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iPhone case designed to handle extreme situations

iPhone case designed to handle extreme situations

Toss it, throw it, drop it, kick it, slide it on ice, drop it down a hill or even use it for office bowling.

Those are some of the tests Griffin Technology ran on its new Survivor Extreme-Duty Case for iPhone 4.

The demonstration video on their site does show the phone suffered some cosmetic damage (the case was pretty much destroyed when it was run over by a car), it still worked.

The company calls the Survivor the most protective case it has ever built and after seeing the video and having the case in my hands, I see how that is an accurate statement.

Simply put, the case gives users full access to every phone feature but the enclosure protects it from just about every element you will come in contact with rain, dirt, drops, etc.

Users must keep in mind this makes the iPhone water resistant, not water proof.

Specifically, the Survivor case is made with a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in rugged, shock absorbing silicone.

The device slides into a plastic shell, which has a clear screen protector for full access to the touch screen.

A detachable, heavy-duty belt/bag clip is also included.

I’ll echo what they said in the video: I wouldn’t suggest trying this with your device.

Details: www.GriffinTechnology.com/armored/, available in black, olive, pink/black and white/black combinations. It fits all iPhone 4 models from any carrier - $49.99 at the Griffin store or about $24 at Amazon.com.

The metalliKASE from Scosche is a little more mainstream but also offers great protection for the iPhone 4.

Made with a thin metallic polycarbonate shell, it offers full coverage protection and full access to the device’s features but without adding any bulk.

A mirrored screen protector is included, which can be used to turn the device into a mirror.

Details: www.Scosche.com, $24.99

The Lazy Couch computer feet from Just Mobile raise your laptop or tablet for better comfort while typing.

In addition, they help raise the devices from being flush on a surface to improve airflow, keeping both the computer and the desktop cooler.

While many stands do the same thing, you really can’t beat how small, portable and easy these are to use.

The two feet attach together when not in use. To use them just detach them and slide them to the bottom of your device.

They are made with an aluminum body but have rubber tops and bottom to prevent anything from easily sliding around.

Details: www.xtand.net, $19.95

Choosing a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling can be kind of confusing.

The main features many consider when shopping for one of these are: Does the device work and what’s the cost?

To me, since I can’t stand how these devices look (but I agree they are functional) the appearance also counts.

If these criteria fall into yours, then you should look at the NoiseHush N525.

Charging the unit for 2 to 3 hours gives you up to five hours of talk time or 100 hours of standby.

Setting it up is easy with any Bluetooth-enabled phone for both pairing and voice-activated commands.

There is nothing on the device to control volume, but that didn’t bother me since it’s used while I’m driving and my phone volume is all the way up anyway.

In addition to the clarity of calls, I would have to say this is by far the most comfortable headset I’ve tried.

The in-ear design is similar to my iPod ear buds and an ear hook is included for extra stability.

Another thing that caught my attention is the charging dock. While most other headset I’ve seen are charged via USB with a cable, the N525 charges via USB but with a nice and tiny USB cradle (included).

This can attach to the included USB AC wall outlet charger as well as to any open USB computer port.

Details: http://noisehush.com, available in black, blue, pink, purple and silver for $39.99 on the company site or as low as $10.63 (blue) at Amazon.com.

A neat looking iPad product called the Freedom has been announced from MountMe with an expected shipping date by May 10.

Included with the mount is a variety of hardware options including a mobile mounting strap, four suction cups, screws and a built-in kickstand.

The mobile strap will be great for summer travelers for use as an in-car system mounted on the back of seats for backseat video watching.

Other options for mounting include flat hard surfaces such as walls, refrigerator doors, and countertops along with sitting on an angle for viewing with the kickstand.

The MountMe site offers a preorder special to receive a 10 percent discount on the purchase of Freedom (one color) or a 25 percent discount on the purchase of two different colored units, plus free shipping in the continental U.S. through May 25.

Details: www.mount-me.com, $44.99 before the discounts.

Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman.

[Thanks: http://www.miamiherald.com]

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