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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12/26, 10:41am
Attempts to provide alternative to dedicated sports cameras
Accessory maker Mophie has launched the OutRide, a new camera case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The gear creates a polycarbonate housing for an iPhone with a 170-degree wide-angle lens, effectively turning an iPhone into a first-person sports camera similar to a GoPro. An included waterproof add-on lets users submerse an iPhone as far as 5 meters.
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12/04, 1:58pm
Core designs of iPhone 4, iPad 2 secured
Apple has won the rights to several important design patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office. These include the look of the iPhone 4, which is credited in part to lead designer Jonathan Ive, as well as the company's co-founder, Steve Jobs. Ive is also cited in all the other new patents, such as one for the iPhone 4 "Bumper" case.
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11/15, 10:00pm
Win a Q Card Case for iPhone!
How many times do you run out of the house in the morning while talking on the iPhone, and then get to Starbucks only to find out that you forgot your wallet and thought to yourself "wouldn't it be great if my phone was a wallet." Well fortunately CM4 already has a solution for that, the Q Card Case for iPhone 4/4S and 5 MacNN has teamed up with CM4 to give away one of their cases to our readers. Read on to find out more about this case, and how you can enter to win.
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10/31, 7:02am
Gear4 adds new case designs to iPhone 5 cover range
Gear4 has revealed its range of cases for the iPhone 5. The new range includes a number of cases that are fairly nontraditional in their appearance, such as the edge-protecting Band ($20) that leaves the front and rear accessible while protecting the handset from shock damage. Thin Ice ($20) provides protection with its tough plastic design with a liquid rubber back, while also being the thinnest case for the iPhone 5 that Gear4 has to offer.
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10/29, 11:25am
iPhone case slated for November
FreedomPop has launched the Freedom Sleeve Rocket, a promised case for the iPod touch. The accessory costs $99, but opens access to FreedomPop's 4G services, which run on Clearwire's WiMAX network. The first 500MB of data is free, but costs go up to $10 per GB after that threshold. The current case also only works with third- and fourth-generation Touches.
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10/19, 2:31pm
iPad cases, flash drives and hard drives
Deals from DealNN this week include price cuts on iPad cases, flash drives, hard drives and more. The Dyconn Pad Folio iPad keyboard case is available today at Newegg.com for the reduced price of $34.99, which is $65 off the list price of $99.99 and about $30 less than the lowest price we have seen on this case anywhere else. The Dyconn Pad Folio iPad case features a wireless Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard with detachable sleeve. A one year warranty on parts and labor is included from Dyconn.
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10/03, 6:44pm
Cases allegedly show up at Australian store
Corroborating recent rumors, several iPad mini cases have allegedly arrived ahead of schedule at a retailer in Australia. Although case leaks from small companies are typically dubious, Product Feedback claims to have received iPad mini cases produced and packaged by Cygnett, a relatively large company in the accessory business, rather than a prototype built by a startup.
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09/26, 9:44pm
Griffin bands up with Otis James for designer iPhone cases
Otis James, a Nashville-based tie and hat maker, and accessory vendor Griffin have partnered to create a line of handmade protective sleeves for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 which will be sold exclusively in Griffin’s London store and on Griffin’s website. Griffin + Otis James iPhone Sleeves features the trademark Otis James hand-made design, with a pocket on front that stores credit cards and cash. The Griffin + Otis James cases are available beginning today for $75 on Griffin's website.
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09/25, 11:48pm
Road Warriors looking to protect their MacBook should consider Speck
While hard cases for Apple’s iPhones are a dime a dozen, Speck is one of the few manufacturers that makes hard cases for Apple’s line of MacBook computers. Although many MacBook owners looking to protect their investment from damage have been prepared to buy a Speck case in the past, a common criticism is that though tough, they come at the expense of added weight and bulk. Speck has tried to address this shortcoming with its new SmartShell for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display.
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09/21, 3:09pm
Cases include anti-glare camera ring as standard
Cover manufacturer iSkin has started production on four different ranges of iPhone 5 cases. The Fall 2012 Collection includes both soft and firm cases and a fairly wide array of construction materials, all of which take into account the extra size and differences that the iPhone 5 has compared to previous versions.
