Trexta Rotating Folio iPhone Wallet

In terms of form factor it’s very comparable to that of the HEX Code Wallet; it holds two credit card and stays shut thanks to a strap.  However, their version seems to address some of the shortcomings we found while reviewing HEX’s version.  For instance, instead of an elastic strap they’ve opted for a leather latch.  They’ve also included just 2 credit card slots instead of 3, which in our testing we discovered that was one too many and resulted in a bulge that ruined the shape of the HEX Code Wallet.  And while we haven’t got a hands on with the Rotating Folio, it appears as though the fold or hinge includes enough material that it won’t warp or change shape when two cards are inserted.

Now what distinctly sets the Trexta iPhone Wallet apart from the Hex Wallet, is that the dock is rotatable, enabling the iPhone to be viewed in landscape mode while perched up on the latch.  Cool, huh?

The whole thing is crafted from real leather, protects the iPhone from scratches, and comes in black, red or brown.  You can snag one of your own for $40, $10 less than HEX’s offering.

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Calypso iPhone Cases

Finding a case for the iPhone 4, and now iPhone 4S can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a high roller.  But do we ever have the answer: the Calypso Case.

The case’s frame is crafted from titanium and shaped perfectly to fit Apple’s handset. The leather, which is available in black, white, orange and purple, is not only hand selected but hand stretched negating the need for stitching .  Finally, a silver ring runs the edge of the case providing a touch of opulence.  To make sure you can still hear your phone ring, they’ve strategically drilled holes into the titanium to complement the handset’s speaker and each case, depending on the color you choose, has either a red or black felt interior.

The Calypso iPhone cases are available now for $119.

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Incase 13-inch Macbook Air Perforated Hardshell Case Review

So you’ve plunked down $1400 and purchased a new 13-inch Macbook Air. If you’re anything like me you’ll probably take the utmost care of it for the first few weeks and then as you become more comfortable with your new purchase, which in turn makes it an old purchase, you won’t take the same cautionary measures to ensure its well being.  You’ll be eating ramen just inches from its screen, breaking bread with fellow friends over the keyboard and slurping down a chai tea latte as you enjoy the next YouTube hit.

InCase is no stranger to the laptop cases – clearly, because that’s their name – and in their bag of tricks they sell a Perforated Hard Shell Case for the latest (2011) 13-inch Macbook Air.  It costs $59.95 and is available in white, black and blue.  They make two versions of this case: a glossy and matte.  I got my hands on the matte and while I can’t speak to the glossy version, the matte version has a subtle softness and provides a nice grip in the hand.  Ultimately, it should be less slippery than the glossy version, at least that’s my assumption.

My version of the case contained no rough edges and the ports, while I can’t exactly say are “precision cut” (Incase’s copy on their site) they’re all exposed, which includes the power port, Thunderbolt port, headphone port, SD card slot and two USB ports.  The under belly contains 4 rubber feet, much like the Macbook Air, which elevates the Air by a centimeter or two, which in theory provides additional cooling.

To attach the case you just need to snap it into place.  Since the Macbook Air is just .68-inches at its thickest point, and a mere .11-inches at its thinnest, the case doesn’t have a whole lot to grasp on to, unlike the same Macbook Pro version of the Perforated case.  As a result, the bottom portion, while it initially snapped into place, didn’t have a snug fit and appeared as though it was going to shake loose over time.  The top portion however includes 4 small tabs that securely grasp the computer’s display latching it firmly in to place.

However, I should note that the bottom portion of the case does have two gripping tabs, but since there is no open edge at the back due to the design of the Macbook Air’s hinge, the only secure point for it to latch on to is at the front of the laptop.  As a result the bottom of the case can easily slip off, or so it appeared.  But despite my skepticism, it hasn’t shifted or fallen off in the two weeks of use.

Removing the bottom of the case is simple since there are just two tabs securing it in place.  The top portion took a bit more fiddling and proved so secure that I became fearful that I might damage my Macbook Air’s screen.  I recommend unlatching one tab, closing the laptop and then slowly leveraging it off the screen.  Go slow, though, since the Air’s screen is much more fragile than a Macbook Pros.  This is the biggest, if not only drawback of this version of Incase’s Perforated Hardshell case.

