case
Latest
Just Mobile's early-2013 range: AluCup, black HeadStand, AluFrame, AluPocket and Gum Max Duo
What we love about CES is that we get to see so many familiar faces in one week, and Just Mobile was one of them this year. Since our visit to its Taiwan office a few months ago, the award-winning accessory maker had been preparing several new products for CES: (from left to right in the above picture) AluCup, black HeadStand, AluFrame, AluPocket and Gum Max Duo. Starting in chronological order we have the black edition of the minimalistic aluminum HeadStand headphone stand, which will join its silver-colored sibling for the same $49.95 price tag at the end of this month. As before, the HeadStand's base comes in two layers for cable management, as well as a spun-metal finish. Check out the rest of the product range after the break.
Miveu intros updated X case that turns your iPhone 5 into a rugged POV camera, we go straps-on
We've seen rugged cases for iPhones before, even those that claim to give it action-cam credentials. Miveu rolled up to CES and revealed its latest offering that incorporates a wide-angle FOV lens (much like the Mophie) along with a chest mount strap, updated to fit the latest phone from Apple (they launched one to fit point-and-shoots, too). The idea is pretty simple, of course. Snap your iPhone / camera into the snug protective case, fix it to the chest-strap and then get your action on. Miveu is also keen to point out that its solution means you can capture that sports footage, without having to bring another device along. Of course, you're then relying on the video capabilities of the phone itself, which might not be comparable to dedicated solutions, but it's definitely convenient, and at $80 (or $60 for the point and shoot version), a whole bunch cheaper. Obviously, without too many moving parts, our impressions are based largely on the quality and feel. The case itself seems plenty tough, and we'd have no reservations about putting our own phone in it while out on the slopes / track. The strap part seemed well built, and the guys at the booth had to wear them all throughout the show, so if nothing else, that's testament to how comfortable they are. The lens component, however, is likely the main attraction, as this is what turns it from a regular phone case, into an action cam facsimile. The wider angle certainly makes the footage look more like what you might be accustomed to from a GoPro or similar, and serves the dual purpose of protecting the one on your phone at the same time. The mount also has a tilt-and-pivot mechanism meaning you can flip the camera through 360 degrees, or angle it more directly towards the action. If you fancy getting your phone in on the action, you should be able to do so starting April 1st.
CES 2013: iLuv booth tour
I tote around a handy iLuv USB hub with built-in Ethernet, but the company makes a ton of accessories. Docks, cases, speakers and more can be had from iLuv, and there are a few new items of note from CES 2013 to show you. First, the Aud 5 Speaker Dock is now equipped with a Lightning connection for your new iDevices. No word on price yet, but it'll be available in May. The MobiCup is a Bluetooth speaker in cup shape with convenient controls on the top of the speaker, splash-resistant for outdoor activities. It isn't waterproof, but would work great sitting by the pool or in your beer helmet. No price yet. The MobiOut is another splash-proof speaker, has some good bass to it, and is available for US$129.99. This item isn't new, but I hadn't noticed it before, and I think it's cool. The aptly-named Camera Case makes your iPhone look like an old SLR camera in a leather case. It's classy and retro and is perhaps a bit of a novelty. Still, for just under $40 it's a pretty stylish case for those inclined to look different. If you want a case that adds a grip, SnapGrip (not from iLuv) has you covered. Not pictured: the MultiCharge-X, a box that can store 10 iPads and charge them at once, great for schools and businesses. It'll be available in Q2 for $799.99.