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09/13, 10:18pm
Upgrades of existing cases, military-grade protection offered
Following the unveiling by Apple of the iPhone 5 yesterday, case and accessory manufacturers have started to make products for the new phone. A number are opting to create cases with unique selling points, such as military-grade handset protection, with some designs appearing to be similar to cases for the iPhone 4 and 4s, albeit with obvious modifications for the new size and port placements.
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09/13, 7:38pm
Three companies presented demonstrate wide range available
Less than 24 hours after the new iPhone has been announced, more cases have been unveiled for the device. The new cases range from the utilitarian Bulldozer from Cygnett, to the luxury offerings from Italian leather company Orbino. Most cases are available for preorder today, and will ship by the beginning of October.
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08/30, 9:17pm
PRO Plus adds backlighting
Accessory maker ZAGG has announced two new Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad, the ZAGGKeys PRO and PRO Plus. Both feature iOS function keys for things like the Home button, copy and paste, and media playback. The two are also similar in concept to Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, optionally attaching to the front of an iPad with magnets when not in use.
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08/29, 11:08pm
Requires wall- or base-mounted charger
LaunchPort has announced the AP.3 Sleeve, a new accessory for the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad. The case fits around the back of an iPad, and is designed for use with the company's BaseStation and WallStation chargers, which supply power to an iPad through inductive charging instead of cables. LaunchPort estimates that it should take about four hours for a 0-100 recharge.
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08/24, 12:28pm
Accessories built based on rumors, may be inaccurate
Despite the lack of any formal announcement from Apple, a handful of overseas manufacturers have once again jumped the gun and developed accessory cases designed to fit the so-called "iPad mini" said to be announced sometime next month. The case designs indicate the presence of a rear-facing camera, but also have a "mystery" opening that could be for a second microphone.
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08/14, 9:38am
Small set of proceeds go to fight AIDS in Africa
Apple has made a rare update to its line of iPhone accessories, adding a new (PRODUCT) RED version of its Bumper case for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The case costs $29, like any other Bumper, but a small portion of the RED model's proceeds go toward fighting HIV and AIDS in Africa. Apple has been a (PRODUCT) RED supporter for some time, although lately it has produced few devices or accessories for the program.
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07/30, 5:04pm
Tries to be do-all folio option
One thing I've discovered in reviewing iPad accessories is that it's impossible to please everyone. Some people are happy with a portable Bluetooth speaker, others won't even bother with music unless they have a high-quality stereo. Likewise, some people want minimalist cases, while a few want their iPads to be nigh-on indestructible. Snugg's awkwardly-named Distressed Brown Leather Case pulls in still another direction, trying to handle just about any everyday scenario you might come across. We'll see how well it manages in our review.
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06/18, 1:43pm
Testing Seidio's new pro-oriented iPad case
One of the iPad accessory trends I find slightly absurd is the drive for a "professional" style. It might be a bad idea to turn up at a business meeting with a cartoon skin, but most cases are straightforward enough that there's no need to swathe an iPad in leather, or add half a dozen snaps or buckles. Seidio's EXPERT portfolio case manages to avoid some of the cliches, but in our review, we'll see if that makes it a genuinely good product.
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05/29, 4:35pm
OtterBox Armor should protect against water, hard impacts
Accessory maker OtterBox has announced a new case for the iPhone 4 and 4S, the Armor. Unlike most iPhone cases, the Armor is claimed to be not only drop-proof but dust-, water-, and crush-proof. Few other details are being made public, but the case is set to go on sale June 24th.
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05/29, 3:25pm
SwitchEasy updates folio case for third-gen iPad
A common trick for iPad case makers wanting some attention is to use crazy patterns or textures; anything, essentially, to make a product resemble more than a generic model you could buy off of Monoprice. SwitchEasy's CARA folio -- newly tailored to the third-generation iPad -- initially seems to follow the same approach, using a lid with a raised honeycomb design that's obviously more about looks than practicality. That hardly makes the CARA impractical, though, as we'll explore in our review.
