DSstye’s Twill series case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS as well as the iPod Touch 2G and 3G is and amazing case. It is available in both black and white leather. This case has a unique feature to it, though. The leather is interwoven giving it a carbon fiber look and feel. Not only does this provide for aesthetics, but it also strengthens the case making your device that much more protected.
With all of the great features of the Twill series, there is also one fault that I have found and that is that with the iPod Touch version, the case goes above the top of the device (as seen in the video review below). Although this is not a significant problem, it can pose a problem when one would want to press the power/sleep button. Other than that one fault, the rest of the case is virtually flawless.
In order to use the Twill with your device, you simply slide your device into the case from the top. The inside of the case is lined with a felt-like fabric making sure not to scratch your device, and surprisingly enough, despite how easy it is to insert the device, it will not fall out of the case on it’s own. There is also a cutout on the front of the case for the home button, a cutout on the bottom the case exposing the headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector, as well as a final cutout on the left hand side exposing the volume rockers.
Overall, for a case that only costs $28.09 $31.42, I highly reccomend for you to go ahead and take a quick look at it over on DSstyle’s website. Even if the Twill series doesn’t appeal to you, check out some of their other cases, I’m sure you’ll find one that you like.
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I am thrilled to announce that DSstyle’s and I have made a business arrangement where they will be sending me products throughout the rest of 2009 for me to review. So far I have received four products from them, the Twill series case, two carrying pouches (most likely a giveaway), and the Metallico series case which this review is for.
The Metallico series is an incredibly simple case made from 100% plastic and has a retail price of $20.69. Granted, it is a bit pricey for a piece of plastic, however, the design is superb. The case is designed for the iPod Touch 2G/3G and the iPhone 3G/3GS. The back of the case mimicks the back of the iDevice completely, including the Apple logo, device name, allotted GB, a generic serial number, as well as the other symbols that can be found. Unfortunately, the case only comes has the option of displaying “16GB” so if you happen to have a different size device, you’re out of luck.
The case is extraordinarily simple. It is a snap on case so it is very easy to get on and off and it only covers the back of the device (that means that the chrome bezel is exposed). This has upsides as well as downsides. For one, it adds virtually no weight and/or bulk and it keeps the slim design of the device. On the other hand, it offers absolutely no protection to the chrome bezel or the front face of the device. Again, this adds the looks and feel of a slim case, but it lacks in protection. I have to admit that I have dropped my iPod several times while using the case and it has fallen on the front face once. I was lucky enough to have no damage done to the device, but it is very plausible for damage to be done if the device falls face down. Also, on the inside of the case, there is nothing separating the back of the device from the inside of the case. As previously mentioned, the case is 100% plastic and although it is very smooth, it still has to potential to scratch the back of the device.
Overall I’d say that if you want a smooth, sleek, and comfortable case, but not concerned with price to protection ratio, go for it. It’s a fantastic case and I personally use it day in and day out (for about the past four weeks). The only thing that would make this case that much more appealing, would be if the price was lowered to about $10-$15.
iSkin’s touch Duo case for the iPod Touch 2G packs a big punch considering that it provides style, functionality, as well as protection. The case retails for a price of $34.99 (a bit pricey for a silicone case) and is available in Diablo (red/black), Sonic (blue/black), Ozone (frosted clear/black), as well as NightHawk (expresso/black). The touch Duo comes with a few free extras including a glare-free and fingerprint resistant screen protector, a ViSOR, as well as an alcohol based cleaning “towel” (the type you get at restaurants) so you can clean the screen before applying the screen protector. The case provides a thick, textured silicone around the edges and corners to provide greater protection along with the ability to hold on the case easier and it feels great. The touch Duo also contributes an integrated docking port protector to protect your 30-pin dock connector from everyday hazards. The screen protector is a nice add on considering it literally covers the screen. Many other screen protectors cover the entire front face of the device while this does not. It’s a good idea that it doesn’t because many times the average screen protectors can interfere with other cases or accessories.
The added ViSOR guard is a good idea, but truthfully, it can get annoying sometimes. It’s meant to be used while the device is not in use (i.e. in your pocket, sitting on a table, etc.) so that the screen will not get damaged. However, you cannot use the device while it is on so you must have to constantly remove it which can be a bit of a pain.
One last fantastic feature that iSkin has pioneered is that the touch Duo has Microban® built-in antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria. Overall, I would say that if your looking for a silicone case providing style, functionality, as well as protection, you should definitely go for this case (if you’re not bothered by the price).
I was given the opportunity to review Core Cases’ Aluminum Slider case for the iPod Touch 2G. Core Cases does make this case for other Apple products such as the iPhone, iPod Classic, as well as the iPod Nano (4th generation). Core Cases does, however, make another type of aluminum case for the iPod Shuffle. There is no doubt that all of their cases will protect whatever device you may be using.