In Win D and H-Frame PC cases: Tubes, and LEDs and aluminum oh my! (hands-on)
Let's face it, PC cases are often pretty lame -- and traditionally something we don't chase down -- though In Win's two launches at CES definitely beg for an exception. Heck, what can you say about a case? The D-Frame (pictured above) is pretty stellar with its glass sides, orange welded aluminum tubes, amazing fasteners, and blue LEDs would be an easy choice if we were building a new box around these parts. Though, the H-Frame with its radiator or layered gasket look is also a strong contender as we really dig its layered look and the solid metal thing it has going on. Both of these cases are seriously strong-looking, fairly hefty to haul, and in the case of the D-Frame crushproof. Look for these at you favorite In Win retailer sometime this month for a hefty $399 each. James Trew contributed to this report
iFrogz's Caliber Advantage iPhone 5 gaming case hands-on
It's no secret that iOS mobile gaming leaves us wanting when it comes to physical controls. Fortunately, at CES 2013, iFrogz is out to fill that void with the Caliber Advantage iPhone case-gone-console. The Caliber Advantage, an iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch accessory, uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to the corresponding enabled application rather than the phone itself. iFrogz mentions that a deal with Epic Games and Chair Entertainment to build the basis for the Caliber software powered by the Unreal Engine is in the works. In fact, later this April the company will host its own developer conference aimed at seriously expanding the platform and hopefully adding support for previously released titles. Marrying a case with a full-fledged controller certainly adds some bulk, but after handling the prototype, the approximate half inch of added girth honestly didn't incite any ill feelings. The chassis, while clearly heavy on the plastic, felt more sturdy than anticipated, and fairly natural to our hands. As for the buttons? Crisp and responsive, hard though that may be to believe. The unit is set to retail at $70, and curious iOS gamers can feel free to take a closer look in the gallery below. Kevin Wong contributed to this report.
In-Win flaunts tubular, finny cases that let your components breathe fresh air
Worried that your PC case can't stand up to a natural disaster, or doesn't resemble a radiator enough? In-Win's read your mind with a couple of open-plan models from CES 2013: the aluminum D-Frame (above left) looks ready for the Paris-Dakar rally and is "crush-proof and shock-proof," while the H-Frame is basically case-shaped cooling fins, also in "exquisite satiny aluminum," according to the charming company literature. The two models are geared to modders serious about standing out from the usual ragtag LED and pump crowd, with pricing to match: $399 for each. If you scrape for one, though, at least you know you'll be unique -- In-Win will only produce 500 copies of the D-Frame, and a mere 100 H-Frames.
Canopy Sensus case adds backscreen and side touch to iPhones (hands-on)
Canopy promised a whole new world of smartphone control with its Sensus iPhone case in the fall, and we've at last had a chance to gauge how well it works here at CES. If you'll recall, it delivers 10-point touch input across the back and sides that lets apps add interaction without blocking the screen -- think of the PlayStation Vita's back touch and you've got the idea. That theoretically sounds great for gamers, but we'd like to see how well it works outside of a dedicated console. In practice, the case isn't much different in dimensions to a standard protective iPhone case, if a little chunkier along the base. The whole thing locks in to the iPhone 4's connector. although there's still another port to charge through there. The case also has integrated apps attuned for the blind, with Braille entry possible using all those multiple touchpanels. We've got a quick tour of how it all works after the break and you can expect to land this summer, where pricing will be somewhere between $59 and $99. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Mat Smith contributed to this report.
Belkin introduces Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater for iPad, we go hands-on (update)
While Belkin has long been at the forefront of Apple accessories, offering everything from keyboard cases to baby monitors, it somehow left the audio arena unexplored. That ends today with the introduction of the Belkin Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater. Behind that mouthful of a product name is essentially a portable speaker dock for the iPad housed inside a protective case, which seems a lot more reasonable than Bang & Olufsen's pricey speaker "wedge." The Thunderstorm's front-facing speaker system boasts full-range drivers and integrated air channels for "immersive sound" and "deeper bass." All the internals are powered by Audifi, a mobile audio engineering outfit that Belkin specifically hired for the project. As for the cover, Belkin took a cue from Apple's own magnetic offering, but went a step further with the addition of multifold creases for different viewing angles. We spent a few days with the Thunderstorm and so far we're impressed with the volume and depth from such slim speakers. Though we didn't have a chance to test it, Belkin is also offering a free iOS app to accompany the product -- it essentially lets you fine-tune the audio with presets for music, movies and games. However the Thunderstorm is not without a few annoyances: the case adds an unsettling amount of bulk to the iPad and it's currently only available with the now-ancient 30-pin connector (we're told a Lightning-equipped version is due in Q2 2013). If you're happy with the ole universal dock though, you can pick this up in the coming weeks from Belkin's online store, Amazon.com or the Apple Store for $200 a pop. In the mean time, you can get a closer look at it with the galleries after the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Wind tunnel PC case pushes the air cooling envelope, does its thing for cancer research
Pushing air cooling to its limits might mean buying a bigger fan to the mortal PC builder, but for Mike at Total Geekdom, it meant constructing a wind tunnel case. Built from a box fan, medium-density fiberboard, lexan and aluminum, the tunnel increases airspeed by about 240 percent and cools its contents with a brisk 9 mph breeze. At full bore, however, the fan churns out air speeds between 26 and 30 mph inside the case's sweet spot. As for computer hardware, the rig packs an Ivy Bridge 3770K processor, a pair of Radeon 7970 (Sapphire Dual-X) GPUs, 8GB of RAM and a 40GB SSD. There's still room to overclock the beast, but it currently keeps its CPU humming at 4.5GHz with temperatures between 64 and 65 degrees Celsius, and can run its GPUs at 1225MHz with core temperatures at 46 and 56 degrees Celsius. So, what does one do with a wind tunnel-cooled PC? Why donate time and computing processes for cancer research through the World Community Grid project, of course. For photos, performance specs and a full break down of the construction process, hit the bordering source link.
