Posted by: David Klein
Date: Monday, March 2nd, 2009, 17:59
Category: Cases, iPhone
By David Klein
We all know the iPhone is sexy. Apple succeeded in maintaining its tradition of sleek, innovative design. A separate tradition that follows Apple releases is a slew of accessories. Every time I purchase an iPod I also get a matching case for both protection and to make it unique. Naturally, I wanted to purchase a case for my iPhone too.
I quickly realized that the iPhone is the first Apple product that is with me all the time. Of course we all listen to music on our iPods and other mp3 players (I owned a Rio 500 back in the day), but constant presence is not guaranteed like that of a cell phone. The iPhone is also more versatile. At the gym it’s an mp3 player. In meetings it’s a note taker. This is different when compared to an iPod which is always an mp3 player. One case will suffice. The iPhone can be more effectively used with different cases to match the tasks. Similar to my headphones post, I believe there are three case/task categories: style, gym, and productivity.
Style – Moshi iGlaze 3G
The best iPhone 3G case available is the Moshi iGlaze 3G. This is my everyday case. It’s thin and light so your iPhone doesn’t become bloated. It has a circular hole in the back to reveal the Apple logo. It comes in black, cramberry, and white. On the bottom is Moshi’s logo which is gracefully placed on all of its products. You can see it on my review of their Celesta keyboard. Included in the package is a film cover to protect the screen from scratches and smudges. The iGlaze’s beat feature is the smooth, rubber material. For US$23 you won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend this case even if you already own one. Moshi continues to impress me with its beautiful products.
http://www.moshimonde.com/iglaze_3g.htm
Gym – Griffin Elan Form
When I exercise at the gym I want to be sure that my iPhone is safe in my pocket. Of course nothing will stop complete destruction if one drops a barbell onto the screen, but it’s still possible to prevent damage from drops. Yes, occasionally I accidentally get something caught on the headphones wire and the iPhone does a little dance onto the floor. That’s why I need a case that’s more rugged than the iGlaze. The answer is Griffin Technology’s Elan Form. Leather on the outside; hard shell on the inside. It comes in both black and pink. The Elan Form is not nearly as smooth to the touch as the iGlaze, but it’s definitely harder. It’s very easy to slide on and off (compared to another case I had which actually required a nickel to pry open and remove). On Griffin’s website the Elan Form costs US$30, but you can find it for US$18 on Amazon. If you’re looking for extra protection for activities like running, biking, or lifting weights, I recommend this case.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/elanform3g#
Productivity – Pogo Stylus
I loved the Palm Pilot. I had one high school (yes I was that guy). I also had an iPaq phase in college. I never had any complaints while using a stylus. Now, you can use one with your iPhone. The Pogo Stylus includes two pieces: the stylus and piece of plastic that snaps onto the back and sides of the iPhone. Clearly this sounds foreign since we are all so accustomed to tapping on the screen with our fingers. However, there’s something oddly familiar about pressing on the screen with a tool instead of a finger. It’s faster, more accurate, easy to learn how to use, and it’s soft tip won’t hurt the screen. Within minutes you’ll be swiping across the screen like the good old days of the Palm products. The Pogo Stylus is great for taking notes during meetings or writing longer emails than you can normally tolerate while using your fingers. It comes in black, gunmetal, silver, and cranberry. Pogo makes different size clips for both the first and second generation iPhones and the iPod Touch. Although this is not exactly a case, I still find it attached often. For US$15 I think this is a fun way to improve the iPhone.
http://www.tenonedesign.com/stylus.php
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Posted by: Chris Barylick
Date: Friday, June 29th, 2007, 08:38
Category: Cases
On Wednesday, accessory maker Speck Products announced that it had released seven new cases for Apple’s upcoming iPhone handset:
SkinTight: A rubberized skin available in a 2-pack. The case includes a belt clip/stand for viewing and allows for the iPhone’s screen to face inward for better protection. The SkinTight is available in clear and black and clear and pink colors and retails for US$29.95.
ToughSkin: A ruggedized case with swivel belt clip/stand for viewing. The ToughSkin allows for the iPhone’s screen to face inward for better protection and is available in black and clear colors and retails for US$29.95.
TechStyle Classic Leather Case: This is a stitched leather case with micro fiber lining and swivel belt clip/stand for viewing. Once again, the iPhone’s screen can face inward for better protection. The TechStyle case is available in black and brown and retails for US$34.95.
Holster-Pro: This is a stitched leather case with micro fiber lining and swivel belt clip/stand for viewing. The Holster-Pro allows for the iPhone’s screen to face inward for better protection and is available in black and retails for US$29.95.
The iPhone is slated for launch later today and the cases are among the first accessories available for the unit.
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Posted by: Chris Barylick
Date: Thursday, May 31st, 2007, 11:42
Category: Cases
On Thursday, Fabrix introduced two additional designs to the Delux Laptop Case Collection.
The new designs, “Floral Explosion” and “Black Beauty”, sport a summer look and are available for the 13.3″ MacBook, 15.4″ MacBook Pro and custom sizes for non-Mac customers.
Prices for the cases begin at US$40.90 and customers can also order an iPod sleeve for only US$12.90 with each laptop case ordered.
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Saturday, March 3rd, 2007, 11:27
Category: Cases
Speck Products has released a three new cases for the iPod nano second generation (aluminum).
ToughSkin 2Tough (US$25) features a DropGuard shock absorbing system. It has a one-piece design with a snap-fit enclosure and comes with built-in screen protection and a belt clip.
ActiveSport Lite (US$30) is an armband case with a sewn-in screen protector. In the gym it fits pythons from 8-23 inches and can be removed from the armband.
