The OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad is the most protective iPad case on the market to date. It’s strength combined with it’s stealth-like design makes it one of a kind and well worth the $89.95 (pricey – yes – but worth it when protecting a $600 device).
The case features a hard plastic internal shell coupled with a shock-absorbent exterior silicone layer makes for the perfect combination. The plastic shell holds the device in place while protecting virtually every part of the device while the silicone layer provides added support for drops and such while also covering the the headphone jack as to protect against debris that might find it’s way into the ports. It also features a removable piece at the bottom of the case to allow for easy docking in Apple’s iPad charging dock.
The Defender Series has a cutout on the back to display the Apple logo, however, it has a plastic film on it so that logo’s area is not exposed. It also comes with a clear screen protector to protect the entire screen of the iPad from scratches.
The one and only downside that this case has, is the fact that it adds so much bulk as well as weight, but that is to be expected with such a protective case. I highly recommend picking this case up for yourself and out of the several iPad cases that I own, I normally choose this one.
Video Coming Soon.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
Marware, the Florida based electronic accessories company, has sent TechGeec.com the SportShell Convertible case for the iPad to review. The case is extremely innovative with new features that most other hard-shell iPad cases don’t have. The SportShell Convertible has a retail price of $59.99 – a pretty steep price for a case, but definitely worth it once you find out about all of the features it has to offer.
The one feature that stands out the most is the replaceable back. The case comes with two backings – one clear, and one gray (matching the rest of the case). The gray back can be installed if one wishes to not have the back of the iPad visible. If one would like to have the Apple logo, ‘iPad’ branding, as well as the allotted memory visible, then the clear back may be installed to still provide the same amount of protection, but also allow the iPad’s back to be visible. Also, one can place a picture between the iPad and the clear back so as to display the photo.
Another key feature of the SportShell Convertible, is the four “legs”. Two long legs allow for the iPad to be propped up at the perfect angle for browsing the web, watching movies, or searching through the YouTube app, while two much shorter, stubbier legs allow the iPad to be lifted ever so slightly to (try to) make it easier to type on. Personally, I am indifferent when it comes to these shorter legs because it does not prop the iPad up at a great enough angle to make it any easier to type (however, others may find it to be very useful; it depends on personal preference).
The case also comes with a hand strap that may or may not come in handy (no pun intended☺). I don’t find it all that useful and so if one chooses to remove it, the stubs that hold it in place may be removed very easily.
The major downside to the SportShell Convertible is that the case wraps around very closely to the volume rockers/orientation lock and the power button. There’s a slip lip to allow for easy acces to them from behind, however, if trying to access them straight on (how I do) it can be a bit difficult.
One last feature that many may enjoy (while others may not) is that the case does not cover the aluminum bezel on the front of the iPad (in other words, some of the aluminum on the front of the iPad is exposed). Some may like the fact that the sleek aluminum is peeking through, while others would rather have all of the aluminum protected (I enjoy it).
Overall, this case is highly recommend, although the price may be hefty. It’s feature packed, elegant, and most importantly, it will protect your iPad. You can find more information about the SportShell Convertible at Marware.com.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings and/or products after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
The OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPhone 3G/3GS, iPod touch 2G/3G, iPhone 4 (coming soon), and the iPad (coming soon) is the most protective iDevice case on the market to date. It’s strength combined with it’s stealth-like design makes it one of a kind and well worth the money. Prices are as follows:
iPhone 3G/3GS: $49.95
iPod touch 2G/3G: $29.95
iPhone 4: $49.95
iPad: $89.95
The case features a hard plastic internal shell coupled with a shock-absorbent exterior silicone layer makes for the perfect combination. The plastic shell holds the device in place while protecting virtually every part of the device while the silicone layer provides added support for drops and such while also covering the 30-pin dock connector as well as the headphone jack as to protect against debris that might find it’s way into those ports.
The Defender Series has a cutout on the back to display the Apple logo, however, it has a plastic film on it so that logo’s area is not exposed. There is also a “built-in” screen protector which will still work with a separate screen protector that may be already installed on the device.
The one and only downside that this case has, is the fact that it adds so much bulk, but that is to be expected with such a protective case. I highly recommend picking this case up for yourself and out of the twenty-or-so cases I own, this is my preferred case.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings and/or products after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
It seems that a few companies have wasted no time to release their brand new iPad accessories. With 57 days left until the iPad is available for purchase, these few companies are already ahead of the game. Wrappers, Scosche, Griffen Technology, and iLuv are some companies that already have products lined up for the iPad.