G-Form drops an iPod touch in a case from 100,000 feet, rivals Felix's antics (video)
Just because Felix Baumgartner set records by jumping from 128,000 feet doesn't mean he has a lock on stratospheric freefall stunts: see G-Form's latest video (after the break) as proof. In keeping with the tradition of launching a case line and then subjecting it to abuse on camera, the company dropped a new Xtreme iPhone 5 case from a balloon that reached 100,000 feet before it and its payload -- which actually happened to be a 5th gen iPod touch -- fell to the Nevada desert. Not surprisingly, that we're hearing about the story means the drop went as planned -- apart from needing some time to warm up after a plunge through -60F skies, the MP3 player emerged in fine shape. Is the freefall a publicity play that won't affect how anyone uses an Xtreme in real life? You bet. Still, it's one of the more dramatic drop tests we'll witness, and evidence the case can take some exceptional abuse; after all, it's not every day that our mobile devices reach terminal velocity.
The New Year TUAW iPad mini case roundup and giveaway
Note: We're fixing an issue with the giveaway form and will have it back around 2pm EST. As we begin the new year, a lot of people wound up receiving an iPad mini as part of their holiday celebrations. Case makers are looking to make outfitting your iPad mini much easier, and we've gotten so many that TUAW Labs head mad scientist Steve Sande had to ship some of them out to the newly created iPad mini satellite office for us to then try to pass on to you guys! Celebrate your new year with a new case for your new iPad mini! BookBook for iPad mini We reviewed the revised BookBook in June, and BookBook for the iPad mini ($69.95) is a smaller version of its bigger sibling. Like Steve, I wasn't a fan of the straps that secured the iPad to the original BookBook, and it's what turned me away from buying one when I had a full-sized iPad. The leather enclosure protects your entire iPad mini, and you can unsnap it from the back to position it in a comfortable typing mode and viewing angle. It has the look and feel of a real book, and as you can see in the picture, I can easily shelve my iPad mini among my regular books if I want. It's the case I kept on my iPad mini the longest out of all the review cases to date, and the one I'm most likely going to buy for myself. Speck FitFolio The Speck FitFolio ($34.95) is a competitor for the Belkin cases you can find at most retail locations. The draw to the Speck for me is the colors, which I like better than Apple's selection and Belkin's. I like the viewing angle standing position for watching video, but not so much the typing position when you fold the case behind itself. If you don't do it just right, typing isn't comfortable at all. The fit was a bit so-so. The plastic case wasn't flush with my iPad around the earphone in the review case I received, but it doesn't impede with the protection. If you can live without the sleep/wake function and like the colors, give the Speck case a try. Gumdrop Drop Tech Putting the Gumdrop Drop Tech ($59.95) on my iPad was like encasing it in a tire, a sentiment that Steve shared when reviewing the iPhone 5 case. Like Otterbox cases, there is a rugged silicone exterior that surrounds a thin plastic case with a screen protector. Your iPad is sandwiched in between. Silicone covers all the ports, and you can flip the Lightning connector, earplug and side switch. The fit over the ports is good. Everything aligns perfectly, and the buttons you press through the silicone (home, power and volume) work like normal. I worry about the quality of the plastic frame and can see it easily breaking if you make a habit of inserting and removing the mini from this case. Also, if you're not careful in putting on the silicone cover, the four corners of the case can bulge out. If the case is put on correctly, it's a good one to use if you're carrying your iPad mini outdoors a lot. X-Doria Smart Jacket When it comes to looks, the X-Doria Smart Jacket ($34.99) comes