CES 2011: OtterBox Reflex iPhone 4 case splits difference in protection

OtterBox, best known for its overly protective cases, has split the difference with its new Reflex case for iPhone. Positioned in between the company’s existing Impact (heavy protection) and Commuter (slim protection), the Reflex offers a moderate level of rubberized protection without being overly thick. Highlights include the reinforced corners (where most drop impact occurs) and choices of color combinations. The OtterBox Reflex for iPhone 4 is expected at $44.

CES 2011: Mophie Pulse rocks, shakes up iPod touch gaming

Mophie, next known for its battery cases, has branched out with a different kind of case entirely. Known as the Pulse, the company’s new iPod touch case offers power of a different kind as it offers vibrative feedback during gameplay – along with built in stereo speakers. Sorry, iPhone users, but iPod touch fans get the pulse first. The Mophie Pulse is expected to sell for $79-99 and be available next month.

iSkin Solo FX Case for iPhone 4: review

by Christine Chan

Ever since I graced my iPhone 3GS with an iSkin Solo FX case, iSkin became one of my favorite companies for cases for my iDevices. Since they released the Solo and revo 4 a bit late for the iPhone 4, I have tried and tested them, and they proved to be excellent. But they’ve recently released the Solo FX for the iPhone 4, and it doesn’t disappoint.

The Solo FX is different from the version for last year’s 3GS model. Instead of being the traditional shell that wraps around the back and edges of the phone, the Solo FX for iPhone 4 is a flexible shell that you slide your phone in from the top. This is because this version has all of the front protected, leaving only the screen exposed with the top microphone and camera. The home button is also covered up with a layer of the flexible Microban TPU material.

So getting the iPhone into the Solo FX is easy, though I am not too fond of the opening flaps at the top, but that’s not a big problem. The TPU material is thick enough that it provides protection at the top as well. Once the case is on, it gives your iPhone a nice grip, and the circular texture pattern on the back makes it feel amazing to hold.

My favorite thing about the Solo FX is that it’s a frosty matte, so unlike the original Solo, it won’t get gunked up with skin oils over time. So the grip is always there and never gets slippery.

Like I mentioned earlier, the top of the phone is left exposed, but protected by the thick flaps. So the headphone port and power button are easily accessible. The volume buttons are covered by a bauble-like layer of the TPU material, while the ringer toggle is given a space to be accessed from. The bottom has holes for the microphone and speaker, while having a tight fitting opening for the charging port. 

There may be some slight problems with older cables since the opening is a tight fit with the new iPhone cable. I had to wiggle my car charger a bit to make it fit and stay when it would get slightly disconnected. So just a word of caution.

I did find that it can get a bit hard to press the home button down since it is covered with a layer of case. This just takes some getting used to and is not a major problem.

I found the overall experience with the Solo FX to be an enjoyable one. The case is not too thick but it is thick enough to provide great protection for your device. It also looks stylish with the circle patterned back and matte, frosty appearance. It provides complete coverage on the front of the screen so you no longer have anything to worry about. And you’ll always have a grip on your iPhone 4.

If you’re looking for a slim and stylish case that will give you great protection, look no further than the iSkin Solo FX.

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • price: $34 • iSkin.com

iSkin Solo Vu Case for iPhone 4: review

by Christine Chan

Do you want some sleek, fashionable chic style to go along with some serious protection for your iPhone 4? Then look no further than the iSkin Solo Vu.

The Solo Vu is a one piece shell that your iPhone 4 will simply glide into from the top, much like the Solo FX that I also reviewed. The Vu is similar to the FX except that it has a different back, colors,and has a cover for the charging port.

The Vu is a two-tone case, with the color in the front (black, red, or purple) and a smoky transparent, circle-patterned back that shows off the Apple logo. The material is the same as the FX, except the back isn’t a matte finish – it’s a bit more glossy. But the grip is good and I haven’t had a problem with natural oils gunking it up.

The Vu also exposes the top of the device since it glides in. The volume buttons get covered with the plastic material in the form of shiny little baubles, just like the original Solo and Solo FX. The bottom mic and speaker get perfect cutouts, and the dock connector gets another tight fitting opening. The nice little thing about the Vu is that there is a protective cover on the dock connector to keep out the annoying dust and moisture.

The front of the device is completely protected, with the plastic material covering everything except the touch screen and the top noise-canceling microphone and FaceTime camera. The home button is also covered by the case, so there may be a bit of getting used to since the material makes it a bit harder to press down.

When the case is on, you can feel secure about the protection of your phone. Everything that needs to be covered is, and it’s not too bulky and can slide easily in and out of your pocket. Chic style meets awesome protection.