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05/03, 2:02am
Coated canvas, poly models offer weather protection
Clear Laptop Sleeve maker Altego has expanded its product line with new notebook bags and cases designed for the MacBook line and iPad but suitable for other, similar-sized notebooks and tablets. The two lines, featuring a coated canvas Cyan and channel-stitched Ruby series, offer quilted inner linings to protect the devices, custom-molded waffle-design back waffle back padding, a flannel-lined inner iPad pocket, seat-belt webbing shoulder straps and more.
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04/30, 9:45am
Folio changes to new stand system
Accessory maker SwitchEasy has released an updated version of the CARA, one its iPad cases. The upgrade mainly addresses compatibility with the third-generation iPad, while still supporting the iPad 2. It also however uses a new vertical stand system, said to allow landscape viewing at multiple angles.
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04/26, 4:45pm
Logitech's hybrid iPad keyboard
One of the iPad's main weaknesses has always been productivity. It's not a question of apps; while it has taken a little time for a native iPad library to develop, there's usually been some way of getting essential tasks done. It's that even with those apps, the iPad's technical limitations can make things unnecessarily difficult. Bluetooth keyboards can simplify writing, but options have so far been limited to either separate peripherals or full-sized cases, which carry their own tradeoffs. Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attempts to bridge that gap -- in our review, we'll judge whether the gear is as convenient as its maker hopes it is.
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04/05, 9:25pm
Skinny evolves for third-gen iPad
STM may be better known for its bags than its cases, but it is one of a select group of companies making upgraded -- rather than tweaked -- cases for the third-generation iPad. One of the two it's currently selling is the Skinny 3, a mostly straightforward folio design. In our review, we'll see if the case can compete with some of the other folio options on the market.
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04/03, 4:20pm
Case essentially unchanged for new hardware
MacNN has had an opportunity to test a Griffin IntelliCase ($60) with the third-generation iPad; while a case would normally warrant a full review, the current IntelliCase appears to be unchanged from its version for the iPad 2, so it was decided to do a capsule review combined with a simple test of how well the case fits with the new tablet. As before, the case consists of a polycarbonate back with a Smart Cover-style front flap that uses magnets to turn an iPad on and off.
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03/27, 12:25pm
Deals on iPad cases, headphones, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted iPad cases, headphones, and more. Buy.com has now lowered the cost of the Philips Case with Rubber TPW Edges and Stand for iPad, which consists of a hard-shell case with wrap-around grips, support for all iPad models, and an integrated stand for hands-free viewing. Currently featured at DealNN, this iPad case is now available for the low price of $2.99 and offers savings of up to 90%.
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03/26, 5:30pm
SwitchEasy updates Canvas for new iPad
For the third-generation iPad, most case makers have been content to tweak existing designs to fit the thickness of the new tablet. The Canvas, by SwitchEasy, is the one of the few exceptions to the rule. Despite the popularity of the original case, SwitchEasy has decided to make some fundamental design changes this time around -- the question for our review, of course, is whether they've been for the better.
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03/22, 2:05am
Some sleep-wake models don't work with new iPad
After reporting yesterday that some older Apple Smart Covers and third-party covers with the same "sleep/wake" magnetic functionality don't consistently work with the latest third-generation iPad, some accessory manufacturers are offering free replacement covers if a customer's iPad 2-compatible cover doesn't work. Long-time accessory maker Targus confirmed that it would replace cases free of charge for new iPad customers, AppleInsider reports.
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03/14, 12:35pm
New version uses 'latchless' cover
Accessory maker SwitchEasy has released a updated version of its Canvas case for the iPad. The new model fits both the third-generation iPad and the iPad 2. Further separating it from the earlier, iPad 2-only model is an updated lid, which uses a latchless and self-adhesive design. As before, magnets in the lid turn an iPad on and off.
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03/13, 9:00pm
All new cases for the third-generation iPad
The ever-so-slightly altered thickness of the third-generation iPad means that while many iPad 2-oriented cases will still work, those with an exact custom fit may not -- creating an opportunity for case makers to launch all-new lines custom-made for the latest iPad. Two California-based companies, Sena Cases and Dodocase, are unveiling new collections, while Tennessee-based Griffin Technology has listed its third-gen iPad compatible cases.
