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Pelican ProGear Voyager iPhone 5/5s case: Solid protection at a reasonable price
Pelican Products, Inc. today announced a new rough-and-tough case for the iPhone 5 and 5s -- the Pelican ProGear Voyager (US$50). The case will only be available at AT&T retail stores and through a special AT&T website, or you can take a chance at winning one in a TUAW giveaway. Specifications Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.6 x .6 inches (13.5 x 6.58 x 1.5 cm) Weight: 1.6 oz w/o holster, 3.1 oz with holster (45.36/87.88 grams) Available colors: Black, white, pink Design Highlights Pelican ProGear is designed to take whatever life throws at it -- drops, dust, and potential scratches. The case has four layers of protection built in, and comes with a screen protector to keep scratches from occurring on your iPhone's touch screen. For all of the military-grade protection, though, the case looks remarkably thin. We tested the white model, which is highlighted with gray accents around the exterior. In use, doors cover the Lightning and headphone ports, as well as the silent mode switch. The power switch and volume toggles are covered with pass-through keys, so the entire phone is nicely encased in a dust-free zone. For those who love to carry their iPhone pride publicly, Pelican throws in a holster clip that can be adjusted for either vertical or horizontal carry. Functionality Highlights Many rugged cases are difficult to install, but Pelican smartly designed a coin slot into one corner that makes it easy to pop the case open. Once you've installed the iPhone 5/5s, it's just a process of squeezing the edges until they snap together. The holster can also be used as a multi-position stand for the phone. A small metal piece behind the holster clip can be pulled out to block the spring-loaded holster clip open. The stand feature works well in both portrait and landscape orientation. It should be noted that despite looking like a waterproof case, the Pelican ProGear Voyager is not advertised as either waterproof or water resistant. Conclusion While the Pelican ProGear Voyager won't supply the level of protection that you might get from a LifeProof nuud or OtterBox Defender case, it's also priced more reasonably than either of those cases. iPhone 5s owners will need to decide just how much protection they need -- if drop, dust and scratch protection is sufficient, then the ProGear Voyager fits the requirements at a reasonable price. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Be the first kid on your block to get a Pelican ProGear Voyager case for your iPhone 5 or 5s. You don't even need to go to the Apple Store to get it, either -- just enter this giveaway! 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 April 22, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Pelican ProGear Voyager iPhone 5/5s case valued at $50 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Pelican Protector Series: Crushproof protection for your iPhone 5/5s
Pelican makes some amazing cases for shipping delicate equipment, and over the past few years they've brought their design expertise to play on Apple devices. Back in October I took a look at their ProGear 1070CC hard case for MacBook Air, and today we're looking at a case that can keep your iPhone 5 or 5s safe from drops... the Pelican ProGear Protector Series case (CE1150) for iPhone 5/5s. Specifications Price: $39.99 (available for less from online retailers) Dimensions: 5.25" x 2.71" x 0.51" (13.3 x 6.9 x 1.3 cm) Weight: 1.44 oz (40.82 grams) Materials: Elastomeric copolymer interior, engineering grade polymer outside Colors: Black/Dark Gray/Black, White/Black/White, Dark Red/Black/Red, Dark Gray/Orange/Dark Gray, Dark Teal/Light Gray/Dark Teal Available accessories: vehicle phone mount, bike phone mount, sport armband Lifetime warranty Design Highlights While the Pelican ProGear Protector Series case isn't going to keep your device safe from water or dust like LifeProof's tightly-sealed cases, it's also much less expensive and can keep your iPhone from getting damaged from the most common type of accident -- a drop. The case comes in a variety of colors, some of which are actually quite fashionable. The teal and gray version, for example, is attractive and different from what you'll find from a lot of case manufacturers. Our test case was gray and orange, providing a nice contrast and looking like a "sport case". The inside of the case is a softer elastomeric copolymer that cushions the iPhone 5/5s, while the exterior is made of a much stiffer material. Like many protective cases, the CE1150 keeps the top and bottom of the two-part case firmly latched together with a series of "teeth" that engage and pull the two parts together. The front cover of the case wraps around the screen edge, ensuring that