Element Case, Ivyskin out iPhone 4 cases specifically to deal with reception issues

Can't find an official iPhone 4 bumper? Driving yourself mad trying to give your new smartphone white glove treatment? Fret not, as a couple of case makers have outed new iPhone 4 clothing that's meant to specifically dodge those naughty reception issues that seem to occur whenever your sweaty palm makes contact with that now infamous metal band. Element Case -- the same folks responsible for the downright lust-worthy Joule stand for iPad -- has just revealed their first iPhone 4 case, the Vapor (shown above). The company claims that its $79.95 enclosure provides an aircraft-grade, CNC'd aluminum frame lined with a shock-absorbent material, the latter of which "addresses iPhone 4 reception issues caused by direct hand to phone cradling." For now, it's up for pre-order (shipments are expected to start next week) in black / black and black / pink, with more colors to become available in the future. As for Ivyskin? It's stepping things up even further by naming its product the "iPhone 4 Reception Case." No need for subtly, we see. Hailed as the "world's thinnest polycarbonate shell" for Apple's latest iDevice, this here sleeve is the one to get if you're look to minimize added bulk and not cover up any of Cupertino's design cues. Best of all, this one retails for just $14.99 and ships with both front and back scratch-free body armors. Crazy that it has come to this, you know?

Update: We're seeing reports that Ivyskin is charging but not shipping its case. Buyer beware.

Element Case Vapor, Formula and Ion + Ivyskin iPhone 4 cases

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Simple Design for Superior Protection – ElementCASE Debuts "Vapor" for iPhone 4

Makers of the renowned Joule iPad Stand release the ultimate customization and comfort solution for iPhone 4, the Vapor Case

July 1, 2010 – San Francisco, CA – Element Case (www.elementcase.com), California's premier independent designer of luxurious, customizable Mac accessories, today launched its latest product, the iPhone 4 Vapor case. The Vapor provides an aircraft-grade, CNC'd aluminum frame lined with a shock-absorbent material for the ultimate in iPhone protection and style. The full case weighs less than 30 grams, Element's lightest design to-date.

The Vapor snugly and securely shields the iPhone 4 with two aluminum frame components, available in a variety of color combinations and selections. An ergonomic shape provides a sure grip while specially design cutouts provide access to the volume and silence controls, and an integrated, machined "on/off" button has been added to complete the clean lines of the Vapor. A carbon-fiber back plate can be added for enhanced scratch protection and a bold appearance.

The Vapor's aluminum frame is insulated with a special lining to address iPhone 4 reception issues caused by direct hand to phone cradling. This material is made from a slow rebounding compound that also offers shock absorption benefits.

Starting at $79.95, the Vapor brings Element's legendary design and quality craftsmanship to iPhone owners with our renowned customization options. Starting at At $99.95 the Vapor case will include the V4Carbon back plate. Custom laser engraved graphics will be available soon.

Available for pre-orders today, the Vapor will begin shipping in limited quantities from July 12. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

Element Case offers Mac enthusiasts unrivaled designs that are crafted in the USA to the highest quality. Please visit www.elementcase.com for full product information, ordering details, pricing and customization options.

About Element Case & Sasaki Designs

Jeff Sasaki, a seasoned Industrial Designer, launched Element Case (www.elementcase.com) in 2007 with his first product, the Alloy iPhone case. Followed by the Liquid Case, Joule iPad stand and other premium accessories, Element Case prides themselves on the highest quality workmanship, full customization on any product, and the most color and graphic options available to consumers from any iPhone and iPad accessory manufacturer.

All Element Case products are locally designed and manufactured in the San Francisco Bay Area. For media inquiries, review units and interview requests, please contact us at [e-mail].

[Zif Posted Jul 7th 2010 11:12PM]

@Dextar

Try again there. Apple makes you pay for the same apps that are free for Android.

As far as the app store is concerned... I can go to appbrain and pick and choose from my browser and sync later on my phone:

http://www.appbrain.com/

Nice try, but the Android market will give you something for free that you would have to pay for on the iPhone.

[thhix Posted Jul 7th 2010 11:49PM]

I thought there was no reception issue?

[DTJ Posted Jul 7th 2010 11:55PM]

Enough of this "can't make calls" nonsense… the iPhone 4 has better reception overall than the 3GS did. They both can and do make calls FINE. it's a gross exaggeration saying they "don't make calls".

[Failbait Posted Jul 8th 2010 12:11AM]

@DTJ

[Failbait Posted Jul 8th 2010 12:12AM]

@DTJ

No one says they don't make calls. They point out the unarguable fact that many drop calls by simply holding them a usual way.

Screw off, irobot.

[Failbait Posted Jul 8th 2010 12:17AM]

@DjGruv

The people who don't want to use a case, like me. I don't need my phone to look like a transfomers toy.

[dave95 Posted Jul 8th 2010 12:26AM]

@peacecrafts

"means a higher percentage of apps are free. The data/numbers you provided help prove the point."

This argument is silly. First, having a higher percentage of free Apps is not something any Android user should boast about. It only helps in keeping quality paid games and big name developers away from the platform (Android users don't pay for stuff while iOS user do). Second, Apple's App Store free app count (70,000) is almost as much as Android's total app count. So not sure why this free app percentage is seen as some positive.