The Solo Vu may look different than the FX, but it’s still the same premise. The dock connector cover is a nice touch though, and the colors make it look a bit more professional, which is a good thing.

So if you are looking for a professional style case that doesn’t sacrifice protection, the Solo Vu from iSkin is a good investment.

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • price: $39 • iSkin.com

review: Speck CandyShell Flip Case for iPhone 4

by Christine Chan

While many cases provide great protection, sometimes they come at the inconvenience of not allowing your device to be docked while it’s on. Speck has solved this little problem with the CandyShell Flip for your iPhone 4.

The Flip has a foldable bottom that will allow your iPhone 4 to be docked with the case on. This design is very similar to the CandyShell for iPad, which has a opening flap for docking. 

Like the other CandyShell cases we’ve covered in the past, the Flip has a hard polycarbonate outer shell, and a soft and rubberized interior that provides shock absorption for your device. The rubber interior extends to the corners of the case, so that there is a two-tone appearance. Speck also provides a great variety of matching color combinations for the CandyShell Flip.

The buttons are covered with the rubber material for extra protection. Although the drawback of these rubber covers is that the power button loses the tactile feedback it has before the case is on.

There’s a cutout for the camera and flash so that it doesn’t obstruct your photos. On the bottom, there are holes for the mic and speaker, and a wide enough opening for the charging port to work with older cables.

Speck made it easier to remove the phone from the case with the Flip though, since the bottom folds out (but can snap back in place), you can just slide the phone out that way. This is an alternative to pushing the phone out from the back of the case and angling it out slowly.

Those that dock their device frequently and want a case that can stay on during docking will definitely want to check out the Speck CandyShell Flip. It offers great protection and looks good too!

rating: five stars out of five • price: $34 • SpeckProducts.com

iPhone 4 case review: Griffin Elan Frame

by Christine Chan

Do you ever want some protection for your iPhone 4 without sacrificing that beautiful glass front and back? No, we’re not talking about the Apple Bumper, we’re talking about the Griffin Elan Frame “low-profile” case for your iPhone 4.

This is essentially a bumper, but with some differences. It’s a two-piece sliding, snap on case with textured sides to provide grip to the device while in the hands. The glass on the back of the iPhone 4 will be left exposed.

Those that use screen protectors may want to be wary of this case, however. There are reports floating around on the Internet that warn that because of the sliding nature of this bumper case, it will push up the edges of your screen protectors. Since I don’t use any screen protectors on my device, I did not experience this problem firsthand. But those that do use those protective films will want to be careful.

The Elan Frame bumper case leaves the ringer toggle and volume buttons exposed in a cutout, so there is plenty of space to access it. The headphone port is also left open to accommodate your buds, and the power button is left exposed as well. The bottom features an open space for the mic/speaker and charging port.

While the sides of the case are textured, I felt that it did not add a lot of “grip” to the device. In fact, at some points I found it to be a bit slipper than without it on. These sides also proved problematic for me when trying to get the case off, since I was unable to find a real good grip on it to pull the locked-in pieces apart.

Speaking of locked-in design, I found this to be a bit bothersome since it does prove difficult to remove. I have to admit – I struggled with getting this case off when I wanted to.

In the end, I saw little reason to keep using this case. It looks similar to the Bumper, but I found it to be less grippy than even those. Plus, the lock-on design of the two halves is bothersome, and the sides will push up any screen protectors you may have on your phone. There’s also very little protection to the back glass besides the small little lift from the edges.

It may look good, but there really isn’t much to this case.

rating: 2.5 stars out of five • price: $29-$34 • GriffinTechnology.com

iPhone 4 case review: Trident Cyclops

by Christine Chan

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Kraken case from Trident. That case was very similar to the Otterbox Defender series, and both are good cases for those looking for extreme rugged protection for their iPhone 4. But what if you are looking for something a bit sleeker, but still offers great protection? Well, then I’d like to introduce you to the Trident Cyclops case for your iPhone 4.

This is a two-layer protective case for your iPhone 4 that offers the great, rugged protection in a much sleeker package than the Kraken case. It consists of two parts – the outer silicon ring for shock absorption and a harder, rubbery plastic two-piece snap-on shell on the inside. The inner shell features a two-tone colored back along with a Trident logo and some air holes on the bottom half. These holes are probably for getting some air ventilation for the device, at least that is my best bet.