the screen is totally protected from drops. About the only situation where you might still destroy an iPhone screen with one of these cases installed is if the screen happens to hit a projecting edge; think of the screen hitting a sharp rock and you'll get the picture. Functionality Highlights The case is fairly easy to install and remove, which is a relief after some of the wrestling matches I've had with protective cases. To install, simply place the iPhone's backside onto the back piece of the case, then slip the top into place and start squeezing the two sides together until the "teeth" latch all the way around. Like all of Pelican's products, the CE1150 has a nice, solid feel to it. The volume rocker on the iPhone is covered by a pair of marked buttons, and the on/off switch also has a pass-through button that covers the iPhone's button. The bottom of the device is wide open, although recessed into the case, and the mute button is also uncovered. Now, while the CE1150 will keep your device from scratches or even breakage during drops or if it happens to get captured under something that would crush an iPhone in a silicone soft case, it bears reminding that it does not include a screen protector to keep your screen safe from scratches or direct impact, nor does it have the ability to be dropped into water. If that is the level of protection you need, then you'll want to spend the extra money for a LifeProof case or something similar that's going to keep your device intact. Frankly, this case is an oddity. Most Pelican cases meet MilSpec IP54 for water resistance or the ever-popular 801G for drop resistance. There's no such standard applied to the Protector Series. Conclusion Pelican's Protector Series case for iPhone 5/5s provides a good level of protection from everyday mishandling at a very reasonable price, but it's definitely not the case for those iPhone users who need waterproof and shockproof capabilities. That makes this case a bit of an oddball in the Pelican family, as we're used to seeing military-grade protection from the company. Rating: 2-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible
Pelican ProGear Vault: Some serious protection for the iPad Air
Now that the iPad Air has been out for a while, we're starting to see a handful of specialty cases for the newest iPad. For anyone who uses an iPad Air in the "real world" -- at a construction site, in the battlefield, or even in the classroom -- there's a need for cases that can handle assaults from dust, water, drops, and shocks. Pelican ProGear is now shipping the Vault (US$99.95), also known to its closest friends by the name "Pelican ProGear™ CE2180 Vault Series Tablet Case for iPad Air™". Specifications Dimensions: 10.30" x 8.48" x 0.75" (26.2 x 21.5 x 1.9 cm) Weight: 16.02 oz (454.16 g) Case Material: Outside is made of polycarbonate and aluminum, inside of elastomeric copolymer rubber for shock protection. iPad camera lens is covered with shatterproof optical-grade Asahi DragonTrail glass. Amazon reviews: 5 stars (only one reviewer as this is a fairly new product) Design Highlights If you've ever seen one of the "real" Pelican cases, you know how sturdy they are. They're made to hold delicate equipment for travel, so it's not uncommon these days to see cubesats packed into Pelican Cases for shipment to a launch site. Since the Vault is a real Pelican case, it's built like a tank. It's not the lightest iPad Air case in existence at just over a pound in weight. One interesting thing is although the Vault has an IPS4 rating for "protection from momentary immersion and wind-driven rain", it does that without having a separate glass or plastic shield over the face of the iPad Air. Instead, all of the various ports and buttons on the device are neatly sealed away, while the liquids just splash on the bare iPad Air screen. The Vault also meets IPS4 dust ingress protection the same way, while the case provides MIL-STD810G protection against drops. Lest you think that the Vault's protection makes it impossible to listen to any sounds coming from your iPad Air, you're wrong -- there are specially designed ports that provide excellent audio. Functionalty HIghlights The Vault is not an iPad Air case for the timid, as you will need tools to install it onto your device. There's a small hex driver included (it's taped to the back of the IKEA-like instruction card), and there are a whopping fifteen hex screws that need to be removed and then re-inserted. Once the iPad Air is locked into the case, it's not coming out unless you decide to remove all of those screws. There's a latching "door" that closes over the screen while in transit, keeping your iPad Air screen from getting splashed on or cracked if you drop something on it. That door folds all the way around behind the back of the iPad Air on a metal hinge; likewise, that hinge makes