I’ve had a plethora of cases for my iPhone 4. Along with snap-on cases, I have also owned slide-on cases, silicone cases, and everything in-between. With all of these cases, none has been as fun as the Gameboy iPhone 4 case from iCovers4U.

Simply put, this case is really cool. Both the original Gameboy and the iPhone are seen as iconic symbols in the world of technology, and bringing those two icons together has never looked so good. The iCovers4U Gameboy case comes in some bold colors; made for the iPhone
that’s looking to stand out in the crowd.

The case is your basic silicone iPhone case. It’s easy to put on and just as easy to remove. The one thing that is different with this case over other silicone cases I have used is that, instead of the usual “sticky” feel,it  has a smooth powdery finish that leaves it not only pleasant to the eyes, but also to the touch. The iCovers4U Gameboy case is great for the nostalgic gamer or even just the iPhone 4 owner that loves to have a conversation piece by their side. I have definitely gotten some double-takes of my phone while having this case on.It’s not all for amusement though, it also provides a lot of shock absorbency against hits and drops.

Blast Factor: iCovers4U has made a case that I literally have no complaints about. If you’re not a fan of silicone, this amazing looking case is most likely not for you. With it being unusually powdery soft to the touch, this case may convert some silicone-case-haters. Most importantly — It looks like a classic Gameboy! Need I say more?

It is extremely hard to design a case to shield all the buttons and balls of the BlackBerry.

OtterBox somehow found a way to get as close as you can.

While you still can’t throw it in the ocean and make calls from the deep end of the pool, the OtterBox Defender. The tough plastic shell we’re used to with an OtterBox combines with an optional clear membrane to protect the screen and keyboard.

The case is surprisingly comfortable. It’s still easy to use the keyboard, but the trackball is a little more awkward. How awkward? It’s harder to play BrickBreaker and make those quick saves when the ball suddenly accelerates or jumps because you got a text message.

The OtterBox is comfortable, but practicality is a slight concern. It’s not waterproof. It protects against a few accidental drops of water, but that’s it. So you can’t really count on it when you’re in the canoe or something. I did find that it keeps a lot of the sand out at the beach, though.

OtterBox is a popular brand with outdoorsmen. I’m not sure how many hunters and fishermen carry a BlackBerry, but the OtterBox is as good as it gets. If you drop your phone a lot or work with your hands and are always banging your phone against something, the Defender is great.

Let’s be clear, these OtterBoxes are not meant to be stealth. They aren’t designed to stay out of the way. They aren’t there to be convenient. They exist to protect your asset like a big hulkin’ bodyguard pushing his way through the crowd.

They add weight, width and bulk to your devices, but they are one of the best solutions out there for active gadget geeks. The few and the proud.

Blast took a gander at three OtterBoxes: two “Armor” class boxes that waterproof iPod touch and Nano, and a “Defender” series case for the iPhone.

OtterBox Armor Case for 3G iPod nano (Clear)

OtterBox Armor Case for 3G iPod nano
$30 4 out of 5 stars

• Waterproof to 3 feet
• Dust, dirt, drop and scratch protection
• Click wheel still works
• Adds a ton of girth to the product

OtterBox Armor Series for iPod touch

OtterBox Armor Case for iPod touch
$40 4 out of 5 stars

• Completely changes look and feel of iPod
• Waterproof to 3 feet
• Dust, dirt, drop and scratch protection
• Interface still works thanks to thin protective membrane
• Makes the iPod look tough

OtterBox iPhone Defender

OtterBox Apple iPhone Defender Case
$65 3.5 out of 5 stars

• Bump, scratch and drop protection
• Not waterproof
• Less obtrusive than other boxes
• Very expensive for a cell phone case.
• Has a holster

The new iDive waterproof iPod case and speakers claim to give users the ability to listen to their podcasts, videos, music and movies up to 300 feet underwater.

“Three years ago we introduced the world’s first waterproof housing and speakers developed for scuba diving, the DV-i700. Even though the number of supported mp3 players was small, the response and interest we received was overwhelming,” said Kristian Rauhala, CEO of H2O Audio, the company behind the iDive. “Divers have asked us to develop this product since the iPod revolution started. iDive’s “Made for iPod” integrated microprocessor detects a wide variety of iPods making it compatible with Apple’s most popular devices.”

Three hundred feet is a long way underwater, but if you’re down there with nothing better to do, why not crank your tunes? I guess. If you’re that comfortable under 300 feet of water, more power to you.

Features:

• Waterproof to a submersed depth of 300ft/90m
• Supports most models
• Integrated microprocessor allows for push button control of click wheel and touch screen iPod devices
• Built-in amplifier provides high quality stereo sound (uses 3 included AA batteries)
• Over ear speakers can be attached to mask strap or tucked under a dive hood
• Locking cam knob ensures secure seal
• Lanyard loop for easy attachment
• Polycarbonate construction
• 1 year warranty

The H2O Audio iDive goes for $349.99, available exclusively online.

Shipping internationally since last month, the Lian Li PC-XB01 is a computer-styled hobbyist replacement casing for the Xbox 360, and it’s available in the U.S. today.

“The Lian Li PC-XB01 is the perfect complement to the Xbox 360 to alleviate heating issues,” the company said in a statement Thursday. “Microsoft Inc is very strict on warranties, so it should be noted that you will not be able to return your product if you use the Lian Li PC-XB01 alternative. With that being said, you are less likely to have overheating.”

Thus, while Lian Li promises that heat will no longer be an issue for Xbox 360 owners, be forewarned that this is not for the faint of heart. Transferring your 360 components to this case requires some know how and a lot of guts.

“All the Xbox 360 ports are hidden behind stylish dust covers and the ODD bay also has a spring loaded dust cover for aesthetic appeal and convenience,” Lian Li said. “The unit can be placed horizontally, or vertically, depending on your needs, and the water cooling pipe holes are an option to use should you be inclined to do so. The case is designed to fit the entire Xbox 360 internals similar to the original, with the power transformer attaching from the outside.”

The product was first shown to an American audience at the Consumer Electronics Expo in January in Las Vegas.

The brushed anodized aluminum is sleek and stylish, just make sure you know what you’re doing!

During the past month I’ve been looking for the right case to fit my iPod. I’ve looked at many types and designs, but was shocked when I saw the unique urban, contemporary design of the Tinbot, and I knew I just had to try it.

Essentially Tinbot cases are custom pre-designed solid tin cases, with cut-outs for the iPod’s ports. Tinbot offers 11 great designs, starting at $19.99 for a plain white design and $29.99 for other design cases. Orders must be placed online at http://thetinbot.com and the company is working on expanding their product line to allow custom designs.

In person, it’s amazing how the design just “pops” out. The colors are vibrant and the contrast excellent; however, I was not so impressed at the overall case itself. The form factor of my Tinbot wasn’t good at all, and the case didn’t feel right in my hands.

The overall shape is very “boxy,” and it was a real pain prying the lid off the case when changing songs. The case feels extremely cheap and after a week of use the hinge is ready to fall off any day now. These issues cheapen features like the nice padding inside and excellent design.

Dare I say, the product is kind of tinny.

Tinbot leaves much more to be desired and I would not recommend purchasing, mainly because as of now, the unit is so cheap that I wouldn’t even trust my iPod in it. Overall, it’s low quality for a high price.

Overall: 2 out of 5 stars