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03/13, 9:30am
Win an AViiQ Smart Case
MacNN has teamed up with AViiQ to give away two AViiQ Smart Cases for the iPad 2. Read on to find out how you can win one of these high quality, anodized aluminum cases from AViiQ.
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03/08, 10:00pm
Many 2011 iPad accessories will also work well
Apple's latest iPad, the 2012 edition, is only slightly thicker than the previous model, meaning that many non-form-fitting accessories should be compatible. Nonetheless, accessory makers are scrambling to announce all-new and compatible cases and other products to assure buyers that they'll work with their new iPad. California-based Scosche, Belkin and Waterfield Designs all have new cases, bags and stands.
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03/07, 10:00pm
First wave of add-ons quick out of the gate
The iPad accessory eco-system wasted no time in announcing new products for the just-announced new iPad. XtremeMac is preparing four new cases, while iLuv is updating its existing iPad 2 line of cases to fit the new model, including ones with Bluetooth keyboards and a stylus. M-Edge will bring its line of stylish new cases to Best Buy, and longtime retailer Dr. Bott LLC has announced that it is already carrying a full line of new accessories.
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03/06, 4:45pm
Gear should be backwards-compatible with iPad 2
While accessory makers have prepared new products for the next-generation iPad, most or all of these should work with the iPad 2, CNET reports. The site says it has heard from three company representatives who all say they expect the new iPad to have only minor changes in thickness, even if they're not absolutely certain. "We've been told there will be some minor changes in the thickness, but we don't have any specifics," one representative states.
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03/05, 1:15pm
New case would return to covering back
Apple has been working on a new official iPad case, an iLounge source says. The product is described as similar to Incase's Magazine Jacket, but with an iPad 2-style Smart Cover on the front. A rear shell meanwhile is said to be made of fiberglass, and covered with polyurethane or bicast leather. A major complaint about the Smart Cover has been that unlike the official case for the iPad 1, the Smart Cover leaves the back metal of an iPad completely vulnerable.
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03/05, 10:55am
Shipments allegedly occurring in bulk
Sealed boxes of iPad 3 cases are starting to show up at Best Buy stores, a source claims. Each box is noted to have a sticker with a warning: "Do not display until official iPad 3 launch." This may suggest that "iPad 3" is the next-generation iPad's official name, but it could alternately be a placeholder.
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01/27, 11:35pm
Opena and Intoxicase
The Macworld iWorld expo always hosts a number of unique products, and this year was no exception. MacNN was surprised to find no less than three iPhone cases that double as bottle openers. We checked out the Opena case, along with two 'Intoxicase' models offered by Spicebox.
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01/24, 12:10pm
Deals on iPad cases, hard drives, and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on iPad cases, hard drives, and more. Buy.com this week has lowered the cost of the Arc. iPad Case and Stand with Built-in Screen Protector and Joytracer, complete with four different viewing angles, an all-in-one design with built-in scratch-resistant screen, and Swarovski crystal accent. Currently featured at DealNN, this iPad case has now dropped 71% in price and can be purchased for only $17.24.
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01/04, 2:20pm
Cord-On-Board tucks USB cable alongside iPhone
Accessory makers Cirago and CaseInity have separately unveiled several new accessories for iOS devices. Cirago has produced three, chief among these being the Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard Case for the iPad 2. Brushed aluminum is combined with padding at the corners to cushion an iPad; to use the keyboard, a person must pull the tablet from the case and sit it in a built-in stand either vertically or horizontally. The case costs $90.
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12/20, 10:00pm
Italian inspired design, suspending polymer band
Two Scandinavian designers who have been inspired by Italian car company Pininfarina's 1970s designs have started a San Francisco-based company to make high-strength aluminum cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S that echo the Modulo concept car. The company, Edge Design, is offering two models of cases, each with a suspending polymer band that protects the phone inside the case and preventing any antenna interference.
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12/20, 9:55am
Extends legal battles to new level
Apple is suing Samsung over cases for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as well as an assortment of cellphones, Bloomberg reports. At a court hearing in Sydney, Australia, Apple said it has issued a notice of infringement to Samsung, and will file a statement of claim. Samsung is accused of violating patents and registered designs; a lawyer for the company, Katrina Howard, elaborated that the cases are accused of infringing at least 10 patents.
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