We have all been there. You know, our iPhone is about to die from a drained battery and no charge cable in sight. Well, the Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger [$29.99 - TiPb Store link] is here to change that. The Seidio charger gives you everything you need for any portable situation. You get a USB cable that actually snaps into place (I love that. Most cables I see these days don’t actually snap in place, they just fit, but not securely) and the always capable wall charger and large grip-friendly car charger.

What really sets this charger apart from the competition is the retractability of the cable. Just like with other retractable cords, you pull on both ends and it expands. Of course, it is convenient if you have your iPhone charging on your Mac or PC to just let is sit right next to your computer without any extra cable mess.

I use my cable on the time. My day starts off with getting in the car for work (yeah, don’t use it at home, I have a cradle for that) and plugging it into the car adapter. I have a good 45 minute commute to work, so this buys me time to charge and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once I am work, I take the cable with me and charge at my desk as need. Yes, I am one of those people that if the iPhone 3GS tells me I have 96% battery, I must make it 100%.

As the day winds down, I repeat the morning process. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “Why is this guy telling me how he carries his cable around all day?” Well, that is the point isn’t it? The fact that the cable retracts makes it super easy to pull out of my bag and stow it away. I have a separate cable I stash in my bag too, the one that came with the iPhone. Using that cable is annoying as I have to “stuff” it in my bag, where the Seidio cable retracts beautifully with no mess. I know, it is the little things. Because of its portability, this has quickly become my main cable. On the ever-so-small downside, there is not an airplane adapter. That would make this the ultimate in charger cables, but for now, Seidio will have to do with a “fav” rating from this reviewer.

If you are looking for a functional cable such as this, you can pick it up in the TiPb store for $29.95.

Check out more in the gallery below!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger Reality Review

The first purchase you make after you get a new device should always be some sort of protection — ideally, a case that suits your needs in the best way possible. You paid good, hard-earned money for your iPhone, after all, and sometimes a simple rubber skin case or hard case will just not do. So what’s left? A nicely crafted holster case, and today I’m going to be taking a look at the Krusell Apollo leather case for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This case can be purchased directly from TiPb store for $34.95. For the full run down on this holster case read on after the break!

Design

When it comes to cases that nicely fit a businessman or businesswoman’s needs, Swedish case manufacturer Krusell is the one brand that pops into my mind. The previous Krusell case that I was able to review, the Krusell Hector, left me fairly impressed with their quality and design. The Krusell Apollo Leather Case was able to get that half right.

First thing to point out is the Krusell Apollo’s Multidapt feature that allows for you to have a few different wearing options. The Multidapt system is simply a fancy name for a swivel clip system that is completely removable from the case, reducing the size of the Apollo’s profile. If the swivel clip system is not your cup of tea, just remove it from the back of the case.

This case has been beautifully hand crafted and solidly put together with very soft genuine leather. The color is black on the outside with a very soft, silver interior. On the exterior of the case you will notice a magnetic flip-top closure, an off-white stitching, and a small Krusell badge. The stitching appears to be exact, with no stray threads or excess glue. There are some minor issues with the functionality, which I’ll get into a bit later, but overall the Apollo is a very well constructed case.

Daily Use

So far this has been a pretty positive review for the Krusell Apollo but it’s not all a bed of roses. Yes, the Multidapt feature is nice and convenient to have but if you do choose to use it be prepared to deal with a very bulky case. So bulky, in fact, that I could not use the Apollo as my daily driver. Now if you are the complete opposite of me and wouldn’t mind sacrificing a slimmer profile to wear the case on your hip, this case may suit you well.

Another worry I have is with the magnetic flip-top. It seems to be a pretty weak magnet and it doesn’t take much to flip open, which of course should be a major concern for anyone, especially if you are active person. So if you do purchase this case, be very wary of wearing it horizontally.

The vertical holster functionality, on the other hand, is suburb with the Multidapt clip. It will securely hold your phone tightly to your side via a belt or pants pocket.

This case also keeps your iPhone 3G very well protected. With some cases that you wear, you run the risk of bumping into something, whether it be the corner of a table or wall, that will severely scratch the iPhone itself or, worst case, crack screen. I’m happy to say with the Apollo those are things you need not worry about.

Conclusion

The Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G is a decent product, solidly built with fine materials. While its style will not win any awards, and personally I feel Krusell missed the mark with the Apollo, it is a way to protect your iPhone 3G while at the same time offering more than one way to carry it via the Multidapt clip.

