Iphone cases

01 Proporta Silicone iPhone 4 Reception Case SteriTouch

£20/$31 www.proporta.com

A case designed to rectify the iPhone 4's  much-discussed antenna issues, Proporta's Silicone iPhone 4 Reception Case also features an antimicrobial coating to protect against germs and bacteria. Its lightweight but tough design adds very little bulk, and unlike Apple's Bumper, it protects the back as well as the sides of your iPhone 4. The matte black finish is complemented perfectly by mint green detailing, and as opposed to some shinier skins, it doesn't pick up fingerprints. The Proporta case carries a lifetime warranty, too.


02  Pipetto iPhone 4 Pull-Up Case

£35/$55 www.pipetto.co.uk

These tight leather slipcases just ooze style. It's available in Rocker Black with a black lining (pictured) or red-lined Vintage Black, and a pull cord at the rear of the case slides out your iPhone 4 ready for use. The black leather exterior is naturally waterproof, and the micro-suede lining helps keep your iPhone free of dust and smears. The cases are heat-moulded into shape, and are tough enough to protect your iPhone 4 from bangs and drops. Its tight fit means this case won't monopolise space in your pocket or handbag, either.

03 Apple Bumper

£25/$29 www.apple.com

Available in blue, orange, pink and green, as well as black and white, Apple's Bumper fits around the edge of the iPhone 4, but doesn't cover its screen or back. The Bumper has a cut-out for the dock connector, and there are two side-mounted metal buttons to control volume. Best of all, it puts a barrier between your hand and the antenna, alleviating the problem where holding the phone in a certain way caused an apparent loss of signal. Apple is offering a free Bumper to anyone who buys an iPhone 4 before 30 September 2010.


04 Cygnett Lavish

£25/$40 www.cygnett.com

A gorgeous combination oF style and  function, the Lavish from Australian company Cygnett certainly lives up to its name. The case is made from ultra-soft lambskin leather. The fold-over cover is held closed with a magnetic clasp, and there's a pocket for credit cards. It's sturdily built, gives you access to the dock connector, control buttons and the camera, and feels great to the touch. It even comes with a cleaning cloth and screen protector. This range of cases is available in black, brown, turquoise or perforated finishes,

 05 DSStyles Perforated Series
£17/$27 www.dsstyles.com

Available in a similar range of colours to  Apple's Bumper, DSStyles' Perforated Series of iPhone 4 cases snugly cover the back and sides of your device, allowing access to the dock connector and volume controls. Although they're sturdier than many iPhone cases, they're flexible enough to prevent the case seeming brittle. It feels good in your hand too, with the perforations giving you plenty of grip. Like Apple's Bumpers, these cases also improve the iPhone 4's antenna performance, helping to prevent signal loss when you hold it.


06  WaterField Designs Smart Case

£25/$39 www.sfbags.com

If you like the slide-in style of iPhone case, HH WaterField Designs'Smart Case is an excellent option. Available in six colours - black, copper, flame, green, pearl and pine - and finished with a distressed leather trim, it's made with no visible stitching to spoil its looks. The inside of the case is made from protective Ultrasuede, and cleans the iPhone as you slide it in and out. It comes in two sizes - one to fit the unadorned iPhone 4, and a larger one to carry a phone with an Apple Bumper fitted. The good news is that both sizes cost the same. •