Mfarhanonline Social Media News: Element Case rolled out two new carbon fiber-backed cases for iPhone 4, and we have both the Ion 4 and Formula 4 (picture above) models here for an exclusive hands-on review. Element Case is best known for its series of “Vapor 4″ aluminum cases for iPhone 4 , which are beautifully designed and carefully crafted, with optional carbon fiber backing. The latest Vapor 4 case cleared up a slight reception problem noticed with its predecessor, while still retaining that high style. In my testing of both the earlier and the latest models, besides their high $80 price (which originally was much more than that), those Vapor 4 cases were also inconvenient, requiring a tedious removal of tiny screws to install or remove an iPhone 4. No thanks. That’s all different with these two new cases. 1. Ion 4 Case First, let’s take a look at the $49.95 Ion 4 Case , a soft polymer enclosure that feels like silicone and has an elegant carbon fiber back. Even though that’s a small piece of carbon fiber, it’s not an optional feature as it was with the Vapor 4 case, and you normally don’t find anything with carbon fiber on it for such a low price. The Ion case is exceptionally thin, adding hardly any thickness to the iPhone while protecting the front and completely covering the back. Unlike its Vapor 4 brethren, the iPhone installs within it as easily as an Apple bumper case, but feels so much better. Its grippy sides give you a firm handhold, and there’s a gradual recess leading to each of the iPhone’s buttons that gives you easy access, whether you’re using an iPhone 4 from either Verizon or AT&T. Even though this Ion 4 case costs at least $30 less than the Vapor 4 case, I like it a whole lot better. It looks great and fits perfectly in the hand. Gone are those sharp aluminum edges, repl! aced by cushy and flexible rubberized material. The only downside I could find is that it’s a little wide on the bottom, which prevented me from inserting it into all the speaker/charging docks I tried. Ion 4 Case: Front View Carbon-Fiber Back Grippy Sides Docking Although this doesn’t fit in the docks I tried, you can still plug a charging cable into it with ease. Removing the iPhone 4 Element Case’s product shot shows how easy it is to insert or remove the iPhone. 3/4 View This case looks even better in your hand than it does in this photo. 2. Formula 4 Case Next up is the Element Case’s Formula 4 Case , a $59.95 product that’s similar to the Ion but has a removable bottom that lets you easily insert it into any of the iPhone docks available on the market today. Made of harder polycarbonate plastic, it’s even easier to install your iPhone into by simply sliding off the bottom piece, sliding in the iPhone, and replacing the bottom section. Also sporting that elegant carbon fiber back, it’s even thinner than the Ion — its shape more closely approximates its more-expensive Vapor brandmate. Formula 4 Case, Side View Easy Access Looking Good Removable Bottom Photo courtesy Element Case Clean Design Photo courtesy Element Case Carbon Fiber Back These are two excellent cases, either of which I’d be proud to use to ensconce my way-too-fragile iPhone 4. After a slight stumble, Element Case has now figured out how to price and manufacture its products to suit the market with these two examples. My only complaint is that each is only available in black. Highly recommended. More About: accessories , Carbon Fiber , Element Case , formula , Ion , iphone 4 cases , review For more Tech & Gadgets coverage: Follow Mfarhanonline Tech & Gadgets on Twitter Become a Fan on Facebook Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel Download our free apps for Android , Mac , iPhone and iPad Social Media reviews series maintain by Mayya
0 comments :
Post a Comment