The weight of the case is negligible, but arguably significant from a spec stand point since the 13-inch Macbook Air weighs just 2.96lbs.  The real caveat is the aesthetical sacrifice.  It covers the top and bottom of the the laptop and negates some of its svelteness.

No matter where you go or what you do with your Macbook Air a scratch will always be a foot.  Perhaps a coffee shop table with a slightly exposed nail awaits your precious computer’s underbelly, or an innocent stranger is fumbling for their keys only to drop them onto the lid of your new Air.  Ultimately, that’s what this case will protect it from.  If you happen to drop your Macbook Air to the floor it might provide a tad bit of protection, but chances are a set of tears and a embarrassed face will follow.  So with that said it’s what you do with your laptop and your penchant for Apple purism that will dicate if you can justify the $60 cost.

10:48 PM | 1 comments | Read More

Grove Bamboo Backs for Macbooks

We’ve seen how attractive Bamboo can be when juxtaposed with Apple’s line of Macbooks.  Case in point is the Bamboo Blackbox sleeves and Silva cases.  So why not add another one to that list?

The Bamboo backs from Grove are designed to work with Apple’s entire line of Macbooks, including the 11″ and 13″ Macbook Airs.  Installation is as simple as placing a sticker, and they say it doesn’t leave any nasty residue once you remove it.  The backing measures just .35-inch thick, so it won’t negate your Macbook Pro’s svelteness, though we can’t say the same for the Air.  While you can’t customize the logo (at least not yet), you can choose from a variety of symbols that will glow thanks to Apple’s logo on the back of the Macbook’s screen.

Each backing costs $29 no matter the size, is handmade in Portland, Oregon and is oiled by hand for a glossy, refined finish.

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Bamboo Blackbox Cases

While we haven’t been afforded the opportunity to test out the Bamboo Blackbox Cases (hint, hint!), we’re gonna go out on a limb (a bamboo limb) and just straight up assume that they’re the most  bad ass of Apple laptop and iPad cases on the market today…made from wood.

So, they’re probably a bit on the heavy side, especially in contrast to the light and nimble iPad or Macbook Air, but with this level of attention to detail and craftsmanship, that is assuming they’re all they claim them to be, who cares about a pound here or there.  And sustainable wood at that, since they’re all crafted from Bamboo.

Bamboo Blackbox Cases has actually been shipping these to customers since the beginning of the year, but the demand outpaced their supply chain and now they’re seeking funding from you using the Kickstarter.com community.  We’ve seen more than a handful of projects on this site go viral and explode with funding, and lets not overlook the fact that it’s a good way to get a new product at a small discount.

In terms of the Bamboo Blackbox Cases compatibly, they’ve got Apple’s entire range of products covered, with the exception of the iPhone or iPod.  This includes cases for the 13″, 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pros and 11″ and 13″ MacBook Airs and of course iPads.  Each case includes a leather strap engraved with the production number, though after a certain point they’re gonna run out of space, so the font will have to get smaller or they’ll have to discontinue that feature.  While engraving isn’t a standard option (on the wood), they say they’re willing to do it if you get in touch with them, and in due time they might offer it as a default option during purchase.

Pledging starts at $29, though if you want a product you’ll need to throw down $79 in the initial stage of funding to receive an iPad 2 case.  Spend $99 or more and you’ll get on the list for a Macbook case.

We should point out that there is also a company called SILVA that makes a line of Bamboo suitcases for Macbooks.

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Colored Bumpers Are Apple’s First Official iPhone Case

One less impressive but, in retrospect, interesting part of Apple’s announcements yesterday was the announcement of Bumpers for the iPhone 4, Apple’s first foray into an official case for the iPhone. This follows their official iPad case that came out with the device’s April launch. Constructed out of rubber and molded plastic, the Bumpers are available in six colors — white, black, blue, green, orange, or pink. They slip onto the iPhone 4 and allow access to the volume and power buttons.

Bumpers for the iPhone 4 will be available for $29.99 each after the iPhone 4′s launch.

