Case

Making the case for going case-less

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

I decided to go completely case-less. Most of you guys probably think I already do that, since I never have a case on my devices when I'm filming a new video.

But that, as it turns out, hasn't been so. I used to only keep my iPhone nude for aesthetic purposes on film. As soon as I hit the shutter release on my camera to stop filming, back in the case she went.

Then I read something that changed my perspective on things. After seeing this post by John Gruber, I started thinking. Why are we so obsessed with encapsulating our devices in protective covering? Aren't we ridding ourselves of the pleasure of using it as it was intended and designed to be used?

I decided to embark on an experiment. One that could prove costly, but at the same time provide me with a since of liberation. I was going to go case-less...

This case turns your iPhone into a Swiss Army knife, literally

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Smartphones are often referred to as Swiss Army knives. They're digital cameras, and movie players. And with their vast app selections, there's little else they can't do — much like the popular pocketable multi-tool.

But the new TaskOne case takes the term a little more literally. With its built-in 2.5" drop point blade, bottle opener, wire cutters and host of other tools, it actually does turn your iPhone into a Swiss Army knife...

Twelve South launches the BookBook for iPhone 5

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 17, 2012

Twelve South’s BookBook case for the iPhone with its built-in wallet, leather-wrapped frame and Harry Potter-like design stands out among an endless sea of sleeves and cases polluting the market on a daily basis, with just a handful focused on practicality.

Jeff reviewed the original BookBook for iPhone last year and came away impressed by the overall functionality and build quality. This summer, Twelve South re-released the popular iPhone case in Classic Black and refreshed the Vintage Brown version. And finally, now the company has updated the accessory for the iPhone 5 form factor...

The Cygnett SecondSkin softly protects your iPhone 5

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Cygnett ranges four continents and sells product in more than 45,000 worldwide retailers across 40 countries. According to Cygnett's description, the company tries to provide mobile protection solutions that are protective, fashionable, and functional. With a diverse line up of iPhone 5 options, they are doing well in their mission and I had the opportunity to give the SecondSkin a run for about a week.

In a crowded market, it is difficult to make a product truly stand-out, but many case companies continue to press forward, taking their stab at the latest and greatest. If you just nabbed your iPhone 5 or are planning to get one soon, start taking a look at the wide selection. We are here to give you a quick glimpse at the new SecondSkin...

The ZOpro: a thin iPhone case with built-in charging cable

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

We all know the scenario. You're away from home, with no charger, and your iPhone just alerted you that its battery is now down to a measly 10%. What do you do?

Well, if you had the new ZOpro case on your iPhone, you could use its integrated charger to breath life back into your handset. But wait, what's a ZOpro case?

Apple Stores now carrying iPhone 5 cases

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Accessories for Apple's latest smartphone are extremely hard to find right now. Not only does the iPhone 5 have a different dock connector, but it's also larger than its predecessor, making most cases and add-ons obsolete.

But we have some good news today, at least for the folks looking for a cover to protect their new handset. Reports are coming in this weekend that Apple has started stocking its retail stores with iPhone 5 cases...

The iExpander puts your iPhone on steroids

Cody Lee ∙ October 13, 2012

Do you ever wish your iPhone had better battery life, or expandable storage? How about a brighter flash, so it could take better pictures in low-light situations? Well let me introduce you to the iExpander.

The iExpander is a case for your iPhone that, believe or not, does all of these things. It has a built-in battery, a micro SD card slot, and an enhanced flash. Like the title says, it's like steroids for your iPhone...

New iPhone 5 case claims to fix purple flare issue

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 22, 2018

A few weeks ago, early iPhone 5 adopters started complaining of a purple haze in their photos taken with the handset. Apple responded to the issue, saying that users could remedy this by repositioning the phone.

But if that isn't good enough for you, you might be interested to hear that Fotodiox, an Illinois-based case-maker, has created an iPhone 5 case that it claims will eliminate the purple flare. Meet the camHoodie...

Incipio’s DualPro case with silicone core will protect your iPhone 5

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated October 10, 2018

Spanning three continents, like the old British empire, the Sun never sets on Incipio, allowing them to operate 24 hours per day. Their tireless approach makes them a world-wide leader in fresh and innovative designs that protect and enhance our mobile devices.

Incipio pushed an iPhone 5 accessory line concurrently with the release of the iPhone last Friday, and I was thankful to not only get a FedEx box with my shiny new iPhone, but also received a care package from my friend at Incipio with a DualPro inside. I am pumped about this new case and plan on using it frequently...

This bejeweled iPhone 5 case can be yours for $100,000

Cody Lee ∙ September 16, 2012

Looking for a ridiculously extravagant case to go with your newly-ordered iPhone 5? You might be interested in this new jewel-encrusted iPhone 5 cover from the Natural Sapphire Company.

Made up of white gold, rubies and thousands of sapphires, the case is one of the most lavish we've ever seen for Apple's handset. And, at $100,000, it's probably one of the most expensive...

Apple posts full iPhone 5 schematics

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

This is pretty interesting. It looks like Apple has posted up the full schematics for the iPhone 5 on its developer website. Even if you're not a dev, you can find them in the Resources section.

Essentially, these are the blueprints for Apple's new smartphone. And they give accessory and case makers dimensions for everything from the ringer switch to the home button...

Photo shows iPad mini and iPhone 5 cases compared to an iPhone 4S

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Just one more day to go until Apple's highly-anticpated iPhone event, and surprise surprise, we have more purported case leaks. This time, it's a photo of an iPad mini and iPhone 5 case, among a 4S and others.

The purpose of the image is to give us an idea of how the unannounced devices measure up to their predecessors. And it's actually really interesting to see how the iPad mini compares to the third-gen iPad...