Review: Griffin Elan Form for iPhone 4

Griffin Elan Form, the popular household name for iPhone protection is back to serve the new iPhone.  To date, I have reviewed almost half a dozen of Elan Form cases, and I'm pleased to introduce the latest Elan Form for the iPhone 4.

The Elan Form, Black Leather case (synthetic leather actually) for iPhone 4 is composed of two piece sandwich design.  The two halves snaps together holding the iPhone 4 solidly in place. The synthetic leather texture reminds me of one of the fancier NCAA basketball texture but provides a solid grip/feedback when picking up the iPhone.  All the cut outs are precise as expected with any Griffin case.  My only feedback is that I'd prefer it if this was a one piece design as I generally try to avoid cases with these types of 2-halves sandwich design since it could come apart if you drop the phone (ref).

The Elan Form cases for iPhone is now available for $29.99, or you can step up to a platinum leather finish for $34.99.

Review: Griffin Elan Form Graphite for iPad

If you've read my review on the Griffin Reveal Etch (Graphite) for the iPhone, then you'll know how much I liked Griffin's Graphite texture/design.  I think Griffin Technology's designers know the Graphite texture compliments well to Apple devices so they launched a new case for the iPad known as Griffin Elan Form Graphite for iPad (MSRP $49.99).

This hardshell case is very easy to apply, just snap it over your iPad and in 2 seconds you are ready to go.  As far as the look goes, I really like the minimalist approach to the Elan Form Graphite, the case hardly adds any thickness to the iPad and the cut outs for the buttons and ports are precisely done; with this case on, you should still be able to use other Griffin accessories such as the A-Frame stand or the new CinemaSeat (I'll review this later).  As for protection, it will prevent the back of your iPad from getting all scratched up but I would still use with care since I don't think this case will offer good protection against drops and since the front is flush, I would avoid setting the iPad face down using this case.  For stronger protection, I would recommend something like the Griffin Elan Passport or Otterbox Commuter Series.

I think Griffin has produced another attractive, slim case for your iPad and compliments really well to its Graphite design.

Review: Griffin Elan Form Graphite iPhone 3G Case

The Griffin Elan Form series hard shell cases for iPhone 3G and iPod Touch(s) are popular. So popular that it comes in various flavors of styling. The Mobile Experience blog is proud to say that we've covered the reviews for the classic Elan Form as well as the Elan Form Chrome. I would have to say that the latest Elan Form Graphite is by far the best Elan Form ever made and here is why.

Style: The Elan Form Graphite is the best looking Elan Form Case to date. Featuring a carbon fiber -like design on the back makes it look like its very cutting edge (which is what the iPhone 3G is all about). The bezel on the front (and trims throughout the back side) is made of a smoked chrome trim (much like the Griffin Reflect Case). The overall style is very low-key and exotic, something right up my alley. Since it has the same Easy-Docking design as the Elan Form, its both more sturdy and convenient than the Reflect case.

Fit: The fit is the usual good Griffin quality. Much like the Clarifi, Nu Form and Elan Form, it is made of two pieces which comes together from top and bottom. The bottom can be easily removed for docking. The case comes with a cleaning cloth to help you wipe down the screen for the included static-cling screen protector. If I haven't mentioned before, Griffin's screen protector is one of the best quality. It affixes easily and once installed properly, its so clear its as if it wasn't even there. Applying the screen protector can take some practice and I have noticed that if I catch a lint on the sticky side, I can never remove it (as I wash it off, I attract more lints).

Conclusion: All together, the Elan Form Graphite looks very nice on any iPhone 3G (black or white). The biggest selling point has to be the smoked chrome trim around the iPhone which brings back the same iPhone chrome bezel design in a more stylish-low-key design. The carbon-fiber style on the back of the case is very sleek and accentuates an iPhone's cutting edge theme. If you are interested in the Elan Form Graphite, I don't think you'll be disappointed. MSRP: $34.99 and available online.

PS - I asked my wife if I can borrow her iPhone 3G White for the photoshoot since it usually comes out with better photos; afterward she liked this case so much she decided to keep it over the Clarifi case (which has been my favorite). From my Elan Form Chrome review, I had thought this case would be more appropriate for guys, but I guess this style at close-up is a big seller for boys and girls!

Review: Griffin Elan Form Chrome for iPhone 3G

Today, I decided to swap out my wife's iPhone 3G into a new case by Griffin; the Elan Form Chrome. Personally, I am more of a low-key phone/accessories personality but I thought since Spring is around the corner, why not freshen up this iPhone with a new case. So off comes the Griffin Clarifi and on goes the Elan Form Chrome.

