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Surprisingly affordable wooden iPhone skins
Now that Apple's giving away cases for your iPhone, you're going to really have to go off the beaten path to find something that gives your phone a more original look than the standard neon bumper. Enter these classy wooden skins sold by KARVT, which not only separate your iPhone from the crowd but also look pretty darn good (if you ask me). And I was surprised at the prices, too; the iPhone 4 cases are only US $25 (with pre-orders going on right now), and the iPhone 3GS cases are $14 (I guess because they're clearing them out). I can't vouch for the quality at all, and the wood looks pretty thin, so it's probably not quite as durable as the rubber bumpers that you get for free. But as long as you're careful with it, I think it's a pretty good look at a more than reasonable price. [via Macsimum News]
Droid 2 cases arrive at Best Buy, Droid 2s soon to follow?
At this point, we're starting to think that Motorola is intentionally (and cruelly) teasing us with its Droid successor. Today we can add to the parade of leaks preceding the Droid 2's debut in the form of the above hard case, which has just landed in Best Buy's storerooms. Before you go off on some conspiracy theory comparing this to the iPhone's Bumper and questioning whether this Droid might need a jacket, you should be aware that Rocketfish does similar paraphernalia for the Droid Incredible, marking this out as an entirely unremarkable run-of-the-mill accessory. Which might be the best news of all, we figure -- if the unexciting peripherals are already being shipped, the handset itself shouldn't be too far behind. [Thanks, Justin]
Vaja introduces new iPhone 4 cases
Yes, you're getting a bumper for free, but why not wrap your iPhone 4 in something a little more stylish and original? Vaja has released a line of its great premium leather gadget cases for the iPhone 4 -- I love these things, as they're made out of high-quality premium leather, and add an extra little bit of class to a device that already feels like a luxury phone. I do have to say that I don't really like that flap -- I use a Vaja case on my iPod, and in that case, the magnetically-fastened flap comes in handy, since I don't usually have my iPod open. But on the iPhone, I interact with the touchscreen so much that the flap would get in the way. But Vaja also has some excellent cases (like the iVolution Grip) that just slide onto the iPhone and stay out of your way. They're not cheap -- the Grip runs $65, and they go up from there. But they are a quality product. While the bumper cases are all right, if you want something really nice to wrap your iPhone in, give Vaja's cases a look. [via MacNN]
Talkcast tonight 7PT/10ET: Heat Wave Edition
As per tradition, tonight you can chat with TUAW bloggers and hopefully some of the usual Mac suspects at 4pm Hawaiian/7pm Pacific/10pm Eastern time. Those usual suspects will include me, your host for the evening. We'll have some iMac things (or lack of things) on the agenda, the impending free case bonanza, and you'll have things you'll want to talk about. I. Will. Too. Remember: West Coast Host means you also get an opportunity to join in on the infamous (unrecorded) Aftershow. Prepare to answer the ultimate question, "Caller -- what are you wearing?" Your calls and questions help us make the show the best it can be, otherwise I'm just talking to myself! To participate on TalkShoe, you can use the browser-only client, the embedded Facebook app, or the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, for maximum fun, you should call in. For the web UI, just click the "TalkShoe Web" button on our profile page at 4 HI/7 PDT/10 pm EDT Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VoIP lines (yay for free cellphone weekend minutes!): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *8. If you've got a headset or microphone handy on your Mac, you can connect via the free Gizmo or X-Lite SIP clients; basic instructions are here. Talk with you then!
