03/07, 4:02pm
Suggests higher prices may not equal quality
When Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover first came out, it caused something of a minor stir in the iPad world. It was the very first keyboard cover, solving a problem many people probably didn't realize they had: finding a Bluetooth keyboard that's more convenient than a separate unit, but less bulky than a full-on keyboard case. The one major issue -- apart from having to find your own protection for an iPad's rear shell -- was price. Even now, the Ultrathin is $100, which isn't far off from the cost of a keyboard folio. Anker's TC930 attempts to duplicate much of the Ultrathin for a cheaper price, while simultaneously putting its own spin on things.
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02/24, 7:24pm
Grovemade introduces walnut and maple cases for iPhone and iPad, iPhone docks
Accessories designer Grovemade has introduced new walnut and maple wood cases for iPhone and iPad today, as well as wooden iPhone docks. Each wooden iPhone case is milled from a solid block, and features a reinforced interior for durability. Cases for iPad Air and Mini feature three standing positions for reading, typing and viewing content, and Grovemade's iPhone Dock combines a wooden top with a solid three pound steel base for sturdy, one-handed operating. Walnut and maple cases and docks retail at $100.
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02/21, 11:17am
Design held back by critical mistake
We've likely all had to cope with something -- a product, a person, a place -- that was almost perfect, but shot down by some critical flaw. I imagine that for many people, Chil's updated Notchbook case for the iPad Air may fit into the same category. In our review we'll see if the Notchbook might still be worth a go, since it gets so many things right, and offers a few features other cases miss.
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02/13, 1:22pm
Customizable luxury case for iPad Air
Shortly after the original iPad launched in 2010, one of the first cases on the scene was the DODOcase -- a luxury folio made using bamboo and traditional bookbinding techniques. That product set the stage for an influx of imitators, some better, some worse. One of the companies that joined the crowd was Pad & Quill, perhaps best known for its Contega series. Now, though, it has a new, slightly cheaper Author Series case available for the iPad Air. We'll put it through the ringer to see how well it holds up.
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02/04, 4:15pm
Pad and Quill releases new Author Series cases for iPad Air
Pad and Quill has announced its release of five new designs of bindery- and artisan-patterned cloth cases for iPad Air. Part of the Author Series, the new commissioned artwork designs are created by Tamarah Ryan and Will Bowe, local artists to the production site of the cases (St. Paul, Minnesota).
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02/01, 5:30pm
Judge states that participation in swarm is too imprecise
In December, an Iowa judge dealt a heavy blow to the multiple-party anonymous "Doe" lawsuits involving piracy when she ruled that defendants couldn't be joined together due to the nature in which BitTorrent works. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ruled that the cases, in which three independent films were pirated, couldn't have defendants lumped into single cases and must instead be limited to one party each.
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01/24, 12:42pm
Tech first revealed at CES 2013
Accessory maker Incipio and carrier AT&T have launched the Cashwrap, a new iPhone case enabling NFC-based payments. The case is based on the Isis platform, something normally only accessible by Android devices. Black, gray, and pink colors are available; two sizes support the iPhone 5/5s and iPhone 4/4S, respectively. Each case is $69, except for the black iPhone 5/5s model, which is listed at $65.
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01/13, 10:28am
Handles card, barcode scanning
Accessory-maker Griffin and ShopKeep have announced ShopKeep Mobile, a new point-of-sale case for the iPod touch. The case uses Griffin's Olli hardware platform, but is specifically design to be used with ShopKeep's POS app. Built into the Mobile are a credit card reader and a barcode scanner; the unit can also connect to receipt printers.
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01/10, 1:42pm
lets talk accessories for a moment
This week in the MacNN Forums, members discuss the best iPhone cases, and troubleshoot other users problems. In the thread titled "lets talk accessories for a moment" Grizzled Veteran "PeterParker" sparked a conversation about the best iPhone cases for keeping the phone safe and intact. Forum Regular "zgall1" turned to the forums looking for help with an iPhone 4S that hangs during restore, a solution has not yet been found.
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01/08, 5:53pm
Case integrates thermal imager
Among the many iPhone accessories announced at CES, FLIR's thermal-camera case was a particularly unique introduction. The device essentially replicates the functionality of FLIR's standalone thermal-imaging cameras, but well under the $1000+ price tags of the industrial niche tools. We had a chance to see the FLIR One case in action at CES and ponder its many uses for average consumers.
