Griffin Reflect Mirrored Case for iPhone 3G

CaseandCover.com reviews Griffing cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
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Originally posted on 15 May 2009 by Larry Greenberg

Do you have a white iPhone and are sometimes jealous of the black?  Do you have a black iPhone and want to protect it while maintaining a little bit of its original look and style.  The combination of black and chrome is undeniably a sexy one and the Griffin Reflect Mirrored case from Griffin Technology puts the two together in a sleek and functional case for the iPhone 3G

If you’re familiar with Griffin’s iClear case, this one has the same shape and design. The Griffin Reflect case, however, has a mix of black and chrome to make it a really sharp looking case.  (It reminds me of the Blackberry Bold’s black and chrome look and I’m a huge big fan of the look! )
Included with the case are a screen protector with instructions on how to apply it and a cleaning cloth.
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Installation of the case is a snap.  Literally.  Its a two piece design and the pieces snap together around the iPhone.  To install it you first place your iPhone into the bottom portion of the case making sure all the buttons and ports are lined up with their respective cut-outs.

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You then lay the top mirrored bezel over the phone and snap it into place along the four corners.

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Once installed the bezel shines brightly with a chrome look.

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Although the back is black it’s translucent and when the light hits it you can make out the Apple logo.  The black back is rubbery in texture and offers a nice amount of added grip.
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The case has generous cut outs for all of the iPhone’s ports and buttons.

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Removal of this case is somewhat unique.  You use a small coin to pry the two pieces apart.  The case has a slot on the bottom corner for the coin.  If you’re someone who likes to change cases on the fly make sure you bring a coin along.

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The Griffin Reflect Mirrored case fits the iPhone like a glove.  No creeks, no movement, no loose parts.  It’s a stylish looking case that offers a nice amount a protection and the added bonus of a tacky back for grip.

M.S.R.P. - $24.99
What I like - Black and chrome are a nice combination, translucent black back cover, great fit.
What I don’t like - Removal process.


Belkin Remix Metal for iPod nano 4G & iPod classic

CaseandCover.com reviews Belkin cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
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Company: Belkin
Model: Remix Metal
Price: $25-30
Compatible: iPod nano (4G), iPod classic (120GB)

Staggering is the only word we'd use to describe the number of hard plastic iPod and iPhone cases we're reviewing today -- over 20 different models that we've been comparing to one another, as well as past cases, over the last few weeks. To help you sort through all the options, we've assembled a few statistics that are worth knowing up front.
All of the iPod nano cases in this roundup run from $20 to $30, with most at $25 or less, while the two iPod classic cases sell for $25 to $30, iPod touch cases range from $20 to $30, and iPhone 3G cases go for $20 to $35. Virtually every case offers at least partial back and side protection, but they vary widely in front, top, and bottom coverage. Though all use plastic as their base material, they differ considerably in color options and secondary materials. This review covers Belkin's Remix Metal cases for the fourth-generation nano ($25) and 120GB iPod classic ($30).

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Based on earlier Remix Metal cases released for the
third-generation iPod nano and original iPod classic, Belkin’s new versions continue the past trend: the back and sides of each case are a formed piece of completely clear hard plastic, while the front shell features interesting metal front colors and designs, fused onto an otherwise clear plastic faceplate. Multiple colors are available for each model.

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The good news about both of these cases is that—unlike most of the cases we review today—they actually include integrated Click Wheel covers in addition to their hard plastic screen protectors. We had no issues seeing the iPods’ screens or using their controls while inside. Belkin includes holes for the headphone and Dock Connector ports, both compatible with oversized headphone plugs—the classic one just barely OK for the biggest ones—and Universal Docks. We really, truly love the way these cases look; Belkin’s choice of metals and integration of clear plastics on the front is a dynamite combination. The company has also removed the ink dots that were previously on the Click Wheel of last year’s classic version, which we think is an improvement.

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Here’s the bad news. While the iPod classic version is every bit as good as last year’s, and still comes with shells for both thinner 80/120GB iPod classics and now-discontinued 160GB models, the iPod nano version we received had serious fit problems. It didn’t seem sturdy at all, and repeatedly came apart at the side seams, an issue that previously affected one of the company’s clear plastic iPhone cases, but in our experience not to the extent of this one.

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Though we’d rely upon the iPod classic one in a heartbeat, and continue to feel that it’s worthy of our high recommendation, the iPod nano 4G version we tested was a dud, and definitely needs to be redesigned for greater stability. Our expectation is that Belkin will do this soon, if it hasn’t already started the process.

By Jeremy Horwitz
Editor-in-Chief, iLounge Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2008