Pros

• Built from high quality materials
• Multidapt clip allows for numerous ways to carry your iPhone 3G

Cons

• Way too bulky
• Magnetic flip-top seems very weak

TiPb Review Rating

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G

[Ed: New Case-Mate Vrooms in new spectacular colors now available in the TiPb iPhone Store! - Rene]

The iPhone 3G certainly has a ton of case options. Everyone has their own take on what constitutes a good iPhone case—some prefer silicone, others want a hard plastic, some prefer loud cases, others search for more subtle options. We take a look at a lot of cases here at TiPb and there’s a different qualification for the case we’re about to take a look at—this falls under the ‘fun’ category.

The Case-Mate Vroom for iPhone 3G ($14.95) is a subtly-fun designed rubber case. From afar the Vroom case looks like a basic, black silicone case that protects the back of the iPhone 3G. Upon closer inspection, whoa what?! The back has tire tread!

Is this merely a gimmick? How cool is it?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Come on. Laugh a little. Ease up. The Vroom case for the iPhone 3G is funny and a definite conversation starter. I mean, it’s a tire on your iPhone 3G! You could even come up with a far-fetched story on how you custom made the case with your old car tire’s or even say its a special edition made by Goodyear or Michelin. I mean, a tire on your iPhone? What other crazy designs can we get?

Jokes aside, the Vroom case is a basic black rubber case that protects the full back of the iPhone 3G while leaving room open for all of the iPhone 3G’s functions. It even comes equipped with a plastic screen to protect the iPhone 3G’s touchscreen. We’re not fans of those plastic touchscreens preferring to go with Bodyguardz or Invisibleshield for cases like these.

But in all, I think it looks great and adds a ton of character to the iPhone 3G.

Usability

The rubber is a lot different from other silicone cases I’ve encountered. Instead of a soft, grippy feel the Vroom case is harder and slicker. I don’t prefer this finish because it doesn’t offer the same amount of grip as other silicone options but I think that’s just a matter of preference.

What’s great about the Vroom case, other than the design of course, is that it doesn’t add much thickness to the iPhone. I found that the case was really easy to hold and didn’t change the contours of the iPhone 3G. And though the rubber is a bit different than most cases, I feel like it’s a stronger grade. Instead of being just a sleeve or a skin, this feels like true tire rubber. I guess it succeeded in its intended effect, right?

But this case does have its fair share of limitations—more thought was put into its design than its actual construction. It attracts lint and dust very easily, I could never really manage to keep the case clean. This may be more of a color issue than anything since dust simply shines on a black case.

Also, this is personal preference but I don’t like it when a case ever-so-slightly exposes the chrome rim around the iPhone. I feel as if you’re going to cover the back of the iPhone you might as well go the extra millimeter to cover the chrome rim.

But in all, the Vroom case offers just enough protection. It’s not going to be mistaken as an OtterBox but it definitely does a good job in preventing nicks and scratches from daily routine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for pure protection, this case probably isn’t for you. I won’t lie, there are better options for you if protection is your biggest concern. For starters, take a look at the TiPb store.

But if you like quirky designs and/or conversations revolving your iPhone 3G case—hey, this is as good as it gets. Let me tell you, when I was testing out this case, I got numerous compliments and questions about its origins. I found that I personally LIKED the case enough to ignore its limitations.

Though it only offers middling protection—this is the case I reach for most for my iPhone 3G.

PROS

• Great, Fun Design
• High Quality Rubber
• Adds Minimal Thickness

CONS

• Offers Average Protection
• Attracts Dust

FINAL RATING:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Case-Mate Vroom for iPhone 3G

I’m a big fan of not using a hard case as doing so hides the beauty of the iPhone. So I tend to look for pouches, sleeves, and sometimes leather cases. Enter the Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G which happens to be available in TiPb Store for $29.95. I’ve spent a good amount of time using this case, so read on for the full review!

Design

Lets start out by saying when you first see this case you probably won’t come away that impressed. But after a closer look at this side case, it might just make you change your mind. The first thing that you’ll notice is how the Krusell Hector Case is built out of a very soft, high quality leather. A lot of leather holster cases out there are very stiff but that is not the case with this Krusell. It is by far one of the most subtle leather cases that I have personally come across in a very long time.