it possible to stand the iPad Air up for viewing. The rubber-like covers over the home button, volume toggle, mute/orientation lock, and headphone ports work well, snapping shut (for the ones that open) tightly. The Vault comes in two "colors" -- white and gray or black and gray. There's also a model for the iPad mini with Retina display that comes in additional hues. One final note: the Vault is guaranteed for life. If it fails before your iPad Air is either completely out of date or can no longer hold a charge, you get another one. That being said, I don't think TUAW readers should try to test the capabilities of the Vault by driving over it with a tank, going scuba diving, or performing any other action it's not designed for. Conclusion The Pelican ProGear Vault is not an iPad Air case for everyone, but for anyone who needs good field protection for their tablet it's a winner. The price is reasonable, the case is well-designed and constructed, and it's going to provide the protection you crave. That protection, however, comes at the cost of bulk and weight. If you don't need the powerful protection the Vault can provide, you'll probably be better served by a case that can provide less protection but weigh less. If I have one big complaint, it's that the case requires the removal and re-insertion of fifteen hex screws for installation. Other manufacturers have designed protective cases that use interlocking "fingers" of plastic to snap the case together and hold the pieces in place, and they take much less time to install (although they're a pain to remove). Rating: 3-1/2 stars (out of 4 stars possible) Giveaway Of course we can't do a review here at TUAW without giving away the goods to one of our readers! 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 13, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Pelican ProGear Vault case for iPad Air valued at $99.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Pelican ProGear 1070CC HardBack Case: Ultimate protection for your MacBook Air
Pelican has been making amazing hard-side cases for quite a while, creating some of the favorite shipping cases for cameras, firearms, servers and other items that owners want to have softly cradled in foam while protected with a hard shell. Recently, the company launched the ProGear 1070CC HardBack Case (US$85.00) for 13" Ultrabooks, which of course fits the 13" and 11" MacBook Air. Read on for details about this protective case, then enter for a chance to win one courtesy of Pelican Products and TUAW. The ProGear HardBack Case is built tough. The design? Well, it's not going to appeal to everyone. If you're in an executive office, a nice leather case or bag for your MacBook Air is going to do just fine. But if you're the type who needs a laptop case that you can throw into the back of a pickup truck or take on a oceanographic or mountaineering expedition, then this case is perfect for you. The outside of the case is built of the same ultra-tough material that Pelican uses for their other cases, and I know for a fact that this material can hold up. I used to do training for a company that shipped PC projectors in Pelican cases, and I saw these cases get dropped, fall off of baggage carts, even get bumped by cars. The outside of the cases were beat up, but the gear inside was never damaged. The bottom of the case has four non-slip rubber feet to keep it from sliding on hard surfaces like wet boat decks, and there are a pair of hefty hinges on the back that allow the top of the case to lay flat if desired. On the front is a latch that keeps the case closed in transit, and there's even spot to put a padlock if you really want to keep your MacBook Air safe. On the inside of the case is a foam insert that's designed to cradle a 13" (or 11") MacBook Air or other "ultrabook" type computer. To ensure that the MacBook Air doesn't slide around, there are four small foam bumper pads that keep it in place. Like most Pelican cases, the ProGear 1070CC Hardback Case is watertight and crushproof. By watertight, the company states that the contents can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. There's a pressure relief valve built in for equalizing pressure between the inside and outside of the case, which could be useful in aeronautical or extreme mountaineering situations. The case also comes with a rugged, padded shoulder strap for carrying. In terms of dimensions, the outside of the case measures 15.29" x 11.96" x 1.60" (38.8 x 30.4 x 4.1 cm). Inside dimensions are 12.80" x 8.95" x 0.72" (32.5 x 22.7 x 1.8 cm). It's not a lightweight at 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg), but you'll be happy for the protection it offers. Conclusion If you need extreme protection for a MacBook Air, then the Pelican ProGear 1070CC HardBack Case is the ultimate crushproof, watertight, and impact resistant case to get. Pros Incredibly durable Can stay submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes Perfect for both the 13" and 11" MacBook Air models Lifetime guarantee Case can accept a lock for true security Extremely reasonable price for a case you'll never need to replace Cons Rather plain looking, and definitely not stylish Who is it for? Anyone whose workplace is outside an office and who needs complete protection of his or her MacBook Air. Giveaway Some lucky TUAW reader is going to be sliding his or her MacBook Air into this Pelican ProGear 1070CC HardBack Case in a little over a week. 