Hasta La Ideas

Trtl Bot’s new cases bring flexible storage and handy stands to the iPhone 4

With every new iPhone comes a flood of new accessories designed to unleash the mobile device’s full potential. The new iPhone 4 cases from Trtl Bot stand out among the crowd for their forward-thinking ability to expand the phone’s functionality without adding superfluous plastic or obtrusive packaging. The two iPhone 4 models are the new Trtl Stand 4 and the Minimalist 4, a continuation of their previous line for the 3G/S. Both cases fit the phone snugly, keeping the sleekness of the phone’s design more or less intact.

The Trtl Stand 4 performs exactly how it sounds, letting you prop your iPhone up in three different ways. The different modes (Portrait, Landscape and Tripod) let you use your iPhone hands-free whether you are using Facetime, watching a movie or want to snap a steady photo.

The super slim Minimalist 4 is designed for those who hate having a bulky back pocket or carry a small bag. The hard plastic case provides not only sufficient protection from falls, but the slit on the back provides enough space to stick in an I.D., credit card and metro card.

Made stateside from recycled bottles, both eco-friendly cases sell online from Trtl Bot for $35.

A multifunctional and protective system for iPads

Brenthaven is already an industry leader in highly-functional ways to tote your tech, and the recent introduction of their 5-in-1 iPad Case promises total safety for your pad plus, four other functionalities designed to improve user experience.

Once assembled, the case provides two-sided protection using hardshell materials that feel pretty sturdy. Pop the iPad out of the enclosure and it fits nicely into a slot on the back, standing at attention in “viewing stand” mode. When you’re ready to type, fasten the built-in strap to the indented loops on the back of the iPad portion and flip it all over to enter “typing stand” mode.

The set also comes with a long strap that can hang around a car headrest (or anywhere) for viewing on the go.The most convenient feature, the “EZ-GRIP,” utilizes the elastic strap on the rear of the case as an extra-secure way to hold the iPad while reading or browsing. Using “EZ-GRIP” definitely offers a firmer, comfortable way to hold the slippery little tablet.

Made from recycled materials and with a few updated features from the original version, the 5-in-1 system is well on its way to offering a well rounded, super-functional iPad case solution.

Though it’s currently out of stock, it typically sells for $60 from Brenthaven.

While we really like the slimness and functionality of Apple’s iPad case, an accessory that exemplifies your personality and meets your needs can be hard to find. Below we highlight eight cases that stand out for their ingenuity both in design and style.

Timbuk2 Quickie

The nylon Quickie ($45) from Timbuk2 offers the most in utility. The bag easily fits the iPad and has two exterior pockets for business cards, cords, keys or essentials while on the go. The removable shoulder strap allows it to be carried messenger style or pull out the stow-away handles for a more formal approach.

Temple x Uncrate Leather Case

The black on black leather and canvas case by Temple for Uncrate ($160) goes from bag to stand, displaying the iPad both vertically and horizontally at a 45-degree angle. Meant for travel and adventure, the well-crafted resilient bag brings “art to life.”

Kenton Sorenson x Context

A sophisticated leather portfolio, the forthcoming Kenton x Context case ($TBD) is handmade in Wisconsin using vegetable tanned leather that will age beautifully over time.

Acme Made Skinny Sleeve

Water and stain resistant, the neoprene Skinny Sleeve ($30) from Acme Made envelops the iPad resulting in minimal bulk and maximum protection. Available in black or white.

Case-Mate Traveler

Comprised of durable felt and leather, The Traveler ($50) is an elegant folio-style case that features storage pockets for business cards or pens while securing the iPad with a magnetic flap.

Dodo Case

Handmade from high-quality bamboo, the Moleskine-style Dodo case ($50) is a sturdy case and stand that props the iPad at a 60-degree angle for easy viewing and use. The Dodo weighs less than one pound, offers full access to all of the ports and headset jacks and keeps it secure with its fitted foam corners.

Belkin Envelope

Fully enclosing the iPad, the charming Envelope ($50) from Belkin (above left) keeps it sure with a button and string closure and microfiber inner lining.

Paul Smith Wool Wrapper

A colorful sleeve, the Paul Smith cashmere pinstripe wrapper (£25) protects the iPad with foam padding and elastic corner ties, eliminating bulk and adding to the iPad’s already-classy composition.

Coming soon…

Stay tuned for an unveiling of our exciting collaboration with Speck as part of our CH iPad app promotion.

An alarm clock, digital photo frame, portable movie display, and Skype station all in one, the iLuv IMM190 dock makes iPhone and iTouch capabilities all the more useful while keeping your beloved gadget secure and charged.

Featuring dynamic acoustic speakers, the iMM190 easily rotates horizontally or vertically to match its temporary purpose.

Available online for $90 from iLuv and elsewhere, the coordinating software downloads free from Apple’s iTunes Store.

Perpetually updating their line of removable adhesives for portable devices, GelaSkins adds the National Geographic to their list of intriguing collaborations. (Check out other CH favorites the Boombox series by Lyle Owerko and their recent DIY service, allowing you to upload and customize your own image.) Initially only available for iPhones and laptops, the National Geographic skins include a wide range of choices from their collection of riveting photographs.

The skins range from $15-30 depending on size and are available online.