Review: Cleverwraps Ringer Wraps Protection for Smartphones

Picture this:
6AM, one December morning in 2010, light rain in the city.  Destination: Catskills area for a Snowboarding day trip.  My buddy Yann and I thought for a minute and decided to go for it… just incase its not raining up in the mountains.  2 hours later…  the rain continues and was coming down even harder at Hunter.  “Lets do it!” we said, and proceeded to gear up and went up the mountain.  I kept my iPhone 4 in a mid-layer jacket pocket, covered by another layer of outer parka.  Yann, kept his G-1(yes, I know, very dated device), in his exterior jacket pocket.  After four runs, completely drenched, we found shelter at the resort cafeteria to assess the damage.  Pants wet, Jacket soaked, Wallet is damp and my iPhone 4, being inside of another layer, stayed dry.  Yann’s G1 on the other hand… had water leaking out of its mini USB port.

Just like that, a perfectly working (albeit outdated) smartphone is finished.  Mother nature pwn’d it.  In hindsight, we talked about bringing a Ziploc bag with us next time or leave the phones in the car.  When the folks at Cleverwraps contacted me about a product called Ringerwrap, it immediately caught my attention.  This story popped up in my head and immediately recognized the importance of such innovation.  Ringerwraps come in 3 sizes: Small (for iPhone, iPod Touch), Medium (for vertical/flip phones), Large (for horizontal slider phones).  It offers a low bulk solution to hostile environments like the snow, rain, beach, and muddy terrains not friendly for your gadget.  At around $2 per sleeve, I think this is a no brainer.  It would have saved Yann’s G1 for sure.  I think everyone should consider keeping a couple of sleeves in their backpack for their next outdoor adventure.

Cleverwraps

Review: new Griffin Threadless Cases for iPhone 4

Griffin Technology and Threadless Tees continues their partnership introducing colorful cases for the latest generation of iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 3.  I received a couple samples for new designs from a collection and as usual, the cases are thin (in a good way, not adding to the bulk) and of solid quality as you would expect from Griffin.  The colorful design is a good match for your unique personality with match t-shirts.

Griffin Radio-Activity (Spread Music Love) Case ($34.99) Pictures:
 

Griffin Everyday Life Would be Cooler with Sound Effects Case ($34.99) Pictures:

Review: Griffin Standle Case for iPad

It feels like in the world of iPad users, there are two types of user preference.  There is the carrying case (folio) kinda folks and there is the stand (prop) kinda folks.  Some carrying cases allows for you to prop up your iPad but it doesn't look good as a stand.  Some stands look nice but offers no protection.  Then, along came the Griffin Standle, the name even suggest that it would be an hybrid of sort.  Sure enough, it is.

The Standle is a hardcase for the iPad offering some protection around your precious hardware.  What makes it different is its ability to prop up the iPad in both Portrait and Landscape mode and, while propped, actually looks very good as if its on an actual hardware stand.  The case comes in two pieces, you simply snap it together sandwiching the iPad in the middle.  Those of you familiar with my reviews will know that I'm generally not a fan of the 2-halves design because of one incident where my original iPhone (EDGE) actually fall out of the case upon impact.  Therefore, I would not rely on this case too much for impact related protection, there are other suitable choices for that.

Overall, the Standle is very easy to use and is truly a versatile case for your iPad.  The black, glossy finish is good looking in a Darth Vader kind of a way but attracts finger prints just as much as your iPad screen.  For basic protection that can be used as a stand, this is one of the most creative iPad case design I have ever seen.  The case is now available online for $49.99.

Review: Griffin Elan Folio for iPad

I have decided to give my iPad a real go and replace my paper notebook and pens at work to see if it can become my right hand man at work.  As part of the preparation, I wanted to find a good case/cover for the iPad so I can protect it from the day to day.  When Griffin launched their new Elan Folio case, I thought it'd be great to go for a test drive with it.

Griffin Elan Folio is a porfolio style case that allows you to slide your iPad into the case providing ample all around protection. The cutouts for all the ports, switches, speaker are perfectly aligned so you can have full control of your iPad.  The case allows you to prop up your iPad into two standing positions (both for landscape view).  All in all, the Elan Folio is a very professional looking case; the iPad looks very handsome inside this case.

