The Seidio Inno Dock Jr. for iPhone 4 is just the dock you have been waiting for. Or it is if, like me, you have grumbled and cursed multiple times when having to remove my favorite Case-Mate Chrome case in order to change my iPhone. What makes the Seidio Inno Dock Jr. so much better?

Read on after the break to find out!

I have tried the Seidio Inno Dock Jr. with 4 different cases and have yet to find a case that gives it problems. As long as the case has an opening for the 30-pin slot then it should fit comfortably in the cradle without the need to remove the case. The reason it’s so compatible is that it’s built so that the 30 pin dock plug is raised above the docking platform. It’s also hinged so that it can move back and forth and that means there’s almost no way the base can obstruct the connector.

The Dock is also quite small and lightweight so it does not take up much space on your desk, shelf, or table. It comes with a USB cable but not an AC adapter so if you want to plug it into a wall outlet instead of a computer you will need to use the adaptor that came from your iPhone 4 (or, if you’re already using that elsewhere, get an extra one from the TiPb store).

If you hate having to remove your case each time you charge your iPhone 4, pick up the Seidio Inno Dock Jr. Since I have gotten it I have been using it daily and am so happy with it. It is pretty inexpensive also, so a good gift for a friend. Save your case and sanity, pick one up from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store today!

Pros

• No need to remove your case when charging phone
• Phone faces out while charging
• Small and lightweight
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Does not come with an AC Adapter
• iPhone can wiggle a bit while in cradle

Rating

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

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

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

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

We have all been there. You know, our iPhone is about to die from a drained battery and no charge cable in sight. Well, the Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger [$29.99 - TiPb Store link] is here to change that. The Seidio charger gives you everything you need for any portable situation. You get a USB cable that actually snaps into place (I love that. Most cables I see these days don’t actually snap in place, they just fit, but not securely) and the always capable wall charger and large grip-friendly car charger.

What really sets this charger apart from the competition is the retractability of the cable. Just like with other retractable cords, you pull on both ends and it expands. Of course, it is convenient if you have your iPhone charging on your Mac or PC to just let is sit right next to your computer without any extra cable mess.

I use my cable on the time. My day starts off with getting in the car for work (yeah, don’t use it at home, I have a cradle for that) and plugging it into the car adapter. I have a good 45 minute commute to work, so this buys me time to charge and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once I am work, I take the cable with me and charge at my desk as need. Yes, I am one of those people that if the iPhone 3GS tells me I have 96% battery, I must make it 100%.

As the day winds down, I repeat the morning process. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “Why is this guy telling me how he carries his cable around all day?” Well, that is the point isn’t it? The fact that the cable retracts makes it super easy to pull out of my bag and stow it away. I have a separate cable I stash in my bag too, the one that came with the iPhone. Using that cable is annoying as I have to “stuff” it in my bag, where the Seidio cable retracts beautifully with no mess. I know, it is the little things. Because of its portability, this has quickly become my main cable. On the ever-so-small downside, there is not an airplane adapter. That would make this the ultimate in charger cables, but for now, Seidio will have to do with a “fav” rating from this reviewer.

If you are looking for a functional cable such as this, you can pick it up in the TiPb store for $29.95.

Check out more in the gallery below!

The Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G is the latest accessory to try an mitigate the lack of a user-changeable battery. Unlike cases that strap on to your iPhone, or dongles that plug in to the bottom, the Seidio Innocell, available for $39.95 from the TiPb Store, tries to find a compromise between the capacity and convenience: a good bit of power in a form factor that’s fairly small and unobtrusive.

How does it do? Find out after the break!

What’s in the Box

The Seidio Innocell External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G is no frills in terms of both price and accoutrements. What you get is a small, light bit of plastic with a dock plug that looks pretty much like the bottom third of the iPhone. It would be nice if it included a USB or AC adapter plug. However, since unlike some other solutions, the Seidio Innocell actually contains a dock input of its own, allowing for seamless charging with existing iPhone cables, it’s an understandable cost saving message.

Even the device itself is bare-bones: it’s got a light to show when it’s charging (red), when it’s charged (green), and when it’s giving over that charge to your iPhone (blue). In a bonus bit of design good-thinking, the Seidio Innocell includes a built-in speaker channel to make sure sound isn’t distorted if you want to use your iPhone while you’re recharging it.

How it Works

Simplicity, thy name is Seidio Innocell. Just plug the unit into the bottom of your iPhone and it begins to charge. That’s it.

Because Seidio took pains to make the Innocell look cosmetically like the iPhone — it’s literally made like an extension of the device itself, faux chrome-trim included — it’s easier to use it with your iPhone on-the-go than something like the RichardSolo. The trade-off is lower capacity, of course, with the small, inexpensive Seidio Innocell providing just enough juice to recharge your iPhone 50%.

In my tests, however, the Seidio slightly over-performed. From less than a quarter left, the Seidio re-charged my iPhone to just below full. Since it’s my understanding that the final 15% is the most charge-intensive, the performance was impressive.

Final Thoughts

It’s light to the point of feeling a un-real (what you want in a carry-around), re-charges your iPhone 50% plus (what might not be enough for hard-core conference/event goers), and does a pretty good job of walking the middle ground between case and dongle.

The one complaint I have is the lack of a dock-lock. While the design and fit is excellent, if I have to use it on-the-go, I want the security of knowing it’s not detaching unless I detach it.

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Over-performed in my tests
• Uses standard dock port to charge
• Low price-point

Cons

• May not provide enough charge for super-users
• Should lock to dock connector

TiPb Rating

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