fairly close to the Apple Smart Cover, but with a plastic, 3D-texturized back. It boasts the same viewing angles as the Smart Cover, but the built-in stand doesn't work at all. The cover doesn't hold its shape when you fold it into the viewing angle or the typing angle, so the iPad mini keeps falling over. If you want just a very basic cover with sleep/wake function, then the Smart Jacket is OK. If you want to do anything else with your iPad mini, spend your money on another case. X-Doria SleeveStand However, I liked X-Doria's SleeveStand ($29.99) far better than the Smart Jacket. It does what it says on the tin -- provides a plush home for your iPad mini with tabs in the opening of the jacket to hold your iPad mini in portrait or landscape mode. It's a sturdy viewing stand, but it's not good for typing. It comes with a carrying handle tucked into the front pocket, but I don't see the need for it. If you're swinging your iPad mini from your wrist, you're asking for someone to come rip it off. Giveaway Now it's time for these cases to go from my home into yours! Here's your chance to enter to win one of five different cases from TUAW and the manufacturers discussed in this review. Keep in mind, these cases are all for the iPad mini, so if you don't have one (or don't know someone who does), please don't enter! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before January 5, 2013, 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Five will be selected and will receive an iPad mini case (value of case varies, please see descriptions above) Click here for official rules Loading...
And the award for 'Most Impractical iPhone Case' goes to...
iPhone cases need to do one thing and one thing only: Protect your extremely expensive handset from harm. If the case happens to look cool or offer some additional functionality, that's really just a bonus. Now, if the case is also a full-sized replica of a lobster, well... we're not quite sure if that's a positive or a negative, to be perfectly honest. The "Lobster Mobile Telephone Case" is a one-off design by Elliot Gorham. Gorham runs Noddy Boffin, a furniture design and concept shop in Victoria, Australia. The case itself is massive, goofy, impractical and almost entirely useless. But according to its description on Gorham's website, that's the point. "Unlike the typical phone case, it doesn't offer functionality of protection and style," the blurb reads. "Its features include; camera incapability, ergonomically awkward, too big for your pocket or handbag and most importantly, its ability to cause its users embarrassment." Unfortunately -- or fortunately, depending on your outlook -- the ridiculous case isn't actually for sale, and Gorham doesn't appear to have any plans to actually manufacture it on a large scale. That's probably just as well, since we'd almost certainly pester our own Steve Sande for an in-depth review, which could lead to one or more of us being strangled. [Via: CNN]
FlipSide case for iPhone packs stealthy game controls, plays on solar power (video)
The perpetual challenge of developing an iPhone-friendly gamepad (or any phone-oriented gamepad) is the bulk, either for a gargantuan case or else a separate controller. If Justice Frangipane's team and iDevices have their way, that clunkiness will be a distant memory. Their proposed FlipSide case for iPhones (we see a prototype here) centers on Bluetooth 4.0 gamepad controls that stay clipped to the back when just checking email, but attach to the front for playtime. They'll save us from hunting down a wall outlet, too; the combination of a sensitive solar cell and a thin film battery from Infinite Power Solutions should keep the case powered up through even indoor lighting. The only real challenge is getting the case produced, as Frangipane is looking for crowdfunding to make the FlipSide a reality. Provided his group makes its donation target, though, there's the prospect of an Android version -- so those who don't play the iOS way could still reap the rewards if they chip in at the source link.
