Kouros clothes your devices in premium Italian leather

By Jim Gresham on May 16, 2013

On my quest to find a quality sleeve for my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, I stumbled upon many fakes or wannabe premium options. In fact, I have yet to find a sleeve to request for review. Thankfully, Kouros found me. A Portugal-based company priding itself on quality ingredients for its products, Kouros makes an exceptional sleeve for both iPhone 5 and mini.

All products are designed by the in house creative team through regular brainstorming, focusing on fashion trends that are practical for a technologically driven lifestyle. To that end, the company uses rigorous testing methods to ensure longevity, suitable look, and proper feel. For this review, I take a close look at the Essence for iPad mini and Prime for iPhone 5, both of which are simplistic, professional leather sleeves… Read More

 

Mophie unveils new 2,100 mAh Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5

By Cody Lee on May 15, 2013

Good news for all of you iPhone power users out there. The California-based accessory-maker Mophie took the wraps off a new battery case today for the iPhone 5: the Juice Pack Plus.

This is the third case we’ve seen from Mophie for the iPhone 5, and it’s also the most powerful. Forget about built-in 1500 and 1700 mAh batteries, this one has a 2,100 mAh pack… Read More

 

X-Doria adds a puff of color to otherwise dull accessories

By Jim Gresham on May 14, 2013

Recently, a slew of my reviews focused around connections made at CES 2013. In a predictable unchanging fashion, X-Doria is a company I bumped into during my travels in Vegas. Fairly new to the accessory scene, I like the high density color schemes and puffing ink used to give texture to many items of the X-Doria product line.

A friend from the company recently sent over the Dash Icon hardshell for MacBook Air. The shell is currently only available for the 13″ model and also includes the standard puffing ink design. With a slightly raised surface and bold color options, X-Doria’s mission is to place their products between technology and fashion… Read More

 

MirrorCase shoots video while iPad rests laid flat

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 30, 2013

RHP Multimedia launched its MirrorCase for iPhone in May 2012. The iPhone 4/4S (a $49.95 value) and iPhone 5 case ($59.95 value) works with a free companion iOS app to let you take pictures and record video while continuing to use your device. It also doubles as an ergonomic shoulder rest for extended phone conversations. Today, the company on Kickstarter announced an iPad version of MirrorCase. What’s in it for you? Read on… Read More

 

Toast redesigns its wooden iPad skins and add the iPad mini

By Jim Gresham on Apr 27, 2013

I previously reviewed a Toast iPhone skin, which remained on my iPhone 4 until last week when I shipped it to my father. It had a long life and properly adhered to my iPhone the whole time. Now, Toast has added the iPad mini to their collection and mastered their technology by creating a skin that will cover a multi-curved corner. The new Toast skins will completely cover the back of your iPad 2, 3, 4, or mini in completely natural real wood veneers.

The combination of technology and natural wood grain is quite special. I do not fancy myself a lover of woods, but the elegance of nature immediately next to one of the most beautifully designed Apple products is truly a sight. Having used the iPad mini skin for a while, I was impressed with its grip, finish, and design… Read More

 

Case-Mate’s Signature collection combines luxe, glamour and tech

By Jim Gresham on Apr 25, 2013

Only a few hardware companies immediately come to mind when I think “Apple accessories” and Case-Mate is one of them. While browsing the new collection one morning at CES, the press rep walked me through their fanciful new collections. Correct me if I’m wrong, but just a short time back, I would not think “luxury” when I heard Case-Mate. I tend to envision plastic, but solid, durable cases, similar to the cases you would find on the early iPhone adopters devices. Perhaps something fun, or cute.

Well, the tides have turned and Case-Mate is now offering a completely new line of iPhone cases, flips, pouches, and sleeves. With new lines including Crafted, Refined, and Signature, the cute days are gone. Offering genuine leather and gem quality mother of pearl cases, luxe and glamour may be the new adjectives for Case-Mate.

