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: 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: Metalicus

Price: $40

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Cygnett Metalicus for iPhone 4/4S

We're generally wary of metal iPhone cases, as they can impair wireless reception, but they can also look really nice -- maybe even nice enough to justify a lost bar of signal strength. Cygnett's Metalicus for iPhone 4/4S ($40) is an example of what can be done with metal and plastic: split into front and rear frames, the aluminum components are lined with hard plastic to protect the phone and also to hold the halves together. Once installed, the case forms a lip around the touchscreen for protection, and an included screen protector set adds even more coverage. Well-cut openings provide access to all of the ports and buttons without leaving too much glass or steel exposed. Metalicus is available in silver, grey, and black finishes.

Company: Cygnett

Website: www.Cygnett.com

Model: Icon Art Series

Price: $40

Compatible: iPhone 4/4S

Cygnett Icon Art Series for iPhone 4/4S

Shell style cases don't get us especially excited, but sometimes they at least have unique designs, as is the case with Cygnett's Icon Art Series cases for iPhone 4/4S ($40). The plastic cases snap onto the back of the glass phone, protecting the sides but leaving the top and bottom fully exposed. A screen protector, along with a cloth and card for applying it, does provide some extra protection for the display. What's neat about the cases is the partnership with artist Nathan Jurevicius, resulting in cases with highly detailed, cartoony artwork -- the shells here are from the Scarygirl Chihoohoo's Tea Party series.

Company: Cygnett

Website: www.Cygnett.com

Model: FlexiView

Price: $30

Compatible: iPads

Cygnett FlexiView Adjustable Stand for iPad

Capable of shifting into three different angles for "typing," "viewing," and "presentation," Cygnett's FlexiView ($30) is a matte plastic stand for iPads. Two separate legs fold out of the main frame, one thin metal, the other larger plastic, in order to achieve the different angles; the rubberized soft touch finish prevents FlexiView from scratching even an uncased iPad. Of note is the stand's relatively tall design, which gives it a bigger footprint than some metal rivals we've previously reviewed.