BookBook arrives for iPad mini, delivers a novella-sized tablet disguise
If Twelve South's BookBook for iPad is War and Peace, its new BookBook for iPad mini case is The Old Man and the Sea: a lot smaller, but no less appreciated. The black, brown or red shell protects Apple's tiny tablet with real leather in much the same way as its larger cousin, including a signature support frame for lifting the iPad to more natural angles. Photographers can also briefly peek the tablet out of its shell to snap photos. While there's only a $10 discount versus the full-size BookBook, we'll live with the $70 price if we can pretend we're engrossed with some light reading while we play Letterpress.
Scan's official TARDIS PC Case lets you roam time and space, hatstand optional
Its target audience may be cranky men who wish the show hadn't been brutally murdered back in '89, but this TARDIS case should impress even the most casual of Doctor Who fan. British desktop company Scan has teamed up with the BBC to produce this faithful PC case, complete with broken chameleon circuit. The base model comes with a 3.1GHz Pentium G2120, but you can swap that out for anything up to a 3.1GHz Core i7 if you need more power, after all, you won't be able to jettison Romana's room to crank a few more frames out of Crysis. Prices start from £936 ($1,508) and run all the way to £1,933 ($3,114) for the fully tricked-out version. At the moment, Scan only ship its products within the EU, but we can't imagine it'll be long before rioting fans in the States demand to get their hands on the gear, or, just start building their own.
Waterfield's CitySlicker is a luxurious home for your iPad mini
The iPad mini hit at the perfect time. There are a growing number of cases available for the holiday season, and after an initial dearth of decent iPad mini cases, many are now available. Waterfield Designs' CitySlicker falls on the high end of the spectrum. It's a luxurious sleeve that can easily be customized into a shoulder bag and look professional and stylish. Design The CitySlicker is styled like a small messenger bag, with a butter-soft leather flap that secures to the sleeve with two snaps. The main interior pocket is made of three layers: impact-resistant plastic, high-grade neoprene and a padded liner. There are two mesh pockets in the front of the sleeve and a zipped mesh pocket that shares the liner with the inside of the case. Additional options from the Waterfield Designs' site allows you to customize the color of the leather flap, add on a carrying handle or strap or just have the D-rings installed so you can use your own strap. %Gallery-173137% Functionality The CitySlicker does one thing really well, and that's hold an iPad mini. Once you start loading items in the pockets, then you start adding issues with bulk. Waterfield's site suggests that you can put pens, your iPad charger and iPhone in the pockets. You can, but the iPad mini's wall charger creates a noticeable bulk when the case is closed. Depending on the case on your iPhone, you might have to remove it before stowing it in the CitySlicker or the bag won't snap shut. Because of the tight sleeve, you can't keep a regular case on your iPad mini in case you fancied a stand for your iPad. Filling the pockets makes the CitySlicker pretty heavy quite quickly, and you might find you want to add that carrying handle or strap if you're using it on its own. It easily tucks into larger bags, such as my backpack and messenger. Still, you're not going to be able to get a lot into the CitySlicker without creating unsightly bulges or a lot of weight. At the most, I'd suggest adding an iPhone (sans case), the Lightning USB cable without the wall charger and a couple of pens to these pockets to save on weight. The protection for the iPad mini is fantastic though. This bag can easily survive an accidental fall off the desk -- kids, don't try this at home. The liner is plush and very soft. You won't have to worry about the front or back of the iPad mini getting scratched up in this case. Conclusion The CitySlicker is a beautifully built case, and you can't dispute the quality. All of Waterfield's bags are made in San Francisco, so nothing is outsourced. The CitySlicker is the Rolls-Royce of iPad mini sleeves. However, if you plan to pack a lot of accessories, it's not the right sleeve for you. You might want to check out Waterfield's iPad Travel Express, which is more geared toward carrying a lot of accessories with your iPad. Or, if money isn't an issue, check out a Muzetto. The CitySlicker for the iPad mini is $89. A model for the third- and fourth-generation iPad is available for $99. Given the materials used and the fact that it's produced in the US, I think this is an excellent price for what you're getting. Pros Extremely high quality. Built in the USA. Looks fantastic. The sleeve for the iPad mini is plush and provides a lot of protection. No worries about getting scratches while using this case. Easily fits in larger bags. Cons Have to carry a separate stand if you need one for your iPad. Not a lot of room for accessories. Creates a lot of bulge and weight if you add too much. Who is it for? People who want a stylish iPad mini sleeve with a lot of protection. Giveaway And now, you get the chance to win a Waterfield CitySlicker for the iPad mini! Please be sure to read the rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before December 14, 2012, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a CitySlicker iPad mini case valued at $89. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