Having just received the Signature Flip and Madison cases from a friend at Case-Mate, I gave them a run through for good measure. In this review we take a look at the new Case-Mate and determine if changing ways turned out for the better… Read More

 

Belkin launches new Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad

By Cody Lee on Mar 27, 2013

Belkin today announced the online availability of its newest iPad accessory, the Ultimate Keyboard Case. Well, it’s available for pre-order today, and will start shipping to select retailers in May.

So what’s so special about the Ultimate Keyboard Case? With a keyboard that is just 6.4mm thin and weighing 17 oz, it’s now the slimmest and lightest keyboard folio of its kind on the market… Read More

 

The Mist: a minimal and lightweight iPhone case for people who don’t like cases

By Sebastien Page on Mar 23, 2013

If you follow me on Twitter or listen to our podcast, you know I’m not a big fan of cases. There are two main reasons why I’d rather go for a naked iPhone. One, I consider myself a minimalist when it comes to design and aesthetics, and using a case goes against that. Two, and maybe the most important reason, is that I think the white iPhone 5 is such a beautiful device that it should be considered a criminal offense to slap a case around it.

This being said, I quickly changed my mind when I dropped my iPhone a few weeks ago as I was walking through the door. It appeared it had fallen face flat on the tiles. As I picked it up, I was preparing myself for the worst as I was pretty sure the screen was cracked. It was not. As a matter of fact, it just had what most people would consider a tiny dent right on the chamfer, but that was enough to make me reconsider my “no case” policy… Read More

 

Thuraya’s new sleeve transforms your iPhone into a satellite phone

By Christian Zibreg on Mar 20, 2013

The United Arab Emirates-headquartered Thuraya has been in the mobile satellite services business literally as long as I can recall seeing their ads on MTV as a teenager. Thuraya operates in 140+ countries across Europe, the Middle East, North, Central and East Africa, Asia and Australia, covering two-thirds of the globe. Last summer, the company also started providing roaming services in the United States through its partnership with T-Mobile USA.

Because Thuraya has been selling pricey satellite phones and access to its global communications network for ages, their very first iPhone accessory launch is totally unexpected, but welcomed. The aptly named SatSleeve enables global satellite coverage for your iPhone by tapping an accompanying app to talk to the sleeve and route your text messages and phone calls through Thuraya’s network of satellites. Wait, there’s more to this special case than meets the eye… Read More

 

The SurfacePad is perfect for iPhone nudists

By Jim Gresham on Mar 11, 2013

Some would call me an iPhone “nudist.” I prefer iPhone “purist,” but no one really cares. The point is, I prefer using my iPhone caseless. Sure, I get cases on a regular basis for prototype and review testing, but that does not mean I want to use one. Using an iPhone without a case prevents bulky third party hardware from ruining my purely Apple experience.

It appears Twelve South is after my heart and as they sent over a review unit of the SurfacePad. Recently releasing the SurfacePad, the company begs, “don’t call it a case.” Using SurfacePad for about a week, I have grown to enjoy its simplicity. Take a look inside to get the full details… Read More

 

The iKit NuCharge: an iPhone 5 battery case with interchangeable covers

By Cody Lee on Mar 9, 2013

When it comes to battery cases for the iPhone 5, there’s no shortage of options. Mophie itself offers a few choices—the Juice Pack Air and the Helium Juice Pack—and there are countless offerings from other third party manufacturers.

But that doesn’t mean the space couldn’t use another contender. And the folks of Shark Design think they have what it takes to be a big one with their iKit NuCharge. They say it’s the “most advanced iPhone battery case ever made…” Read More

 

The VersaCover for iPad mini knows when to hold or fold

By Jim Gresham on Mar 7, 2013

Personally, I am not fond of folding, origami-sytle cases for iPad. Yet, there are a decent amount of them on the market. You know them. They have a folding back that props your iPad in any number of different angles to increase or decrease the viewing angle. Big deal. Up until now, I have never given an origami case a glance. In fact, sometimes I refuse to review them, but I had a hard time telling Moshi ‘no’ for their VersaCover. Finding myself happily surprised, look past the fold to see if these cases are the right fit for you… Read More

 

This is what an $11,000 iPhone 5 case looks like

By Cody Lee on Feb 26, 2013

In case you were wondering, this is what an $11,000 iPhone 5 case looks like. Well, it’s actually more of a bumper than a case since it doesn’t wrap around to cover the back of the phone. But that’s beside the point.