There are a couple of feedback that I thought could be improved: unlike the Elan Passport for iPad, this case doesn't have the pockets lined up the inside of the case cover (which proved to be handy when I'm at off-site meetings).  Also, the case can only be setup to prop the iPad in landscape view, it would have been nice to be able to prop via picture mode as well.

If you are looking for a handsome looking case to protect your iPad that can be used to prop up your screen in landscape mode, Griffin Elan Folio (MSRP $49.99) case should be one of the consideration.

Review: Otter Box Impact Series Case for HTC EVO

If you own a smart device other than Apple's, you will know that it's pretty hard to find accessories for them.  Things get harder to find when it comes to devices that are one off design for selected manufacturers, for instance, all of the HTC phones.  Well, if you happen to own the best HTC Android smartphone today (IMHO), then your HTC EVO 4G is in luck.  OTTER BOX just released it's Impact series case for the EVO and in short, it works and fits very nicely (and I like it!)

Otter Box is famous for it's high quality and durability in cases (see a handful of my reviews on various Apple products here).  That same ruggedness is now available to protect your top dog 4G smartphone. The Impact series case is a one piece silicon sleeve, albeit one thick silicon case offering ample protection.  In Otter Box's own description, it's toughness is rated level 2 out of 4, those looking for ultimate levels of protection should look into their level 4 case, the DEFENDER series (see my reviews).

I was surprised at how much I liked the Impact case for the EVO, it fits the device perfectly, as if the case and EVO have fused together the instant they met.  The cutouts are precise and the texture (especially) on the backside looks amazing, even better than stock. Since the EVO has a smooth/high gloss finish, using the case provides addition grip with it's rubbery finish which also decreased the devices tendency to slide off surfaces on an incline.  The case also offers extra padding around the front of the phone to make sure that gorgeous LCD will not make contact with the flat surface thus avoid unnecessary scratch; this is on top of throwing in a free LCD protector laminate film.

All Otter Box cases tend to add some thickness or heft to the devices but it didn't feel this way with the EVO.  Prior to trying out this Impact Series case (MSRP: $19.99), the EVO was used naked in it's default state, now this EVO will always be rocking inside the Otter Box Impact Series case.

Bottom line: One of the best cases with a good balance of pricing, fit and performance, its a little nugget of protection for your top of line Android device....  If you weren't sure, just go get it, you'll love it!

Review: Otter Box Impact Series case for iPhone 4

Otter Box, manufacturer of tough cases, recently introduced a new series of gadgetry protection called the Impact Series for the iPhone 4.  The Impact Series offers the least amount of protection amongst the Otter Box line but make no mistake, this case is still big on toughness nut light on the cost ($19.99).

Unlike previous cases I have tested, which can be made of two or more pieces, the Impact Series is a single silicon sleeve (plus the usual screen protector). Installation is straight forward and once installed, there is no mistake that you've got an Otter Box on your baby!  For one, this silicon sleeve offers more protection area by covering both the top and bottom portions of the iPhone 4 screen up to the point where the amazing Retina Display LCD begins.  The case also adds some thickness around the frame so that your LCD will not touch the surface when laying down.  You can tell it's an Otter Box by it's extra thickness in material thus offering more protection.  Some folks might find the case a bit thick for the pocket (albeit it's already the smallest and most compact when compared to other Otter Box I've
tested).

If you are looking for a case that can offer legit protection without breaking the bank, the Impact Series case for the iPhone 4 is definitely a good choice if you don't mind the slight thickness.

(Size reference, I put it up against a Griffin Elan Etch case, with the extra bulk, you will get the extra padding and protection)

Review: Elago S4 Breathe Slim Case for iPhone

The iPhone 4 is truly an elegant looking phone, arguably the best looking phone ever produced.  With the "antennagate" issue which requires the use of a case or band, tasteful individuals will search high and low for case that can match the iPhone 4's beauty.  Well... one of the case worthy of consideration is the new Elago S4 BREATH case.  The S4 Breathe cases are slim and fits over your iPhone 4 perfectly.  The design pattern reminds me of the finish on a Mac Pro workstation.  Although the material is polycarbonate finished with a gentle rubber like finish, it somehow appears to be raw steel which makes it the best of both world.  Note that this case is very slim and is primarily designed to protect the back and two sides of the iPhone.  This is great to keep the profile to a minimal but for those looking for full protection, there are other options.