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These Bamboo iPhone 4 Cases Are Stylish

The iPhone 4 is finally here. As you might expect, there’s a billion news stories about the device, from elated customers to discolored screens and everything inbetween. Most people are going to want a case for their new phone — something like Apple’ s official Bumpers. But I think that this bamboo case, created by a company from Portland, OR called Grove, is pretty unique. It’s constructed out of bamboo and a metal bezel that makes it tough without being plastic. There’s a plain bamboo version that will retail for $100, but if you order it now they’ll slash that price in half. The engraved case will run $69. It’ll definitely make your little piece of Apple magic stand out from the crowd.

2:29 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Bamboo Macbook Case From SILVA is Seriously Slick

Bamboo is a highly sustainable wood, which is just one of the reasons why we’re heavily endorsing SILVA Unlimited’s cases for 13-inch and 15-inch Macbook Pros.  They’re made from 100% solid carmel Bamboo and include a hand-crafted leather strap.  The interior is lined with wool felt to protect your lappy from bumps and drops.  And let’s not forget that they’re all hand crafted.

However, keep in mind that they cost $180 each and weigh about 2lbs.  That’s some serious heft on your wallet and arm.

They say they’re currently working on a case that will be compatible with the 17-inch Macbook and the iPad.

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ColorWare’s Grip For the iPad Is Awesome

ColorWare is doing a good thing for iPad users. If given the choice to enshrine my iPad in a strong, light, and barely noticeable aircraft-grade aluminum wireframe briefcase handle, I would do it in a heartbeat.

And that’s the thing, now I can do it, and ColorWare’s site for their Grip offers a lot of customization options. The Grip looks good on the iPad, and their online ‘design studio’ gets it right with a slew of color possibilities and finishes like “gloss”, “softtouch” and “chrome”.

Let me say this again, I’m excited about this little gadget just looking at the photos, it looks gloriously easy to set up, makes it easier to carry your iPod, and seems to protect it from bumps and bruises from quite a few angles.

The only downside is that it costs a whopping $300!

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Colorware iPad Grip Review

Pros:

• Perfectly molded to fit the iPad
• Awesome industrial design
• Leaves all ports unobstructed

Cons:

• Costs $300; too expensive for its function
• No quick release; you need a hex key to remove the 4 screws
• Doesn’t protect the back of the iPad

Colorware is best known for their custom finished iPhones, Blackberries, iPads, computers and other assorted popular devices.  That’s their core focus and they do a damn fine job.  But apparently the just had an itch they couldn’t quite scratch by modding other company’s products and decided to take their first stab at product design and production.  The result?  The Colorware iPad Grip.

Like many other sites we covered the handy device when it was first announced.  The design is relatively simple.  It’s two pieces of metal (handle and case) that are held together by 4 screws.  Remove the screws, split apart the case and you can wrap it around the iPad.  Walla, now your iPad has a briefcase like form factor.

 

Included is a custom tool for removing the screws.  It’s basically a hex key in a T shape, which makes screwing and unscrewing the 4 screws a bit easier than say an every day hex key.  Lose the tool and you’ll have to dig into your tool box or visit the hardware store if you want to remove the iPad grip.

In terms of construction the iPad Grip is solid.  It’s a bit hard to wax poetic about two pieces of metal, but it fits the iPad like a glove, which might explain its price (more on that later).

To fit the iPad Grip onto Apple’s tablet computer you’ll want to err on the side of caution.  After all, we’re talking metal on metal and you know what that means; scratches (we didn’t experience any during or removing of our fitting).  After it’s secure, and the two pieces have been placed together just insert the four screws and get screwing.  I recommend popping the screws out since they’re rather small in size and have a tendency to “jump out” when the “handle” and the “case” are placed together.

 

Once installed you’re iPad, as I already said, is converted to a briefcase like format.  It’s kind of neat, but to be honest I didn’t have a problem carrying my iPad in hand before the iPad Grip showed up at my door.  I did discover though, that in portrait mode you can slip your hand through the handle and sort of wedge it in place so you don’t have to be constantly gripping the tablet.

