Archive for the ‘Cases’ Category

ibattz iPhone extended battery case is awesome!!!

Posted: May 31, 2012 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Accessories, Battery, Cases, Cases, Chargers, iOS, iPhone4-ATT, iPhone4-Verizon, iPhone4s-ATT, iPhone4s-Verizon, Phones, Power
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ibattz iPhone extended Battery case, a dropSKIP top pick!
By Troy Saxton-Getty

Regardless of whether you choose iPhone or Android as your optimal mobile device one thing is certain, your battery life will almost always not be enough for your day to day activity.

We have tested countless battery extenders for mobile phones and many for months on end.

Although there are many options, nothing has been quite a sweet as the new ibattz power case for iPhone 4/4s.

It’s the one unit that has a removable battery, better yet, it’s a very common battery, a Nokia BP-4L. A base battery that adds 1500Mah to the back of your iPhone and when it runs low, simply slide the light weight back cover off and replace the battery with the additional second BP-4L which is included.

At first I was impressed with the box stating 3000Mah, but the reality is, thats both additional batteries, disappointing? actually initially yes, but after thinking about it and using it for several weeks to date, it is pretty darn cool that I can quickly swap a second (or third and so on if you purchase a few additional Nokia BP-4L Batteries)

The unit comes with a 4 blue LED charge/level indicator, a micro USB plug and the iPhone slips onto the case like a standard docking effort.  Additionally the case includes a silver and a red anodized sleeve, giving you two color choices.

The size is also one of the smallest and least thick of all of the extended battery cases. Unlike the Mophie Juice case which has a flimsy Micro USB, (we’ve broken 2 so far) the ibattz connector is well protected and solid.

That is 3000Mah of additional power in two small industry standard batteries.

The case is also rather small since they designed around the Nokia BP-4L which is ultra-slim.

If you look on the internet, you can find Nokia BP-4L replacements in higher capacity, such as 1800Mah.

Last, you can swap batteries without the phone needed a reboot or any special consideration. the battery pack keeps the iPhone topped off first, so there is zero issue with adding in your second or third battery.

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MiLi Power Spring 4 – Another External Power Case

Posted: December 31, 2011 by Gill Haus in Battery, Cases, iOS, iPhone4-ATT, iPhone4-Verizon, iPhone4s-ATT, iPhone4s-Verizon, Power
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Our travel continues and even though we try to find a case for our iPhones that doesn’t take away from its elegance, power eventually becomes an issue.

We reviewed the none flip version of the MiLi power packs a few months back and this time took a swing at the spring/flip top. Here are our thoughts.

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The design is slimmer (it’s only the 1600mAh version) than the last one we reviewed and the back is flat. This makes for easier pocket usage and better resting on tables.

This version still has the power meter led on the side along with a button that lets you start charging or tell you how much juice is left.

For those that read often they’ll know that switching cases needs to be as easy as possible and the MiLi spring pack makes it a breeze. Simply flip back the top, slide in the phone, and lock the top closed. During a fall, it’s possible the case will open (only after initial impact) so will provide some protection but not a tremendous amount.

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For power and looks, this is getting closer (other than a new iPhone that can last 16 hours with real use – we dream) but there are some draw backs. There is no kick stand on this model. If you plan on using this in a plane to watch movies, you’ll need to hold it. That’s not the end of the world but it’s less convenient. In addition, it’s a mini USB charger that is needed so if you already have iPhone chargers in every room of your house (guilty as charged) you’ll need to get some new cables – ones comes in the box, as well.

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All in all, we’ll keep this case (we’re good at quickly liquidating after testing) and use it but understand why it might not be a fit for all. The good news here is that you can pick up one on eBay for about 50 bucks if you’re so inclined…not our used one this time, though. ;)

Belkin Snap Shield for iPad 2 – Finally a Case That Doesn’t Ruin the iPad

Posted: July 24, 2011 by Gill Haus in Cases, iOS, iPad2
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We tend to drop things, hence our name. The problem is that we also buy some pretty slick devices. And there is nothing glamourous about buying the latest in high tech and sealing it in a case of bubble wrap.  We’re all for protecting our purchases, but why does so much protective gear completely ruin the feel of the device?  We don’t have a good answer to this question.  We have found an exception to this rule, however, in Belkin’s Snap Shield for iPad 2.
Belkin Snap Shield iPad 2 - Front Cover
One of the best features of the iPad 2 is the smart cover.  Most third party iPad cases neglect this and either have their own cover or prevent the smart cover for fitting.  Not so in the Snap Shield.  This case cleanly fits on the back of your iPad (it’s very thin so as not to drastically alter the form factor) and has a slot that allows the smart cover to attach to the device.
Belkin Snap Shield iPad 2 - Back Cover
The Snap Shield isn’t poorly named, either.  It snugly snaps on to the back of your iPad 2 and prevents scratches and pops off with the right amount of force (say falling on an airport floor) absorbing the force and reducing damage. The Snap Shield also comes in a variety of covers and is reasonably priced.  The version that we reviewed is transparent, showing through the gray metal color of the iPad 2.
Belkin Snap Shield iPad 2 - Inside
For those that enjoy the look and feel of the iPad 2 and want to protect their purchase without reducing its sexiness, you won’t be disappointed with this case.

Belkin Snap Shield iPad 2 - On iPad 2 w/Smart Cover

SOLAR Battery Case for iPhone 4

Posted: April 12, 2011 by Gill Haus in Accessories, Cases, Chargers, iPhone4-ATT, iPhone4-Verizon, Phones, Power, Solar Power
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My quest to find the perfect iPhone case continues (some who know me may just call this OCD).  I picked up the SOLAR Battery Case for iPhone 4 on eBay a week ago and gave it a trial run.  First, some background.  I love how my iPhone looks without a case – most of the time.  When I decide to buy one, I want it to either enhance the appearance or add utility.  In this case, it’s purely utilitarian.

