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: SwitchEasy

Website: http://www.switcheasy.com/

Model: Odyssey

Price: $30

Compatible: iPhone 4

SwitchEasy Odyssey for iPhone 4

With a design that looks at least slightly inspired by Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, SwitchEasy's Odyssey for iPhone 4 ($30) is the company's latest multi-piece case, and a real stunner. The Odyssey features an inner soft plastic casing, an interchangeable back panel -- two of which come with every case, differing in color -- and a hard plastic outer frame. Button coverage is significant and well-designed. In addition, the Odyssey benefits from the company's usual "kitchen sink" approach to add-ins, which include two Universal Dock inserts -- one black, one white -- two screen protectors, a video stand, two protectors a piece for the dock connector and headphone jack, one microfiber cleaning cloth, and a screen protector applicator card. The white version would have looked great with the still as-yet-unreleased white iPhone 4, while the black version's only issue is its red alternate rear panel, which really could have been better replaced with the same gray offered in the white package.

Company: XtremeMac

Website: www.xtrememac.com

Model: Borders, Microshield, Microshield Accent, Tuffwrap Accent

Price: $20-$25

Compatible: iPhone 4

XtremeMac Borders, Microshield, Microshield Accent + Tuffwrap Accent for iPhone 4

Though we've seen more interesting designs from the company in the past, XtremeMac's latest iPhone 4 cases aren't bad -- they're just me-too, and represent so many variations on the same general theme that they're hard to get excited about. There's the competent enough single-piece translucent clear Microshield for iPhone 4 ($20), and the more interesting Microshield Accent ($25), which has a soft Bumper-like border to cover the edge of the iPhone 4 plus hard plastic on the back. There's also the Tuffwrap Accent ($25), which is highly similar to Microshield Accent, and Borders ($25), a set of two colored silicone edge covers for the iPhone 4 like Apple's Bumpers. Each comes with screen film and a cleaning cloth, while Borders adds twin screen films and twin rear films for protection. We don't often say this, but we really wish XtremeMac would simplify its case lineup to just focus on the really good stuff; most of these cases just feel like a waste of the company's considerable design talent.

Company: Power Support

Website: www.PowerSupportUSA.com

Model: Anti-Glare + Crystal Film

Price: $10-$15

Compatible: iPod nano 6G, iPod touch 4G

Power Support Anti-Glare + Crystal Screen Film for iPod nano 6G + iPod touch 4G

Although the sixth-generation iPod nano has a much smaller screen than iPod touch and iPhone models, it's still dependent on touch for interaction, which leaves it vulnerable to smudges, glare, and scratches. Power Support's Anti-Glare Film Set ($10) for the new nano takes care of this problem by keeping the nano's screen clear from fingerprints and glare-based distractions, including two pieces of film in the package. A similar set of HD Anti-Glare Screen Films is available for the fourth-generation iPod touch ($15), as is a set of two Crystal Screen Films ($15) for the device. The HD Anti-Glare Film is Retina Display-ready and doesn't cause the same prismatic effects of typical anti-glare film.

Company: Power Support

Website: www.PowerSupportUSA.com

Model: Air Jacket

Price: $35-$40

Compatible: iPhone 4, iPod touch 4G

Power Support Air Jacket for iPhone 4 + iPod touch 4G

Power Support's Air Jacket nearly invented the category of imperceptibly-thin cases for the iPhone and iPod, so it's no surprise that the two newest versions -- for the iPhone 4 ($40) and iPod touch 4G ($35) -- feature a similarly svelte profile. Available in a transparent black or opaque clear color, the Air Jackets for iPhone 4 and iPod touch retain the originals' open access to all ports and controls, while adding a special "self-healing" attribute meant to keep scratches to a minimum. Screen film is included with each version, one clear and the other HD Anti-Glare.

Updated May 3, 2011: Power Support has released Japan Relief versions of the Air Jacket for the iPod touch and iPhone 4 at the same prices as the original versions. The Japan Relief models are black with an image of the Japanese islands, plus a radiating heart emanating from Tokyo, where Power Support’s main offices are located. Each purchase will result in a $20 contribution to the Red Cross and assistance with relief efforts following the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters that damaged the country in March. As noted on the company’s packaging, these cases and all of the company’s products will continue to be “Made in Japan,” a continued point of pride for Power Support. The cases come with two pieces of film: clear and anti-glare screen film for the iPod touch, and clear front and back film for the iPhone 4.