latest ipod model
bThe first iPhone case to promise—and in some cases, deliver—improved cellular antenna performance, in a reasonable form factor and sold at a reasonable price. Can help stabilize shaky data and cell phone audio conditions when iPhone is in 2-3 bar range. Includes screen and substantial body protection.
Signal boost works only under certain conditions; does not appear to improve iPhone performance under weakest signal conditions. Plain-jane design; could look a little cooler for the price.
In the vast, ever-expanding world of iPhone cases and films, it would be fair to say that 10% are merely decorative, 10% are solely protective, and the other 80% are designed to be some combination of the two. Until today, however, roughly zero cases have been designed to improve the iPhone’s core functionality, a number that increases to perhaps 3% if you count the few cases with integrated video stands. Griffin Technology’s ClearBoost ($35), therefore, is a major stand-out. Described by the company as an “antenna-boosting case,” which “improves reception as it protects your iPhone,” ClearBoost is the first iPhone case with an integrated, stub-like antenna at the top, as well as the first that measurably improves iPhone cell reception—under certain conditions.
Contrast this for a moment with some of the quixotic Chinese iPhone metal shields that have appeared over the past six months, adding little to the device’s appearance and actually detracting from its reception. There was a reason, after all, that Apple enclosed the iPhone’s wireless antennas inside of a plastic housing rather than a metal one; why cover that panel with a metal JavoShield just to add a splash of color to the iPhone’s back?
Like most iPhone cases, ClearBoost is almost entirely made from plastic—here, jet black opaque plastic—and provides coverage for most, but not all of the iPhone’s body. There’s a clear glossy full face screen protector that leaves the ear speaker and Home button open, but covers the rest of iPhone’s glass front, and the case covers everything save the device’s side and top controls, top and bottom ports, rear camera, the speakerphone features and SIM card slot. As with all Griffin cases, it’s designed to fit into Universal Docks without an issue, and permit complete accessory compatibility; again, it works with everything save Apple’s packed-in iPhone Dock. Additionally, Griffin’s antenna is small and neutral enough that it doesn’t make your iPhone look ridiculous or dramatically change its pocketability; like all hard plastic iPhone cases, you’re more likely to notice the additional thickness than the stub’s added 0.6” height.
At a $35 suggested retail price, ClearBoost sells for around a $10 premium over a plain but comparably protective Griffin or other company’s iPhone case, which strikes us as a little bit high relative to its benefit—had this been a cosmetically beautiful case at the same price, or had it provided a big reception boost under all circumstances, it would have rated a high recommendation, but as-is it offers a nice bump at a decent price. If you’re experiencing serious signal variation issues with your iPhone, you’ll find that it helps at least under some circumstances, and also provides above-average protection and looks.
08.22.08 (10:39 pm) [
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Signal boost works only under certain conditions; does not appear to improve iPhone performance under weakest signal conditions. Plain-jane design; could look a little cooler for the price.
In the vast, ever-expanding world of iPhone cases and films, it would be fair to say that 10% are merely decorative, 10% are solely protective, and the other 80% are designed to be some combination of the two. Until today, however, roughly zero cases have been designed to improve the iPhone’s core functionality, a number that increases to perhaps 3% if you count the few cases with integrated video stands. Griffin Technology’s ClearBoost ($35), therefore, is a major stand-out. Described by the company as an “antenna-boosting case,” which “improves reception as it protects your iPhone,” ClearBoost is the first iPhone case with an integrated, stub-like antenna at the top, as well as the first that measurably improves iPhone cell reception—under certain conditions.
Contrast this for a moment with some of the quixotic Chinese iPhone metal shields that have appeared over the past six months, adding little to the device’s appearance and actually detracting from its reception. There was a reason, after all, that Apple enclosed the iPhone’s wireless antennas inside of a plastic housing rather than a metal one; why cover that panel with a metal JavoShield just to add a splash of color to the iPhone’s back?
Like most iPhone cases, ClearBoost is almost entirely made from plastic—here, jet black opaque plastic—and provides coverage for most, but not all of the iPhone’s body. There’s a clear glossy full face screen protector that leaves the ear speaker and Home button open, but covers the rest of iPhone’s glass front, and the case covers everything save the device’s side and top controls, top and bottom ports, rear camera, the speakerphone features and SIM card slot. As with all Griffin cases, it’s designed to fit into Universal Docks without an issue, and permit complete accessory compatibility; again, it works with everything save Apple’s packed-in iPhone Dock. Additionally, Griffin’s antenna is small and neutral enough that it doesn’t make your iPhone look ridiculous or dramatically change its pocketability; like all hard plastic iPhone cases, you’re more likely to notice the additional thickness than the stub’s added 0.6” height.
At a $35 suggested retail price, ClearBoost sells for around a $10 premium over a plain but comparably protective Griffin or other company’s iPhone case, which strikes us as a little bit high relative to its benefit—had this been a cosmetically beautiful case at the same price, or had it provided a big reception boost under all circumstances, it would have rated a high recommendation, but as-is it offers a nice bump at a decent price. If you’re experiencing serious signal variation issues with your iPhone, you’ll find that it helps at least under some circumstances, and also provides above-average protection and looks.