iLounge

It's no secret that we're not fans of the numerous modestly protective semi-shells that have been released over the past year or so for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and strictly speaking, Capdase's new Karapace Protective Cases ($16) are no better: they have the same goofy-looking Apple logo cutouts as we've seen in innumerable Korean and Chinese OEM shells, plus two more holes at the bottom for a wriststrap that isn't included, and basically no front bezel protection. But they're cosmetically a little cooler due to some translucent metallic finishes that range from straight silver to blue- and red-tinted, alternating with a red and black version that has clear coat on top of a seemingly random metallic trace pattern. Due to their translucence, the blue and red cases tend to get washed out on a white iPhone 3G or 3GS; they all look equally good on black iPhones, but also attract fingerprints like crazy. Capdase packs them with cheap-looking neoprene sleeves, plastic video clips, screen protectors and Apple logo protectors.