Installing the case is easy – just put the iPhone in the shell and snap together the two pieces, then just wrap the silicon around the edges, making sure that it all flattens out. A bonus of the Cyclops case, like the other rugged cases, is that it comes with a built-in screen protector. So no worrying about those annoying film protectors with the Cyclops!

Once the case is on, I noticed that the phone became a lot easier to hold without any problems. The sides of the silicon feature some ridges that greatly improve the grip and feel. 

The front of the phone is completely protected, leaving cutouts for the FaceTime camera, ambient light sensor, and a cluster of smaller holes for the speaker at the top. The home button is exposed, but it is protected by a thicker layer of casing, which makes the button a bit more recessed.

The bottom mic and speaker are given exact cutouts, and the charging port is left exposed, though it seems to be a close fit with older cables and accessories. The volume and power buttons are covered with the casing, but there is no difficulty in pressing them down when need be. The ringer toggle is left with a space to access it, though it may be a bit harder for those with bigger hands.

Due to the thicker layer of the Cyclops case, the headphone port is a bit recessed and won’t be able to allow headphone plugs to get in. Luckily, Trident knew about that and includes a free headphone adapter that will allow you to plug in any headphones you want. So no complaining for that!

The Trident Cyclops case combines great protection, feel, and style all in one package. It’s also sleek and fits into the pocket easily for easy access to your iPhone at all times. So if you’re looking for a case that has the best of everything, the Cyclops is definitely one to check out.

rating: five stars out of five • price: $24 • TridentCase.com

review: Contour Design iSee Case for iPad

Contour Design’s adaptation of its signature iSee case to the iPad is no surprise, as the see-through hard plastic case has been around in various incarnations for the iPhone and iPod for much of the past decade. The philosophy behind the iSee has always been straightforward: even when encased, your device should still be immediately recognizable. And accordingly, with my iPad inside the iSee, anyone can tell it’s an iPad from a mile away. Unless you’re in an environment where you’re afraid it’s going to get stolen right out of your hands, that recognizability is a good thing.

If the iSee’s strength has always been how it shows off your device, its weakness over the years has (depending on the generation) sometimes been that its two piece, front-back snap together design has been easier to attach than to remove. When I saw a pair of coin slots on either side of the case, I momentarily feared that this would be one of those cases you have to use a coin to get open, a nightmare for users who take their device out of the case more than occasionally. But as it turns out, prying the case open with your fingers is fairly easy thanks to those slots, no coin or tool needed, and in my tests I was able to consistently remove the case within about ten seconds. Interestingly, it takes about that long to assemble, as you do have to run your fingers around the entire perimeter of the case to ensure that it’s snapped tight all the way around.

Forty bucks might be a bit much for such a simple snap-on case, but the iSee does have an ace in the hole. A pair of plastic beams fit together in a criss-cross pattern to function as a makeshift stand, sturdier than I thought, and collapsible enough to travel with. The included stand was almost enough to bump the rating up to four and a half stars, but ultimately people are going to buy the iSee because they want a case, not because they’re looking for a stand, meaning not everyone will use it. The iSee itself feels more like a $29 or $34 product.

Not that it factored into the star rating, but the iSee for iPad makes a design choice I wish it hadn’t. The first is the use of frosted translucent clear plastic instead of truly transparent plastic. It’s not devastating, as most of the iPad’s rear surface is just a generic hunk of silver anyway, so it doesn’t look any different. But the iPad’s Apple logo looks needlessly blurry thanks to the use of frosted plastic. And, to my tastes anyway, detracts slightly from the notion that the iSee is supposed to allow your iPad to look exactly like an iPad while in the case.

rating: four stars out of five • price: $39 • ContourDesign.com

review: Marware SportShell Convertible Case for iPad

Each iteration of Marware’s SportShell Convertible over the years has seen a new twist on the product, continually redefining the functionality of the multi-function case. Now the company takes its first shot at an iPad version of the SportShell Convertible, after years of revving it for iPod and iPhone, and the results are a mix of common sense features and ones you never saw coming.

The case consists of a hard black plastic shell, but with a giant hole in the back. As it turns out, it comes with two different back-piece inserts. One is black plastic and matches the rest of the case. The other is clear hard plastic which allows most of the back of your iPad to remain visible to the world. But it turns out there’s more going on, as you can slip a photo in behind the clear plastic. Didn’t see that coming, did you? I’m not sure how many people will use such a feature, but it actually works without hassle.

The meat of the features, however, come by way of the four kick-out legs. The two smaller ones on the right can be used to slightly elevate a laid-flat iPad for typing purposes, while the two larger legs on the left can be used to set up the iPad as if it were a picture frame. And an included elastic handstrap can be connected to notches under the legs on either the right or left side, which is good news for left-handers and those who simply like to switch off which hand they hold their iPad with.

