cases

If you've run out of OCD meds and can't use your iPhone because the fingerprint smudges are more than you can bear, don't throw it (or yourself) off the bridge just yet.

Ivyskin's "Xylo Touch Thru (T2)" hard-shell polycarbonate case may not banish all greasy prints, but it will at least keep them from the iPhone's screen surface, according to Dvice. That's because the case covers the display as well as the body of the phone, using "Surface Xylo Wave" technology that claims to send ultrasonic signals from your fingers … Read more

This is a must-have accessory for the music lover who can't stand to be apart from the iPod but doesn't have any pockets. The "iStik" is a plastic case with four magnets that attaches to a corresponding set mounted on a plastic plate that goes underneath your clothes, so you can literally wear the player.

How much of a demand is there for something like this? We have no idea, but it's probably not a good sign that the iStik is available only for the second-generation Nano, as iLounge says. You could also get a … Read more

Something tells us that Steve Jobs' delicate sensibilities might be offended by Griffin's new "ClearBoost" case for the iPhone, mainly because its built-in antenna ruins the clean lines of the fashion-conscious uber-handset. And while the case deserves credit for addressing functionality rather than just aesthetics (unlike many other unfortunate versions), its reception claims are yet to be seen in any significant way.

The protruding stub, according to Griffin, results in "a better signal, especially in border areas--which translates to fewer dropped calls, wider coverage areas, and faster downloads when browsing through your cellular connection." But … Read more

I've never understood why a cell phone signal-blocking handset case is needed when all one has to do is simply switch off the darn phone. But if you really must have one, just to show your geek mates you've something they don't (for good reason), check out this $6.38 option. It's available at the irresistible DealExtreme--an online retailer that BoingBoing accurately sums up as a seller of "cheap Chinese crap you were never sure you needed"--with free worldwide shipping thrown in.

However, the "leather" in the casing looks dodgy at … Read more

If ever there was a sign that geekdom had gone mainsteam, it would be the marketing of portable hard drives as fashion and designer items. And until now our personal favorite, for obvious reasons, was one that resembles a pocket flask.

But there's a new contender coming from Prestigio, whose motto is "The Art of Hi-Tech." Not only is the "Data Safe II" bound in leather, as others have been, but it also resembles a retro-styled cigarette case. Uber-Review notes that its specs are far from the fastest for this device, which comes in 80GB … Read more

This week on the Crave vodcast, Brian Tong and Jasmine France show off some vibrating earbuds, a bag made for both beer and music, and the comeback of the Polaroid.

Also, hide the pets, because we might just turn Fluffy into a new iPod case.

On the rare occasions that our bosses let us leave the desk and visit the gym, some of us at Crave have found that rotating cases for the iPod come in surprisingly handy for their flexibility. And apparently we're not alone, because others are coming up with new 360-degree designs all the time.

The latest example not only rotates the case, but has built-in speakers that can be spun around too. The two tiny speakers can be exposed on either side of a classic or fifth-generation iPod, then twisted behind the player in a hidden position, according to Popgadget. … Read more

Here's a creepy site that is based on a sound idea: JustInCaseIDie. On this service you can set up a message to be sent to a single recipient if you don't check in by a certain time or reply to a reminder e-mail. The idea is that, if you die, you can't check in, and your canned message will be sent. Said message could be a posthumous love note, a terrible expose, the combination to the safe in the house, and so on.

It's implemented in a pretty lightweight fashion, so I can't imagine it … Read more

Upon learning what an outfit called VIP Fibers does, we weren't sure whether to laugh, cry, or get totally grossed out.

The Texas-based service will make cases for cell phones, MP3 players, and just about anything else out of--get this--your pet's fur. All you need to do is send off those hairballs you've been saving up, and VIP Fibers will knit them into a "lovely pouch," according to GeekSugar. We have nothing against pets, of course, but still find this disturbing on a number of levels.

Even though it involves living beings (we hope), this … Read more