The look of free: iPhone 4 cases offered by Apple
As noted earlier this morning, Apple's Bumper refund & free case program is underway for the iPhone 4. While everyone knows the look of the Bumper (and the cheap ways to make your own), the third-party cases included in the program may be less familiar. Below, a gallery to fill you in. It's worth noting that although you can get yourself a free Snap Case, Shield Micra, Motif, Reveal Etch, Fitted or PixelSkin HD case from Apple, the company will not be refunding previous purchases of any third-party cases; you can only get your money back on a Bumper. If you haven't chimed in yet, please do take our poll about which case you think is the yummiest. Case order now fixed in the gallery. %Gallery-98088%
TUAW Braintrust: Choosing an iPhone 4 case
The iPhone 4 bumper/case program has finally launched via Apple's new Case Program application. Now it's decision time. Which case do you choose? If you're like me, you haven't really tested out a lot of these options in real life. I've used the Bumper for the past few weeks and can recommend it. It is pretty minimal and unobtrusive, but is a bit of pain to keep putting on and taking off in order to work with my old dock. It has a good reputation in crash tests and I do like the way that the bumper offers physical extensions to the built-in buttons -- but it's not my iPhone 4 in question here, it's yours. So let's turn this matter over to the TUAW braintrust. Tell us which of the cases on offer is best, in your opinion, and why? Can you recommend any of these choices as a better option over the bumper? If so, how does that case excel in day-to-day use? Let us know in this handy poll and don't forget to add your thoughts in the comments for this post. %Poll-50005%
Apple starts refunding Bumper purchases automagically
Automatic refunds, or so the email says. We've been on the receiving end of a deluge of tips this morning pointing out that Apple has begun funneling cash back into its users' pockets -- a most unusual event, to be sure -- to live up to its retroactive promise of free Bumpers for all (who buy their iPhone 4 before September 30). If the particular wording is to be trusted, that should mean that even those who haven't yet bothered to put in a claim, but did purchase a Bumper, will find themselves enriched in due course. Apple estimates this bandaid solution to its antenna problems will cost $175 million in real cash money, but we suspect the biggest price to pay will be in the form of pride and reputation. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Bumper cases no longer on sale, pending giveaway
As announced on Friday, Apple is planning to provide free iPhone 4 cases (either the Bumper case or other yet-to-be-announced models) to all iPhone 4 purchasers through September 30, 2010. Anyone who bought a Bumper already is due to get a refund. As the night follows the day, it would make sense that Apple would remove the Bumper from store shelves and the online store to prevent people from paying for something they are entitled to get for free -- and that's exactly what's happened. Reader Mike Polizzotto reported on Friday that the online Apple Store had dropped the Bumpers to a price of $0 and marked them out of stock, and today both Different District and iLounge are noting the absence of Bumpers from the retail stores. No details yet on the refund/application setup for free cases, but it's expected that Apple will post instructions on apple.com latethis week.
Apple offers free case as iPhone 4 fix
Steve Jobs just announced today that the company will issue a free case to every iPhone 4 purchased through September 30. If you've already purchased a bumper case for your iPhone 4, you are entitled to a refund. You can apply for the free case through Apple's web site starting late next week. The company plans to source cases from third parties due to a shortage in bumper cases, so iPhone 4 customers will have a choice of a few different cases. If you are still not satisfied with the iPhone, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days of your purchase. Steve Jobs said plainly about the decision that "we want to make everyone happy, and if we can't make you happy we'll give you a full refund." The move comes three weeks and a day after the first customers began taking their new iPhones home and experiencing both antenna and proximity sensor issues. The growing backlash against Apple escalated earlier this week after Consumer Reports said they would not recommend the device, even though it comes in at the top of their smartphone ratings. This was followed by rumors of a possible recall, posts being pulled down from the Apple forums and finally today's conference. Edit (2:25 p.m. ET): Jobs acknowledged that the case offer will be international.
Apple to give away free cases to iPhone 4 users
Apple's not really ready to say it's sorry about the iPhone 4 antenna design, but it is willing to give all you darn squeaky wheels free cases for your trouble. Since Apple can't build its own Bumpers fast enough, it will give you a few options and let you decide, then send it your way for free as long as you purchased the phone before September 30th. Not good enough for you? Well, if you already bought a bumper from Apple you'll get a refund, and you can also return your phone for a full refund within 30 days as long as it's unharmed.This solution comes at the end of 22 days of Apple engineers "working their butts off," according to Steve, with "physics" ultimately being pinned as the main culprit. Apple claims you can replicate the left-handed "death grip" bar-dropping problem on the BlackBerry Bold 9700, HTC Droid Eris, and Samsung Omnia II, and that "phones aren't perfect." Steve also claims that only 0.55% of people who bought the iPhone 4 have called into AppleCare to complain about the antenna, and the phone has a 1.7% return rate at AT&T, compared to 6% with the 3GS, though he would cop to a slight increase in dropped calls over the iPhone 3GS. For this Steve has what he confesses to be a pet theory: that 3GS users were using the case they had from the 3G, and therefore weren't met with the horrible reality of a naked, call dropping handset. Hence the free case solution, which will probably satisfy some, infuriate others, and never even blip onto the radar of many of the massive horde of consumers that's devoured this product in unprecedented numbers.Update: Our own Richard Lai just waltzed down to the Regent Street Apple Store in London with his iPhone Bumper receipt in hand. A few minutes later he left with cold, hard cash, and kept the Bumper to boot. Seems as if the refund effort is a go, at least over in the UK.Update 2: We've heard from several tipsters saying Apple no longer does Bumper refunds at its stores; customers will now have to make an online claim instead. Looks like we got super lucky.
Nice white iPhone 4 mod
While we wait for Apple to begin selling white iPhones, people have been coming up with their own solutions. The folks at Engadget used several spare parts to build theirs. But TUAW reader Trevor took a decidedly simpler approach. First, he created a file with a JPEG of the vintage Apple logo and then sent it to Gelaskins' upload tool. From there, the process is simple. Using the online tool, drag the uploaded image to the iPhone 4 template and set it just so. You can even create matching wallpaper. Finally, make your purchase and let the Gelaskins worker bees do the rest. Yes, it's just a stick-on skin, but the vintage logo ads a bit of cool and, unlike Engadget's solution, all of the original parts are intact.
