I can hear Simmons already hacking on his keyboard sending me another “why did you post a cheesy accessory article” when you should be concentrating on writing articles that are engaging to our readers!” Well that’s because these are some really cool cases that’s why! Most serious geeks have a passion for the Hobbit and LOTR and if you have an iPhone then you can have some serious bling for your device! There are 27 cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S and 13 available for the iPhone 5 which is sort of a bummer because I have an iPhone 5 and they don’t have the Balrog  case that is easily my favorite.

In the iPhone 5 selection I think my favorite is Gandalf image from The Hobbit:

 

The cases all cost $34.95 plus shipping and are available now at HobbitShop.com

Pssst: if you do some searches I found them on Amazon for $9 bucks.

Picture it, you are on an airplane headed to Sydney Australia when all the sudden your iPhone “Self-Combusts”! That’s what happened last November to a traveling iPhone 4 owner as they were traveling “down under”. Now, some 6 months later the Australian Government has concluded it’s investigation and announced that the iPhone 4 in question had underdone a screen replacement surgery at an unauthorized iPhone hospital and  Dr. Ima Hack forgot about a screw and it worked it’s way up to the battery  casing and punctured it. Long story short, make sure you use credible service repair shops and make sure you don’t have a screw loose before you fly!

Here is a quote from the AU Report

The phone was sent to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as part of an investigation into the matter, which has now revealed that a misplaced screw punctured the battery casing, leading to a short circuit that caused the battery to overheat.
The screw that caused the issue was the result of a botched screen-replacement job from a non-authorised service centre. A screw from the bottom of the unit, adjacent to the 30-pin connector, found its way into the handset, and caused the battery compartment to puncture as a result.

[ZDNet AU via Macrumors]

There are a ton of iPhone 4 and 4S out on the street and chances are you have seen just about every case there is at some point and time. What you are looking for is a case that no one else has, or at least there is a VERY remote chance that you will meet up with. If you have a very big budget then Element Case has just the ticket for you. It’s called the Limited edition Tactical Cases for the iPhone 4 and 4S.

The new cases by Element Case are made right here in the United States and are called the Vapor Comp and the Vapor Pro that are comprised of four significant US camouflage graphic patterns (Desert, Urban, Arctic, and Woods). The proprietary five step graphic process is extremely time consuming as it involves bead blasting, primer coat, base color, graphic coat, and protective UV matt finish coat, along with extensive drying times. But the result is a stunningly authentic camo finish that is anti-glare, durable, and non-repeatable on any two cases. In fact, these cases are so individualized that we have numbered each one in this collection. Less than 50 of each graphic will be available for both the Vapor Pro and the Vapor Comp! That’s less than 200 units available for this first edition model.

Element Case Limited Edition Tactical Line Includes:

• Proprietary camouflage transfer graphics
• Limited Edition- less than 50 of each graphic, each case individually numbered.
• Comes with two interchangeable ultrasuede back plates
• Includes transit kit with carry case and CNC speed wrench.
• Made in USA

MSRP:

Vapor COMP – $129.99

Vapor PRO – $159.99

If you are out shopping and want to upgrade a few members of your family to an iPhone, check out the deal at Best Buy today in store only 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Buy one iPhone 4 32 GB version and get one free. The iPhone 4 with two year contract will run you $199.99 and you drive home with one for free.

Remember, this is the iPhone 4, so you will have to live with out Siri and a really nice camera upgrade. The A5 processor is in the 4S version, but after using my iPhone 4 32GB for a year, I could not trip up the A4 processor at anytime, so don’t worry too much about that one. Great phone for a good deal. You got to go to your Best Buy to get in on it though so stop buy Best Buy!

Developer and hacker, conradev, has uncovered a panorama mode in the iPhone’s camera app. This is something that has been talked about before but there was never any real proof that this existed in an iPhone. Untill now.

By changing a key value in the iOS SDK, Panorama mode is unlocked allowing users to capture a panorama image by snapping photos continually from left to right.

It is uncertain at this point, as to why this feature is hidden, but we can assume that this will be available to the public in a firmware update possibly in the near future. If you can’t wait for an official release, you can get it now by downloading a jailbreak tweak from Cydia called Firebreak.

