TECH SPOTLIGHT: Incase offers slew of sturdy phone, computer cases, complete with peace of mind

— I am introduced to new companies and products all the time. Usually, it's just one product that pops up and piques my interest in a company I haven't dealt with before.

This time around, I got introduced to a company by a slew of products.

Incase makes cases and covers for iPhones, computers, SLR cameras, GPS devices and even guitars.

I tried out several products, but I'll only be able to focus on a few right now: the Metallic and standard Slider Cases and the Protective Case for iPhone and the Messenger Bag.

The Slider Case and Metallic Slider Case are basically the same. The only difference is the Metallic case is ... no, not metallic. It's painted a glittery color to look metallic (though the one I tested was orange ... not sure what metal that is besides rust).

The Slider cases are hard plastic and are made to fit the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The phone slides into the top two-thirds of the case, and the last piece slides on the bottom, hence the "Slider" name.

I like that the case includes two strips of rubber inside. It kept my phone from getting scratched up while sliding it into the case. I also like that the case doesn't add a ton of weight to the phone.

The cases have cutouts for all the important areas, including the buttons on the top and side, the headphones hole, the dock and even the small microphone and speaker on the bottom.

The Slider cases are nice and, in most cases, very colorful. They definitely make a good fashion statement. They also protect the back and sides of the phone from scratches.

Unfortunately, that's about the only protection they offer. The plastic is very thin and not flexible, so I'm guessing a good fall would not only crack the case, but probably the phone's screen as well. I wasn't comfortable enough with the product to test this. Yes, I've tested the protection level on such products before. I just didn't feel these could absorb an impact very well, and I wasn't willing to risk a $400 phone to find out.

There is one feature I do like with the Sliders - the little Sshaped stand. The stand lets you rest the iPhone upright or turn it on its side to watch videos. It's a nice little bonus.

Sadly, that bonus wasn't included with the Protective Case. But I'm willing to forgo the bonus for a tad more peace of mind.

The Protective Case is textured rubber, so it's easy to grip and harder to slide out of your hand. Like the other cases, this one doesn't add a lot of weight to the phone. It does, however, offer a bit more cushion to the phone. I felt a bit safer with this case, though it still doesn't offer complete protection. The main problem is that, like the Slider cases, this case leaves the vulnerable glass front totally exposed.

I did find one product that did protect the iPhone and my laptop at the same time.

My favorite item from Incase, easily, was the Medium Messenger Bag. Normally, I don't review bags or briefcases, but since they sent it I decided to take a look.

Love it, love it, love it.

The thing I love most is how they put lots of thought into the design. There are so many nooks and crannies here, you have space for everything. There are little slots for pens inside. A pocket on the front lets you store your iPhone or music player and listen while carrying the bag. The bag stays closed with plastic clips and some darn strong Velcro. A faux-fur-lined pocket inside holds the iPhone or other phone or music player. There are pockets everywhere, including a huge one inside. The bottom can be expanded to hold more stuff inside. The cushioned shoulder strap is sewn on tight on one side, and it's in a special clasp on the other for easy adjustment.

The best feature is the pocket for the laptop. That thick, protective, faux-fur-lined pocket.

The pocket is meant to fit up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro, according to the label, but my PC slipped into it just as nicely, though being smaller it did slide around a tad more. However, the lining is a soft faux fur that's fairly thick. It holds onto the computer nicely, plus provides an extra layer of protection. And it's so, so soft.

My only complaint, if any, is that it is a little big. But it's called the Medium Messenger Bag for a reason. There's a smaller one, as well as a larger one. So you can find the size that's just right for you.

Overall, I like what I see so far from Incase. The products definitely are stylish and sleek. I'd like to see a bit more protection in their cases, but they're not really any less protective than the other rubber or hard cases on the market.

I'm interested in seeing what they offer next.

Melissa L. Jones can be reached via e-mail at mljones72@me.com.

Where it's @

The Slider and Metallic Slider cases retail for $34.95 each and are made for the latest models of iPhones. The Medium Messenger Bag retails for $99.95. More information on these products is available at www.goincase.com.

Business, Pages 21, 22 on 08/31/2009

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