Pad & Quill are purveyors of fine, Minnesotan, handcrafted iPhone and iPad cases, namely the Little Black Book, Contega, and Octavo. Last summer we took look at them for the iPhone 4, iPad 2, and MacBook Air, and last month we looked at the updated Contega for the new iPad. But that wasn't all P&Q had up their sleeves for 2012. Not content with their existing Baltic Birch and Spanish leather concoctions, they went back to the bindery and returned with something richer and even higher end -- the Little Luxury Book for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S and the Octavo Luxury for the new iPad.

The same great Pad & Quill designs in new, luxury leather models

The Little Luxury Book comes with all the usual, fantastic Little Black Book fit, finish, and features, only wrapped in thick, buttery mahogany brown or onyx black leather. If the original Little Black Book didn't look enough like a premium wallet to you, the Little Luxury Book certainly will (especially when you slip some money and/or credit and debit cards into the pocket).

The Octavo Luxury case likewise brings with it everything you know and love about the original Octovo, only now swathed in genuine leather the color of French roast. If the regular Octavo harkened back to an academic's moleskin, this one presents as an executive's journal or ledger.

As always, the hand-craftsmanship is spectacular from stitch to emboss.

The good

• Everything that was good about the Little Black Book and original Octavo cases
• High end, hand crafted, genuine leather

The bad

• Book-style design won't be for everyone
• Premium line will be for fewer still

Conclusion

The Pad & Quill Octavo Luxury case for iPad and Little Luxury Book for iPhone take high end, high quality accessories to the next level. If you're a fan of traditional, book-binding style iPad and iPhone cases, and you want the best, most premium finish possible, then you want these cases. But if that's what you want, you probably knew it already, right?

$119.99 - Octavo Luxury Case for iPad - Buy now

59.99 - Little Luxury Book for iPhone - Buy now

Okay, this one got me right in my geek heart. An iPhone case with Han Solo on the back. Frozen in carbonite. Just like in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. I can't really do a proper review of this iPhone case. At least the case part. Don't get me wrong, it's serviceable enough -- a slim, well fashioned black skin case. But it's nothing more than that. And why should it be? This case is all about Solo.

High resolution, photo-realistic printing makes carbonite Han Solo almost look 3D (he's not)

The high resolution Han Solo pictures dominates the Han Solo Groovin in Carbonite - Star Wars Parody Case for iPhone. It's photo-realistic and it looks great. It looks so good, in fact, you might think it's a carving. You might think it's 3D. It isn't. It's just a picture. Yet it's still impressive. Most impressive.

It's available on Etsy from iCaseSeraSera and comes with black, white, or clear sides. The Han Solo image is printed onto an aluminum insert that fits the back of the molded plastic case. The current version features carbonite Han Solo rocking out to an iPhone. (That's one of the things I like best about Etsy -- small batch products can be updated frequently and so there's always something fresh and new.)

Beyond the Han Solo, you have a fairly typical, slim, skin case

The good

• Perfect for Star Wars geeks

The bad

• Won't appeal to non-Star Wars geeks

Conclusion

If you're an iPhone user and a total Star Wars geek, check out the Han Solo Groovin in Carbonite - Star Wars Parody Case for iPhone.

You love it.

I know.

17.99 - Order now

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

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

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

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

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

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

The good

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

The bad

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

The conclusion

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

$18.11+ - Buy now

The SGP Linear Blitz Case for iPhone 4S and iPhone is simply beautiful and the attention to detail is exquisite. The SGP Linear Blitz Case has rounded, two metallic-looking sides. The main, top part is finished in champagne gold while the the lower portion is finished in satin sliver. The back comes in red, gunmetal gray, and black. I took a look at the red version and... my, oh my.

The gold and silver sections of the side treatment aren't just decorative, they're functional. They come up slightly higher than the edges of your iPhone to protect it should you desire to put it face down on the table. They also delineate where the SHP Linear Blitz Case comes apart. To take it off, simply remove the bottom section, slip the metal backplate out, and take off the top.

Champagne gold and sating silver sides make for an elegant two-tone look that really sets off the brushed metal back.

There are good sized cutouts for all the ports. The ones around the dock port, 3.5mm headset jack, sleep/wake button, camera, and volume controls are all well crafted and well spaced. The one around the Apple logo is just stunning. Instead of the usual circle, they've traced the edges of the logo. They've also got the same metallic finish as the edges of the case, and it really shines against the brushed red of the backplate.

