Let’s face it, how many of you enjoy having to add bulk to your phone with a case. Nowadays, it is seen that high-end mobile devices must be protected with a case, which just adds to the cost of running your iPhone. It’s a money making market, and many businesses are taking advantage of this whilst offering high quality, and some not so high quality cases to its customers. Whilst ensuring that your iDevice is protected, does it not just spoil the looks of that lovely, slender design?

There are many different products that are offered to protect your iPhone in today’s market, and some appear to be better than others. OtterBox for example, will provide three types of case, dependant on how much you want to protect your prized and expensive investment. The main Defender series, offers ultimate protection, with an inbuilt screen protector that doesn’t affect functionality or sensitivity, and 3 parts to the case which are “easily removable”. Whilst offering the type of protection that can withstand a small car, and being an OtterBox Defender user myself, it does have a large impact on the design in the sense that, although you have a multitude of colors to choose from, you can no longer see the phones original design due to being replaced with a silicone wrap and an inner-plastic case that is rather ugly. Many cases will also impair the use of a dock, and many times you will have to remove your case to dock your iPhone, which kind of defeats the purpose of a case?

Yes, I agree, there are many other cases other than the OtterBox; however I have used this one as an example which is known hugely throughout the consumer market and claims to offer the best protection. If we re-visit the original point of this article, would you rather sacrifice sexy looks for protection? Drop that phone and the likelihood is that your phone that you are paying $60 a month for is gone, smashed, and irreparable by Apples limited warranty. However, you may be offered the option to ‘trade’ in your phone and pay a cost towards a new one.

My personal opinion is that if you have insurance that covers your device for damages that could incur due to you dropping your phone, or it smashing on the dashboard of that brand new Audi R8 you just purchase due to the dock not functioning properly, then go for it, I wouldn’t use a case. But if your insurance doesn’t cover this, or the excess is too high, I’d recommend changing insurance or making purchase of a case that would protect your phone from everyday hazards. But still, a case doesn’t cover loss/theft of your iPhone, so the smart move would be to purchase some viable insurance that will cover your phone for loss, damage, or theft. Just make sure you read the terms and conditions of your insurance!

[VIA]

I love accessories for my iPhone 4S, but I don’t like those bulky cases that ruin the stylish look of the phone. Apple products are beautiful out of the box, but I want to add personality to my gadgets. Best way to personalize your iPhone 4s is to customize the rear panel and the unYOUsual GlassPic Panel gives you freedom to add that much necessary spice to your device.

The product

I received the rear panel in a carton box, well protected and wrapped in a sponge. Inside the box I also found a screwdriver and a user manual with pictures that can be of great help to everyone who didn’t had a need to replace the rear panel of their phone. There is something I want to note, Apple changed the Phillips screws on their new devices (iPhone 4s, MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs) with new Pentalobular screws which make do-it yourself repair much harder.

When I opened the box there was only one screwdriver, it seems that the other one was lost when the package was inspected by the customs officers. Luckily I had a special driver to remove Apple’s Pentalobular screws and a new pair of Phillips screws and a Phillips screwdriver to install them. It’s also worth considering that opening up your device to perform any repair or modification can and will void your Apple warranty, but as long as you don’t remove the warranty sticker and put back the original back panel before you send your phone to AppleCare Service Center you are OK.
The unYOUsual GlassPic Panel is made of enhanced glass, its completely flat like the original iPhone 4S rear panel, its durable, not easy to break and what is most important not easy to scratch. You only need to visit unYOUsual site and choose a picture from their artwork library, but the best thing is that you can upload any picture you want to be printed on your rear plate. Procedure is really simple: choose your device, select the product and upload your picture (in JPEG format and not smaller than 1500x1100 pixels).

How to get it perfect

Replacing the rear panel of you iPhone 4s is really easy, but before disassembling your iPhone, be sure it is powered off. Remove the two Pentalobe screws next to the dock connector, push the rear panel toward the top edge of the iPhone. The panel will move about 2mm and than just lift the rear panel away from the iPhone. Put your unYOUsual GlassPic Panel over the back side of the iPhone into the position to slide it down. Slide the panel down by applying gentle pressure with both hands on the panel. Tighten the screws. Done.

Conclusion

The quality of the panel is great, its complete with all the necessary parts including camera lens and flash diffuser. I took some photos with the original rear plate on my iPhone 4S before I replaced it with the unYOUsual GlassPic Panel. The quality of the photos is same and there is no difference when you compare them. The sockets that hold the screws are made of metal, so you don’t need to worry that they will break over time. This panel doesn’t change the shape of the iPhone 4S at all, so anything that would have fit a standard iPhone 4S will still fit, bumpers and all other hard shell and silicone cases, pouches, sleeves. The printing is excellent, your panel will look the same (little bit darker in my case) as the photo you have chosen from the art library or the picture you uploaded. In combination with the photo you also have an option to add a text (16 fonts available to choose from) on the plate, which makes this product a perfect gift. My only suggestion to the manufacturer is to include a couple of Phillips #00 screws in the package, than will have a complete repair kit .
If the rear panel of your iPhone 4S is broken or you just want to add some personality to your device this is a great product for you. Visit unYOUsual , there you will find rear plates for iPhone 4/4S, and hard cases for iPhone 4/4S and iPad 2 that can also be customized.

Price: 26.32€ (32.89$)

Thanks to Pece for the review.

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Although still in the development stages, this niftly little device has a lot of potential.  I allows your iPhone 4 to record in 360 degrees giving users complete control over what is being focused on at any given time all around them.  Check out the video demonstration after the jump.

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PhoneArena reviews the Griffin Beacon. The Griffin Beacon aims to be the all-in-one solution to your remote needs. Essentially turning your iPhone into a snazzy universal remote, it takes the hassle of juggling multiple remotes for various home theater related devices, and it only priced at less than $80

A super slim iPhone 4 leather case with fancy design. Two cutouts in the front are made for time and unlocking. This iPhone 4 super slim leather case protects your phone from scratches, dirt, oil and reduces damage from accidental drops. It helps get a good grip when holding the phone. Ideal for personalizing and protecting your phone.