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 October 23, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Pelican ProGear 1070CC HardBack Case for MacBook Air, valued at US$85.00 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Pelican ProGear Vault Series case for iPhone 5
Pelican is well-known by professionals in photography, the military, and government for their incredibly strong carrying cases. Now they've brought their expertise to the iPhone 5 with the new Pelican ProGear Vault Series case (Model CE1180, US$79.95), which appears to be one of the first iPhone cases that could survive being run over by a locomotive. Design All kidding aside, the ProGear Vault Series case is really the first iPhone case that's truly worthy of carrying the Pelican Case name. The case is made of an "engineering grade polymer outer shell with elastomeric liner," which is marketing-speak for "hard, almost-bulletproof case with a soft insert." Four flush-fit hex-head screws hold an aircraft aluminum faceplate in place. There's also a screen guard with a scratch-resistant coating that fits under that faceplate. To install and remove the protective shell, a small hex-head driver is included along with two spare screws if they happen to fall out when you crash your wingsuit into a rock face. You gain access to the external buttons on the iPhone 5 through small metal equivalents on the outside of the case. A small knob is used to flip the mute button; it's actually easier to change through the case knob than by flipping the switch on the iPhone. %Gallery-186522% While the Vault doesn't appear to be completely waterproof, it is designed to defend "against extreme wind-driven snow, rain, and dust." There are water-resistant mic and speaker covers, and optical glass protecting both cameras on the iPhone. Finally, Pelican guarantees the Vault Series case for life. Proving that protection doesn't need to be dull, the Vault Series case comes in a variety of colors. Sure, there's dull old black and white, but you can also get purple, a dark grey/red mixture, and a green case as well. Finally, Pelican wants to make sure that the protection is used wherever you may be, so you can purchase optional accessories including a vehicle phone mount, a bike mount, and a sport armband. Functionality Since TUAW is always happy to give away our review items, I didn't install the screen guard. I did, however, undo the hex-head screws to get a feel for just how easy (or difficult) it is to install the Vault Series. The case appears to use small brass-lined fittings built into the polymer outer shell to insure that you'll be able to remove and re-install the screws easily. This is much better than what I've seen with some other cases that just used a poorly-threaded metal liner or had screws driven into plastic. The nice thing about the Vault case is that it doesn't end up being a bulky Iron Man suit for your iPhone. Instead, it weighs just 2.72 ounces and is only .52" thick. You get top-notch protection without weighing yourself down. Conclusion In a market that's been dominated by two companies -- OtterBox and LifeProof -- for ultra-protective cases, there's a new and credible entry from Pelican. While the Vault Series case for iPhone 5 isn't completely waterproof, the shock, crush and splash protection that it does provide should keep your favorite phone safe from a world of potential disasters. Pros Lightweight and thin while still offering a high level of protection Reasonably priced for a case offering this much protection Easy installation of the tough outer shell Comes in a small but welcome variety of colors Spare hex-head screws are included, along with a small screwdriver for installation Cons Not completely waterproof like some other competing iPhone cases Who is it for? Anyone who wants a slender and lightweight iPhone 5 case but doesn't want to compromise on protection. Giveaway One lucky TUAW reader is going to get a chance to keep his or her iPhone 5 protected from drops and splashes. 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 April 26, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Pelican ProGear Vault Series iPhone 5 case valued at US$79.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