SOLAR Battery Package - Front

The battery pack is a slider case.  This means that there is no difficult dressing procedure.  Simply slide your iPhone 4 into the case and you’re done.  The good news here is that you can easily use this only when you need juice.  The bad news is that the case offers no protection when dropped (unless you have the most amazing drop skip of your life).

SOLAR Battery Package - Back

When fully charged, the battery has 2400 mAh, not a bad charge for those flying between coasts on a regular basis.  It can be charged both by the sunlight and a mini USB port.  Having the battery pack charge your phone requires a manual double click of the only button on the device.  One push will activate the LEDs telling you the charge (1 – 4 bars).  Two clicks enables phone charging.  Holding the button down for 2 seconds turns off phone charging.  I’m still not certain I understand this feature since (as far as I can tell) the battery will charge itself and the iPhone simultaneously.  The case will also turn itself off automatically once the iPhone is fully charged, but it’s delayed.

To get a good test, I used the battery case for an entire day indoors and did everything I could to block light until it was out of juice (I was never able to get to 0 bars, but the device would immediately turn off when I plugged in my phone – I assume this was empty). The case has a small red LED that will light up when charging via sunlight.  I attempted to place the case on my home office desk (there is ample light in there, but it’s not direct) and received no indication of charge.  I then put it on my windowsill in as much light as is possible in my home and received some indication that it was charging.  I left the device for four hours and still had only 1 bar, but the device did not turn off when I put in my iPhone.  I then took the case on an outing to Target (as a side note, I should move closer to Target).  In the direct sunlight the LED lit up brightly.  Since I don’t tend to leave my electronics on my porch, I didn’t leave my case in the direct light for long.  I will say that in my car the light stayed bright red when there was light – that may be a good sign, but again…limited time in the car.

For my last test, I attempted to charge the device while on an airplane.  No dice.  I wasn’t in ‘direct’ sunlight, but it was bright and the LED did not light.

Verdict.  If you are planning on being outside quite a bit, you may be able to gain some charge from the sun on this battery pack.  If you are a heavy phone user, don’t bank on it.  That said, the case feels good in your hand and when charging with the USB cable charged in a little over an hour.  It has no kickstand, which makes it unwieldy on a plane.  If you are willing to overlook these weaknesses, and don’t mind spending about $30 bucks (or less when I put it back on eBay), go get one.  Personally, the MiLi PowerPack with 3000 mAh and the kick stand is a clear winner.

MiLi iPhone PowerPack 4

Posted: March 15, 2011 by Gill Haus in Accessories, Battery, Cases, Cases, iOS, iPhone4-ATT, iPhone4-Verizon, Stands and Docking Stations
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There are quite a few iPhone battery packs on the market these days. The traditional ones are either cases or external packs. The cases tend to be more convenient, but add bulk to the phone and are often difficult to remove quickly (for those that have docks or don’t need the extra battery life for the moment). The external packs are bulky and harder to transport and often need cables – not quite the best mobile tech.

Enter the case/dock. It’s both an iPhone case that serves as a battery pack/case and also as a dock. The one I picked up is MiLi’s 3000 mAh PowerPack 4.

The case has some bulk, but the majority is on the back making it easier to handle and retaining a good deal of the original form factor. The case is open at the top making for easy phone insertion and removing. This also provides easy access to all buttons. I like this feature for traveling. It won’t do well to protect your phone as it will easily slide out when dropped (not attempted as of this writing).

The case has a fold out stand that allows one to stand the phone vertically for docking or horizontally for movie viewing. A button on the side with a clear LED provides a quick status check on battery life. The button also enables charge mode. Once the phone is charged you’ll need to hit this button. If the phone is inserted (even fully charged) the charging starts.

A mini USB connector and cable are used to charge the case and sync. Most of us have at least a few of these lying around in case the one supplied isn’t long enough. The battery is about 2X that of the iPhone (3000 mAh) greatly extending usage and the case can be easily removed and stored when out of juice.

Retailing at around $99, it’s not a bad accessory for iPhone power users. If you have numerous devices to charge, you will be out of luck and may prefer a power block and cables. For the light traveler, it’s ideal.

Philips Sync & Charge Cable with FlexAdapt

Posted: February 26, 2011 by Gill Haus in Cases, Chargers, iPhone4-ATT, Phones, Stands and Docking Stations
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I’m an iPhone case junkie.  I think it has to do with the fact that I actually like change and since I love my iPhone (we can debate this love in a future post) I have to mess with the look and feel and not the actual device.  The only thing that has gotten in the way of my case love has been the Apple iPhone docks.  If you have a case on your phone, you’re out of luck when using the Apple dock…and it goes to show that Apple doesn’t always have the best design.

Enter the Philips Sync & Charge Cable with FlexAdapt (
http://bit.ly/doemfV
). 

Philips Sync & Charge ready to be used.

It’s not too new of a product, but it’s one I neglected to pick up until recently.  Glad I did!  Not only does the stand allow for various syncing positions for your iPhone (or iPod),  it also has an extended power/data plug that reaches through most cases (including the standard Apple iPhone 4 bumpers – which don’t work on the Apple dock).  You can even mount the stand to a wall or side of a desk, for the creative ones out there.

iPhone 4 with bumper docked with Philips Sync & Charge

Overall, I’m pretty excited about this device.  Yes, I can change my iPhone charging position (lining it up with your monitor cannot be overrated) as needed but I can also, and more importantly, get back into collecting iPhone cases…and writing about them here!

Oh, and when my toddler pulls the cable and it falls to the floor with my iPhone, I’ll be able to give an appropriate dropSKIP rating, as well!