        

Famous jailbreak hacker and developer, chpwn also posted images of the Panorama mode enabled on what we presume to be his iPhone 4S.

Here is an example of a panoramic photo taken on the iPhone (the original resolution is 6122 x 2852):

Originally written for Blu3Sn0w Development 

C Spire, formerly known as Cellular South, has just announced that they will be getting the Apple iPhone 4S on November 11th, 2011. They have already started taking pre-orders and the pricing remains inline with everyone else at $199 for the 16gb, $299 for the 32gb, and $399 for the 64gb versions.  C Spire will also have the white and black iPhone 4 for $99 which also includes you signing for a 2 year contract along just as you will with the 4S.

Below is the rates that C Spire will be charging customers. Plans one and two say they exclude streaming but how they plan to police that or even detect streaming remains to be seen. Can’t be worse than the AT&T Tethering Police!

C Spire web page and pre-orders can be found here.

Okay, I know I am posting a lot of cases for the iPhone 4S and I promise I am almost done. I have one more review coming, but in the mean time, I was really liking some of the new designs coming soon from iFrogz for the iPhone 4 & 4S. The one in particular that caught my eye is the Fusion Wood Case.

The Fusion Wood is a new twist on the popular Fusion case, Fusion Wood is made of a polycarbonate shell, fused with a natural wood grain back. Also features a raised edge for facedown screen protection.

Mix
An ideal combination of sturdiness and style, the Mix incorporates eye-catching patterns made from multiple materials. The TPU edge provides maximum protection, even when the phone is placed facedown, while also giving you a superb grip.

 

Breeze
The Breeze provides an aerated look and textured feel to your iPhone 4 or 4S. Fashioned of shock-absorbent TPU, this unique case is manufactured with an edge that protects the screen when placed facedown.

 

ClipStand
This deluxe, matte-finish case features a slip-in belt attachment that doubles as a five-angle stand. Convenient for anyone on-the-go, the bright, matching colors provide style while the soft-touch coating offers a luxurious feel.

 

Shark
The Shark is a convenient, fabric-covered belt clip case. A magnetic closure prevents your iPhone from slipping out, and the sleek, conservative design is perfect for business or pleasure.

The iFrogz iPhone 4 and 4S cases are coming soon on www.iFrogz.com. Prices range from $19.99 to $34.99.

October marks the beginning of Hunting Season for many of us around the United States kicking off with bow season on the 1st and then following up with gun season in November. I started hunting when I was little with my dad take me too hunters safety course when I lived in Michigan. Hunting kept me busy until I like took some time off and began hunting other game (cough). Since getting married, I have found myself getting back in the woods and getting ready to take my son hunting with me like my dad did me.

Hunting has a lot of waiting involved which causes most hunters to succumb to the exhausting rigors of the hunt and ultimately take a nap. However I never been able to nap like other hunters which resulted in me just being bored out of my mind. Thankfully things have changed dramatically as of last few years when I was amazed to see that my hunting land has got a solid 4 bars of signal and a decent EDGE data connection. Welcome the tech geek to hunting! Last year my iPhone 4 accompanied me on the hunt and those down times between any action were filled with text messaging my buddies who were hunting with me, using the GPS, cruising the net, and even keeping up with mobile tech via my RSS reader. I even used my flashlight app to help me climb out of the stand.

Now most of my hunting buddies are not tech geeks like me, but a fair number of them are now using the iPhone to keep connected and use some of the same features I just described. If you are this hunting geek, then check out what OtterBox just launched for iPhone 4 and 4S owners! The OtterBox Defender Series with REALTREE CAMO is here!

