Hasta La Ideas

Snow Peak’s minimalist iPhone case solution

Having tried a few different iPhone cases, I was skeptical that any could offer protection without majorly detracting from the sleek form of the phone itself—much less one designed by a camping gear brand. But after shattering my second iPhone, it was time to get serious. The minimalist design of Snow Peak’s cover seemed to fit the bill.

Made from a single piece of titanium, it adds negligible weight and bulk, while incorporating a clip-in lanyard. The ability to hang your phone around your neck might seem like a nerd-level accessory (I’m also guilty of sporting eyeglasses chains on occassion), but the usefulness it lends, from biking with it to cooking and grocery shopping, makes it undeniably chic.

Most importantly, the clean design of Snow Peak’s case most closely matches the iPhone’s aesthetic. Though mine has suffered a few dings and scratches in the weeks I’ve been using it, the case looks like a seamless extension of the silver sides of the phone. For the logo-averse, it conceals the Apple logo, though it does mean I can’t check my lipstick in its mirrored surface.

Limited to an edition of 300 and on sale as of today, the case sells from Snow Peak for $120 each—no, titanium does not come cheap.

Photojojo’s SLR Lens Adapter turns your iPhone 4 into the ultimate mobile photo machine

It’s always intriguing to see what camera enhancing products the creative minds at Photojojo will come up with. Their latest, the iPhone SLR Mount, might seem a bit over the top but it strikes a cord with the camera geek inside. The adapter, which encompasses a case, extension tubes and some custom machined parts to link it all together, lets you attach any Nikon or Canon EOS lenses to the back of your iPhone 4 — giving the 5 megapixel sensor a whole new world of prime glass to interpret.

This accessory is designed for those who have pined to dominate mobile phone photography with glowing bokeh and the super soft backgrounds. Granted throwing a 300mm lens onto the back of an iPhone probably looks absurd enough to have people snapping shots of you, but it’s definitely a fun way to expand your mobile’s photography capabilities. Grab it from the Photojojo store for $190 and start bragging about your app free iPhone photo skills.

Leather backs add a touch of style to iPhone 4s

Smartphones seem to be capable of just about everything—other than having any sort of personality. Valentine premium leather phone backs bring individuality and texture to the beautiful, yet otherwise sterile iPhone 4. Made entirely of the highest grade, genuine cow, calf and lamb leather, they’re available in a wide range of colors and finishes, all roughly one millimeter thick (allowing them to work with bumpers and other cases). The removable leather covers apply with a thin layer of adhesive that apparently leaves no residue if you decide to quit it. Protect your phone (well, from scratches) or just use it for a more stealth look.

Designed and produced in NYC, Valentine phone backs sell through their online shop with prices ranging from $25 for basic leather on up to $45 for premium pony hair. Keep an eye on the shop as it is updated with new releases frequently. Valentine also takes custom orders too, so get thinking.