The precision, diamond cut hole around the Apple logo is stunning, especially with a rainbow backplate mod

(I couldn't resist combining it with the the rainbow Apple logo backplate mod I reviewed previously. And yeah, wow.)

Now some may worry about the size of the case and it is bigger than a skin case. It's supposed to be.The SGP Linear Blitz Case isn't about minimalism. It's about protecting your iPhone and being stylish about it.

The attention to detail, fit, and finish is amazing.

The good

• Stunning looking
• Easy to put on/take off
• Apple logo cutout

The bad

• Bulkier than a skin case

The conclusion

The SGP Linear Blitz is simply one of the hottest iPhone cases I've ever seen. It's bulkier than ultra-light or feather cases, but offers more protection. The Apple logo cutout is simply amazing. If you don't mind trading a little extra size for incredible good looks, the SGP Linear Blitz Case is for you.

$31.95 - Buy now

Live at CES 2012, accessory maker Incipio shows us their next-generation Offgrid Pro case for iPhone. The big difference with the Offgrid Pro is that it has user-swappable batteries so that if you're going to be away from power for a really long time, you can back just as many 1700mAh cartridges as you need.

The Offgrid Pro will be available "soon", and will ship with two batteries, the charger, the case, and the band.

White Diamonds is continuing their line of artistically printed, Swarovski crystal emblazoned iPhone and iPad cases, and at CES 2012, they showed us just what they have in store this year. They fit both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S now, and range from the simple yet elegant Arrow to the more elaborate pink grid.

Once again, it highlights how iPhone and iPad accessories have made the transition from utilitarian protection to fun, fancy fashion.

Source: White Diamonds

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design

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

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

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

Usability

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

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

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

Project Pink

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

Conclusion

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

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

The Aquapac case is a waterproof case for your iPhone and iPod [$24.95 Store Link] for anyone who wants to the beach, pool, fishing, or take their device anywhere near the dangers of water. What the Acquapac misses out in looks it makes up for in sheer usability. Watch us put it to the test, after the break!

Specifications

The Aquapac has some pretty big shoes to fill in comparison to my handy dandy ziplock! (Yes, I've been using a ziplock as my "case" of choice in the bathtub until now!). Here are some of the things the Aquapac is supposed to be able to do:

• Guaranteed 100% waterproof to 15 feet.
• Salt-water and UV resistant.
• Protects iPhone from sand, dust and dirt.
• Can make phone calls through Aquapac (sound quality is slightly reduced).
• Aquapac will float with iPhone in it.

The sealing system on the Aquapac is a patented design that has been used since 1996, so it has been well tested. It also meets with the international waterproofing standards set by the British Standards Institution. Being around so long, I knew that this product had been well tested and probably gone through a few adaptations.

Also, the Aquapac is large enough to be used with other items besides your iPhone, such as; other phones, cameras, your wallet, even small video cameras.

Functionality

So we put the Aquapac to the test. We doused it, drowned it, took pictures underwater with it and tried to make a regular phone call, all to see if the Aquapac is able to really protect our precious iPhones.

I was worried that the iPhone would not be touch sensitive with the Aquapac on but I was able to turn the iPhone on and do all other regular functions. I even placed a call on the Aquapac to see if I would still be able to hear the person I was calling. I was happily surprised that not only could I hear the other person but that the person I was calling could not tell that there was a Aquapac over the iPhone.

For the water test, I was a bit tentative to try it out first on my precious iPhone, so I used my husband's old Treo (Sorry TreoCentral!). It protected the Treo perfectly, so I took a deep breath and tried it out with my iPhone.

What is really important to remember is that the clamp itself usually retains some water around or near it. So when you open the case it is really important that you shake or wipe off any excess water and then open the case with the clamp facing down. When I open the case I first clean off the outside of the case and my hands, if wet. Then I clean the clamp facing down and then slide out the iPhone.

Conclusion

I feel that this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves their iPhone and iPod -- and takes in anywhere near water. If you ever go to the pool, beach, hike, have children, go to water or amusement parks, then I would recommend the Aquapac. If you have children, then I would recommend the Aquapac. It lived up to all of its hype and more so. I just don't know how I made do with ziplock bags before it (yes I know I am a bit dorky, watch the video for yet more proof!)

YouTube link

The SmrtCase Glide for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is a hard case shell that will protect your phone from scrapes, bumps, and even small to medium falls (depending on the angle of impact). The really innovative part of the case is that it has a small slot on the side where you can store a credit card, bus passe, ID, business cards, or even small pictures.