The less appealing news regarding the legs is that because they’re not of uniform length, they can only be used to let you type in landscape mode (bad news for those who prefer the smaller keyboard of portrait mode), and alternately, they can only be used to stand the iPad up in portrait mode. Another annoyance is that the iPad’s mute switch (or orientation lock switch, if you haven’t yet updated to iOS 4.2.1) is more difficult to access than it should be, thanks to a too-tight cut out around that particular area. All the iPad’s other ports and controls, however, are easily accessible.

The bottom line on Marware’s SportShell Convertible for iPad is that even though it’s not perfect, it’s well done and comes with a bunch of built-in flexibility. But you can get yourself a simple hard plastic iPad shell case for a lot less than $59, meaning that the SportShell Convertible is only going to be worth its price tag to you if you plan to take advantage of at least some of its various features.

rating: four stars out of five • Price: $59 • Marware.com

review: MonCarbone HoverCoat Carbon Fiber for iPad

Carbon fiber is a material which can be cut to such impossibly thin and light measurements, yet still retain a sturdiness to it, that it makes for an intriguing hardshell cover for the iPad. MonCarbone has done exactly that with its HoverCoat, a snap-on backshell piece which feels weightless in your hands, meaning that when you attach it to your iPad you’re gaining protection and decoration while adding essentially no weight or bulk.

The HoverCoat for iPad has the same familiar vaguely metallic black criss-cross look as most other carbon fiber products, including MonCarbone’s existing offerings for iPhone. In my tests I found the HoverCoat for iPad to be easy to attach and remove, with appropriate cut-outs for all the ports and controls. Unfortunately, like most backshells, the HoverCoat leaves the front couple of millimeters of the iPad’s silver bezel exposed, meaning that the product is more about keeping scratches off your iPad’s back and making it look interesting than it is about any impact protection from drops. And if you thought carbon fiber iPhone products were expensive, get ready to pay a whopping $89 for MonCarbone’s HoverCoat for iPad, thanks to the larger nature of the iPad and the additional material required to cover it. But then carbon fiber never does come cheap.

As a side note, even with the tiny perforations in the HoverCoat around the iPad’s top antenna area, I did lose one bar of wireless signal strength on my iPad in some situations; no measurable loss of signal in other situations. This slight signal degradation is confirmed by MonCarbone on the company’s product page. I found it to be essentially a non-issue, but it may be a factor for you if you’re dealing with a weak signal to begin with.

Price: $89 • MonCarbone.com

review: Speck Fitted ArtsProjekt Case for iPhone 4

by Christine Chan

Speck has some of the coolest and trendiest cases out there for your iDevices, and the Artsprojekt Fitted case is no exception.

We covered the Fitted case before, but in case you didn’t get a chance to check it out, we’ll talk about it again.

The Fitted is a two-piece snap-on case for your iPhone 4 with a backing made with cloth fabric. The sides of the case (as well as the interior) have a matte appearance and feels silky smooth in the hand. The back is cloth, but comes in various patterns. In the case of the Artsprojekt series, the backs feature artistic designs from various artists looking to get their work out there.

Once the case is on, it’s a secure fit and will survive practically all drops that can happen during the day. The ringer toggle and volume buttons are left exposed, as well as the headphone port and power button. The camera and flash get a nice cutout that is non-intrusive on your phot ographs, and the bottom is left wide open for compatibility with older cables.

The only problem I have with the Fitted case is that it can be a bit of a nuisance to take off if you don’t already know how. It is secure, a little too secure, and the only way to get it off is to pry open the top right corner and then lift the edges from the screen and pull the top half while pushing the phone away from the piece. Yes, apologies if that sounded confusing, but any other attempt to remove the case probably won’t work.

I found this hassle with removing the case to be a bit irksome, and haven’t found much liking for the Fitted cases after that. And you’re going to have to remove the case quite often because dust seems to collect quite frequently around the edges of the screen, from what I’ve noticed.

This case is good for protection, but can be a bit irksome if you plan to keep your device clean or want to change cases eventually. Unless you can master the art of taking it off in the first try, you’re going to have a hard time with it. But if you like to have unique designs that can’t be found from anyone else, then the Artsprojekt Fitted from Speck is the way to go. Just be wary of the potential headache that can arise when trying to get it off.

rating: three stars out of five • price: $39 • SpeckProducts.com

review: Speck Holiday CandyShell Cases for iPhone 4

The holidays are among us, and what better way to celebrate than by decking out your iPhone 4 in some festive holiday cheer? Speck has released some holiday themed CandyShell cases, available exclusively at AT&T stores nationwide!