At $11.99 MSRP, this slim, low profile case for iPhone 4 is probably one of the best value and best looking case for the money.

Review: Griffin FlexGrip for iPhone 4

Ever since the very first iPod, there has always been an interest for some people to find the most see thru protection so they can proudly display their beloved gadget while protecting it from being scoffed up.  That said, the Griffin FlexGrip is probably something ideal for those looking for see-thru protection on the iPhone 4.

The FlexGrip is made of a rubbery-flexible material known as TPU entirely.  There are two finishes and the one I have is the clear version; while it is not completely see-thru, this translucent case will display the back of your iPhone 4 clearly when installed and pressed up against the iPhone.  Installing FlexGrip on an iPhone 4 takes seconds and the fit is nice and snug.  When installed, it barely adds any thickness to the device.

I like the FlexGrip because it offers a clean finish and keeps the iPhone 4 to a minimalist style.  The fact that the entire case is made of TPU which offers added grip traction which is always a good thing.  At $19.99 MSRP, this is one of the better valued iPhone 4 cases on the market today.

Review: Griffin Elan Frame Graphite for iPhone 4

If you oppose the idea of having a protective case covering up your gorgeous new iPhone but has succumbed to the "antennagate" issue surrounding the iPhone, then Griffin's Elan Frame Graphite is probably perfect for you.  In short, the Elan Frame is just like the Apple iPhone Bumper, except that its available and ready to ship (apparently, Apple is currently not selling the Bumper to public right now since it was one of the few free choices offered in the make good free case program). 

Elan Frame comes in three flavors, black/graphite/platinum.  I've trained myself at this point to automatically take anything option that is either graphite or carbon fiber when its available because it has never failed me, these patterns (real or faux) always look great on just about anything.  As expected, the Elan Frame Graphite looks amazing on my black iPhone 4.  The case comes apart in two pieces and snaps together snugly.  All the cut outs for buttons and ports are precise as usual.  The overall effect is very slick, a little shiny and the graphite print just takes it home when you can see the pattern in the right amount of light.

The Elan Frame works as advertised and will help you dress up your iPhone 4 in a limited way while solving the antennagate issue, personally, I like to opt for a little more protection so the Griffin Reveal Etch Graphite (my review) would still be my preference. 

Review: Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 4 (Hint: Excellent!)

Its been a little more than two months since the iPhone 4 has hit the streets (and along the way created a huge buzz around the whole "antennagate" issue which calls in the importance of needing a case) and case manufacturers have finally kept up with the demand and starting to release various iPhone 4 cases.  As a consumer/reader, you probably have noticed the recent influx of case reviews all over the web and if you are reading this one, you are probably trying to figure the best solution for you.  Well, as a favor to you, I'll go ahead and tell you upfront that this Otterbox Commuter Series case is pretty darn close to perfection.  Put it this way, I'll be running around with this case for my own iPhone 4 for a while.  Lets get right to the details:

Otterbox Commuter Series for iPhone 4 (Just right amount of Toughness!)
The Otterbox name is synonymous for durability.  Every single one of my Otterbox cases (regardless if its iPhones, iPods or iPads) have always been tough cookies.  In a very typical (and solid) design, the Commuter case is made of two components (three if you count the screen protector).  A rubber inner sleeve and a plastic hardshell protection.  The Commuter Series typically falls right in between the protection level amongst the Otterbox product line (Defender Series are extremely tough and Impact are entry level tough). Being in between is why I think the Commuter case for iPhone 4 is such a perfect design.  It offers just the right amount of toughness without sacrificing the compactness. 

With this case on my iPhone, I feel like its rubberize inner layer will help with impact reduction with the outer hardshell layer will provide protection against another hard object.  While the iPhone glass LCD screen is known for its durability, its still nice to see Otterbox provide an extra layer of protection to apply to the LCD screen.  Otterbox Commuter cases always provide the protective cover to all the ports/holes to prevent dusts and other objects from entering.  Officially, the case is not water resistant or shock proofed but at $35 MSRP, I'll say that this case is one of the best for your iPhone 4 in terms of build quality and durability. Go get 'em!

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.