Otterbox Defender Series

Otterbox Defender Series

The Otterbox Defender Series is one of the most protective iPhone 3GS cases available.

Offering three layers of protection the Defender is a great case for those who work outdoors or spend a lot of times outdoors because no matter how many times you drop your phone, the Otterbox will stop it being damaged.

The first layer of this Otterbox case is a clear membrane which acts as a screen protector for the display of your 3GS.  The back and sides of our 3GS are then protected by layer two: a hi-impact polycarbonate skeleton.  This protects from bumps and drops with the help of the third and final layer; a silicon skin, which also helps to absorb shocks.

What makes Otterbox cases extra special is that the ports of your phone are protected by silicone plug; this means that they’re always protected but they’re easy to get to when you need them.

This Otterbox case also comes complete with a ClipStand holster so it’s easy to carry around on your bag or belt buckle.

InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector

InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector

The second 3GS case is great for those who want scratch protection without taking away from the style of the handset itself – it’s the InvisibleSHIELD Full Body protector.

What’s great about InvsibleSHIELD products is that the Full Body protectors are specially made for each handset to provide the perfect fit and best scratch protection possible.

The film used by InvisibleSHIELD has its origins in the US Military where it was used to protect the edges of helicopter blades from wear and tear.  Therefore you know it’s of the highest quality and provides better scratch protection than any of the other iPhone 3GS accessories available.

Using a Full Body protector means you can still access all the ports and features of your 3GS, so it remains fully functioning all the time. The film is simple and easy to apply and remove; plus you can also use a 3GS cover with the full body protector for ultimate protection and added individuality.

Case-Mate ID Case

Case Mate ID Case

The final case in my favourite three comes from accessory giants Case Mate.  The ID case is a sleek yet multi-functional case which allows you to carry around 2 cards with you.  This is great for if you’re just popping to the shops as it saves you having to take a bag.

Only 2.5mm thicker than Case Mate’s Barely There case, the ID case has style at its heart as well as functionality, making it one of the best cases for iPhone.

Made to fit your 3GS snugly, the ID case has all the cut-outs needed for the ports and features of your phone.  Therefore it remains fully functional at all times and has that little extra function thanks to the card holder.

However, if you have got cards in the holder, the camera will be covered so you’ll have to remove them to use the camera.  That’s a small price to pay for the extra functionality of a case though.

So that’s my top three. Did I miss any cases out?  Let me know in the comments or via the usual channels what would be your top 3!

The 3GS is still popular today with many people preferring it’s look and style over that of the iPhone 4/4S and to celebrate the popularity of the iPhone 3GS, here’s our favourite case for it.

Orion Krusell Premium Leather Case

The Krusell Premium Leather iPhone 3GS case is the ultimate in luxury and style.  Sporting a folio style look, the Krusell case protects all angles of your iPhone 3GS, whilst still allowing you access to the charging port and other features.

Krusell iPhone 3GS case

What makes this case extra special though is that it houses a hidden magnetic lock, which can be used as a stand, allowing you to watch movies and surf the web at the most comfortable angle.  This means that you can view your media whilst commuting without the hassle of finding the best viewing angle.

Unlike other leather iPhone 3GS cases, this Krusell case keeps the thin style of the handset and actually sits your phone in a moulded holder so you can still access the camera, whilst the phone is in the case.

Professional enough for work, yet stylish enough for leisure, the Orion Krusell Premium Leather Case is one of the best iPhone cases available and provides a high quality secure fit, so you know your handset is safe at all times.

10. Apple iPhone 4 bumper

Every iPhone 4 owner knows that an iPhone 4 bumper or case is needed to boost the signal of your iPhone 4 and none perform better than the official Apple iPhone 4 bumper.  The perfect accompaniment for an iPhone screen protector, a bumper protects the corners and sides of your handset without taking away the style or sleekness.

