New 2012 iPhone body reportedly leaks, gives the glass front its time to shine

Remember that tall, mostly aluminum 2012 iPhone shell that appeared to have leaked? It's back. This time, KitGuru has unearthed what it claims is a “test sample” with the glass front panel roughly intact. We've seen the darker steel sides, aluminum back and new dock connector before, but the front gives us a much better sense of how the finished product (if real) will turn out. Sitting next to an iPhone 4S, it's suggested that the new model would stuff in that bigger screen more through a better use of the available area — there's much less blank space than on the iPhones we've known since 2007.

Chrono iPhone Case Straps you in for a Secure Grip

Trying to design a better iPhone case ranks right up there with designing a better mouse trap. Everyone thinks they can do it, but only a rare few have. Most iPhone cases bore me because they all look relatively similar and have nothing that makes them stand out from all the other cases on the market. When people send me links to cases that they want reviewed or mentioned, my eyes usually glaze over. So when I saw a new email in my inbox that had the subject of Chrono Case – an "Insanely Great" iPhone Case, I may have actually yawned. But then I read Mike Chan's email about his Indiegogo project (similar to Kickstarter). This case is made of aluminum and features a screwless design and an adjustable strap that is built into the back side of the case. This elastic strap can be used hold items like credit cards, money or your earbuds. But it can also be used as a gripping aid by sliding your fingers under the strap. A $55 pledge gets you on the list for a black Chrono Case. Higher donations will get you other colors. What do you think? Does it have potential?

The world's most luxurious iPhone collection launched by Swiss company Golden Dreams

Golden Dreams, a company based in Geneva, Switzerland, has announced "the world's most luxurious iPhone collection," which includes luxury iPhones dressed in leather, gold, or diamonds. These will certainly give Amosu, Gresso, GoldStriker and the others a run for their money. The new Golden Dreams collection includes three iPhone models: Desert Edition (using "carefully selected alligator leather"), Gold Edition (with "with 24ct-gold plating or with 120 grams of 18ct gold"), and Diamond Edition (which can contain up to 4,057 diamonds). Prices for the Desert Edition iPhones start at 1,990 Swiss francs (about $2,172). Gold Edition iPhones cost at least 2,150 Swiss francs ($2,346). As for the Diamond Edition ones, prices are only available on request, and we can only imagine they're exorbitant.

Brass knuckles iPhone case concept looks dangerous

We've seen some pretty interesting iPhone cases in the past, and if you enjoy the idea of being able to turn your iPhone case into a weapon, you might be interested in checking out this particular rendering of an iPhone case that looks like it could double up as a set of brass knuckles, although in this case it looks more like stainless steel rather than brass, but we think you get the drift. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) this brass knuckles iPhone case appears to be merely a concept at this point in time. After all, brass knuckles alone look like they could do a number on you, and if those spikes were to add to that damage, let's just say that the end results would not be pleasant. In any case, we're not sure how well one could equip a set of brass knuckles with an iPhone in hand anyway. How many of you guys out there wouldn't mind owning a set of these anyway?

PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield Kit for iPhone 4x4S Review

