Yes, it’s true. Although the iPhone itself is still a week away from actually being touched by the unwashed masses, we’ve already got iPhone cases ready and waiting—so, you know, the shiny gadget never actually has to be touched by said unwashed masses. Here’s a quick first look at a few.
The first cases to cross our desk came from Speck, which sent an iPhone version of their ToughSkin—one of our favorite cases for the iPod. The $30 ToughSkin leaves your iPhone’s screen exposed but covers the rest of it in thicker-than-normal black or clear silicone. A clip-on, swiveling belt clip doubles as a vertical or horizontal stand, and you can place the ToughSkin into the belt clip face-down for additional protection.
The $30 SkinTight is actually a two-pack (black and clear or pink and clear) of thinner silicone cases; the box includes the same belt-clip/stand as the ToughSkin.
Belkin sent us the company’s $30 Holster for iPhone, a sleeve-type case made of “premium materials (as used in Mercedes Benz interiors)“—a.k.a., nice leather. The front and rear panels are rigid for protection, and a mesh bottom doesn’t obstruct the iPhone’s speaker and microphone. The back features a low-profile, leather-wrapped belt clip.
We expect the flood of accessories for the iPhone to reach full force over the next few weeks; we’ll keep you in the loop on all the new gear. And, of course, we’ll be reviewing everything we can get our hands on.
My nephew is purchasing me the new Iphone as a birthday gift. Will the iphone support bluetooth technology, like earphones to use while driving?
Lawrence:
The iPhone certainly includes Bluetooth for use with Bluetooth phone headsets. What's not yet clear is whether or not the iPhone includes support for A2DP, which allows you to listen to music in stereo on stereo Bluetooth headphones.
I would like to be able to wear my iPhone around my neck. I don't trust belt clips, and there's always the risk of dropping it after you remove it from the clip.
With a lanyard, it will always be safe, even when it's up to your ear.
So, do you know of any lanyards? Ideally it would be a clear one that would be unobtrusive that would go with any outfit. I'm usually in a suit and tie at work, and could hide the iPhone under my tie.
I think iQase.com has some cool cases.