any need to carry your charger with you everywhere you go as it provides instant power on demand.

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

Design

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

Daily Use

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

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

Conclusion

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

TiPb's Rating

Design

Griffin's Clarifi case is very similar in design to my previous case review, the Case-Mate Dockster in the sense that it is a dockable, two-piece case solution. However the Clarifi goes a step further to ensure you take great photos; more on the photo part later. For now, what is the rest of the design like?

The case is plastic with a smooth "middle section" and the top quarter and bottom quarters have some sort of grippy plastic, kind of like grippy paint on the Treo 750, but it is more plastic than paint. Either way, it adds the needed grip when holding your iPhone 3G. You have all of the expected ports open for access; bottom, top and side for all of your buttons. The bottom quarter slides right off exposing the Apple 30-pin connector to place in your cradle if need be. I really like the designs that implement this, it is very handy of you own a cradle.  Of course if you just plug in with a cable, you don't need to remove the bottom. The part that sets this case aside from other cases is the sliding lens that goes over the camera, it allows for crisper images up-close that is really noticeable with text (see screens at the bottom of the page for a couple of examples).

Daily Use

The slim case allows the iPhone 3G to slip right in your pocket and the grippy plastic is not too grippy where you can't pull it back out of your pant pocket. I have used cases like this in the past and it can be very frustrating. I have found all of the ports easily accessible and did not encounter any real issues. Docking is a breeze, you simply pull off the bottom of the case and place in your cradle; done, it is really that easy. So the case sounds great so far, but it has something a little extra for ya...

The lens.

Yes, this case has a tiny lens that slides over the iPhone 3G camera lens. But Chad, why would I need such a thing? Well, have you ever tried to take a picture of something up-close with the iPhone? Perhaps a business card or text in a magazine, newspaper or book you might want to reference later? If you have then you know exactly what I am talking about. The iPhone camera lacks any sort of close-up auto focus functionality. So, when trying to take pictures of objects up-close, they become blurry. What the Clarifi cases does is rectify this issue by simply placing a slide lens over the camera, it works like a pair of glasses. Before the Clarifi lens, up-close pictures were blurry, now they are "clear" or clarified if you will (sorry, I couldn't help myself there).

Conclusion

I think this is one of my favorite cases to date! It is basically the Case-Mate Dockster but no leather, and added clarifying lens! For some people, the lens may not be a big deal, but I use Evernote a lot and this tool is very handy to have when taking pictures on the go to be reviewed later; such as a business card, etc. If you need a slim case that's durable and has the added benefits that I describe here, then the Griffin Clarifi is for you! One of my favorite cases!

Pros:

• Awesome camera magnifier
• It is dockable!
• Grippy plastic on the top and bottom
• Sturdy plastic supportive frame
• Thin
• All ports are very easily accessible

Cons:

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

TiPb’s Rating:

With my original iPhone 2G, I used a Monster solution to output the audio to my no-dock, no-RCA equipped car. Along came the iPhone 3G and while the Monster still worked, it no longer provided power. See, Apple in their Infinitely Looped wisdom decided to remove the FireWire pin from the iPhone 3G dock connector, and that was precisely the pin many peripherals used to transmit charge.

That was a problem for me, since my daily commute to work is an hour to an hour-and-a-half, and I typically listen to podcasts and audio books there and back again. Without power, my iPhone's charge was taking a hit!

Enter the Griffin RoadTrip with Smartscan. It transmits iPhone (or iPod touch) audio to your car's FM radio, and most importantly for our perpetually draining devices -- it charges as well.

I've spent a month with it now, putting it through it's paces on the Hoth-like roads of a Montreal winter. How did it hold up? Read on to find out!

Hardware

The end of the Griffin RoadTrip with Smartscan plugs into your car's cigarette lighter (is that still what we're calling it?). A long, malleable neck connects the end to a head which is solely composed of a few buttons and, at the very top, an iPhone dock.

The buttons on the face of the head include FM (which scans for usable frequencies), Play/Pause, and Skip.

Also included in the box are dock adapters for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 2G, and both generation iPod touches.

Usability

The tail plugs easily enough into the cigarette lighter, and the neck is very easy to position into just about any position that best suits your car setup and personal preferences. However, when an iPhone is plugged atop the RoadTrip, gravity has a tendency to slowly (or not so slowly) drag the whole thing down. As it rotates in the cigarette lighter, it also tends to come a little loose. So, I found myself losing FM reception quality from time to time and having to push it back in. Not a huge deal, but definitely a problem with this type of form factor.

My car has lousy radio reception -- the Monster worked fine but most others were nearly unusable. The RoadTrip worked well. It was incredibly easy to choose a usable station. Smartscan "just works". You press the button, it finds the best station, and you’re good to go. It remembers the station as well (least it always did for me), so set up is really a breeze.

Audio quality was excellent in general. Again, my lousy reception meant I had to carefully position the RoadTrip and make sure nothing came between it and my radio (including my hand!), but otherwise everything from music to podcasts to Audible books came in 5x5.