We all know that a screen protector will help keep your iPhone's display as pristine as the day you bought it. But installing one can be a huge pain in the butt. First you have to make sure the screen is clean so you don't install the protector over dust particles. That's actually the easy part. The difficult part is getting it lined up correctly and bubble free. There are many screen protector brands on the market. Some require water to install and some are dry apply. But none of them are as easy to apply as the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield Kit for iPhone 4x4S. Their install method is pure genius. Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view. First of all, this is how my iPhone 4S looked before I installed the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield. You will notice that I have a screen protector installed (I don't recall the brand – it probably came with a case I reviewed), but there are bubbles. Those dreaded bubbles. Argh… No matter how careful you are it's almost impossible to avoid them. With the PureGear protector, bubbles are a thing of the past. The packaging is actually a fixture that has been designed to align your iPhone and the screen protector for perfect installation. Just tear the paper tab on the back and pull off the outer cover / instructions. What you're left with is a plastic tray that has the screen protector attached to it. Also included is a microfiber cloth to polish the phone's screen and a special roller. The protector lifts up to reveal a tray that holds an iPhone 4x4S. PureGear also offers versions of this kit for the Motorola Droid 4 and Motorola Droid Razr. Included with the kit is a dual roller that you use to install the protector. If you've ever installed other screen protectors, you have probably used a credit card to smooth out the protector. I like this roller a lot better. With the iPhone's screen wiped off with the microfiber cloth and firmly seated in the holder, the protector can flop back over the phone as shown above. Then all you have to do is place the special roller between the “rails” and roll it down the length of the phone. As you guide the roller, it separates the top layer as it sticks the protector to the phone. The trick is to roll it slowly without stopping. I know this because I screwed up 2 protectors in the process of writing this review. With my first try, I didn't roll it without stopping. I rolled it a few inches, snapped some pictures for the review, rolled it a bit further, took some more pictures, etc. I ended up with a protector that had several bubbles that would not go away. I knew the problem was completely my fault, so I pulled off the protector and installed a 2nd one that PureGear sent me. This time I rolled it in one continuous motion. I thought it had installed perfectly till I looked closely and noticed that t was not lined up correctly with the home button. Darn it! I emailed PureGear to tell them about my experiences and they agreed to send me another one. That is a concern that you only get one shot to get the protector installed correctly. You won't be able to peel it up and reseat it. As they say, 3rd time is the charm. My last try was a complete success. When you're done, you're left with a piece of plastic that you have to peel off. You might notice that the dual roller looks different in this picture when compared to the earlier pictures. I think the new design may be based on the fact that people were having some issues with the protector not lining up correctly like I did on my 2nd try. This 3rd time it lined up just fine though. Here is the finished product. No bubbles and perfectly lined up with the home button and the speaker at the top.The protector is slightly smaller than the display, meaning that it should work great with bummer cases. If you click the image to zoom in, you might notice a couple spots along the very top edge. They disappeared after 24hrs leaving me with a perfectly protected display. The protector is made of an industrial strength film that has self healing technology. It feels smooth and looks clear. Installing the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield is easier and faster than any protector I've ever installed. As long as you pay attention to what you're doing and don't go too fast, you should end up with great results.

Cellhelmet Protects Your iPhone and Insures It, Too

This is another Kickstarter project.  The cellhelmet case for iPhone 4x4S (US & Canada versions) from cellpig.com is a TPU case with a difference.  This case comes complete with a one-year insurance policy from Global Warranty Group, “one of the nation's largest and most recognized iPhone insurance administrators”, to repair or replace your iPhone if it is accidentally damaged while in the cellhelmet case.  (Water damage is excluded.)  Each case comes with two colored inserts to give your iPhone a little personality.  You'll need to pledge a minimum of $40 to get a case.  They met about 84% of their funding as of today, and they have 32 more days in the funding period – still time to get one of these cases for yourself.

iHeadCase: iPhone Case with Built-in Storage for Earbuds

This is another Kickstarter project.  The iHeadCase is available in either a plastic shell case or a faux leather case for iPhone 4x4S.  The Hardshell version is made of polycarbonate and is available in piano black, and some other colors that will be selected later.  This case can also be used as a stand.  The Wallet version is made of polyurethane, an animal-friendly faux leather.  As the name suggests, you can use this case as your wallet, too.  Some Wallets may have wrist straps for use as a clutch.  Both styles hold your iPhone 4 securely, and both styles have a rounded compartment on the back to store and protect your earbuds.  A $25 pledge gets you one Hardshell in black; it's expected to retail for $39.99.  A pledge of $40 gets you one Wallet in black; it's expected to retail for $55 or more.  You have until Feb. 17, 2012 to help iHeadCase meet their funding goals.  If funding is successful, the company plans to launch cases for other smartphones, such as Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, and for portable media player,s such as the iPod and iPod touch.