iBuku Pets lets you recycle your old iPhone by giving it to your kids
Rather than toss their old iPhone or iPod touch into the trash, an increasing number of parents are giving their worn down devices to their children as toys. I have to agree that an iPod touch with the right apps can be an enjoyable play thing for your little one, but that device is not made Fisher-Price strong. Once it hits the floor with any force, there's a good chance it will shatter. To help protect your device and make it safe for small hands, there is a new cushiony and cute case from Arbor Cube called iBuku Pets. I received a review unit and handed it over to my kids for a week. Read on to see how BiBi, the pink iBuku Pet, fared with my tribe. Design The iBuku Pet is shaped like an adorable pet with ears, an elongated back and chunky arms and legs. It's the perfect size for a preschooler to hold. There is an opening in the stomach area where the iOS device resides. It has a small notch on one end that can house the charging cable. I was able to insert my iPod third generation with the cable plugged into the charging port and could charge the device while it was still in the iBuku case. On the back side of the device is a cavity that can hold spare cables and an opening that is used to route cables for charging. The back is also elongated and acts as a sound chamber to increase the volume of the device. This shape also makes it possible to place the iBuku on a table and it will sit flat without falling over. Material-wise, the iBuku Pet is made of a firm, but spongy material that absorbs much of the impact of a fall. It's flexible enough that your child can wiggle the pet's arms and legs, but firm enough that they won't bend or break. For real young ones, it is biteable and any bites will leave teeth marks in the case. It is non-toxic, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, BPA-free and AZO dye-free. The surface of the case is easily washable with soap and water, just make sure to remove your iOS device first or be extremely careful with your cleaning. The iBuku Pet fits the third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The fit varies by device, with the iPhone fitting more snuggly than the iPod touch. All devices are secure enough that you can shake, drop or toss the iBuku and the iOS device stays safe inside the case. With the iPhone, children can move the arm to toggle the screen on and off and press buttons on the front of the Pet to control the volume. I used the iBuku with the iPod touch and found that the device was secure in the slot, but it wasn't big enough to be used with the iBuku's buttons. You don't have to worry about connectivity either as the iBuku works with or without WiFi and doesn't require any cellular service plan. Functionality My children loved playing with my iPod touch within the iBuku Pet as it is the right size for little hands. Its chunky arms and legs make it easy to hold, and it is weighted just right for the under-six crowd to carry around. Its bright colors and cutesy appearance really attracts their attention. The iBuku Pet works as described to protect your iOS device. The snug fit of the case and its spongy material did a great job protecting my device. My iPod touch dropped to the floor or pavement several times each day and it was unscathed. The iBuku Pet includes a free app that has the characters, BiBi and Alvi, from the cases. The app is designed for kids in mind with a fun "Smash the Trash" game and a sing-along section with the iBuku Pet characters. The app, though, is geared towards younger children and not toddlers. On-screen elements are not sized for the imprecise taps of a 1-year-old and there is a fair amount of tapping on selections and "next" buttons, which do not work well with little ones. My 5-year-old, though could whip through the app with no problem. You can also install your own age-appropriate apps. One problem with the iBuku Pet concept is iOS itself. I am using the iBuku with an older device that does not support iOS 6, which means there is no Guided Access. Guided Access is an iOS 6 feature that limits what your child can do with your device. You can disable hardware buttons and lock your child into an app. You can also disable select features and areas with an app. With iOS 5, my toddler kept pressing the Home button and getting himself out of his games. Once he got into the home screen, he wreaked havoc on the device by deleting apps and inadvertently sending emails, a service that I forgot to turn off before handing over my device. I ended up installing more toddler-friendly games and watched him closely while he played. The lack of