SeeThru Lucid (US$25) is for the person that likes to preserve their iPod’s look and feel and protect it at the same time. It’s a hard lucite-like shell case that includes a snap-in swiveling belt clip.
Two more pix after the jump…
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Monday, July 24th, 2006, 09:00
Category: Cases
If you’re in the market for a sleeve for your MacBook Pro, check out Fabrix. I recently got to check out their line of laptop cases, or more accurately sleeves. Sleeves are recommended for protecting a notebook computer traveling in an insufficiently padded (i.e. fashion) bag or just for extra protection in a normal computer bag.
Fabrix is known for their killer color and fabric combinations. If standard issue black isn’t your thing check out their sleeves in camo, polka dots, stripes and even denim. If you’re into the distressed look, you can even get a sleeve in denim with paint spatter on it.
Fabrix sleeves are cushioned with quilted padding providing protection against scratches, light bumps and knocks. While fairly protective, the sleeves are softer and less rigid than sleeves from Waterfield Designs, which are made of heavy neoprene.
Fabrix sleeves are hand sewn to three sizes to fit 12, 13, 15 and 17-inch Apple notebooks and comes in horizontal or vertical orientations. Optional handles are available as well.
UPDATE: Fabrix is sold out of their laptop sleeves and a note posted on their site says to check back in a week’s time. In the mean time, check out some of their colorful iPod sleeves.
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Monday, June 5th, 2006, 09:51
Category: Cases, Luggage, MacBook Pro
These are some badass looking sleeves for the MacBook and MacBook Pro. If you’re looking for something other than boring black – check them out! Click through for the link.
Fabrix today launched its new collection of laptop cases built specially for Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro (MBP). Each laptop case is cushioned with internal quilted padding that provides the laptop with protection against scratches and light bumps.
MacNN | Fabrix launches MacBook, MBP cases
technorati tags: MacBook, Luggage, Case, Sleeve
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Posted by: PowerPage Contributor
Date: Friday, March 3rd, 2006, 12:00
Category: Cases
No one seems to be talking about Apple’s other new music player accessory: a US$99 leather case for the Nano and regular iPod. Alas, with the Nano’s earphone socket placement – on the base of the player – owners of the leather case will need to insert their player upside down, which means, of course, you have to take it out completely to look at the display, a ‘feature’ not shown on Apple’s photography. Whoops. From The Register (Scroll to the bottom of the page). Contributed by: Ditch
Not to mention the fact that it doesn’t even have cutouts for the display or the clickwheel, which means that you’ll have to take it out of the case each time you want to skip a song or turn up the volume. Ugh. Is this just a shot over the bow of all the case vendors out there? Can a kick-ass version 2.0 (with cutouts?) be far away? I thought that Apple didn’t compete with their third parties… -Ed
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Sunday, February 26th, 2006, 23:24
Category: Cases
I’ve always been a fan of sleevecases to protect my PowerBooks and my favorite to date is from Waterfield Designs in San Francisco. I’ve been using their sleevecases for years and their fit and protection is second to none.
A sleevecase provides an extra layer of protection for your ‘Book, especially when you carry it in a more traditional bage. Lately I’ve had to carry a more conservative case (a leather bag from Kenneth Cole) and it provides zero impact protection for a notebook computer, by adding a Waterfield sleevecase to the mix I can carry my MacBook around well-protected without advertising the fact that I’m a computer geek.
WaterField is now shipping a SleeveCase designed specifically for the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro SleeveCase is a “slim, durable covering made of a sturdy ballistic nylon shell and a high-grade neoprene interior that envelopes itself around the MacBook Pro for a snug fit.”
The Sleevecase can be used as a stand-alone case, or can be inserted into briefcases, messenger bags, or backpacks. WaterField SleeveCases comes in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, and you can customize them by adding a front flap or a strap for carrying the SleeveCase by itself. A detachable gear holder, the Piggyback, is also available, for carrying accessories like a power adapter, a mouse, or an AirPort Express. I recommend getting it with the works.
The Waterfield Sleevecase for the MacBook Pro (size 25) costs US$39, the Piggyback costs US$22 and both are available now.
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Thursday, January 5th, 2006, 09:27
Category: Cases
Brenthaven has announced new Metro and Fusion MB laptop bags, adding to their CORE protection system line.
The Metro Shoulder Bag (US$69.95) provides stylish protection and heavy protection in a lightweight bag (2.4 lbs). The front pocket features a pass-through and storage system for headphones or cell phone headset. A simple back pocket fits files or a daily newspaper. The Metro fits both iBooks (12-14-inch) and PowerBooks (12-15-inch) and is available in black, brown and light blue.
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Posted by: Jason O'Grady
Date: Friday, April 15th, 2005, 09:21
Category: Cases, iPod shuffle
I’m the kind of person that likes to keep my electronics in pristine condition so I usually become a little obsessed with cases. I slap a case on everything, my phone, iPod and camera. Although the iPod shuffle barely needs any protection (it’s so light that dropping it does little damage) it’s still a good idea to protect it from the wear and tear of everyday use.
That’s where the Skin Tight case for the iPod shuffle from Speck Products comes in. It provides 360 wraparound protection for the diminutive music player. The upside is that a silicone skin sticks to everything, it grips the dashboard of your car, sits nicely on the exercise bike, etc. The downside is that it sticks to everything and can be difficult to remove from your pocket, often inverting it in the process. Either way it’s a small price to pay for the protection provided and well worth the investment – especially if you’re as obsessed with your electronics as I am.
Skin Tight for the iPod shuffle is available now in clear, black and pink for US$19.95 – red, blue and green are available for pre-order and will ship on 30 March 2005.
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