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12/26, 4:08pm
iHome tries to compete in the world of iPad Air cases
Once a comparatively rare kind of accessory, keyboard cases have become legion in the past year -- or at least it feels that way, from a reviewer's perspective. There seems to be a pent-up demand for iPads that can also get some serious work done. iHome has been a relatively minor player in the keyboard market to date; in this review, we'll see if its new Type Slim case can break the mold.
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12/24, 1:43pm
CANVAS iPhone case and CoverBuddy iPad cover released by SwitchEasy
SwitchEasy has announced the release of its latest iPhone and iPad accessories, Canvas and CoverBuddy. The Canvas case is now available for the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c, and is made of a durable, scratch-resistant matte canvas material. Its protective polycarbonate and canvas composition provides protection while remaining lightweight, and its cover flap's microfiber material is gentle on the screen's surface. Available in black, red and pink, the Canvas is priced at $25.
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12/17, 9:00am
Trademark law requires Apple aggressively defend its marks
A small-time inventor in New Zealand has accomplished something Samsung has not: he has won against Apple in court. The case revolved around Hayden Crowther's use of the name "driPhone" for his line of waterproof phone cases. Apple, obligated by trademark law to "aggressively" protect its trademarks or risk losing them, sued over the concern that consumers would think the cases were an Apple product. A New Zealand court disagreed.
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12/16, 1:00pm
New folio cases for iPad mini with Retina display, holiday case for iPhone 5/5s/5c
Tech accessories designer SwitchEasy has released its latest protective cases for mobile Apple devices. Available for the iPad mini with Retina display are Canvas and Pelle folios. Also available for the iPhone 5 family is a holiday version of the Melt case, Melt Snow.
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12/06, 11:18am
Unusual design may allow iPhone to tilt up to 45 degrees
Gaming hardware maker Razer is working on a Made for iPhone-certified controller, a leak hints. Images depict a case-style product similar to the Logitech PowerShell, allegedly codenamed the Kazuyo. An unusual aspect though is the Kazuyo's ability to tilt an iPhone or iPod up roughly 45 degrees, potentially giving players a better viewing angle.
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12/05, 3:39pm
Venture thought to be worth over $1 million
TV host Ryan Seacrest and a venture co-founder have invested over $1 million in producing a keyboard case for the iPhone, the Typo Keyboard, sources say. The pair are eventually expected to invest over $5 million in their company, since other keyboard products are already in development. Seacrest claims that inspiration for the iPhone case came from the frustration of friends and peers carrying two phones: an iPhone as their main device, and a second phone for "typing and correspondence."
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12/04, 10:07am
Unique approach to iPad folios
STM is one of those companies that seems to fly under the radar when it comes to iPad accessories. They're better known for their general-purpose tablet and laptop bags; they are making inroads, though, having caught some attention with their Skinny and Grip cases. The Studio is a new design built exclusively for the Air and Mini, and in our review, we'll see if STM can make good on earlier progress.
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11/29, 11:50am
First Snugg case for iPad Air sticks to plan
Snugg's Distressed Brown Leather Case was something of a pleasant surprise when I reviewed it last year. I didn't expect much at first, considering that it's a low-cost case from a relatively unknown manufacturer. It quickly became a personal favorite though, and ended up being my usual go-to case in between other review units. The Robust Case is Snugg's flagship for the iPad Air -- we'll put it through the ringer and see if it can live up to its predecessors.
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11/25, 4:36pm
Signature folio gets update for new iPad
The very first Targus iPad Air case we had a chance to look at -- the Versavu Keyboard Case -- didn't exactly earn high marks. I disliked it so much, in fact, that I immediately pulled it off once the hands-on was finished. Thankfully, Targus' new Vuscape folio case seems a little more competent -- at least at first glance. We'll see if it surpasses that level in our review.
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11/16, 12:35pm
Acase releases Tip Top and F1 cases for iPad Air
Acase, a designer and manufacturer of mobile device accessories, has announced the availability of two lightweight iPad Air cases: the TipTop, which emphasizes functionality, and the F1 Case, that focuses on style. The TipTop can prop the tablet in six distinct angles, and includes a hand strap for preventing drops while holding it. The F1 provides users with a cover that also can prop the tablet for adequate typing usage, and sports a black and red aesthetic that likens itself to an Italian race car. Both cases are made of premium leather, and feature magnetic covers that automatically turn the iPad on or off. Available on Amazon, the F1 Case and TipTop are each regularly priced at $40 and currently on sale for $25 and $20 respectively.