any native parental controls, especially on older devices, is something to consider before you turn your iOS device into a play toy. As mentioned above, the iBuku Pet is biteable and any bites will mar the outer appearance of the case. It sustained a lot of biting from my 1-year-old, but he was never able to bite off a chunk. I believe it is both the chunky size of the iBuku Pet and the firm material from which it is constructed that prevented him from getting his full bite into the case. My 3-year-old and my 5-year-old never chewed on the case as they are both past that biting stage. Conclusion The iBuku Pet is a wonderful case for children. It turns an iPhone or iPod touch into a safe toy and has convenience features like in-case charging and backup battery options for parents. Though it is susceptible to bite marks, the iBuku Pet didn't fail during very rigorous testing from my children. It was dropped, thrown, bitten and stepped on and still protected my iPod touch completely. The iBuku Pet is available as a Kickstarter project. Each Pet costs $35 and will ship in time for Christmas. You can select between the Green Alvi or the Pink Bibi character. Pros Durable, spongy material protects your iPhone or iPod touch during a fall Innovative design lets you charge the device and store the cables inside the case Optional battery pack helps keeps your iOS device running even when the battery is worn out Child-friendly design, especially suitable for kids from 3 to 5 years old Cons Susceptible to bite marks from young children Variable fit depending on the iOS device Who is it for? Parents with children 2 years old to 5 years old and an old iOS device laying around %Gallery-172706%
BookBook for iPhone 5 now shipping, rear camera hole and all (hands-on)
It took a little longer than some of those other cases, but Twelve South's BookBook for iPhone 5 is now shipping en masse. Some of those who pre-ordered began receiving their units as early as last week, but if you missed that wave, there's no need to gesture for the panic button. The outfit's newest wallet / iPhone case is actually more than just a resized version of the prior one; indeed, it finally figured out how to add a rear camera hole without worry of flash echo, and there's a new snap-in mechanism that holds your phone in place. The clever exterior remains largely the same, and there's still room for your most important IDs and credit cards as you flip it open. We were pretty big fans of the prior build, but the addition of the camera hole makes this one a no-brainer for fans of the style. The gallery below is completely free to peruse -- those who hit the source link, however, will be asked to fork over $59.99 to get one of their own.
Road tested: ElementCase's Sector 5 case for the iPhone 5
I didn't know what to think about the ElementCase Sector 5 (SE) iPhone 5 "case." I had been using my iPhone 5 for a while, and I really appreciated the fact that it felt like it didn't need a case. I've lauded ElementCase in the past because the craftsmanship and quality were outstanding. But previous iPhones, with the glass on the back, really did need a case of some kind. I know too many people who have cracked back plates to recommend not getting one. The iPhone 5, in my opinion, rarely needs a case at all. Yet I found myself enjoying the Sector, despite the feeling it may not be completely necessary. Design As usual, the ElementCase used its knowledge of machining and has produced a lightweight and beautiful case -- except it's not so much a case as an aluminum bumper. The Sector needs you to remove only one screw to open it up (what ElementCase calls a multilink connection), and it wraps around the sides of the iPhone. The kit includes an adhesive-backed suede backing and a screen film, both of which I chose not to use. However, with all the included parts you could really protect your iPhone while keeping it looking very sharp. One unfortunate bit is a "road rash" protector, basically a collection of vinyl stickers you'll put around the edges of your iPhone to "protect" it from the Sector's rubber feet. The rubber feet are inside the four corners of the case, giving the shock absorption you want but having the nasty side effect of leaving some bits of rubber behind after prolonged use (see pic below). While I object to the vinyl, it's a good idea for ElementCase to have included these. That said, it makes the easier-to-remove case itself somewhat less easy to remove as you'll need to remove the non-reusable vinyl off your iPhone before ditching the Sector completely (if you choose to). The "road rash" vinyl sticker after over a week of use under the Sector 5 The Sector bulges out at the corners a bit, and adds a little visual interest to the iPhone. There are a couple of inadvertent issues with the Sector, however, and while they stem from the design, I'll detail them in the functionality section. Suffice it to say the "trussed" design (meaning there are a lot of cutouts) is a blessing and a curse, keeping weight down but also causing potential problems for big fingers. The review unit I got was a nice dark