Aside from the FM selector, the buttons may seem to duplicate the functionality of what you can already do using the iPhone interface itself. That's true. However, in below 0 temperatures, when your fingers are going numb inside of your gloves, not having to touch bare skin to capacitive iPhone screen is very welcome. For those in warmer climes, they're also useful in saving you having to navigate to the iPod app (or double-tapping the Home button) to get the on-board media controls. Just hit pause/play or skip, and no matter whether it's on or off, locked or unlocked, in the iPod app or doing something else, your iPhone will listen.

The only real trouble I had with the device was the dock connector itself. It fit well enough, but because winter reduces the already terrible Montreal streets to ice and snow covered, cratered battlefields, I found that as my car bounced up and down, my iPhone would often become disconnected. This seldom happened on the major highways or roads, but on the less well cared for side streets, it was pretty frequent. I can easily imagine people who frequent dirt roads, go off-roading, or otherwise travel over rough terrain on a regular basis will have a similar problem.

Conclusion

If you live in an area with fairly smooth roads and have a car that allows the device to sit in a fairly straight-up position, the RoadTrip is a fantastic FM transmitter and charger solution.

If you have poor driving conditions and need to set up the device in a way that will tend to make it sag down, your mileage may vary.

If they could somehow beef up the dock connected -- perhaps use an old-school locking dock-type connection where you have to squeeze to remove it -- it would be darn near perfect for my needs.

Pros

• Charges iPhone 3G (and other modern iPods)
• Flexible positioning options
• Handy controls
• Good FM transmission

Cons

• Can droop down if left in a horizontal position
• iPhone can become disconnected when going over bumps

TiPb Rating

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

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

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

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

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

Usability

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

PROS

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

CONS

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

FINAL RATING:

I've become a big fan of snap-together hard cases for my iPhone. I'm sporting a form-fitting hard case with "soft-touch" on my iPhone 3G right now, and my original iPhone is protected by the Griffin Reflect Case available in iMore Store for $24.95. If you still have the iPhone 2G and want an attractive yet functional case, read on for the full review!

Out Of The Box

The Griffin Reflect Case is packaged with a premium cleaning cloth and a static peel screen protector, some welcome additions and added value to your case purchase. Whenever I'm suiting up my iPhone with a new case, I like to thoroughly clean it first to reduce the chance of scratching, so the cleaning cloth is very handy. The screen protector is also a plus -- although the iPhone's glass screen is extremely scratch-resistant, I've found that the use of screen protectors have minimal impact on screen touch sensitivity, yet perform quite well in reducing finger smudges that are inevitable on the glass surface.

Form

As pictured above, you will see the front and back halves of the case and the plastic packaging containing the premium cleaning cloth and the static peel screen protector. The case is constructed of durable polycarbonate to protect your iPhone. The front half is reflective in a chrome-like fashion, adding both protection and style to the front of your iPhone. The back half has a matte black rubberized surface for better gripping, reducing the chance of your iPhone slipping from your hand like a bar of soap.

This Griffin Reflect Case offers full access to your iPhone's multi-touch display, the dock connector on the bottom, as well as the speaker and microphone. The volume rocker, sound switch, headphone jack and power button are also fully accessible. On the front of the iPhone, the earpiece speaker and "home" button are exposed for easy access while the case protectively covers the rest of the phone, again without obstructing the screen in any way. There is also a cutout on the back for your iPhone's camera lens.

Function

The two halves of the case snap together around your iPhone, encasing it in the polycarbonate protection while still offering accessibility to all controls, camera lens and screen. A benefit of this kind of case is that once the halves are snapped together, the case fits snug around the phone and allows no movement. My pet peeve about other cases, particularly rubber, is that softer cases can stretch over time and move ever-so-slightly against your phone, causing small scratches as dust and dirt get between the case and phone. The Griffin Reflect case is hard and inflexible, so once snapped into place, it won't budge a millimeter.

A downside to hard cases is related to their installation - they snap together, leaving an almost imperceptible seam around the phone. This is not a problem until you accidentally drop your phone. Although your Griffin case will offer some protection from the immediate impact, it's inevitable that the case will separate from your iPhone in the event of an extremely hard impact (like concrete, for instance) and your iPhone will be bare-naked and likely scratched and scuffed. For me, the assurance my case will not scratch my phone due to subtle case-slippage is worth the risk of what may happen if I drop my iPhone.

Added thickness is another downside to a case of this kind. The polycarbonate material is protective, but a little on the thick side. Your iPhone will appear less svelte, but it will be well-protected.

Conclusion

The Griffin Reflect Case for iPhone, available now for purchase at iMore Store for $24.95, is literally a snap to put together around your iPhone 2G and offers great protection while still allowing full access to the screen, camera lens, headphone jack and other controls. The reflective, chrome-like front surface is attractive and the matte black rubberized surface on the back offers protection and a more secure grip. Although there is risk of case separation if you drop your iPhone on a hard surface, the protection benefits far outweigh this risk.

Pros:

• Hard polycarbonate material offering maximum protection
• Full access to screen, camera lens and all controls
• Rubberized back is "grippy"

Cons:

• Hard case can separate if dropped on hard surface
• Case adds thickness to iPhone

Rating: 4.5/5

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

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

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

Usability

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

PROS

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

CONS

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

Final Rating: 4.6/5