What do you get the iPhone owner who has everything? Why, a new case, of course! And what better place to look for the latest in protective accessories for your handset than Macworld’s weekly roundup, where we scour the deepest corners of the Internet and report back on what’s new and what’s hot. This week’s roundup features the usual mix of interesting offerings, with several that take on a fun—and sometimes emotional—theme.
Case-Mate: The Bubbles (iPhone 4 and 4S; $25) is a cute case for your handset that features a snug fit and a monkey theme will be ever popular. (As a friend of mine likes to say, everybody loves a monkey.) It even comes with a little banana-shaped keyring charm, and features a lay-flat design that helps protect your screen from damage.
Speaking of animals, Case-Mate also makes the Xing (iPhone 4 and 4S, $25), which features a beautiful panda-inspired theme, with a paw-shaped keyring charm to match.
FryDaze: This company’s specialty is the creation of custom iPhone cases for the iPhone 3GS, 4, and 4S, and the iPod touch ($30) based on your very own photos. FryDaze also provides a large number of ready-made designs that range from abstract motifs to pop-art patterns and beautiful pictures. The cases are made of sturdy polycarbonate and feature all the appropriate openings for each device’s ports, controls, and cameras.
Griffin Technology: OK, so these are for the iPod touch, but we couldn’t resist including them here. Halloween may be over, but the Freak Show collection ($25) has the potential to be a year-round addition. The four monster-themed designs—Frankenstein, a mummy, a lady vampire, and a werewolf—dial up the cuteness factor without sacrificing protection, as the cases are made of soft silicone for a sure grip and bouncy sturdiness.
iLid: Dubbed “the world’s thinnest iPhone wallet,” the MK-1 (iPhone 4 and 4S; $40) combines protection for your handset with enough space to carry your credit cards, cash, and even a key. The case is available in white or black, and it’s made of polycarbonate to provide a robust and safe environment for your phone. A special clasp keeps valuables safe in their place.
iSkin: The Glam (iPhone 4 and 4S; $20) is a protective cover for Apple’s smartphones that combines an clear, touch-sensitive surface with one of three unique designs to bring a splash of colour to your phone. Compatible with most of iSkin’s existing cases, the Glam is available in pink, purple, or grey.
Pad & Quill: We’ve featured Pad & Quill’s beautiful iPad cases in previous roundups; the company has announced a whole line of new cases specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. These include the Little Black Book Vol. 3 (iPhone 4 and 4S, and iPod touch, $40) and the Little Black Book for iPhone 4/4S (iPhone 4 and 4S; $45), the latter of which features a pocket for stuffing some cards or a bit of cash. All cases feature the company’s signature bookbinding construction and come in a variety of colours.
SwitchEasy: The CapsuleRebelX (iPhone 4 and 4S; $28) uses a special construction system to provide maximum protection, along with a unique hardshell crossbones structure for improved grip. The case comes in black; white; black and white; red; red and blue; orange and blue; or green and purple.
The Eclipse (iPhone 4 and 4S; $20) combines a rubberized exterior with a hardshell interior to provide an excellent combination of good grip, comfort, and sturdy protection. It comes in black, white, lime green, purple, or blue.
iPhone 4 family
iPhone 4S family