Nissan Develops “Self-Healing” iPhone Case

Nissan develops an iPhone case, no joke. Being a car manufacturer that it is, expect Nissan to come up with an unusual product that is beyond ordinary. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone Case is being touted as the world's first “self-healing” iPhone cover. It quickly fixes minor scratches on its own, without the aid of scratch-removing chemicals. The company uses Scratch Shield, its self-healing paint technology originally developed for its vehicles since 2005. The case, meanwhile, is made of lightweight ABS plastic and is a product of a collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials. “The outer ‘paint' is made of polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap — ‘healing' the blemish,” Nissan states in its press release. Protoypes of Nissan's iPhone case has been distributed to a number of journalists and select customers. The company plans on putting the Scratch Shield iPhone Case to commercial retail later this year.

Nissan announces the world's first self-healing iPhone case

Nissan on Monday announced the company's new Scratch Shield case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The case is made of ABS plastic that is designed to create a rigid, robust and tighter-fitting case. Perhaps the most exciting news is the case's unique ability to heal itself. Nissan's Scratch Shield paint is the world's first paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves. The paint is the same that is featured on numerous Nissan and Infiniti automobiles throughout the world. When damage occurs to the coating, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap, thus “healing” the blemish. The healing process takes between an hour and a week depending on the damage. The Scratch Shield is currently being beta tested in Europe, with the technology also being licensed to NTT Docomo for use on mobile phones. If Nissan is satisfied with the results from the beta test, we can expect to see the case released to the general public later this year. Read on for Nissan's press release. WORLD'S FIRST SELF-HEALING iPhone CASE Nissan brings automotive innovation to the world of technology Nissan announces unique self-healing iPhone case – the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case The case uses innovations from the automotive world to create a robust iPhone case, including Nissan's pioneering self-healing paint finish Nissan's Scratch Shield paint is a world first in paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves Addition benefits such as scratch-resistant and easier-to-grip than normal glossy phone surfaces The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is made from ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry to create a more rigid, robust, and tighter-fitting case Trial underway with initial batch of prototypes Rolle, Switzerland, 16 January 2012: Nissan today announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone* – a ground-breaking self-healing iPhone case. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand's pioneering self-healing paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Now this ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that's prone to scratches through everyday use – the smartphone – with Nissan's new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer. Developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infiniti range of products.  Now, thanks to Nissan's pioneering approach, this technology is being trialled for the first time on a non-automotive product in Europe, with the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer 'paint' is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap – ‘healing' the blemish. An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year. Bob Laishley, Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, said: “We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we've got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product. “We're really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we've already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world. We're passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre.” Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its Miniature Thermal Imaging Sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car's headlights; the technology has been licensed to create a device which allows customers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit other industries, and promote these non-automotive applications globally. Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automotive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motoring when it launched the first Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-successful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke – with its innovative fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan's range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan's manufacturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011. Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation combining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai.  To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the first 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

Give Your iPhone 4x4S a New Look with MetalliCover

If you're tired of a plain black or white iPhone 4 or 4S but don't want a plastic skin, give a look to MetalliCover‘s metal skins. You'll cover both the front and back of the phone with these stainless-steel plates;  they'll add only 0.2″ thickness and 0.7 ounces to your phone.  The plates are laser etched with geometric, floral, or even animal print designs, and they are available with an optional gold plating.  A professional-grade 3M backing adhesive holds the plates securely to your phone, but they remove easily with the edge of your fingernail without leaving sticky residue behind.  You'll also receive a matching wallpaper for your iPhone with purchase of a MetalliCover.  Stainless steel designs are $25.95; gold-plated versions are $89.95.

Celluon Prodigy iPhone Battery Case

The Celluon Prodigy is not an ordinary iPhone battery case, because it comes equipped with a built-in QWERTY keyboard and a virtual infrared keyboard. Too bad, there is no further info about this gadget. The company will launch the Celluon Prodigy in the near future for $189.95 each. Stay tuned for more updates. [CultOfMac]

Cord-On-Board: An iPhone Case with Charger Inside

Apple mobile devices have been around for almost 10 years, but its little white charging cable remained the same. It has been a constant companion to every iPod and iPhone user, and losing one could be devastating. With that in mind, a simple device that keeps your Apple charging cable in place is much needed. The Cord-On-Board is a shock-resistant iPhone/ iPod Touch case that comes with a 9.5-inch charging cable tucked inside. It is made from thermoplastic rubber material that can bear the brunt of accidental falls. And because of the added cable placed inside the case, expect your iDevice to get a bit bulky but that is understandable. But this device is still in the drawing board, which is why its maker, Caseinity, is asking for $20,000 of funding through Kickstarter. You can contribute to its development for as low as $25, which could get you one of the first batch of cases.