Another working iPad arcade cabinet
What started out as an April Fool's Day joke has spawned an actual product...sort of. Much like the infamous Tauntaun Sleeping Bag, people were inspired by Think Geek's gorgeous vintage arcade-style cabinet for the iPad. Who wouldn't be? This working unit -- albeit kind of rough -- was made by the folks at Freekade. They make built-to-order arcade cabinets, as you might have guessed. With the old-school controls connected to this iPad, it looks like a little piece of nostalgic heaven. I get to play the winner!
More great iPad cases from Targus
Now that the iPad has been on the market for three months, many vendors are coming to market with protection for the device. We've seen everything from hard shell cases to expensive leather sleeves, and even cases that kill germs (link to last post about iSkin case). When many people think about Apple accessories, they think of Targus, a company that has been in the business of making cases, keyboards, mice, and other accessory products for many years. Now Targus has come to market with four new cases for iPad that offer functionality, style, and color. The Z-Case, Truss, Targus Leather and Wallet Style cases are all available now at Targus dealers. The Z-case (US$54.99, see photo at right) comes in black, orange, and mustard and features a hard-shell body with a leather exterior. The soft interior liner contrasts with the exterior for an attractive look. For those of you who may still be waiting for an Apple iPad case, the Truss ($49.99, see photo below), is similar in functionality to the Apple case, but has a leather exterior in brown or black with a soft liner. Two more cases, the Targus Leather Sleeve ($49.99) and the Wallet Style Case ($54.99), also bring the class of leather to the lineup. The Sleeve comes only in black top-grain leather with a soft twill interior, while the Wallet Style Case comes in black and stylish red leather, and has a number of interior pockets for photos, cards, and notes. Targus was a bit late to the iPad case and sleeve party with these new models, but they'll certainly bring the typical Targus quality and functionality to the iPad accessory market.
iSkin announces an iPad case for the germophobic
Are you a little OCD when it comes to germs? Do you feel like you need to wash your hands after you use your iPad? Did that report about the iPad screens in Apple Stores being hotbeds for assorted fungi and bacteria make you want to take a long, hot shower? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then iSkin has a new iPad case just for you. The only iPad case made with built-in Microban, the iSkin Duo (US$49.99) is a dockable case made from a hypoallergenic silicone that is given a finish to resist the tendency for cases of this type to collect dust and dirt particles. The Duo has a colorful back with an embossed pattern and special side grips that make for sure handling of your iPad. There are a rainbow of colors to choose from: yellow, purple, brown, blue, pink, red, and clear. To make sure that your fear of germs is negated, Microban is embedded into the silicone. This antimicrobial agent works constantly to kill fungi and bacteria that can cause staining and odors. Need to sterilize the case? You can wash it in hot water without distorting the shape and fit of the Duo. iSkin also announced the new iSkin Vu line of cases, and both it and the Duo will be available within a few weeks at retail outlets and online.
Dell Streak car and AV docks now on sale, HDMI may or may not be included (update: included)
Hey England, in need of some retail therapy after an unsatisfying sporting weekend? Dell's got the goods for you with a rich new selection of cables, plugs, adapters, and cases for your new Streak. It looks like the HDMI dock we've been jonesing for has probably become a retail reality, but there's no way to be sure right now -- Dell's only listing an AV dock without going into the TV connectivity options. The fresh offerings also include the kickstand-equipped wallet case that we found intriguing, spare battery and sync cables, and an international travel kit. Of course, every silver lining has a cloud, which in this case is the pricing: nothing here costs less than £24 ($35) and the car- and TV-enabling docks will set you back a cool £55 ($80) each. Jumbo smartphone, jumbo accessory prices. [Thanks, Kingsley] Update: Dell's updated catalog now reflects HDMI connectivity on the AV dock. Phew!