What you are looking at is the new Haven iPhone 5 case from Brikk, a designer and manufacturer of couture products and accessories. The line starts out at $11,610, and goes to $14,235 and beyond, depending on the model… Read More

 

iPad 5 cases beginning to hit Chinese marketplaces

By Cody Lee on Feb 25, 2013

Apple’s next-generation tablet isn’t expected to hit for at least another 5 or 6 months, but accessory manufacturers already seem to feel pretty confident that they know what it’s going to look like.

Based on a number of reports and alleged part leaks, case-makers have begun mass-producing cases fit for a redesigned iPad 5 that is both lighter and thinner than its predecessor, with smaller bezels… Read More

 

Mophie announces new, thinner Juice Pack Air for iPhone 5

By Cody Lee on Feb 25, 2013

Fans of Mophie’s popular Juice Pack Air line will be happy to hear that the company has just announced a new, thinner model for Apple’s latest handset. This is the first significant update to the line in two years.

Aside from the prestige of its highly-regarded creators, the major selling point for the new Air is its size—it’s both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, measuring in at just 0.63-inches thick… Read More

 

New iPad 5 case matches up with rumored mini design

By Cody Lee on Feb 23, 2013

MiniSuit, an accessory manufacturer, has sent out photos tonight of a new case for the upcoming fifth-gen iPad. It says it created the case based on specifications received from, what it believes to be, a reliable source.

Looking at the cover, it certainly seems to match up with what our expectations are thus far for Apple’s next tablet. The company is reportedly redesigning the slate this year, with traits pulled from the iPad mini… Read More

 

Zagg offers 50% off keyboard cases for iPad and iPad mini

By Sebastien Page on Feb 14, 2013

If you’re in the market for a keyboard case for your iPad or iPad mini, then look no further. Zagg is currently offering 50% off all keyboard cases for the iPad and the iPad mini.

This special offer is only available while supplies last, so now is the time to make a decision… Read More

 

BookBook makes the iPad mini even more perfect for reading

By Jim Gresham on Feb 14, 2013

As we covered previously, there are many versions of Twelve South‘s BookBook and the company is now equipped to deck out your new iPad mini with the new edition. Recently, Twelve South has been getting a lot of well-deserved media attention and the BookBook case for MacBooks helped put them on the map. If you are not yet familiar with the BookBook, allow me to introduce you to an Apple accessory classic… Read More

 

Belkin and LEGO announce partnership, ‘buildable’ iPhone cases on the way

By Cody Lee on Feb 11, 2013

This is interesting, and also a bit surprising that it hasn’t happened before now. Belkin, a popular third-party accessory maker for iPhones and other Apple products, has just announced a new partnership with the LEGO group.

According to the press release, the two companies have signed a multi-year licensing deal to bring a new line of cases to market, inspired by the iconic bricks—the highlight of which is said to be new ‘buildable’ cases… Read More

 

Belkin launches FastFit Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini

By Christian Zibreg on Feb 6, 2013

Logitech yesterday announced its Ultrathin Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad mini, but its rivals are not standing still. This morning, Belkin said its comparable offering will be available via its web site for the same eighty bucks as the Logitech keyboard case. Built with anodized aircraft grade aluminum, it’s a fit for the iPad mini’s industrial design. The FastFit Keyboard Case is also 0.3mm thinner than Logitech’s (7mm vs 7.3mm).

We’re not sure if anyone will be able to tell the difference in thinness, but that sure looks like a damn nice portable keyboard case, if I ever saw one. Jump past the fold for more info… Read More

 
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