On the inside, Krusell has lined it with a soft suede leather. So there is absolutely no reason to worry about this case scratching any part of your iPhone. On the outside, you have a magnetic flap keeping your iPhone securely in place along with an open slot underneath so you can push up to get the iPhone out with a great amount of ease.

On a negative front there is one thing that I found to be missing… a normal clip. All you get here are belt loops… More on that later.

Daily Use

Like I mentioned, I’m a big fan of not hiding my iPhone 3G in any way, shape or form. When my phone is not in use and is in my coat pocket or pants pocket it is always in one of my pouch cases to be kept well protected. So giving a new case like the Krusell Hector a try was a very welcome opportunity.

Right away I could not help but notice it’s one and only major flaw. It only has belt loops and it omits a regular clip! Seriously? While this may work for some of you, it is something that I just could not get past. When my iPhone is not in use it stays protected, whether it’s sitting on a desk, table or whatever it may be. In order for this to happen with the Krussel Hector case I would have to undo my belt. Not very convenient in my honest opinion.

Another gripe about the lack of clip is what if you don’t wear a belt one day? It pretty much renders this case useless. So note to non-belt wearers out there: This may not be the case for you.

Now for all of your who like having your iPhone attached at your hip all day long. This may just be the case you’ve been looking for.

When it is attached to a belt, it is actually more sturdy than a normal clip, which leaves you with less of a chance of actually leaving your device behind for someone else to pick up. That is obviously a plus. While wearing the Krusell on your side you will notice that it is reasonably comfortable and eventually you forget it is attached to your side. It’s also important to note that removing your iPhone is also a piece of cake. So no worries there.

Conclusion

The Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, available at TiPb Store for $29.95, is a good side holster case with one major drawback. Yes, you guessed it. The lack of a normal clip. Now if you are the type of person who likes to keep the case attached at your hip for your entire day, I suggest you give this case a try. You will not be disappointed in it’s build quality. It is very well crafted and it suits it’s purpose well.

Pros

• Superbly built with high quality leather
• Comfortable to wear
• Does a good job of protecting the iPhone while holding it securely

Cons

• Lack of removable clip!
• Did I mention belt loops only?

TiPb Review Rating

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Krusell Hector Leather Case for iPhone and iPhone 3G

The Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in the TiPb Store for $34.95. If you are looking for an armband case for your iPhone, this might just be it! Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Marware Sportsuit is a convertible armband for the iPhone that is made primarily of neoprene for soft, stretchable, secure use. The iPhone is held in place by a faux leather case with a clear plastic front (to cover the screen) and a strong elastic at the bottom (to prevent the iPhone from falling out). The neoprene is laced with Velcro to adjust to any arm size. The armband comes with the ability to remove the iPhone case component to use separate if desired and there is another optional carry compartment for a couple of keys, cash, etc. 

Daily Use 

When GPS and all of the running/walking apps were announced for the iPhone I was so excited. I thought surely Apple would release their own armband for the iPhone like they have for the Nano and iPod Touch. Alas, this did not happen. Well, thank goodness for companies like Marware for releasing their take on what an armband should do/be for the iPhone. 

First things first. if you have any fear or apprehension of the iPhone falling out while running, you can set those aside. The iPhone fits very securely in the accompanying case. The iPhone is held in by the case itself (very, very snug) and the strong elastic at the bottom. There are no snaps or other contraptions to keep the iPhone in place. This elasticity is sufficient. The encapsulating case is attached to the armband via a plastic snap-in option. This plastic clip attaches to the neoprene armband AND a convenient belt clip; that is right, you are done working out and you can remove the case from the armband and clip it right on your belt with the supplied belt clip. Also, the case has a clear electrostatic cover, so the touchscreen is accessible in the case. Very nice indeed.

The armband is comfortable and does not pinch the arm. The area where the iPhone attaches has a slightly curved plastic piece that conforms to the arm. This adds stability and is also the area which the case attaches to the armband. The accompanying carry compartment is also non-intrusive. It is very small and slides onto the armband just about anywhere you want it. I as able to stuff a key, cash and a credit card into it (hey, you never know when running if you are gonna need supplies, buy a paper, or get some additional water).

