Review: A Pair of iPhone Cases for Summer

By James Alan Miller on June 20, 2008 10:46 AM

Author: Philip L. Graitcer

Time to shed that heavy and hot leather iPhone case and holster and go light or even naked. Case-Mate (see video below) has come out with a terrific see-through acrylic case for the iPhone. The Wave Case from Griffin (see top image) is another another cool iPhone case that won't weigh you down.

Case-Mate
This case completely covers the entire iPhone - front and back, including the screen. There are cut-outs for the mute, volume, power switch, headphone jack, speakers and synch/charger cable. It protects the phone and since the acrylic contains an electrostatic membrane - you can use the touch screen with the case on. No more plastic films on your touch screen.

Since the acrylic is clear, your phone keeps its cool look. It looks like it isn't in a case at all. I haven't tried dropping the phone in the case, but my guess is that the naked case will offer some protection to both the phone and the glass touch screen.

Video of the Naked Case

I've had one issue with the case. When I first put my iPhone in it, a greasy-watery spot appeared between the touch screen and the inside of the case. The spot changed shape, variously looking like Italy or Florida (see photo) when I used the touch screen.

The engineers at Case Mate said this was because there was grease on the touch screen or inside the Naked Case. I wiped down the screen and inside the case with a moist cloth and alcohol and let them air dry. I had to do this twice before the spot went away.

The case - although stunning looking - picks up fingerprints, but they can be wiped away with a moist cloth. I don't know how resistant the case is to scratches, but after a couple weeks use it is still scratch free.

Putting your iPhone in the naked case is easy - there's even a video on the Case Mate Web site.

Retail cost is $34.99.

Griffin Wave Case
Made out of a polycarbonate material, it protects the iPhone against bumps and scratches. It has a nice contour feel and comes in a variety of translucent bright colors - green, blue, red, and black. Included with the case is a static peel screen protector plus a cleaning cloth.

The case is made in two interlocking curved pieces that snap together. Openings are provided for the volume, mute, headphone jack, SIM card slot, power down, and synching cable so there's plenty of functionality.

It's a nice solid case, that makes you iPhone feel great in your hand. And protects it two.