gray gun metal color. The weight is negligible, and that's really amazing. Still, this does add enough weight to the already crazy light iPhone 5, so you will definitely notice the iPhone is a bit heavier. Since I'm not covered in replacement iPhones, I did not perform a drop test. It's possible the shock absorbers will protect the phone, but it's also possible the added weight could be a problem. The Sector comes with a handy screwdriver for removing the case itself (and you can even attach it to your keys), but with that vinyl tape I doubt you'll be doing it often. Functionality OK, it's a case. As I said, I'm unwilling to throw my iPhone at the ground, but let's take this just as a sort of backup insurance. It's light, it's barely there, what's not to like? Unfortunately the deeper wells around the volume buttons make it much harder to access them if you have big fingers. I have relatively small fingers and often found myself having to squeeze in to flick the mute or change volume. That's not good. Apple puts those above the "surface" of the edge for a reason. Also, the lower left bulge is just big enough to where I really have to stretch my left thumb to access the upper right corner. While the 5 is taller, this additional distance was just enough for my smallish hands to have a problem where there was none before. Your mileage may vary. And lastly while the hole cut for the headphone port is ample, I found it was not ample enough for a generation of plugs made before smartphones became our music players. My old Sony desktop speaker plug barely fit, and seemed to pop out regularly. If you use EarPods or any of the more recent audio cables, changes are you'll be OK. My Sony MDR headphones were not OK, however. The plug fit, but so barely it kept popping out. The ports otherwise (mic, speakers, Lightning cable) all were fine thanks to the extensive trussing going on for weight purposes. The power button is accessed with a push button atop the case, so that worked fine. You also have access to the SIM slot, for what that's worth (in owning 4 iPhones I have yet to touch my SIM tray). One small problem with the stainless steel screws is that, in my review unit, they were painted black and after some use that paint came off. I actually like the patina look and it's not obvious at all, but if you're the kind of person who inspects cases with a jeweler's loupe, you'll see it for sure. Conclusion The build quality of the Sector is incredible. What's amazing to me are all the chambers and edges on the Sector, the trussing to keep weight low, and how it feels in your hand. When I first added the Sector to my iPhone I wasn't sure it was such a great idea, but after a week I have come to really enjoy it, and feel like I've got just enough added protection to my 5 that I can keep slapping it down on tables as I did before the case. I can imagine that with the additional suede backing it would be even more protected. The problem is that the price, US$139.95 may not justify the protection and the minor aggravations (specifically access to those volume buttons). If you have small hands or feel like your iPhone 5 is the perfect weight, you'll also have problems with having it on there. So is the Sector a great case? Yeah, it's a good case. I'm not sure it's worth the money, but if you are into status symbols, and the ElementCase lineup is mostly that, it's probably the coolest iPhone 5 case you can get right now. Pros: Provides some protection Looks cool Easier than ever to remove or put back on Cons: Vinyl stickers are a bummer Some usability issues with volume The iPhone 5 doesn't feel like it needs a case, so this can feel extraneous at times Who is it for? Anyone who wants their iPhone 5 to look different and can afford a luxury case which offers modest protection.
Popslate launches iPhone 5 case with four-inch E Ink screen (video)
This is pretty darn cool. It's called Popslate -- an iPhone 5 case with a four-inch E Ink screen on the back -- and it's launching right now on Indiegogo for $79 in two colors. Combined with a bespoke social imaging app, it lets you take and share pics, then "pop" them to the back of your phone. Better yet, the always-on, ultra low-power, black and white display becomes a canvas for notifications, sports scores, maps, lists and notes, all just a glance away. An open API allows third-party developers to design custom apps for Popslate -- including accelerometer support to interact with the backside screen by tapping on it. Imagine a micro e-reader app which uses the E Ink display instead of the main panel to conserve battery. The company is still in the early stages of development and sadly didn't have a prototype to show us, but it's already gathered a team of talented designers, engineers and developers. It's also secured a partnership with E Ink to use the latest in ruggedized e-paper technology and is hoping to raise enough funds to make Popslate a reality. Two colors are available at launch (black and white) with prices starting at $79 for the first 500 supporters, then $99 and up. Hit the break for the demo video and IndieGogo link.