Oh, and did I mention SmrtCase is giving away ten (10) FREE SmrtCase Glide cases to our TiPb readers? Follow on after the break for details!

I have to let you know how excited I was to try out the SmrtCase Glide and I was not disappointed. So how does it work? The small groove in the back makes it easy to place cards inside and the hole on the back means you can use one hand to slide the card out to swipe or remove. Worried about scratching the back of your iPhone? Well, the people at SmrtCase have already thought of that. The SmrtCase Glide comes with a clear protective sticker for the back of your iPhone.

If you're worried about the card falling out, well, I was too but a combination of the curvature of the case and the iPhone provide a snug fit for the card (and I gave the case a good shake to make sure -- see the video below!).

Of course, how many cards you can fit inside the Glide depends on the exact thickness of each card. SmrtCase states that the case can hold 2 plastic cards comfortably, one credit and one ID, however I found this combination was too snug if I wanted to easily slide one of them out to swipe.

To really put it to the test, I asked my husband, (who has a great disdain for cases in general) to try out one of the sample cases and give me his impressions. I have not seen the case since. He loves that he can put his metro passes (5 in all) in the case and not have to take out his wallet to get to them.

And, oh yes, the contest:

Head on over to the TiPb forums and tell us how a SmrtCase Glide would come in handy for you. We'll pick 10 of you at random, and each person picked will get a FREE SmrtCase Glide. The give-away starts now and ends Thursday, February 18, at 12pm PT

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 iSkin revo case for iPhone, available in the iMore Store for $39.95, is designed for the iPhone 2G and is touted as offering maximum protection for your iPhone. With a broad landscape of cases to choose from, this one stands out from the others. It costs a bit more than most other cases, but is it worth the extra bucks? Read on for the full review!

Design

Constructed of durable rubber and including an ultra-clear impact resistant Screen ViSOR, the iSkin revo case for iPhone 2G has your iPhone covered. Form-fitting to protect all vulnerable areas of your iPhone, it is an impressive way to protect your iPhone from bumps, scrapes, and shock from accidental drops. The material used in it's construction is even anti-microbial to help keep the germs away. Also, it is available in a variety of colors to give your iPhone a little flair.

The included Screen ViSOR snaps into place to protect your iPhone's screen from damage when not in use. When you need access to the screen, the Screen ViSOR snaps into place seamlessly on the back of your iPhone, readily available when you need it's protection again.

The case covers and protects the ports and controls of your iPhone as well. A removable docking port cover is included to keep dust and dirt away from your docking port while still allowing room for the speakers. Along the top of the case, a rubber flap allows access to the headphone jack. The surface of the case is slightly grooved to give your iPhone some "grippiness."

The iSkin revo includes a privacy screen film with anti-glare. This is a nice touch because it covers and protects your screen from prying eyes as well as dust and dirt, but also performs admirably in reducing fingerprints and smudges. Also, a small, clear plastic lens cover is included to fit between the camera lens and the case.

Performance

The iSkin revo is an exceptional case with regard to protection. It covers the iPhone's vital spots while still giving you full access to the screen and all controls and ports. The material is grippy and durable, and the case is easy to install on your iPhone and it stays put. Staying put is important, and not for the obvious reason of protection. In my experience, other rubber cases tend to stretch over time and develop a looser fit on my phone. As it loosens, it slides just a little, but enough that any dust or dirt that gets inside between the case and phone results in scratches and abrasions over time. This is very annoying when you thought you were protected. The iSkin revo avoids this problem because not only is the rubber material fairly rigid, but each end is a snug fit on the iPhone, drastically reducing the possibility of stretching and, consequently, abrasions and scratches.

The case features slightly raised surfaces over the buttons so it's easy to find and "feel" the power button, volume buttons, and Home button. There is a cutout for the mute switch, protecting the switch very well but also causing a little trouble for those of us with larger fingers to access the switch. The ultra-clear impact resistant Screen ViSOR is handy if you are carrying your iPhone in a bag or pocket and want to protect the screen from damage, but it can also be a bit humorous when you try to tap on your iPhone's screen, get no response, and then realize you had forgotten the clear Screen ViSOR.

The port cover is a handy little item. I like that it's not attached, giving you the choice of using it or not to protect your iPhone's charging/syncing port from dirt and dust. Usually it sits firmly in place, but on rare occasions it would come off when I struggled to pull my iPhone out of my front pocket, for example. A friend of mine has used this case since he bought his iPhone 2G when it was first released (a testament to the durability of this case), and he has already paid a few bucks to replace a lost port cover.

