iLounge

First Looks

Welcome to our new, continuously-updated First Looks - a collection of previews showing brand new iPod, iPhone and iPad accessories that we’re currently in the process of testing. Here’s what’s hot right now:

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Company: Case-mate

Website: www.case-mate.com

Model: Pop! ID

Price: $40

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Case-Mate Pop! ID for iPhone 4/4S

Rounding out Case-Mate's trio of Pop! cases for the iPhone 4/4S is Pop! ID ($40). This one has the same co-molded plastic and rubber construction as the others in the series, although the small details are more like Pop! With Stand than the basic Pop!; the same shapes are used for the openings and button protectors. What sets Pop! ID apart from the others is a slot in the back of the hard plastic that can hold up to two credit cards. Case-Mate used a smart angled edge at the bottom that makes it easy to slide the cards out.

Company: Incase

Website: www.GoIncase.com

Models: Sports Armband Deluxe

Price: $45

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Incase Sports Armband Deluxe for iPhone 4/4S

It's been a while since we've seen a unique take on the armband-style case for the iPhone 4/4S, but that's exactly what Incase has brought to the table with Sports Armband Deluxe ($45). Unlike others, this armband doesn't have a permanently attached pocket for holding the iPhone. Rather, it's made up of two pieces: an elastic, breathable armband and a flexible rubber case that attaches to it with a plastic clip. The case wraps around the body of the device, covering the buttons but leaving the screen completely exposed. Although its main use is to connect to the armband, the clip can also be hooked onto a bag or belt, or the case can be used completely on its own.

Company: Camalen

Website: www.Camalen.com

Model: Hexa for iPad 2, Hexa for iPhone 4/4S

Price: $59-$115

Compatible: iPad 2, iPhone 4/4S

Camalen Hexa for iPad 2 + iPhone 4/4S

We first got wind of the new Hexa cases for iPad 2 ($115) and iPhone 4/4S ($59) from Camalen at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Both cases are made of real leather in a variety of colors, including two different blacks, and both utilize a fold-out stand mechanism that's attached to the back. The model for the tablet is a simple frame that completely covers the device's bezel, leaving room for only the front-facing camera and Home button. All of the ports and buttons are exposed, but because of the flat back it's a bit harder to access them than it is with more contoured cases. Hexa's stand is magnetically attached to the back panel, and has four ridges for different angles for viewing or typing in either portrait or landscape orientation. The iPhone version, on the other hand, is setup in a flip-open style with a lid that's held in place with magnets. Fold it down and it serves as a stand with only two angles, although the frame also pivots all the way around to display the device in either orientation.

Company: Cygnett

Website: www.Cygnett.com

Model: Apollo

Price: $30

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Cygnett Apollo for iPhone 4/4S

Cygnett has released its take on Speck's classic CandyShell plastic-and-rubber hybrid case for the iPhone 4 and 4S, calling the new design Apollo ($30). The body of the case is made up of sturdy, fingerprint-proof plastic while the inside is lined with silicone rubber that sticks out at the edges, providing button coverage; they're permanently attached so that you can install them together. Apollo may be rather plain looking, but the combination of materials has proved to be especially protective in the past. Included with the case are a screen protector film, cloth, and applicator card, and it can be had in white, black, or red. Purple is listed as another option on Cygnett's site.