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11/11, 4:25pm
Belkin aims high with early Air keyboard case
In a hands-on with the Targus Versavu Keyboard Case, I observed that buying a case around the launch of a new Apple device often entails compromise, since not every manufacturer is on board yet. Even if they are, they may only have a few options available -- designers do, after all, need to experiment to come up with something high-quality. Belkin's QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case is an early effort for the iPad Air, but we'll see in our review if that's necessarily a mark against it.
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11/08, 12:15pm
TuneIn Radio update features redesign and optimization for iOS 7
TuneIn Radio, a free radio app for iOS, lets users listen to a variety of streaming radio stations features sports, news, talk, and music programming. Listeners have access to 100,000 live radio stations and two million podcasts, concerts and shows, all of which can be streamed on an iPhone, iPad and iPod. In version 5, Tunein features a redesigned interface, optimized for iOS 7. Live college basketball games can also now be accessed, including every PAC-12 game. Also included in the update are bug fixes regarding playback and streaming errors, and issues pertaining to viewing recommendations upon swiping the Now Playing screen. TuneIn Radio is available on iTunes, and can also be accessed from the web.
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11/01, 5:17pm
Early effort at Air keyboard support
One of the downsides to the launch of a redesigned Apple device is that invariably, the number of case options is limited. People who need some form of protection ASAP may have to make compromises. The new iPad Air version of the Targus Versavu Keyboard Case may well be one of the compromises, but our hands-on experience suggests that most people will be better off waiting.
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10/28, 10:32am
FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, Ultrathin Keyboard Cover among upgrades
Accessory and peripheral maker Logitech has announced plans to update several of its cases for the iPad Air. Leading the pack are the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($99) and the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio ($149). The former has been a popular accessory for current-generation iPads, since it provides a minimalist option for both screen protection and carrying a keyboard.
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10/22, 4:13pm
Case provides same functions as Smart Cover
Apple has introduced several new accessories for its new iPad Air and Retina iPad mini. The new Smart Case offers the same articulated screen protector as the existing Smart Cover, folding into a triangular shape for use as a tilted stand, however it also brings additional wraparound protection for the back of the tablet.
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10/15, 1:00pm
Allows iPads to rotate 360 degrees
Accessory maker iHome has launched the Type Pro, a new Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad. The distinguishing feature is the ability to rotate an iPad 360 degrees while still in its holder. The case is compatible with second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPads.
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10/14, 1:15pm
Might take after third-gen 9.7-inch iPad
The second-generation iPad mini may be slightly thicker in order to accommodate changes related to a Retina display, suggests Macotakara. The site recently attended a conference in China, where early third-party cases for the new Mini were on hand. The accessories were reportedly built to fit a tablet 7.5mm thick and 134.9mm wide. The first-gen Mini, by contrast, is 7.2mm thick and 134.7mm wide.
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10/12, 6:19pm
Kickstarter campaign aims to bring tiny TouchFire to iPad mini
TouchFire, makers of the TouchFire screen-top keyboard for the full-size iPad, are now back with a similar offering for the iPad mini. The company has reached its funding goal in a Kickstarter campaign for the iPad mini add-on, and the device will likely begin shipping to early supporters soon. In addition to a removable keyboard attachment for the iPad mini, TouchFire has branched off into a line of cases for full-size iPads and the iPad mini.
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09/26, 1:11pm
Covers fit new, narrower design
A new video shows what are allegedly redesigned Smart Covers for the fifth-generation iPad. To demonstrate this, two of the covers, obtained by Unbox Therapy, are attached to a leaked chassis for the fifth-gen tablet. The covers fit exactly, even though the chassis is narrower than the current fourth-gen iPad. Gray, black, red, pink, orange, blue, white, and green colors are reportedly in production.
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09/16, 8:00pm
Available in six color choices for a range of 30 possible combinations
Some customers who ordered the forthcoming iPhone 5c and one of the new color cases to go with it are receiving the covers already, ahead of the iPhone 5c shipping. Apple's $29 silicone cases for the iPhone 5c come in a total of six possible color options to mix and match among the five color choices for the iPhone 5c itself. Critics have pointed out that the design of the holes on the back side of the cases allow letters and partial wording on the back of the iPhone to be seen, but the overall effect of the holes showcases the color of the phone.