[scoobydooby11 Posted Jul 8th 2010 1:38AM]

Can anyone tell me which case is in photo 6??Its the one with rubber around tge sides and carbon fibre looking backplate.. Appears like its a 3gs. Tried looking on the website but dont see it.. what is that model called????

[edf Posted Jul 8th 2010 1:44AM]

One more thing .... It's magical!

[Jonsson Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:00AM]

Amazing, Apple makes a defective phone and the fan boys are so deluded in their irrational praise for anything with a Apple logo on it that they happily buy's third party products to "fix" their new defective toy and then continue to praise how good their piece of crap is. Sigh!

[j4zb4 Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:10AM]

I would buy the iphone 4 just to use this case... haha

[statickeith Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:14AM]

@MrBigStuff I really hope you were sarcastic about that comment. Coz I want to hold my phone whatever way I want. It's I who decide how to use the phone and it should adjust to my hands, not the other way around!

[Marmite Turkey Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:18AM]

@samsoniteace Free and crappy.

[xdeiri Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:50AM]

Sux 2 B Apple fan.

[bladerunner0427 Posted Jul 8th 2010 2:55AM]

Ok so now you have to add another $80 on top of the cost of this shitty phone?! Oh geez. Hand over fist I tell ya.

[Irina Posted Jul 8th 2010 4:48AM]

@cwalters74 I really dislike the back as shown in the last few pictures, but man the frame is gorgeous! Where can I buy one, like... RIGHT NOW... I'll buy an iPhone later.

[joshmilletr02 Posted Jul 8th 2010 6:50AM]

Has anyone noticed that it seems there are more Android users reading this article (or at least commenting) than iPhone users? The iPhone is just ONE phone on ONE carrier (not even the largest carrier), yet it gets more press, comments, love, and hate than any other phone (which is crazy considering there are like 10 Android phones to talk about, and only one iPhone). Regardless of your views, it's undeniable that the iPhone is like the most popular kid in school...you either love them, or love to hate them. Either way, the fact that you have an opinion about them means you agree that they're worthy of your time to spend discussing in detail. Case in point: you never see Apple fans on droid stories...they don't even bother reading them. (Please don't erroneously state that "that's because Droid has nothing to complain about"...every phone has problems/shortcomings. And even though the iPhone has reception issues, why do you care if your not interested? Because you know this One phone, on this One carrier is worthy of your time and your just as curious and fascinated, and as passionate as the fanboys (albeit in just a negative way). Love it, or love to hate it...the point is you still care.

[technlyst Posted Jul 8th 2010 7:45AM]

Hi,

First of all I think it's vital to own some kind of case, whether it is an enclosure case or simply a sleeve case. When your phone is in your pocket or what ever there is many objects that can start to scratch away at the device, but I think $79.95 is execssive.

Why we need aircraft grade materials on our phone is beyond me, with some inguinuity and common materials a case can be made to do all the things this case does, and for a much cheaper price.

Anyway I guess some people will buy this case, because they can.

Take care
Technlyst

[Jboy90277 Posted Jul 8th 2010 8:30AM]

Obviously no RF engineers worked on the aluminum case. Surrounding your antenna with aluminum will kill reception.

[dzhiurgis Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:58AM]

For those double-left-handed I suggest a 5-cent scotch-tape mod...

[mrmoneyworth Posted Jul 8th 2010 1:02PM]

I will quote from a movie that whenever it comes on I have to watch Menace To Society:
"I feel sorrrrry fo yo motha." LOL Iphone 4

[Admin67 Posted Jul 8th 2010 1:04PM]

Nice cases but a bit too pricey IMO. I have been using my ip4 without a case and haven't had the antenna issues whatsoever, so I don't get the hype. Great phone but would like something reasonably priced to prevent damage if I drop it. The $30 bumper should be $3.

[recharged95 Posted Jul 8th 2010 3:27PM]

@cwalters74

One thing, I love how they called it "VAPOR" (as in vaporware?).

Still can't guarantee making calls: doesn't solve the proximity sensor issue (which you can still "drop" a call).

"carbon-fiber back plate can be added for enhanced scratch protection and a bold appearance" means...

.. you can get cell reception, BUT likely lose WiFi altogether I bet (carbon fiber != WiFi).

[Marcus Rivers Posted Jul 8th 2010 3:56PM]

@cwalters74
I'd bump that bumper. ;o

[mobileguy1 Posted Jul 12th 2010 2:28AM]

Found one in stock @ MobileRiotGear.com

[legionssolution Posted Jul 13th 2010 6:45PM]

its fnny how everyone pokes flaws at the iphone. like no other phone has problems. if you have a problem with it, deal with it and shut your winey ass mouth.

[thogan28 Posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:09PM]

This case looks cool but takes away all of your service. I went from 5 bars to 3 the moment I put it on and my speed test was 1880kbps download and 837 kbps upload with out the case. With the case is 976 kbps download and 86 kbps upload. Save your money. Got mine at 12:00 pm shipping it back at 12:30 pm