As you’ll notice the iPad Grip has been molded, or should I say grooved, to leave all the ports, including the sync port unobstructed.  It’s worth noting that the iPad Grip does not prevent the back of the iPad from touching a surface when it’s laid on its back – the Grip’s case is narrow enough that the back of the iPad extends slightly beyond the frame of the case.

 

I would have preferred a quick release for removing the iPad Grip.  In other words, the screws take time to remove and don’t make the case a convenient choice for those that use a of dock to charge, sync, listen or watch their iPad’s contents.  On the other hand the screws complement the industrial design of the iPad so its really coolness over convenience.

So here is the deal.  The iPad Grip retails for…drum roll…an astounding $300.  That’s more than half – 60% to be exact – the cost of the 16GB iPad WiFi.  Sure, you can color the “handle” and the “case” whatever color you choose, but that’s just entirely too much money such limited functionality.  On the upside, most people won’t want to spring for something like this, and with a wide array of colors to choose from you’ll surely get people checking out your kit.

 

I suggest checking out Colorware‘s color options, even if you’re not gonna buy one.

4:23 PM | 0 comments | Read More

iPhone 4 Titanium Premium Metal Jett Case from Case-mate Costs just $300

 If you’re an iPhone 4 owner, than you’re probably always seeking a way to make your handset stand out from the rest.  While the iPhone 4 Titanium Premium Metal Jett Case from Case-mate won’t scream opulence at first glance, once you tell your friends the price – $300 – they’ll look at you in utter disbelief.  The ridiculously high price tag is justified by the metal (titanium), which is both expensive, rare and light weight.  It sports micro-machined buttons to mirror the iPhone’s volume and lock switch, but aside from that it’s a metal case that just fames, doesn’t cover the iPhone.  Much like Colorware’s iPad Grip case you’ll need to use a set of included tools to install it.

The iPhone 4 Titanium Premium Metal Jett Case will be available in limited quantities starting June 27th.

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DNA iPhone 4 Case

It’s sickening how many iPhone cases there are on the market.  You can choose from the cheap to the ultra expensive.  Take for example Case-mate’s Titantium Premium case.  It costs a whopping $300.  Hardly worth the price based on the materials alone, but since it’s produced in limited quantities it’s a supply and demand scenario, though that’s Case-mate’s fabrication.  But despite the over inflated price, the idea of a feather weight case has its attractive qualities.  So what’s one to do?

The DNA Case weighs less than 1oz (25g) and will cost just $50 when it goes into production.  It’s currently a Kickstarter.com project, but they’ve already doubled their goal of $5k, so it’s pretty much a guarantee that it will go into production.

Much like Colorware’s iPad Grip Case you’ll need to use a screw driver to install it – extra screws and screwdriver included.  And for the record it’s not a case.  In fact it’s a bumper that protects the edges of the iPhone 4.  What you can’t see is integrated rubber bumpers that should protect if from dings and drops.  All of the ports remain accessible.

No word on an official launch date, but we’re assuming September since they’ve already achieved their funding goal.  You’ll be able to choose from a black, white, aluminum (pictured), and limited edition chrome finish, though the latter will be slightly more heavy.

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Actor Notebook Case

If’ you’ve made an investment into one of Apple’s Macbook Pros then you’re probably relatively cognizant of how you dress and what bag you tote your precious laptop in.  Last we saw, the Bamboo Blackbox Cases were the answer to our needs.  But a new contender has emerged, though it appears to be largely conceptual – at least for now: the “Actor” notebook case.

To a large degree it’s a wood suitcase.  When and if it becomes available, it will accomodate up to a 17-inch laptop, which they say can also hold a power supply and mouse.  The inside is lined with felt to protect your laptop from sudden jolts as well as scratches.  To access the case’s interior, there is a unique hinged opening that fastens closed using a thumb screw or lock.

Though no specs have been provided on an official level, the pictures seemed to indicate that they do have the Apple consumer in mind.  In other words, this case won’t hold one of those fatty laptops.

The “Actor” notebook case is designed by Athanasios Babalis and Christina Skouloudi.  Their work will be unveiled at London Design Week 2011.

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