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09/10, 2:00pm
Touch ID sensor brings fingerprint recognition to iPhone
During Apple's omnibus iPhone and iOS 7 announcement today, Apple officially revealed the iPhone 5s. The device boasts Apple's new 64-bit A7 processor, and is constructed of "high-grade aluminum" with chamfered edges, now being offered in three colors: silver, gold, and a new "Space Gray" color. Also added to the phone are a new motion-sensing chip, as well as a greatly improved camera and flash system.
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09/10, 1:46pm
Prices to start at $99
Today Apple officially announced the iPhone 5C, a new mid-tier model. The device uses a seamless plastic back shell, available in green, yellow, blue, white, and pink colors. Apple is also touting a reinforced steel structure, along with a 4-inch Retina display, an 8-megapixel iSight camera, an A6 processor, and a FaceTime HD front camera. The phone supports LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0.
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09/03, 10:23am
Coincides with expected iPhone 5S, 5C launch date
Accessory maker Case-Mate is preparing iPhone 5C cases with an estimated ship date of September 20th at 8AM, says Evleaks. Photos (below) depict a plastic shell/bumper combo, as well as a folio-style case with fabric lining. The 20th is widely believed to be the launch date for both the iPhone 5C and 5S; Apple and several US carriers have even blocked vacations during that timeframe.
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08/30, 11:45pm
Expansion of Helium line of iPhone 5 case
Accessory maker Mophie has announced its release of color options for its iPhone 5 Juice Pack Helium charging cases. The battery-charging cases extend the life of the phone's battery capacity to 3000mAh, and allow for up to six additional hours of talk time on 3G, seven extra hours on Wi-Fi, 30 more hours of audio playback, or seven hours of extra video playback. Alongside the original dark metallic and silver color options, user can now choose blue, purple, pink, green or red for their Juice Pack Helium cases. With a one-year warranty, the new Juice Pack Helium iPhone 5 cases are priced at $80, and available on Mophie's site.
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07/17, 12:45pm
SLXtreme accessories now available for iPhone 5 and iPad
Snow Leopard has expanded their collection of heavy-duty cases, offering waterproof protection as well as battery charge supplementing to a users' iPhone 5 and iPad. The SLXtreme case for iPhone, the SLXtreme 5, has an integrated 2250mAh battery, powered by a solar panel, doubling the battery capacity of the phone. The case is designed to be waterproof down to six feet while maintaining full functionality. SLXtreme for iPad protects the iPad 2 or later, and offers waterproof protection for underwater and splash-prone environments. Optionally available is a built-in 1150mAh battery, complete with a USB out that enables users to charge other mobile devices while on the go. Both available in Fall 2013, the SLXtreme 5 will be priced at $130, and SLXtreme iPad for $150 with battery and $100 without.
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07/11, 1:05pm
Win a G-Form Xtreme notebook, iPad or iPhone case
Summer is here, and for many people that means being outside and occasionally participating in some extreme activities. G-Form -- makers of innovative athletic protective gear -- have created a collection of awesome protective cases made with the same proprietary G-Form materials to keep MacBooks, iPhones and iPads safe as well. MacNN has a few of these cases to give away. Find out more about the state-of-the-art technology used to create these cases, and how to enter to win.
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06/28, 2:42pm
'Select' stores getting special cases
A "select" group of US Apple Stores will be getting American flag-themed iPhone cases "starting next week," according to an internal memo. Specific stores haven't been identified, and the cases aren't described beyond their having "superior quality polycarbonate with ultra high resolution designs." Likewise, prices and compatibility haven't been mentioned.
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06/19, 10:42am
Plans back notion of thicker, curvier 'iPhone Light'
Leaked schematics -- allegedly drawn by Apple, and now in the hands of a major accessory maker -- show the dimensions of the iPhone 5S and an "iPhone Lite/Light," according to AppleInsider. The 5S appears to maintain roughly the same design as its predecessor, but with a pill-shaped flash on the back that may fit dual LEDs. The iPhone Light plans match recent rumors and case production surrounding a low-cost iPhone. That includes details like a thicker body, and rounded edges.
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06/18, 10:32am
Consistent with recent rumors
A Japanese case maker, MGM Corp., has produced what news site Macotakara claims is a case for the rumored low-cost iPhone. Compared with an equally thin case for the iPhone 5, the new one is said to be 2mm thicker, and use rounded edges instead of flat ones. A rear cutout appears to leave enough space for a camera lens and a flash.