Along the top of the phone is the headphone jack cover. I like the design in that it's a flap of rubber that is virtually seamless when closed, but opens to reveal the headphone jack when needed. It does a great job of protecting your headphone jack from dirt and dust. The included anti-glare privacy screen film is a nice addition. The iPhone's screen is such a fingerprint and smudge magnet, so the privacy screen film is a welcome addition because it greatly reduces smudges and fingerprints while reducing glare and keeping your screen private from curious onlookers.

Conclusion

The iSkin revo case for iPhone 2G, available now for $39.95 right here at the iMore Store, is about the best you can do for an iPhone case. It offers excellent protection of your iPhone while still providing access to the buttons and ports. The included privacy screen film with anti-glare is a nice addition, and the embedded anti-microbial protection offers a little piece of mind against germs. The option to attach the Screen ViSOR to protect your iPhone's screen is nice, particularly that it stores seamlessly on the back of the case when not in use. It is a durable case that adds a little bulk to your iPhone, but not so much to make it unbearable. Given what you probably spent for your iPhone, it's a great way to protect your investment.

Pros

• Great overall protection.
• Protects yet allows access to all buttons and ports.
• Anti-microbial.
• Includes a Screen ViSOR and privacy screen film with anti-glare.

Cons

• Adds a little bulk to your iPhone.
• Rubber port cover can be lost if you aren't careful.

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

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

Case Design

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

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

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

Summing It Up

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

Pros

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

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

Read on for the full review!

Set Up

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

Design and Construction

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

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

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

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

Usability

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

Overall: 4/5

The Pacific Rim Leather Jacket is a simple flip-lid style case for the iPhone. It has a clean, elegant look, but is it clean and elegant to use? Read on for our review.

Buy: Pacific Rim Leather Jacket - $39.95

Build Quality

The PacRim Leather Jacket case is a very simple and clean-looking case. It's essentially made of a single piece of leather wrapped around two firmer pieces on the inside of the case. The leather itself is of decent enough quality, but it's not luxury-Italian leather, either. The inside of the case is felt to protect against scratches. The iPhone slides into the bottom and is held relatively snugly by the "tabs" on either side.

The best part about the PacRim Leather Jacket case is that, when closed, the iPhone is sealed up tight and clean. There are no gee-gaws sticking out - the entire package is as tidy as the iPhone itself. I also appreciate how little bulk the case adds to the iPhone, it's really a sexy little case.

Functionality

When sealed up, the volume buttons and ringer switch are exposed, as are the headphone jack and main power button. On the bottom are some holes for the iPhone's speaker and mic -- though that latter isn't strictly useful and you have to open up the flip to answer a call anyway.

Opening the case is fairly easy with two hands, you just pull it open and flip the lid around to the back. To open it with one hand you just push out next to the volume buttons -- the rest of the case is actually fitted so well to the iPhone that it's tough to get a finger in there to pop it open. Very nice. Most will want to flip the lid around to the back rather than having it flop around on the bottom -- though that's a problem that's common to bottom-flip cases.

The iPhone will fit into its dock without having to fully remove the case -- though you do have to slide it up a bit in order to make it fit.

Belt Clip

The PacRim Leather Jacket case comes with a belt clip - it's the standard "button and separate clip" variety. The clip operates well enough - the case locks into the clip securely and then rotates freely on it (no ratchet here). Unfortunately, the case is a tad wobbly on the clip, but not enough to worry me -- some relatively strongly yanking didn't separate the case from its clip. The clip itself is very sturdy - it's "weighty," has a strong spring, and doesn't seem likely to separate from either a belt or (as I usually wear it) a pocket.

Like most iPhone cases with clips, you can rest the iPhone horizontally on the clip for desktop movie viewing. Clipless, you can manage to position the flip lid for the same purpose, but it's awkward.

Nevertheless, I prefer to use the case without the clip at all - I just unscrewed the button. The case does an excellent job protecting the iPhone and without the clip feels just as sleek and slim as the iPhone itself.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a simple flip lid case to protect the iPhone, the Pacific Rim Leather Jacket ($39.95) is probably the case for you. Though I'm not a fan of the belt clip, I am a fan of its simple, protective design. I don't usually use flip-lid cases myself, but this one is better than most, it's on my iPhone now and will likely stay for awhile.

Pros

• Clean, simple design
• Protects iPhone nearly 100%
• Not Bulky at all

Cons

• Belt clip feels a little wobbly (but is secure)

Overall: 4/5