The Aluminum Slider case for the iPod Touch 2G is a great case… one of the best in fact in terms of protection. It does fall a bit short, though, functionality wise. Because the case is made from 100% brushed anodized aluminum, it can withstand almost anything that get’s in it’s way. The inside of the case is fully lined with EVA foam to add a snug fit along with some shock protection from unexpected drops. The exterior holds up fantastically against scratches and dents while the interior keeps your device from getting any type of scratches. As you can see in the image to the right, the case has cutouts for the volume rockers on the left, one for the power/sleep button on the top, another one to reveal the WiFi antenna on the back of the case in the upper left corner, as well as one long cutout on the bottom to expose your 30-pin dock connector along with the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. There is also a small, curved cutout on the bottom, front face of the case to better display the home button.
I have found that due the curved shaped of the iPod Touch 2G, the case did not form to the device as well as I would have liked. Of course this is understandable considering the fact that it is hard to shape solid aluminum around a curved piece of technology. Because of this, at times it can be hard to access the volume rockers as well as the power/sleep button. From personal experience, this was much better on the first generation iPod Touch. The front section of the case does cover some of the front of the device as seen in the pictures above. Because of this, if the device is dropped face down on a flat surface, the screen will not be affected unless of course it happens to fall on a corner or elevated rock, as is with all cases. The 30-pin charging cord along with the 3.5 millimeter headphone input fit in to their designated inputs without flaw thanks to the bottom cutout. There is also two very small cutouts on the bottom right-hand corner so that a lanyard/string may be attached.
The case is applied to the device by simply placing the back half of the case onto the back side of the device. Once that is done, the front half of the case can easily slide onto the front part of the device. This is better explained and demonstrated in the video review below. The case features one small metal “bump” on the bottom of both sides of the back half so that the front half of the case can stay securely fastened. I have found a minor flaw with this, though, where if the bottom of the case is not resting on any part of your hand, the bottom will slip out slightly if too much pressure is applied while pressing the power/sleep button, again, featured in the video review below. I also noticed this flaw in the first generation iPod Touch model.
Overall, for being made from aluminum, the case will protect the device indefinitely along with providing for a nice design. The case is priced at $24.95 $14.95 (you save $10) and comes in brushed silver, brushed black, or deep purple. For the price being relatively low and the amount of protection you get from this case, I would recommend this case to anyone who primarily is concerned with protection over functionality. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this case or Core Cases please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us at contact@techgeec.com.
Giveaway
It is extremely simple to be entered into the giveaway for a Core Cases Aluminum Slider case in deep purple. Here are the rules: 1. You must be subscribed to iPT2gGeec’s YouTube channel which you can find HERE 2. You must be following iPT2gGeec on Twitter HERE 3. You must leave a comment on the video review, HERE, starting with your Twitter name followed by your comment. For example, “@iPT2gGeec – I want that case”
The winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on August 31, 2009. Comments posted on this web page will not be eligible.
I was given the opportunity to review two cases distributed by Ideal Case. The two cases were the Cubic Series silicone case as well as the Bubble Series silicone case. Both cases are relatively similar with a few minor tweaks. They are made out of high quality and durable anti-dust material, it covers the entire device to ensure complete protection, it is easily washable, and it offers a fantastic non-slip, grippy surface.
Both cases are excellent, however, there are a few drawbacks. The best aspects of both cases are that they have an elegant shine effect. The cases are completely smooth on the outside. It is on the inside where the designs are incorporated. On the Cubic Series case, there is a continuous pattern of cube-like shapes. The entire case is clear which allows the chrome backing to be seen while the case is being used. It is the chrome backing that gives the case it’s “shine” effect. When the case is not accompanied by the device, it looks as if there are multiple translucent diamond-like shapes on it. The effect takes place when the case is on the device. The chrome backing allows the the silver color to come through, thus enhancing the shapes and giving the 3D effect. This effect has also been incorporated into the Bubble Series.
The Bubble Series case that I was given was blue with translucent circles throughout. Again, the chrome backing on the device shines through the translucent part of the case (the circles) giving it the luxurious shine effect. It was with this case that a had a few, but minor, problems. The edges on this case are much smoother than on the Cubic Series. Because of this, it is a little bit harder to navigate your fingers to the volume rockers and the power button. Another thing that I was a little bit confused about, was why there was a cutout where the WiFi antenna is. The Cubic Series does not have it and it really does not make a difference if there is a cutout or not. This is definitely not a big problem but I feel as though the case would be that much better if there was no cutout.
The grip on these cases is amazing. In the review video below, I show that the iPod (accompanied) by the case is able to stay on my laptop while it is at a nearly 90°. Because the case is able to form so well to the shape of the iPod, one can hardly feel that it is there. Because this case is so thin, it won’t help protect your device as well as some of the other silicone cases, however, it will prevent from scratches, dents, and any other sort of damage. Overall, these cases are two of the best cases that I have. What I like most is not only the fact that they do not collect any lint, but that they both have the “shine” effect. For only $12.99 I would definitely recommend buying one of these cases from Ideal Case.
DSstye’s Twill series case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS as well as the iPod Touch 2G and 3G is and amazing case. It is available in both black and white leather. This case has a unique feature to it, though. The leather is interwoven giving it a carbon fiber look and feel. Not only does this provide for aesthetics, but it also strengthens the case making your device that much more protected.