The Elan Form is a popular series by Griffin for iPhone. Essentially it is a two-piece hardshell case design with their popular EasyDock design and finished off with a hardened leather. Our blog contributor Toby covered the original Elan Form review last September. The "Chrome" edition as one would have guessed features chrome trims around the seems and openings of the case.

I feared if the case would look too flamboyant at first but when examing the case closely, the face of the iPhone doesn't look too different than without a case simply because all iPhones come with a polished trim around its border. This case just makes it a little bolder and more defined. When you flip over to the backside of the case, the chrome around the seems provides a big bold contrast against the leather finish. It looks a little cheesey for my taste.

Other than the slight design complaint I have, this is another solid case from Griffin. I figured since my wife is carrying this phone, she can probably pull it off. I would probably opt for something more subtle like the awesome Griffin Clarifi or their new Elan Form Graphite.

More Griffin Roll Out: Elan Chrome and Nano iTrip

Well... its no surprise that Griffin has carved out a niche for all things iPhone/iPod related. This week, they announced two more products for Apple fanboys and fangirls. First up to bat, the Griffin Elan Form Chrome case for the iPhone 3G. They've basically upgraded their popular Elan Form case to new design level with a chrome finish trim around the edges. It gives a strangely futuristic look to it and I like it. I will try to get a unit to provide a closeup review and inspection. MSRP $35.

The second item is the iTrip for iPod Nano 4G. This classic FM modulator is now available to fit right beneath the latest Nano and allows you to play your music in any FM station with a push of a button. No messy wires or software is required. This unit will work with Nano of every generation but is shaped and sized for the latest 4th generation unit. MSRP $50

Review: Griffin Elan Form for iPhone 3G

The Elan Form for iPhone 3G from Griffin Technology is a hard protective shell designed just for the iPhone 3G. The inner shell is made from polycarbonate and wraps around the side of the phone. The outer shell is made from “hand-matched” leather giving a nice textured feel. The package comes in three pieces; the top and bottom sections of the case, and a stiff polycarbonate screen protector. There’s also cleaning cloth.
First I cleaned the screen really well with the cloth and made sure there wasn’t any dust on the glass. I put on the stiff polycarbonate screen protector, again checking for dust particles. Next I slide the top section onto the phone. The snug fit is what holds the shell in place at the same time the edge clips in the screen protector. Lastly, I slide on the bottom section making sure the screen is inside the clips.

Update: Make sure the inside of the case and the back of the phone is very clean. Since this is a snug fit, any debris caught between the two may scratch your phone.

First impression was very nice. The feel of the leather is great compared to other cases that I’d used in the past. To me it gives a more mature or sophisticated look compared to other case in the market. It also doesn’t add too much thickness to the phone. The stiff screen protector gives a sense of superior protection over the thin stick-on skins options out there.

After a few days of use, I noticed a couple of things that started to bother me. The top and side of the iPhone where there are buttons are exposed. Since I keep my phone in my pants pocket, dust and lint tends to get into those openings. I had been blowing out the dust on a daily basis to keep it clean. Although I assume girls that carry their iPhones in their purses will not have as much of a problem. On the other hand the openings still exposes the iPhone to potential scratches. The other issue I have is with the screen protector. This stiff screen protector is not one that sticks onto the glass. It is held in place as it is sandwiched between the glass and the case as I described above as “clips in”. I had started to notice two issues from this design. One, there are moisture pockets/bubbles between the screen protector and the glass that I can’t clean off. No matter how well I clean the glass and the protector, it seems to appear when I start to use the touch screen. The other issue is one that has convinced me to replace the stiff protector with the other stick-on types. There’s a gap between the screen protector and the glass around the iPhone’s Home button. Dust and debris has gotten into this area and the only way to clean it out is to remove the whole case.

To sum it up, The Griffin Elan Form for iPhone 3G is a good buy for $29.99.

Pros: The leather gives the phone a great feel and the hard shell protects the phone well. Sliding off the bottom section to dock is easy. Give the iPhone a more sophisticated look.

Cons: Things that I hope can be improved upon are the openings of the top and side of the case. I wish a rubber layer could be built into the case to cover up the buttons to keep dust out and to prevent scratches. The screen protector’s got to go. I would buy an adhesive protector (anti glare and no finger smudged one) and use that with this Elan Form making it closer to perfection.