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06/14, 12:58pm
New keyboard case may be more form than function
Since the fourth-generation iPad didn't evolve much over its predecessor, the market for iPad accessories has remained somewhat static, to put it mildly. Certainly some new gear had to be produced for the Lightning connector, but even now most iPad cases will still accommodate the old 30-pin format. It takes a little extra to make a case stand out, and that's what Logitech seems to have had in mind with the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio. In our review, we'll see if it's enough to justify the FabricSkin's pricetag -- a colossal $150.
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06/06, 3:40pm
Could hint at shape of final tablet
A US accessory maker, Hard Candy Cases, has announced a pair of "iPad 5" cases, even though Apple has yet to debut the tablet. Hard Candy says it expects the device to be revealed during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 10th, and is taking a "gamble" that its cases -- the ShockDrop and the Squish -- reflect the hardware's final design. The accessories can be preordered for $35 and $50, respectively.
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05/22, 6:50pm
Fate of LifeProof cases unknown
At an event today at this week's CTIA conference, major casemaker OtterBox announced the acquisition of one of its chief rivals, LifeProof. The former says it will keep LifeProof's San Diego location, and that workers will remain in their current place. "Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family," an OtterBox statement reads. "More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration."
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05/15, 10:44pm
Adds 2,100mAh battery
Accessory maker Mophie has launched an iPhone 5 version of the Juice Pack Plus. The new case adds a 2,100mAh battery, which can roughly double the usable life of an iPhone. It in fact holds slightly more power than the Plus for the iPhone 4/4S, which is rated at 2,000mAh.
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05/09, 5:14pm
Win a Bracketron Sport Case with Strap Mount
With spring in full force and summer right around the corner, it's hard not to think about getting outside for some biking, hiking and water sports -- and keeping an iPhone or iPod safe while on these adventures is essential. Bracketron has come up with a great water-resistant protective case with a strap that can be used to securely attach the device to a bike or anywhere else. MacNN has one of these handy cases to give away; read on to learn more about this case and find out how to enter to win.
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04/16, 4:22pm
Case resembles previous case, iPad metals leaks
A case purported to be for a new model of iPad was acquired earlier today by Engadget. The case appears to closely resemble the dimensions and chamfering of previously-leaked cases earlier in the year. According to the staff at the booth, the case is based on a "leaked" mold from the factory making the case parts for Apple.
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04/04, 4:24pm
Extends life of iPad, other devices
It's not often an iPad case comes with a manual, even a short one, but it seems like an increasing number of models include some form of electronics. The Props Power Case needs a manual for its integrated lithium ion battery -- we received an 8,000mAh unit, although a 12,000mAh model is also available. In our review, we'll test how well the case works as both protection and a power supply.
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03/08, 3:31pm
Win an iSkin Slims case for the iPhone 5
Keeping an iPhone safe from scuffs and scratches, day in and day out, can be tricky, and a lot of protective cases add too much extra bulk to make them practical. One solution is to make a thinner case, and iSkin has done exactly that with the iSkin Slims. MacNN has teamed up with iSkin to give away twelve of the world's thinnest and lightest iPhone 5 case ever made to our readers.
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02/25, 1:40pm
Could be based on rumors or leaked data
Several listings for new "iPad 5" cases have appeared on e-commerce site Alibaba, reports note. In each instance the cases seem to assume that the next iPad will take after the design of the iPad mini, for example using similar slots for buttons, microphones, and speakers. They also appear to share less gradually-rounded edges than the fourth-generation iPad.
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02/11, 5:46am
New iPhone 5 cases from Lunatik coming soon
Lunatik has placed its new TAKTIK, SEISMIK and FLAK cases for the iPhone 5 up for pre-order. The new cases place an emphasis on shock protection for outdoor users, or users looking for some additional drop protection beyond the average case. The SEISMIK will be familiar to users of the Lunatik TAKTIK case for the iPhone 4.
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01/16, 9:15pm
Four new designs added to protective lineup
STM Bags, an Australian manufacturer of protective and ergonomically-designed laptop bags and accessories, has announced the availability of four new iPad mini cases. The new collection features the Skinny, Grip, Marquee and Jacket D7 designs. All four cases are available at retail now.
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