Griffin and Third Man Records team up to add vinyl to your iPhone case

In the market for a new case for the brand new iPhone 4S that you just pick up today? A fan of all things Jack White? If so, Griffin and Third Man records have teamed up to put a vinyl spin on your next Apple-friendly smartphone case. The pair has introduced a set of accessories that make use of a legit 7-inch record die-cut to protect the back of your mobile device, blending analog and digital without making a sound. Each case is comprised of a two-part frame that wraps those precious edges — with openings for controls and jacks, of course — and a piece of genuine vinyl, pressed right in Nashville. You'll have your choice of three color variants that come with a Third Man-branded vinyl. If that's not enough, you can spring for a set of three inserts, one from each of Mr. White's musical projects. Protip: If you happen to opt for the extras and snag The Racounteur's insert, this collaboration marks the first pressing of “Steady, As She Goes.” Each case is $30 and the set of extra inserts will set you back another Jackson.

Get A $30+ iPhone 4S Case For Just Under $1.5 Now (Legally)!

Good folks, hurry up! This is no joke. BoxWave, the company that hit headlines after launching a physical keyboard for iPhone 4 is now offering an absolutely irresistible deal on iPhone 4S cases. All of the new product cases on the company’s website are surprisingly listed under $1.50 after discount from their original prices of about $30+.

Some of these cases are priced at just $1 like the Crystal iPhone 4S shell or the Rhino DuroForm iPhone 4S case, etc which despite such low price claim to offer tough protection. And there are several others which are priced at an unbelievably low-price of $1.50 despite claiming a nice of features to their credit.

The amazing thing is that all these cases look really decent and amazing. There are plenty of them, in different designs and textures. Since they are designed for iPhone 4S, they should work perfectly well with iPhone 4 as well which gives you another reason to jump past the break and buy yourself one or some.

The best part is that there are no shipping charges (or at least we were not billed any ), so a brand new case for your new iPhone should cost just a dollar and half. That’s it. There are plenty of types and cases to choose from. For instance, there’s this iPhone 4S Shell case with KickStand (featured below) or other cases with interesting themes like candy coating, color splash, rain drops, azure glimmer and velvet pouches among others.

Most of these have soft fiber coating on the inside to keep your glossy iPhone smooth and shiny for ever. Of course, you can pick your own color. You see, there are options always. Almost, always.

There are no details on the last date for the deal. But, why wait when you can pull the trigger now? Click here to select an iPhone 4S sleeve/case of your choice. Oh and one more thing, if you are looking for some relatively expensive and best-of-the-class cases, you may see our post on 5 best places where you can get one.

We’ve already placed our order and it’s will be with us soon. How about you?

We hope this post was helpful.

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Disclaimer: The author of this story of Tnerd have no commercial interest in the product or its resellers/partners whatsoever. This story for written for the sole purpose of sharing knowledge with our readers. Tnerd or its associates are no way involved in the deal.

5 Good Sites That Offer Amazing iPhone 4S Cases/Covers!

Okay, so you’ve got that shiny new piece of hardware from Apple. Yeah, the iPhone 4S, It’s not that new in design but it’s still new and precious because you invested in it, right? If you haven’t already ordered a good iPhone 4S case alongside, here’s our list of 5 good sites that have some amazing iPhonne 4S cases on the shelves.

Oh yes, even you have ordered one already, you may want to check these out. Some of them are accompanied by a nice demonstrative video. Perhaps, that should change your opinion. Here we go:

1. Case-Mate: Yes, you know that brand. It’s been there in this arena since long and with the release of the new iPhone, Case Mate has also released their iPhone 4S cases and protective covers. There are seven of them. Case Mate has named these seven cases as Gelli, Vroom, Pop!, Tough, Brushed Aluminum, Barely There, Emerge cases.