TUAW First Look and giveaway: A flood of NewerTech iPad accessories
Judging from the number of questions I'm asked about cases for iPads, it appears that the second decision after "What iPad should I buy?" is often "What iPad case should I consider?" Thanks to Newer Technology, TUAW received a sampling of their new line of iPad cases, and we have a few to give away to TUAW readers. We'll start with the low end of the line and work up to the pièce de résistance. Now, there are some folks who want to feel the smooth metal and glass of their iPad and just need some protection on the screen surface. For those folks, NewerTech has come up with the NuVue Clear Screen Protector for iPad. It's US$9.99 and has a one year warranty. While it's not going to protect the back of your iPad from scratches or dings, it keeps the screen in pristine condition. You can use any of the other cases I'll describe to protect the rest of the device. There's also a version that can keep your data from prying eyes, which is important if you work in the healthcare business. It's called the NuVue Privacy Protector and costs $39.99. Many people are going to want to protect the iPad case, and that's the idea of the NuGuard line. First, there's the NuGuard Silicone protective casing, which is flexible and easy to put on or remove. It has a nice, non-slip surface, and it even includes a couple of indentations on the back to ensure a tight grip when your iPad is in your hands. The NuGuard Silicone casing sells for $17.99 and comes in green, blue, red, orange, black, or semi-transparent "arctic frost."
TUAW Review: DODOcase for iPad makes Moleskines weep
When the iPad was released in the US, I lined up in Boston with the other early adopters. Apple employees handed out snacks and drinks while a lone PR person distributed coupons for the DODOcase. A few days later I used mine and several weeks later it finally arrived. After spending a week and a half with the DODOcase, I can say that it will make nearly any customer happy. High build quality, good looks and a secure fit ("like a glove" is an understatement) make the DODOcase worth the price tag and wait. Looks The most obvious aspect of the DODOcase is its close resemblance to a Moleskine notebook (note some side-by-side comparison shots in the gallery below). The look is dead on. It's larger than the largest notebook but about the size of the softcover 18 month planner. At first glance (frankly, at 2nd and 3rd glance as well), most people will assume that's what you're carrying. The exterior cover is of a slightly different grain than the notebook, and the interior is a beautiful red. The elastic strap is a perfect fit and, along with the bamboo interior, keeps your iPad securely in place. %Gallery-92239%
Louis Vuitton selling an iPad case you don't need
Luxist is our luxury-obsessed sister blog here at Weblogs, Inc, and even though I'm just a poor blogger, I still enjoy browsing through their site every day, checking out all of the stuff I don't need and can't buy. Enter the Louis Vuitton iPad case, patterned canvas cases made by the famous French fashion brand that provide a very stylish sleeve for your Apple tablet. I especially like the notches in the top to show off the Home button -- you'd never actually need to press that button without seeing the screen, but I suspect it's there to just show enough of the iPad that you can prove to any onlookers that that's what you're carrying around. They're $365, which is almost as much as the iPad itself, but as with most luxury items, if you're worried about the price, you probably shouldn't be buying them anyway. Just in case you do have more money than sense, these will go on sale sometime next year. In the meantime, if you need any $400 cases made from felt, we should talk.
Sprint giving away iPad cases at select Best Buy stores
Sprint does not carry the iPad, but they will give you a way to carry your iPad. Select Best Buy stores (a big box store here in the US) will be giving away those Sprint iPad cases that just happen to have a little pocket that's perfect for holding an Overdrive 3G/4G hotspot. Sprint expects to give away 10,000 cases before the promotion ends, so check to see if your local store has any. Sprint has been indirectly courting iPhone and iPad customers for a while now. Back in March, an Overdrive ad featured an IPhone, along with some talk about its superior 4G speed (where available). Additionally, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse recently compared the iPhone to a certain sports legend: "...you can almost put the iPhone, to be fair, in a separate category," he told Charlie Rose. "The Apple brand and that device have done so well, it's almost not... it's like comparing someone to Michael Jordan." While early adopters are limited to Wi-Fi Internet access with their iPads, they can upgrade when the 3G models come out or, Sprint hopes, add an Overdrive to their lineup and share a single, go-anywhere connection with several devices. If you snag a free case, let us know.
Ubisoft getting greener by ditching paper manuals
Ubisoft will cease including paper instruction manuals inside its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 boxed games, starting with this holiday's Shaun White Skateboarding (as revealed in an announcement that quietly confirms the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Shaun White Skateboarding). In place of a paper manual, a digital manual will be provided and accessible in-game. Digital manuals are often more convenient than paper ones (except if you're trying to read one on your way back from the store) and are already becoming commonplace with the proliferation of downloadable games. Plus, we're not exactly going to lament the loss of the no-frills, black-and-white manuals most games include nowadays. But how does Shaun White feel about it? "It's pretty cool that Ubisoft is making a conscious effort to go green with its new video game packaging," White said in a canned statement. "I'm excited for my new skateboarding game to come out and stoked that it will be the very first Ubisoft game to be part of their green packaging initiatives." In addition to saving money for Ubisoft, scaling back on paper manuals -- no plans to extend the initiative to Wii, DS or PSP games were announced -- is part of an environmentally-conscious program from the publisher that also introduces a new recycled "ecoTech" case for PC games packaging. Splinter Cell: Conviction will be the publisher's first PC game to sport the new box when it arrives at retailers next week.
