case

The iPad Mini isn't so new anymore, but new cases for it continue to arrive.

For now, anyway, a lot of case manufacturers have simply shrunken down the cases and covers they made for the standard-size iPad, which is now up to the fourth generation.

What's the best one? Very hard to say. The problem is that everybody has different tastes in cases. And, of course, some folks choose not to bother with them at all.

In doing this roundup I've tried to present a good selection of products, highlighting some of the top cases that have … Read more

I can't say I'm that into Halloween that I'd buy a special Halloween iPhone case. But I guess there are enough people who are, because otherwise Speck wouldn't bother selling them.

The company has three "spooky" cases to choose from and I think the one with the skull on it (pictured above) probably has the most year-round appeal. I only mention that because these cases do retail for $34.95, which seems a bit steep for a case you'd have on your phone for only a few weeks.

But then again, there are … Read more

Once again risking the wrath of Apple, HardCandy Cases has announced an iPad Mini case in advance of Apple's press conference today. Apple typically doesn't like when other companies trot out accessories ahead of its hardware unveils, so HardCandy clearly feels the publicity benefits outweigh the repercussions.

The $49.95 case is in HardCandy's ShockDrop line, and while rumors and leaked photos strongly suggest Apple will debut a smaller iPad today, it's unclear what it will be called or whether HardCandy's new case will fit whatever Apple product is introduced.

This is not the first … Read more

Kids and iPads go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Unfortunately, kids are often covered in chocolate and peanut butter, meaning your very expensive tablet may end up the same way.

Likewise, rugrats don't have the best motor skills, so there's a good chance your very expensive tablet will go crashing to the floor on more than one occasion.

A good case can help, but most of them offer only basic protection -- not the kind of heavy-duty armor that can thwart a toddler. For that, check out the Clumsy Case.

Wrapping the iPad in soft foam, the … Read more

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OK, now that you've done that, congrats to Stephanie D. of Saint James, Mo., for winning a custom-designed CNET-branded Timbuk2 bag in last week's giveaway!

For this week's prize: Have you ever looked at your iPad and wished it were a MacBook? Well, a Crux360 for iPad 3 … Read more

If you glance at your iPhone wish list, you may see things like longer battery life, expandable SD memory, a better flash, and an old school 30-pin connector for your shiny new iPhone 5. You can have all those things if you're willing to pledge $75 to the iExpander project on Kickstarter.

The iExpander is a jack-of-all-trades case that crams a whole lot into a relatively small size. You're still going to add 6.3mm of chunk to your sleek phone, but the trade-off is pretty tempting.

Let's start with the flashy stuff. The case has an ultrathin CAP-XX supercapacitor that powers an LED flash that can make a big difference in the quality of your low-light photos. … Read more

iPhone 5 owners looking for cases at their local Apple store may finally see some in the next couple of weeks.

Apple-approved third-party cases could reach store shelves the week of October 22, multiple sources reportedly told 9to5Mac. Though that time frame could change, the cases should at least appear by the end of October.

The iPhone 5 hit stores almost three weeks ago, but Apple has been slow in stocking cases, screen covers, and other accessories.

Why the delay? Apple has to certify and approve every product sold in its stores, including those from third parties. And that process … Read more

At least one accessory maker is hoping to pick up some business with what has been perceived as a shortcoming of the iPhone 5's camera.

Fotodiox, an Illinois-based company, has a new case out called the camHoodie ($24.95) that promises to "greatly reduce purple lens flare."

There's no magic behind that claim, just a piece of rubber that acts as a lens hood to keep stray light from coming in. It's held on by a case designed to keep the back and sides of the phone from getting nicked.

The issue in question is … Read more

Most iPhone cases serve exactly one purpose: to protect your iPhone.

Occasionally you find one that can pull kickstand duty as well, or perhaps open a beer bottle or add a tripod mount.

Pbbblllttt. Indiegogo project ReadyCase offers seven handy tools in one iPhone case. It's already well past the $15,000 goal the developers set, so now you just need to decide if you want to get one for an early-bird price.

Despite measuring just 3mm thick, the ReadyCase includes a removable USB flash drive (8GB or 16GB), a removable multitool (with standard and serrated blades, a flat-head … Read more