Macworld Forums: Roundup: Apple's free iPhone 4 cases - Macworld Forums

Post your comments for Roundup: Apple's free iPhone 4 cases here

OK, so minor opinion and a lot of copying and pasting of the spec for each. How about giving some solid opinion on which one you as the author are inclined to choose. That's kind of what people read these for, to see what the reviewer's opinion is on selection and why. Seems like there is a missing paragraph to wrap this article up.
h.

This post has been edited by MikeLawson: 23 July 2010 - 11:38 AM

I don't know where one gets the impression that the InCase snap case would be a two-piece design since their other snap cases for the 3G/3GS appear to be one piece.

MikeLawson, on 23 July 2010 - 11:37 AM, said:

It's not a review. It's a "roundup" of information about the cases being offered, information that was revealed only hours ago. And he says at the beginning of the article (twice) that they are trying to get review units. But you want them to tell you which case you should buy before they've even had a chance to see the actual cases. I don't think that kind of unfounded opinion is "what people read these for." Have some patience, or go figure it out for yourself.

If you're interested in which case I personally picked, aside from the review units we're divvying up, I went with the clear Incase Snap Case. I don't think I'll keep it on all the time, because I like the iPhone 4's industrial design so much, but I know there will be some times I want some protection (hiking, long bike rides, vacation, etc). I'm an Incase fan, and I wager it'll be a pretty thin case.

Although Apple had originally announced that it would issue refunds to anyone who purchased its "bumper" for the iPhone4, it now turns out that applies only to those who purchased it from Apple (online or in stores) or from AT&T. I phoned Apple customer support after being unable to find an applicable application for the refund and was told that the rebate will not be issued to those who purchased the bumper from Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc.

I have a regular Griffin Reveal case for mine. It's pretty nice. It's basically the same as the Reveal Etch, but the back of mine is clear hard plastic. It's pretty well protected. As noted in this article, it doesn't have any type of built-in protection for the screen. A standard good screen protector should be fine. I have the Invisibleshield for mine. It's decent, but a hassle to put on.

LFransson, on 23 July 2010 - 12:09 PM, said:

Agreed. Looking at the InCase Snap Case closely, it appears to be a one-piece design where the phone snaps in from the front and is held by the sides and corners when snapped in place. I believe I'm going to go with this one. For some reason the Belkin Shield Micra only has one picture available for it, even on their website; it only shows the back, and that worries me. Also, the description for the Belkin states that it's a flexible design, which leads me to believe that it may be somewhat of a rubbery material not allowing it to slide in and out of a pocket easily. The InCase Snap Case specifically states that it's a "durable hardshell plastic" and that's what I'm looking for.

One reason I will probably go with the Clear InCase Snap Case is that it doesn't impede the use of many third party accessories that don't have the skinny connectors matching Apple's latest cables and earphones. It also seems to allow easier access and use of the volume buttons and ringer/vibrate button.

The fact that it doesn't hide the stainless steel good looks of my iP4 doesn't hurt either.

Should I feel guilty about ordering a free case when I didn't have a problem with the iP4, yet have already bought a case for it?

The Griffin Motif Diamond/Smoke looks and sounds identical to a RocketFilsh-branded case I bought at BestBuy on launch day (June 24), for $15. The only difference I can see is the cutouts are just slightly different (same access), and it doesn't have a Griffin logo on the back.

I really like the texture - it's a semi-hard rubberized feel that has good "grippability", while still providing ease for sliding in and out of a pocket.

I'm actually shocked that Apple is offering competing cases in their free case offer. That's good to see. After carful review, I've decided to get the Apple Bumper. I sure wish they offered other colors though. The quality of the bumper seems higher to me than the overall quality of the other cases offered.

When the cases were first announced, I thought this was the biggest rip-off I had seen in a long time. After viewing my buddy's bumper, I changed my tune. The quality is much higher than I was expecting. I really like the metal integrated buttons and I like how the glass is exposed on the back.

That is until the OtterBox I have my eye on comes out...

I ordered Apple's bumper for a critical reason. All the other cases seem to produce a glare on photos taken by the flash. The flash gets reflected off the edge of the hole and back into the camera.

On one of the solid black cases I purchased (with 2 holes!), I ended up cutting out a large hole around both the camera and flash. That alleviated the glare, but there was still some glare. Then I used a Sharpie pen to blacken the hole's edges more. That alleviated the glare almost all the way; there is some shine to the ink on this case's material. I'll try matted primer paint next.

I comparison tested "identical" photos with the case and without. After the Sharpie treatment, I have to look quite closely to see the difference.

I have the Belkin case. I bought it from Best Buy before the case program was started (sad days) but I really love it.

It fits perfect and it looks nice. Mine is a little "cloudier" (not as clear as the one offered) but I think it looks great. everything lines up nicely and the buttons are protected. It is made of a flexible plastic but its not at all tacky against fabric or anything, it has a very nice texture. I also have had no issue with the flash causing a glare ~ i think there is sufficient room around the flash for it to not be effected.

All and all i would say the Belkin is a very good choice.

I also ordered a free one (because i could) and chose the "Incase smoke" so well see. I shall post a review when I get it.

The incase one doesn't do that, that's the reason I chose it. It covers the sides and back plus there's this thing called a flash ring that prevents any glare. Apple makes quality and i'm sure the bumper is no exception, however, it offers minimal protection. Now, i'm extremely careful with all of my things (have a 4 year old ipod that looks brand new) but i'd feel better having the piece of mind.

I ordered Apple's bumper for a critical reason. All the other cases seem to produce a glare on photos taken by the flash. The flash gets reflected off the edge of the hole and back into the camera.

On one of the solid black cases I purchased (with 2 holes!), I ended up cutting out a large hole around both the camera and flash. That alleviated the glare, but there was still some glare. Then I used a Sharpie pen to blacken the hole's edges more. That alleviated the glare almost all the way; there is some shine to the ink on this case's material. I'll try matted primer paint next.

I comparison tested "identical" photos with the case and without. After the Sharpie treatment, I have to look quite closely to see the difference.
[/quote]