The Speck CandyShell is exactly what it sounds like – a hard polycarbonate exterior, but soft, rubbery interior. The rubber interior is soft but also adds a shock absorbing layer to protect the iPhone from drops and impact.

The holiday versions come in two different choices: a blue plastic and red rubber theme decorated with snowmen on the back, and a light green/red theme with a Santa on the back lower half. Both designs are cute and festive for the holiday season.

The iPhone simply goes in the case by sliding the bottom in first, then pushing the rest into the rubbery material. Once the phone is in the case, you’re left with a sense of protection and no longer have to w orry about dropping your phone!

The soft rubbery material forms a lip around the front of the phone to help keep dust and dirt away from the inside. It also adds a lot of lift to the screen so that way the glass will never touch a flat surface!

The volume and power buttons get covered up in the rubber material so that they are fully protected. The toggle switch gets a little space that may be a little hard to access for those with bigger hands, but the headphone port is fully accessible. There are perfectly shaped cutouts for the camera/flash, bottom mic and speaker, as well as a fitted opening for the connector port. Even though the opening may not look like enough, I had no problem using older cables and car chargers with the holiday CandyShell on.

My only problem with the case is that the back starts to get a bit oily after holding it for a while, but that’s easily fixed by wiping it down on clothes or a cl eaning cloth. The CandyShell does add a bit of thickness to your iPhone, but it feels really well-protected.

If you’re looking for a case to dress your iPhone up for the holiday season, then look no further than these adorable CandyShell holiday cases from Speck! Look for them at your local AT&T stores for $29.99.

review by Christine Chan

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • SpeckProducts.com

review: Griffin FlexGrip Case for iPhone 4

Those looking for a great flexible shell-type case should look no further than the Griffin FlexGrip for the iPhone 4.

The FlexGrip is a simple one-piece, synthetic rubber shell that wraps around your iPhone 4 perfectly to protect it from dust, dirt, scratches, and anything else life can throw at it. You can get it in and out of your pocket without collecting any pocket lint or other debris stuck on the exterior.

When the FlexGrip is on, it does what the name implies – it adds a nice, strong grip to your device. A ribbed groove runs along the sides that add more grip when the device is in your hands. I rather like this groove because it really does make a difference compared with similar cases, such as the iSkin Solo.

The material used in the FlexGrip is similar to the Solo that I’ve reviewed before, but i notice that the FlexGrip doesn’t get as oily after extended use and is a bit ‘grippier.’ 

Additionally, the entire back is revealed through the transparent synthetic rubber material, so you can still show off your iPhone 4 and that glorious little Apple logo. There is no branding on the back of the case like with the iSkin Solo, but the Griffin branding runs on the bottom of the ribbed groove sides. This is great, because it’s nicely tucked away.

The FlexGrip leaves the volume buttons and ringer toggle open, so there’s no fuss with getting to these buttons. The headphone port is also left open, and the camera and flash get a perfect cutout that does not obstruct photos. The charging port and bottom mic and speakers are left open so there are no problems with using older cables and accessories.

I did find the power button got a bit harder to press down due to the case covering it. It’s a bauble that goes over the power button but when I need to press it, it requires a bit more force to push it down. I’ m not sure why this is, though I have a hunch it’s because the material is a bit firmer than others like the Solo. But this is only a minor problem, and one that you’ll probably get used to over time.

The front is protected with a bit of lip from the case, which provides a bit of lift to the front glass. This is so it won’t touch any flat surfaces directly and should be safe from drops.

Like most cases, you should also take the phone out every now and then to clean. With the FlexGrip, this is extremely easy to do, since it just comes off just by peeling it apart from the phone. 

So if you are looking for a good shell case for your iPhone 4 that will show off the beauty of the device, then check out the Griffin FlexGrip. It’s simple, grippy, protective, and comes in four colors to add some flair to your device.

review by Christine Chan

rating: five stars out of five • price: $19 • GriffinTechnology.com

review: Griffin Elan Form Graphite Case for iPhone 4

I’m a fan of most hard snap-on cases, and Griffin has another good one for those seeking it – meet the Elan Form Graphite for your iPhone 4.

The EFG is a simple two-piece snap on case that has a textured back with a hard plastic layer on the sides. Inside the case is a soft-touch lining that will help you keep the back side of your iPhone 4 clean and scratch free.