The OtterBox Defender Series with REALTREE CAMO has four different case designs to choose from with either black or hunter orange polycarbonate inner and two different CAMO prints from REALTREE on the outer silicone sleeve to choose from. Check them out:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How well do the OtterBox Defender Series cases work? Well, I have two complete reviews already done on this case to help convince you that this is an excellent investment to protect your iPhone 4 or 4S. Make sure you check them out here:

Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPhone 4

Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Defender for iPhone 4S

The REALTREE CAMO Defender Series cases cost just a little more than the standard Defender Series cases by $10.00 so expect to pay $59.99 and they are available now on OtterBox.com. The same quality workmanship goes into the REALTREE CAMO versions of the Defender Series case and the review sample I had looked awesome with the contrasting hunter orange inner polycarbonate shell against the REALTREE CAMO outer silicone sleeve. As I state in the other two reviews of the OtterBox Defender Series Cases, these are the ultimate in protection for your iPhone and I highly recommend them for anyone looking to protect their investment. The REALTREE CAMO Series adds some serious coolness factor for all you rugged outdoorsmen turned geek. This is going to make an excellent Christmas gift for that rugged outdoorsman in your life or why not just treat yourself to this great looking case.

OtterBox kicked out a pretty cool promotional video below and I have my own photo gallery below that for you to check out as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would have told me 2 years ago I would have and use an iPhone as my daily driver device I would have told you that you were crazy. I was a Windows Mobile guy and finally ended up with a device I loved, the HTC HD2. Maybe the most versatile device ever built. At the very end of me using the HD2 I was averaging 1-2GBs of data  a month. I used Skyfire a lot, but it would never compare to the data I consume with the iPhone 4. I would not just double it, but triple my data usage since getting the iPhone 4. The apps are awesome, require a lot of data, and a lot of something else. Yep, you guessed it, power. Now I will admit, the iPhone 4 has a pretty good battery life, but when you are using 5-7GBs of data a month, it is going to drain any battery pretty quick. I need some options. I can’t always be accessible to an AC outlet. I need to take some extra battery storage with me. So I found a solution that looks really good, and will add 2000 mAh of power to your iPhone 4. It called the PowerSkin , so I think we need to check it out in a Mobility Digest Review!

Let’s kick this off with what you get in the box. Of course you get the PowerSkin for the iPhone 4, but also included in a  very nice flip front retail package is a USB charging cable and a small little owners manual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The PowerSkin is a one piece case that features a really nice soft silicone rubber material that will keep your iPhone well gripped to where you have put it such as in a car, and also is a very finger print hating material, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. The PowerSkin is also made from 100% recycled material so not only will you be power minded, but also environmentally friendly as well.  The case measures 5.1 inches long by 2.5 inches wide and .77 inches thick. It’s not the length and width that you will notice, it is the thickness. The PowerSkin, like other cases in this category is going to add significant girth your super sexy thin iPhone 4. Super sexy thin out of power is is petty useless, so it might be well to make some accommodations. By comparison, the OtterBox Defender, which I normally carry is actually thinner than the PowerSkin by .11 inches thick.

Here are the PowerSkin Specifications:

• Power Capacity: 2000mAh
• Input Spec: 5V, 0.5A
• Output Spec: 5V, 0.5A
• Talk Time: 480 Mins^*
• Standby: 350 Hours^*
• Product Dimensions:
  5.1L X 2.5W X 0.77H inches
  12.95L X 6.35 X 1.96 cm
• Weight: 0.18lbs / 81.6g

The PowerSkin case does a real nice job in button quality as well as making a case specifically for the iPhone 4. Too many times we see case manufactures forget key attributes about the actual device and use generic specifications for openings/cutouts which do not work as well from one device to another. But that is no case (cough) with PowerSkin as they clearly were intending to make a very functional case especially for the iPhone 4.

In the top side of the PowerSkin there really is the only problem I found with it. The 3.5mm Audio jack opening is well centered and will only utilize a very thin diameter audio plug. The thicker diameter plugs will not work. Also, I found the power button to be a bit too flush with the case which required you to press it past flush with the case which made it tough to turn off and on. The button still felt fine, but it required you to use the tip of your finger and drive it straight down. I would have liked to have seen the power button protrude past flush like the volume up and down buttons on the PowerSkin do. The volume up and down buttons are slightly elevated above flush and worked well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The camera cutout while very deeply cut because of the thickness required to fit the battery, did not shroud the lens or the LED light. I was slightly concerned but did not notice any problem. The mute toggle is a cut out as well and PowerSkin leaves even the biggest of fingered folk ample room to reach in and mute the iPhone 4. The USB charging cable fit properly and and had no issue fitting into the slot at the bottom of the right hand side of the iPhone 4.