Each one is distinct in its own right and their build involves eye-catching colors and fashion-forward designs. You can also make your own iPhone 4S case by uploading a picture at Case-Mate. When it comes to iPhone cases, Case-mate certainly knows how to play it well.

Check out CaseMate iPhone 4S cases from here. Prices range between $14.99 to $34.99.

2. Otterbox iPhone 4S Cases: Folks at Otterbox have your iPhone 4S cases ready. There are two types of cases here : Otterbox Commuter Series Strength Case which is made up of durable silicon and has high-quality polycarbonate shell. When you purchase this case, 10% of the gains will be donated to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which is why the case is also available in Pink color.

The other case, known as Otterbox Defender Series marries amazing durable design with belt clip for carrying your device. It’s priced at $59.99 and provides heavy duty treatment from rugged environments. You should check it out from here.

3. iSkin: iSkin also has some decent cases. The most interesting thing about their cases is that there is a special transparent protective cover called “Durable ViSOR (Visually Intact Solid Optical Resin)” that protects your device’s screen from scratches, and it lets you answer phone calls without removing the visor mask. It comes in six amazing colors . Prices start at $39.99, which seems worth considering that it comes with a life-long warranty. Check it out here.

4. GroveMade: Now, these guys have gone an extra mile to stand out in the race. You will find all kinds of hand-made wooden cases for iPhone 4S. Basic or the simple handcrafted models start from $69 while custom-designs can cost $119 or more. But, it’s definitely worth checking out. Not only do these cases look good but with bamboo wood they offer superior protection naturally. Check them out here. There are plenty of them to match your varied tastes.

5. Proporta: Proporta is offering some decent iPhone 4S hard shell cases. The good thing is you don’t have to make the distinction since the cases are already classified separately for both men and women. There are waterproof cases for the device as well and they are for everyone. Prices start from $19.95. Check them out here. It’s quite a good array of them and are unique in variety including the Time Table case, the Doodle Pad Hard Case, Aluminum Lined iPhone 4S Leather Case, etc – to name a few.

Of course, you may also want to check out Griffin Technologies offerings. They have some good iPhone 4S accessories on the showcase. Amazon.com also some has pretty nice deals. It is worth noting that not all iPhone 4 covers/cases are compatible with iPhone 4S even though the two have the (almost) same design. due to slightly different placement of volume buttons but iPhone 4S cases will certainly be compatible with iPhone 4.

Which brand/case type did you purchase for your new iPhone 4S? Know of any good cases that we can add to our list? Feel free to drop a comment below and share it with our readers. We’d appreciate that.

We hope this post was helpful.

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Hornettek Vader Aluminum iPhone 4 Case Review

Hornettek's Vader aluminum case is third in a string of iPhone 4 case reviews that I am in the process of doing. After a near catastrophic mishap my iPhone had a few months ago, I decided it was time to raise the bar on protecting my smartphone. Before that close call, I had been using my iPhone sans any sort of case/protection (other than a Zagg invisibleSHIELD screen protector). The Vader by Hornettek is a finely machined, aluminum case form fitted for all variants of the iPhone 4 and worth a look.

Package Contents:

• Vader case
• Vader Tool Kit: (Hexagon Screws x 4;  Hexagon Screw Driver x 1)

The Vader has an interesting and somewhat unusual shape. While the sides run tight to the side of the iPhone, the edges bulge out a fair amount to give more grip-ability and strength to the case. Which is good due to the aircraft aluminum the Vader is made of is just as slick as the iPhone itself.

As you can see, the Vader case is very form fitted to the iPhone 4. It is built from a single piece of solid aircraft grade aluminum alloy with an accuracy of 1x2000 inch.

Compared to many other aluminum cases, Hornettek is very minimalistic in their use of padding. In my use of the Vader that design choice did not seem to be an issue. That padding is there to keep the iPhone from being marred by the case itself and it accomplishes its designed function.

Specifications: Compatibility:

Fits all iPhone 4 models for both AT&T and Verizon.

Colors: I like the silver and titanium color scheme I received. The two colors look very nice together. Although, it would nice to have the option to order the Vader in solid colors or even mix and match colors as well.