Wrappers has announced no logo protective sleeves for Apple’s tablet including five new textiles for the iPad:
canvas backed corduroy that feels like faux suede in Midnight, Biscuit and Shrimp Pink £22.00/$36.00
durable black and white rafia tested to 33,000 rubs £28.00/$45.00
aqua colourway from LVMH Kenzo £25.00/$40.00
wool & black velvet mix from Calvin Klein £40.00/£$65.00
smart checked textile from Ralph Lauren £38.00/$61.00
Wrappers’ exclusive Alcantara (£31.00/$50.00), ballistic black nylon Cordura (£16.00/$26.00) and metallic finish polyurethane (£31.00/$50.00) sleeves will also be available for the iPad.
“We pride ourselves at consistently being one of the first accessories manufacturers to market with leading edge products following an iPhone, iPod, or now iPad announcement,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “It’s that ability to react quickly without sacrificing quality that has helped us develop necessary accessories like the new kickBACK.”
Griffen Technology has released four new cases for the iPad along with a full-sized screen protector.
Lastly, iLuv has ten brand new accessories for Apple’s iPad.
I am very pleased to give you TechGeec.com’s first MacBook Pro accessory review. Rivet was kind enough to send us out the MicroSleeve ($21.90) available for the MacBook Pro 15″ and MacBook 13″. To get the ball rolling, I’d first like to mention that this accessory is a sleeve (not a case) and so it’s not meant to protect the computer against major bumps, drops, and falls. What it will protect it against is dust, normal, everyday bumps, as well as gunk or fingerprints that may get on it while it’s being carried or moved.
The MicroSleeve is tailored from “exclusive” strong and soft micro fiber (similar to the cleaning cloths meant for computer screens, eye glasses, etc.). Because of this fabric, as you’re constantly sliding your MacBook in and out of the sleeve, it will be helping to remove some of the fingerprints or smudges that might be on the exterior casing of the Mac. Due to the softness of the micro fiber, it will also leave your computer scratch-free when sliding it in and out frequently.
The fabric is also incredibly thin leaving it available to fit in any backpack, briefcase, or bag that the MacBook would normally fit in by itself. Also, the MiroSleeve has a pretty tight fit on the MacBook so the shape of the computer will also show through the sleeve making it look even better than having a few loose corners like you might have on other sleeves.
The only flaw that I have found with the MicroSleeve is that on one of the sides, the fabric is cut about ¼ of a centimeter short so some of the Mac is exposed. Of course, this flaw is probably just on the particular sleeve that we happened to receive. For the most part, this is a magnificent sleeve for the MacBook and MacBook Pro and the gray color that it comes in will do a great job at suiting any lifestyle. You can find more information on Rivet’s MicroSleeve at RivetNow.com and stay tuned for our upcoming review on Rivet’s Vertical Sleeve.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
Proporta’s Soft Feel silicone case for the second generation iPod touch is out of this world. It is by far the best silicone case reviewed by TechGeec.com because of it’s protection as well as it’s unbelievably stunning design. As for all of Apple’s touch screen devices, the Soft Feel case is only available for the second generation iPod touch and sells for a price of $20.95.
Along the lines of protection, the Soft Feel case does a magnificent job, offering dual-layer protection. The case is made of a fairly thin white layer of silicon and about that is a thicker black layer of silicone. These two different colored layers really work well together playing off of one another to create a very unique look.
The design (being a silicone case) blows my mind and what really attracts me to it is the stealth-like look. The holes in the black layer of silicone allow the raised parts of the lower, white layer of silicone to rise through creating a very pleasing design. Although the Proporta logo (an armadillo) does get displayed twice (once on the front, lower left-hand corner as well as on the back along with the company’s name), it truly does not bother me at all because it flows very nicely with the rest of the case’s design. Of course you have all of the proper cutouts to allow easy access to the volume rockers, power/sleep button, and the 30-pin dock connector as well as the headphone jack.
As previously stated, this case is phenomenal and I highly recommend it to everyone. You can find more information on the case at Proporta.com and if this case doesn’t particularly interest you, can check out the other 2,700+ gadget accessories in Proporta‘s catalog.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
I have, yet again, another review from Distinctive Styles. The Superior Soft Pouch is a simple pouch meant to be used with the iPhone 3G/3GS, however, it will work with all Apple iPod models. The pouch is an incredibly simple product but provides a big punch for what it is mean to do – protect your device.
The pouch is made from a durable material called flannelet, a material similar to that of felt. The fabric is incredibly soft and will do no harm to the device, nonetheless, it will attract dust and pet hair. Other than that, the rest of the product is spot on. It will protect your device 360°, from the face of the device to the back of the device. On the front of the pouch is Distinctive Styles‘ logo (a simple and elegant addition that I personally find rather appealing). The Superior Soft Pouch also includes a lanyard so that you can go right ahead and hang it from your neck if you choose to do so. For an incredibly low price tag of $8.26, I recommend going ahead and picking one up for yourself. They also come in your choice of six different colors: black, blue, gray, yellow, and green(all colors of which have a pastel-like tone).
**If you are interested in entering this giveaway to win the blue Superior Soft Pouch, simply watch the video below and follow the instructions on how to enter.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
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.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
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).