I found the EFG to be nice and easy to apply on your device and just as easy to take off during those times you want to clean your device or just take a break. Unlike some other cases, a simple little pull between the two halves at the top will separate the two pieces in a snap (sorry for the pun).

The texture of the case gives the device more grip when being held, and adds a bit of flair to the plain back. There is a Griffin logo on the back, but it’s pretty minor and barely noticeable so it shouldn’t be a problem. 

I found the plastic sides to also add a better grip, almost as good as something like silicon and the like. A note of interest – the top half of the case is a smoky black, so it’s a bit transparent at the top and bottom.

Wide open spaces are available on the left sides of the case as well as the top and bottom. This means that there is no unnecessary fuss with getting access to getting to the volume buttons and ringer, or getting to the power button and headphones. The best part is that the bottom has plenty of space so your older iPhone cables will still work with this case on. The camera and flash get a nice sized cutout that won’t obstruct with any of your photographs.

I’ve dropped my phone several times (indoors) during the day with the case on and it’s survived without a scratch. Mileage may vary, but I believe that this case is pretty durable enough to survive most drops, which is my experience with pretty much all past Gri ffin cases as well.

If you’re in the market for a snap-on case, then the Elan Form Graphite from Griffin Tech should be a good contender. It’s simple, stylish, protective, and affordable.

review by Christine Chan

rating: five stars out of five • price: $34 • GriffinTechnology.com

review: OtterBox Impact Series Case for iPhone 4

OtterBox is well known for the rugged case, but some timed that bulky, impenetrable tank is not for everyone. Some still want the OtterBox protection without the bulk, and that’s where the Impact series comes in.

The Impact is a single piece of thick, shock-absorbing silicon that stretches over your iPhone 4. Even though it’s a silicon skin, I felt that OtterBox even has highly durable silicon – I didn’t need to fear about tearing a delicate material. It was rugged, just like the quality that I would expect from OtterBox.

Included with the Impact case are some clear protectors for the front and the back of your phone. These are optional though, and not necessary if you don’t like screen protectors (I didn’t install them). The silicon skin should fit snugly over the glass protectors.

The best method to get the case on is from bottom-top, at least that’s how I did it. Don’t be afraid to pull the material a bit to get it to fit – it’s OtterBox quality.

Once the case is on, the phone gets a bit thicker, but you get a great grip on your device and can feel that it’s getting good protection.

There are openings for the bottom charging port, headphone port, ringer toggle, and camera/flash. To get to the ringer toggle may take a bit of effort though, since it’s a pretty small square space that is surrounded by thick silicon. It’s easy to get to with a nail though. 

The camera and flash are given a generous space, much more so than I’ve seen in all other cases. Additionally, there is a hole to reveal the Apple logo, but no clear plastic to protect the actual device – that’s where those clear protectors from earlier come in. Even if you don’t install the protectors, you can still clean the Apple logo with a cleaning cloth since the space is also generous.

The volume and power buttons are covered in a layer of silicon, so they’re protected from the elements. The front of the device is also thoroughly protected, with a layer of silicon covering the areas above and below the screen. There are cutouts for the ambient light sensor, speakers/mic and FaceTime camera, as well as an imprint for where the home button is for easy access.

The only negative thing about this case is like that of all other silicon cases: lint and dirt will get stuck to the silicon material, and the sides around the screen are loose and can be pushed back a bit, which could allow dust and lint to get inside the case. But these two problems are to be expected of most silicon cases and skins.

If you want the ruggedness of OtterBox but don’t want the bulk, then the Impact series could be fore you. Unless you don’t like pure silicon cases like me, the Commuter Series from OtterBox may be a good alternative (half silicon, half polycarbonate). However, if you are a pure silicon fan, then I’d highly recommend the OtterBox Impact series case. It’s rugged and protects your phone while having a little bit of style.

review by Christine Chan

rating: four stars out of five • OtterBox.com

review: Ballistic HC Series Case for iPhone 4

How does a case that is “Designed to survive life” sound to you?

That’s pretty much what you’re going to get with the Ballistic HC (Hardcore) case for your iPhone 4.

This case offers you four layers of protection. The main part of the case is the sturdy and tough polycarbonate shell, which consists of two pieces: the main backing which will cover the back and the sides, and the front piece that covers the front glass and also includes a built-in screen protector. Then there’s the silicon layer that completes the Ballistic and gives it the final touch in ultimate protection for your iPhone 4. Additionally, there is a belt clip holster included.

I found that installing the case is pretty easy. The main ‘case’ snaps together but can be pulled apart quickly without any struggling. The phone goes in to the back piece first, then the front piece goes on top, and a push is required to get the two pieces to snap shut. The silicon stretches comfortably over this hard shell case.