The top of the Vader has a push through button to actuate the power button and cutout for the earphone plug. The thickness of the case does prevent many of my high-end earphones from working. The L-shaped plugs of my Etymotic Research ER·4PT, Ultimate Ears 7 Pros, and JHAudio JH|5 Pros, cannot be inserted far enough to work properly. Earbuds that have a straight and narrow plug work just fine. Like the Case-Mate Jett Metal iPhone case I reviewed last, this design choice is definitely a design/engineering negative for me. In addition, the Vader does not allow my iPhone to work with any of my dock-enabled stereo systems either.

The left side has cutouts for the volume buttons and mute switch. Because of the enhanced/strengthened corners, the Vader does a great job of protecting the iPhone's sides and edges.

The bottom of the case has a cutout for the iPhone's speakers and sync/dock port.

The right side of the case has nothing to note. Although, you can see how precisely machined the case is; how perfectly the two sides come together.

The Hornettek Vader iPhone case has a nice feel, adding little bulk or weight to the iPhone 4. As I said earlier, even though the aircraft aluminum it's constructed of is as slick as the iPhone itself; it has decent grip-ability because of the pronounced corners.

Another, and yet very significant, issue I have with this case, is the degradation of cell reception it causes. I have a half dozen locations I test iPhone cases I am reviewing to have a semi-objective and systematic way to see how much the case impacts reception. In downtown Seattle and other places with a strong signal, my iPhone looses a bar or two but continues to send and receive calls and data with little impact to quality or speed. However, in locations that have marginal signal strength, my ability to send and receive calls goes to zero; all incoming calls get kick to voicemail and I am unable to call out or hit the internet. This is definitely a deal killer for me.

Being priced at $80 does not help the Hornettek Vader case either. In an overcrowded market, that price tag seems too high considering its competition and bang for the buck…. The Vader is a nicely made/constructed aluminum case, but it has too many negatives working against it for me to recommend it to anyone. They are many alternatives that provide just as much protection and better reception for less money.

Photo shows iPhone 5 silicone cases now arriving at AT&T stores

Silicone cases for the iPhone 5 have started to show up in AT&T stores according to an image received by MacRumors. The images, if authentic, set to rest the constant questions volleying back and forth over whether or not Apple will release a device called the “iPhone 5″ or just a device called the “iPhone 4S” this year. The cases suggest, as most reports have stated, that the iPhone 5 will indeed sport a thinner profile and a mute switch on the opposite side of the phone. In addition to Friday's leak, on Thursday BGR exclusively published an image of AT&T internal inventory system that revealed an incoming stock of Case-Mate cases for the iPhone 5. BGR also published exclusive first images of the Case-Mate cases on September 15th, before the company quickly pulled them from its website. Apple will hold a press conference on October 4th in Cuperinto, California after which we will finally be able to put these rumors to rest.

iPhone 5 cases pop up in AT&T's inventory database

With only five days left before Apple officially spills the beans on its latest smartphone creation/s, we have yet another iPhone 5 related rumor. This time, it comes from AT&T's own inventory database, where cases for the most anticipated smartphone to launch this year have surfaced.

As you can see above, the covers, designed for the yet to be announced iPhone, come courtesy of Case-Mate - one of the major suppliers of this type of accessories for the current iPhone generation, and feature three different varieties. In case you are interested how they look, click here.

Source

Alleged iPhone 5 cases pop up at AT&T stores, thinner and wider

Just days before the official "Let's talk iPhone" event kicks off in Cupertino rumors about the next-gen iDevice are heating up - big time. The latest are the iPhone 5 cases that had popped up in AT&T's inventory database. Well now we have pictures to share of them.

A ninja dressed in AT&T shop assistant clothing has sent these pictures to MacRumors. They show the previously leaked Case-Mate cases for the iPhone 5. Judging by them the next incarnation of the iPhone will be way thinner than the current iPhone 4, the LG Optimus Black and the Samsung Galaxy S II - somewhere along the lines of the iPad and sharing the same design as the slate with similar tapered edges.

And in case you'd like to see what the next iPhone could look like based on these cases, you can check out the video below. It's in German but there are English subtitles so you're covered. There are tons of pictures too.