While exercising, the armband stayed in place, but not without some effort. I want to make it clear that this is through no fault of the armband, but rather the weight of the iPhone 3G (iPhone 4.7 ounces, iPod Touch 4.05 ounces and the iPod Nano 1.3 ounces). As you can tell, the iPhone is clearly the heaviest of the bunch. Because of this, I found I had to make the armband rather tight. The good news is that the armband held securely through my running travels. The downside is that my arm became “numb” from having to tighten the armband securely enough to where it would not slide down my arm. So, to try to circumvent the “numbing factor” of my upper arm, I tried attaching the armband to my lower arm, just below the elbow. This seems to be more comfortable (and don’t worry, the running apps still seemed to work OK. Most of them register your movement via the accelerometer, and placing the armband lower on the arm, still gives the iPhone the motion it needs to register your movement. 

Conclusion

I really liked the design and flexibility of the armband. I can’t say I am a huge fan of the case as a stand alone case, but it works just fine for what it is made for. The added functionality of the additional compartment really makes things easier for carrying more items with you.

As a quick extra tip, there are a couple of cool apps out there to help you make the most of your new armband. I recommend; iMapMyRun, Pedometer and RunKeeper.

Pros

• Its a sports armband for the iPhone! (Why doesn’t Apple make one?)
• 3-in-1 armband!
• Adjustable armband that will fit anyone
• Soft neoprene elastic texture
• Case is removable
• Extra storage for keys or money

Cons

• Can become uncomfortable for extended periods of time (due to the iPhone’s weight)
• Can be tricky to remove the iPhone from the encapsulating case
• iPhone case is not really useful or flattering if used independently of the armband

TiPb Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Marware Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G uses a unique wave lock design to create a snug fit for the iPhone and offer solid protection. The hard plastic case was unique among competitor’s offerings because instead of choosing a slide mechanism to connect the case together, it uses a front piece and a back piece to hold the iPhone. Does the Griffin Wave succeed as a case? We think so. Read on to see why.

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G is a hard plastic case that offers protection for the chrome rim, corners, and entire back of the iPhone. It comes in four color choices and allows accessibility to all the ports, switches, buttons and jacks on the iPhone.

As mentioned before, the Wave case comes in two parts. Unlike other cases which offer a top and bottom slide mechanism, the Griffin Wave opts to use a front piece and a back piece—held together via the interlocking wave design. To explain it briefly, the wave shaped closure overlap and inserts into each other to create a very, very snug and secure fit. It kind of looks like DNA.

The polycarbonate of the Griffin Wave is clear and the wave lock design is very pleasing to the eye. The helix design adds a certain amount of depth and improves the look of the iPhone 3G.  

Usability

I found that the material used in the Griffin Wave feels great in the hand. Though it is unmistakably a hard plastic case, there is a soft touch rubber feel to it and the iPhone feels safe inside. I believe that Griffin found a great compromise with soft cases and hard cases in the Wave. Whereas soft cases offer better grip, it often loosens over time. The benefit of a hard case is that it soundly protects the iPhone without wear and tear. But the main problem is it typically adds too much thickness and that the material doesn’t provide for much grip.

In the Wave’s case, it combines both the sturdiness of a hard case with the tactile feel of a soft case. I loved the added depth and dimension of the material and found it very pleasing to hold. Also the clear polycarbonate material allows you to see the Apple logo on the iPhone and gives off a better look than an all plastic material would.

All the ports and switches of the iPhone are made available with the Wave case. The hole for the camera is exact. Because of such precise cuts along the ports and openings, it leaves little room for dust to settle and build up. Though it does add some amount of thickness, I didn’t find it to be bothersome.

However, the case doesn’t seem to match up exactly where the front portion and the back portion meet. This is odd considering everything else about the Wave is so exact and beautiful. Though the slight opening might only affect the most nit picky of people, it is a design flaw nonetheless. The packaged plastic screen protector is a throwaway, it diminishes the iPhone’s sensitivity and is difficult to use. Spring for a adhesive screen.

Final Thoughts

The Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G is a subtly styled, great feeling case. Griffin really did a good job with the Wave and its unique locking system not only offers a secure fit but also adds to the design. I think if you were looking for a hard case for the iPhone 3G, you couldn’t do much better in regards to look, feel, and all around security than the Griffin Wave.  

PROS

• Unique closure system
• Great Design
• Adds minimal thickness
• All ports are accessible

CONS

• Back and Front portions don’t meet up exactly
• Packaged Plastic Screen Protector is a throwaway

FINAL RATING:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Griffin Wave for iPhone 3G