Once the case is on, your phone gets a lot of bulk added to it, but I’m pretty sure that’s already a given once you get the case. Like other rugged cases, the Ballistic HC makes your phone feel like it can survive any drop or hit that gets thrown its way. The holster is a great addition to the case – it’s impossible to have this fit comfortably in your pocket.

The hard case covers the home, volume, and power buttons with a soft, rubber-like material. The front also covers up the glass above the screen, but leaves openings for the speaker/mic and front-facing camera. The camera and flash get nice cutouts on the back that don’t obstruct photos in any way, which is nice. The silicon layer adds a cover plug for the ringer toggle switch, headphone port, and charging port. I’m always a fan of these ‘plugs’ because they make the device look a bit more flushed out and also prevent dust from getting in, which is always a royal pain.

My only problem with this case is the screen protector. While it allows the touch screen to be fully functional, I noticed that if you press down on it with even the slightest force, it will start ‘sticking’ to the glass, and as a result, bubbles will start developing. The only way to fix this is to remove the case and put it back on again. Nothing really big, but if you’re as OCD like me, this may irk you.

The Ballistic HC is a pretty good ‘rugged’ case overall. Plenty of protection to last your device for a lifetime. The built-in screen protector needs work, though. I didn’t have this problem with the Otterbox Defender case since it didn’t really ‘stick’ to the glass – it was more like a shield.

If you’re looking for a nice rugged case for your iPhone 4 to protect it from pretty much anything, give the Ballistic HC a try.

Christine Chan

rating: four stars out of five • GoBallisticCase.com

review: Moshi iGlaze Case for iPhone 4

Those that are looking for a simple, yet stylish case for their iPhone 4 should look no further than the Moshi iGlaze 4.

This is a simple one-piece snap-on case. There is also included backing protector to prevent any damage that bits of dust and dirt may cause to the glass (the infamous ‘glassgate’ controversy that a certain publication cooked up). The back protector is optional – it is by no means necessary to use the iGlaze.

Getting the device in the iGlaze is really simple – just insert the phone side-buttons first and push the other side into the case. This duo-tone case has a smooth, matte feel that is absolutely a pleasure to touch. There is an overall slim profile to the case, but it protects the back and sides of the phone.

However, like some other snap-on cases, the iGlaze suffers from leaving the top and bottom exposed. If any impact is on these areas, there’s no guarantee that your device may not come out unharmed. The protruding glass screen is also left exposed, so there won’t be any protection if it happens to fall flat on the screen.

Additionally, the volume buttons are left exposed, which means easier access to the controls but that area is also exposed to vulnerabilities. The camera and flash are given a generous cutout that does’t obstruct photos and there is a hole in the back to show off the Apple logo.

To remove the device from the iGlaze, I found that separating the corner of the case (near the ringer toggle) and then pushing in the back of the case will lift the phone. From then it’s easy to get the phone out.

Providing some simple protection, the iGlaze is great if you just want some minimal protection (as long as you are careful with your phone!) that is lightweight, with a bit of style. The feeling of the matte polycarbonate shell is pretty good too. If you’re looking for more though, then this ca se can be skipped over.

This is one of the better one-piece snap-ons I’ve encountered though. Worth a try if you are a fan of these types of cases.

review by Christine Chan

rating: four stars out of five • MoshiMonde.com

review: Fabrix Booklet Stand+Case for iPad

If you’re looking for a nice clean design, you need to take a look at the Fabrix Booklet! It’s a folio-styled iPad case that holds your iPad securely in place, minus al the bulk.

Open the case and simply slide in your iPad into the slot. The slot has cutouts for the iPad screen, the Ambient Light Sensor, and the Home button. Along the edges are cutouts for ports like the headset, speakers, charger, as well as openings for the on/off, orientation (soon to be mute), and volume buttons.

Once the iPad is in, you can close the front flap and it’ll look like a beautiful book. The booklet is held together using ultra thin magnets. This prevents the front flap from opening up on its own. Anti-slip suede used on the interior prevents the iPad from sliding out. You can hold it upside to test. To take the iPad out will require you to pull it out. This eliminates the need for straps or small flaps to hold it in.

When you open the flap, there are three small and thin compartments on the inner side. These compartments are nice to slide in business cards, or smaller pieces of paper. Bend the flap further back to create a sturdy landscape iPad stand. You can put it in portrait mode, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

One downfall of this case is that doesn’t protect every aspect of the iPad. The left edges of the iPad (if you held it in portrait mode) are exposed, making scratches and bumps possible. I would recommend carrying this case in an iPad bag if you intend to take it to various place, or apply a scratch protect system that covers the edges of the iPad.