This iPhone 5 mockup was made using CAD drawings, CNC tools and some aluminum. Now we should stress that if you haven't already guessed it this isn't the next iPhone and it's not some real-life prototype Apple lost in a bar or anything of the sort. It's just a very crafty mockup based on the leaked case designs so far and nothing more.

Still this could turn out to be very close to the real deal but we'll know the answer to that one in just 5 days anyway.

Source

Case-Mate iPhone 4 Jett Metal Case Review

Over the next few months, I will be reviewing a half dozen or so iPhone 4 cases to better protect my smartphone. For a long time, I used my iPhone without a case….at least until a very scary tech-moment. I was in the gym working out on an ellipse machine, watching a show. When I finished working out, as I was getting off the machine my iPhone went flying across the gym (every AR tech-geeks worst nightmare). Thankfully before going to the gym I put on the Sena Sarach Leatherskin case I reviewed a few months ago which did a great job protecting my iPhone while skidding across floor. At that point, I decided that I needed rock-hard protection on my phone 24x7 but without too much added bulk or weight. Case-Mate's Jett Metal case for the iPhone 4 seemed like an ideal candidate to get the job done.

The Jett Metal case is machined from a single block of aircraft billet aluminum (T6061). It is tumbled and deburred with ceramic media for over three hours. It is then anodized which increases corrosion resistance and overall toughness and infuses the aluminum with color. Their laser etched logo completes the look. The case is form fitted for the iPhone 4, completely surrounding the corners and edges. The case is available in black, gray, red, hunter green, and blue.  It is compatible with both Verizon and AT&T iPhones.

Along with the Jett Metal case, Case-Mate includes screen protectors for the front and back of the iPhone, push-thru buttons for power, volume, and mute, two extra screws, and a tiny screwdriver.

There is a bit of assembly required but the case comes together very nicely, like a jigsaw puzzle.

In good Gadgeteer style, I attempted to install the Jett Metal case without consulting the instructions. It took me several tries but I figured it out on my own (thankfully without hurting anything in the process). Admittedly, taking a peek at the instructions would have been easier and faster .

The inside of the case has a soft micro liner in the corners and on the sides to keep the iPhone from rubbing against the case.

As you can see, the push-thru buttons are perfectly fitted and work just as designed.

The left side has the push-thru buttons for volume and slider switch for mute. This side and the top have a plastic seam that I assume is to allow better signal reception. The case's raised edge holds the front and back of the iPhone off of whatever surface it sits on.

Along with the plastic seam, the top has a push-thru button for the power and recessed cutout for the earbud port.

The only thing on the right side is the laser etched Case-Mate name and logo.

The bottom of the case as cutouts for the sync/power plug and speakers. Case-Mate also designed a hard-point into the case for attaching a lanyard to wear around your wrist.

Like the sync/power port, the earbud port is recessed 3-4 millimeters making it impossible to insert L-shaped plugs into the iPhone.

Straight shaped plugs, like the Sennheiser/Adidas MX 680i Sports earbuds you see here, work fine with this case. But sadly none of my high-end earbuds and monitors (all with L-shaped plugs) work with the Jett Metal case. A definite negative…..

…..another negative is that the case does not allow the iPhone to work with any of my dock-enabled sound systems. I know there are extender plugs and cables that solve these issues, but you have to acquire/buy them and then lug them around.

Since the case completely surrounds the iPhone edge, it does impact signal reception, not heinously so but noticeably. I tested reception at many locations. The case reduces signal reception by one full bar (maybe a bit more). There are several places where cell services is marginal and with this case on I can not receive calls, email, or dance the net.

The Jett Metal case does add weight (1.2 oz) and a bit of bulk to the iPhone (4.8 oz). Actually not that unreasonable considering the added protection the case gives the iPhone. The case has a nice look, feel, and (believe it or not) heft to it.

Even though the case's design/engineering has negatives in terms of accessories and signal strength, it is currently my case of choice….by far. The Jett Metal case is well made, feels nice to hold, great protection, and accentuates the iPhone's good looks. Pricing on form fitted aluminum iPhone cases, has definitely become more reasonable and at $50 the Jett Metal case is a worthy contender in a crowded market.
source:The Gadgeteer