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:
Company: Fusion of Ideas
Website: www.fusionofideas.com
Models: Stealth Armor for iPhone 4
Price: $35
Compatible: iPhone 4
Fusion of Ideas Stealth Armor for iPhone 4
While we gave the Stealth Armor for iPhone 3G and 3GS one point for concept but took away three for implementation, Fusion of Ideas' new Stealth Armor for iPhone 4 ($35) avoids some of the installation difficulties of its predecessor thanks to the iPhone 4's easier-to-cover flat back. These thick stickers -- now available in a variety of shades and faux materials -- feature a cut-out for the iPhone's camera and flash, and also include a clear screen protector, a wrap-around protector for the device's metal central band, a tiny squeegee, application spray, and cleaning cloth. We weren't particularly impressed with the look of any of the fabricy stickers, but you might feel otherwise.
Company: Dots Gloves
Website: www.Dotsgloves.com
Models: D217 Gloves for iPhone, iPod touch, + iPad
Price: $16-$20
Compatible: iPad, iPod touch, iPhone
Dots Gloves D217 Gloves for iPhone, iPod touch, + iPad
Like the company's prior D105 + D110 Gloves for the iPhone + iPod touch, Dots Gloves' new D217 Gloves for iPhone, iPod touch, + iPad ($16-$20) are designed to keep your hands warm while allowing use of Apple's touchscreen devices. Unlike the older models, however, the D217 gloves have touch-friendly tips on all five fingers, and don't have any conspicuous markings to indicate their functionality; they're also shorter and thinner than before, available in three sizes and five colors of 100% Merino lambswool.
Company: Speck Products
Website: http://www.speckproducts.com/
Model: CandyShell, Fitted + PixelSkin
Price: $25-$35
Compatible: iPod touch 4G
Speck Fitted + PixelSkin Cases for iPod touch 4G
As yet-to-be-released updates to the company's earlier cases for the iPhone 4 and other iPod/iPhone models, Speck's new Fitted, and PixelSkin cases for the fourth-generation iPod touch don't have many surprises to report. Fitted ($30) has a textured fabric pattern on back with a less protective open-sided hard plastic frame and PixelSkin ($25) is rubber with a grid pattern and thicker, more substantial body coverage. Both are offered in multiple colors.
Company: Gumdrop Cases
Website: www.gumdropcases.com
Models: Surf Slider
Price: $35
Compatible: iPhone 4
Gumdrop Cases Surf Slider for iPhone 4
Gumdrop Cases' Surf Slider for iPhone 4 ($35) is a slide-together, semi-transparent polycarbonate case for the iPhone 4 offering a form-fitting design and open access to all controls, rather than button protection; no screen protector is included for the price. Notably, the Surf Slider's closely cropped camera hole may lead to issues when using the integrated flash, and the case is so tightly tailored to the iPhone 4 that we found it a little challenging to remove. That said, we liked the smoke black colored version we received, and it is available in three other colors.
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