Overall, the simplistic look and high quality materials used for this case sets it apart from other cases. The case is lightweight and protects the screen, which is a huge plus.

The Fabrix Booklet is available in 3 colors — Faux Black, Gray Matter, and Classic Tan, perfect whether you’re a fashionista, a professional, or both!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars · $59.90 · FabrixCases.com

review: Vaja Leather Case for iPhone 4

Ah, there is nothing finer in life than having excellent quality leather, is there? And if you have an iPhone 4, then you can expect only the finest leather to protect your iPhone in. Thats where Vaja brand leather cases comes in. The sample I received is the plain Black Series for iPhone 4. It’s a snug case in which you slide your device in and then cover the screen with the flap that stems from the bottom.
The Black Series is made of rich cowhide leather, with a customizable inner lining in the color of your choice. These cases are handcrafted from the moment you place your order, and takes approximately 45 days, but I can assure you the quality is well worth the wait.

When you close the flap, you do so by snapping the top clasp on the top of the phone. This encloses the phone in the leather, it looks sleek and fashionable. The case also has openings for the side buttons as well as the headphone port and power button. The camera and flash are exposed as well so there’s no need to remove the case to take photos or video. The only drawback is that if the phone is dropped and lands on the corner of the camera, its not guaranteed to be protected. But the rest of the phone has no problems, so hope you don’t drop the device on the camera!

The minor annoyance is when you need the device plugged in – you will have to have the flap open since it covers the dock connector when its closed. But not a huge problem by any means. Overall, the Black Series case from Vaja is very protective (sans camera corner) that should protect your device through the rough and tumbles of everyday wear. It also looks slick and stylish as well. It’s hard to make a great leather case for a device, but Vaja has great history and track record in that area.

rating: five stars out of five • VajaCases.com

review: Griffin Elan Passport Wallet for iPhone 4

You need your phone. You need your wallet. Doesn’t it just make sense to keep these two items together? Meet the Elan Passport Wallet from Griffin Technology.

The Elan Passport Wallet comes in two colors: Black and Platinum. For guys, it’s best to go with the black, unless you’re bold and daring. The Platinum has lilac accents as well as a flowery lining on the inside (the black has black lining). As an added bonus to the platinum version, there’s a security lanyard included. Both colors have a very nice chrome accent on the front, which adds a nice touch.

Now let’s get to the good stuff. The wallet stays closed with a snap button enclosure. Open it up and on the left will be two slots for credit cards and IDs, along with a pocket to keep some dollar bills, small notes, business cards, etc. On the right is where you will keep your phone. The slots hold about four cards, so don’t expect to bring all your plastic in this wallet case.

The phone simply slides into the space. While testing this, I had a Gelaskin on my iPhone, and am happy to report that there is no problem with getting your iPhone with any films on into the Elan Passport Wallet.

While your phone is in the wallet, all of the front will be visible except the bottom, where the home button is. This part of the phone will be covered up by the leather, with an indentation to indicate where you need to press for the home button. This indentation has a bit of a metal piece in the metal to make it ‘easier’ to press down on the home button, though I still found it a bit difficult.

The power button, headphone jack, bottom speakers/mic, and charging port are all left open for easy access. The side of the device with the ringer toggle and volume buttons is also left exposed. Even the camera and flash gets a nice hole for you to take your photos and record video without any troubles.

I found it a bit hard to type on the phone when it was in the wallet though. The sides are a bit thick on the screen, so it made it a bit difficult, since the edges prevented my fingers from hitting some letters.

When you close the wallet with everything inside, it looks pretty good. Since you can’t pack everything in it, the case doesn’t get overstuffed. It closes easily without any need to struggle with the closure, like you may have encountered with wallets before.

While the concept is great — eliminate the need to carry your wallet and iPhone separately — there needs to be some work done to improve the case. Mainly the home button issue — personally, I think the bottom part that covers the button should be removed. It’s not necessary, when the top part above the screen is exposed. It just makes the home button so much harder to press and actually work.

The sides on the screen should be modified so it’s not as intrusive on the screen when typing as well, at least for me. But I’m not sure how to improve it. More of something that should be taken into consideration when getting this wallet.

But if you like the idea of carrying the essentials together in one wallet, then this is worth checking out. Worth getting though, even just for those times where you don’t really want to take a lot of things with you. It’s the convenience factor.

review by Christine Chan

rating: 3.5 stars out of five • $39 • GriffinTechnology.com

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