On the bottom of the PowerSkin Case you will find 4 Blue LED lights which are used to display the charging level in the PowerSkin. Each light represents 25% power so 2 LED lights illuminated would mean 50% charge and 4 LED illuminated would mean fully charged. The lights add a certain geeky quality to the case that I like and even when very light outside, the LED lights are easy to see .

 

 

 

 

 

 

The PowerSkin uses Patented XPAL Power^® battery technology which they do not go into great detail about but I can assure you, it works. The PowerSkin has a 2000 mAh battery included in the case which doubles the life of your i
Phone 4 at least on paper. Real life performance I think is even better, The PowerSkin charges just as fast as a wall outlet AC plug would charge your iPhone. It also does in fact double your power. Draining your iPhone almost down to zero and then inserting it into the PowerSkin will easily and quickly take you back to 100% with 1 LED light 25% left on. In the several times I tried this I never failed to get at least 100% charge back to the iPhone 4.

The PowerSkin sells for $79.99 but is now on sale on the PowerSkin website for $69.99. You can also find the PowerSkin from a wide variety of quality retailers that you can check out here. A couple of quick Google searches and you should have no trouble like I did finding a PowerSkin case for $50.00 which make this case a real bargain.

PROS:

• Quality Construction and materials
• Bargain at $50.00 price points
• Battery recharging is excellent

CONS:

• Power button is difficult to press.
• PowerSkin is very think and blocky looking at .77 inches thick.
• No screen protector included.

If you have been out today and standing in line for the Apple iPhone 4S then you may have noticed the displays of OtterBox Defender Cases for them displayed. The ultimate in protection, I have a series of reviews on the Defender Series including a full review of the iPhone 4 OtterBox Defender Case that you can read here.

Since Apple changed almost nothing on the exterior of the iPhone 4S, then it would be expected that the cases should all be the same right? Well, not exactly. It looks like you are still going to have to cough up another 50 bucks or simply do some cutting on your existing OtterBox Defender to encompass the following changes.

As you can see from the picture, the new OtterBox, which is positioned on the right hand side of the iPhone 4 Defender case varies in that it has larger openings on the front facing camera as well as the rear facing camera.

In the past, the white iPhone 4 did not play well with the Defender and many people had issues with the screen not going to sleep while on a call. With new and significantly larger openings, this should be eliminated on the iPhone 4S, but I cannot confirm this as my local Best Buy did not receive any white iPhone 4S for me to test with. However, OtterBox has confirmed that the front cut out is compatible with the iPhone 4S:

Although our Defender Series case for the original i4 was not compatible with the white models, with our new 4S Defender Series cases we have resolved this issue with a wider cutout on the front of the case to accommodate all versions/colors.

The back side of the case as well has a much larger opening to un-shroud the camera and let more light in the significantly improved iPhone 4S camera. I tried to contact OtterBox for an official explanation but they were incredibly busy today, so I will update this when the rep calls me back. Since there is no sensor on the back side, it is safe to say that it has to do with improved lighting for the camera.

The last thing that OtterBox has changed is the Silicone outer sleeve. I am a little on the fence with this change because I happen to remove the iPhone from the case frequently for cleaning and removing the SIM card to go into another device. This new silicone material, while still very high quality, has a much stiffer feel to it. Upon trying to install it and then remove it, it is much more difficult than removing it’s predecessor. Here is the reason OtterBox has given me which is also on their website:

OtterBox has also included a more robust silicone skin on our Defender Series iPhone 4S case line to provide more durability, resistance to dust and lint, added grip and an improved ability to hold its shape over time.

So as you just read, it was improved for very good reasons, but if you frequently remove the case for use in an iHome, change phones, or whatever, you will find it a lot more difficult. Still, the OtterBox Defender demonstrates why it is ultimate in protection for your device and why OtterBox continues to grow create great cases for our devices!