The bumper contains all the cut-outs needed to keep your iPhone fully functioning like one for the charging port and volume control, making a bumper a great alternative for those who still want to show off the design of the iPhone but protect the sides and corners.

Apple iPhone 4 bumper

9. Drivetime Car Pack for iPhone 4

This iPhone 4 car holder allows you both dock and charge your iPhone whilst driving; meaning that no matter how long your journey, you’ll never run out of power and you’ll always be viewing your phone safely and legally.

Unlike other mobile phone car holders, the Drivetime car pack can be stuck to almost any flat surface meaning it can be used on both the dashboard and windscreen of your car.  The car holder also has three joints which can be moved to put your handset in a number of positions and angles, allowing you to find the most suitable one for you and your driving experience.

As this iPhone car holder is made with the iPhone 4 in mind it contains all the relevant cut-outs including one for the charging port and the lock button.

Drivetime iPhone 4 car holder

8. Power Support Crystal Front and Back Film Set

Number 8 in our top 10 countdown goes to the Power Support Crystal Front and Back Film Set, a revolutionary screen protector which offers high quality protection.  Here at Mobile Fun we do think that a mobile phone screen protector is a must for all new handsets in order to protect your display from scratches and dust and Power Support have some top quality ones available.

This iPhone 4 screen protector is made from a crystal film with state of the art cling adhesion, which means that application of the screen protector is simple, easy and residue free.

The screen protector is custom-fit to your iPhone 4 meaning that the front facing camera, home button and speaker are all still accessible and fully functioning.

Power Support iPhone 4 screen protector

7. Boxwave Keyboard case for iPhone 4

Some iPhone owners miss using a qwerty keyboard, so owning an iPhone 4 keyboard like the Boxwave keyboard allows you to have the best of both worlds.

Unlike other iPhone keyboards, the bluetooth Boxwave keyboard doubles up as a case, so you can slide it out when you need it and slide it back to be part of the case when you’re finished.  the case and keyboard are both stylish and modern, but also help to provide protection to the iPhone, as well as being functional.

Another great feature of the Boxwave is that it uses it’s own power supply which is recharged through a Mini USB cable, so it doesn’t drain your iPhone 4′s power.

The Boxwave bluetooth keyboard connects wirelessly through to your iPhone 4 meaning there’s no installation needed, just simply pair it with your iPhone and you’re ready to go.

Boxwave iPhone 4 keyboard

6. Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case

Otterbox are at the forefront of tough protective cases thanks to their multi-layer technology and guaranteed protection.  Therefore it’s no surprise that they released a range of iPhone 4 cases which use their layered technology.

The Otterbox Defender Case contains three layers: a thin thermal-formed sheet which covers your screen; a strong polycarbonate shell which protects the handset as a whole from bumps and drops and finally a silicone skin which absorbs shocks.

This makes the Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case both practical and protective, as all the phone’s ports and features are still accessible whilst in the case.

Right now if you buy any Otterbox Case, you receive a free Otterbox stand simply by using the rebate code ‘OTTERSTAND’ at the checkout.

Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case

5. CaseBuddy Dock

The CaseBuddy is the answer to most iPhone owners problems: the lack of iPhone docks which allow you to charge your phone with the cover still on.

Being small and compatible, the CaseBuddy can be used with any Apple device including the iPhone 4 and even better it allows you to charge your phone whilst your iPhone 4 cover is still on and due to its size, makes it the perfect dock to take on your travels.  However the CaseBuddy will still work if your iPhone doesn’t have a cover on it.

The Casebuddy can be used as an iPhone 4 dock also due to its cradle style, making it perfect for listening to music, texting and surfing the web.  Another great feature of the CaseBuddy is its ability to hide your wires, so that the area your CaseBuddy is on remains clutter free.

CaseBuddy case Compatible Dock

4.IK Multimedia iRig Microphone

Number 4 on the list, the iRig Microphone is one of the perfect iPhone 4 accessories for aspiring musicians, journalists or those who frequently give speeches.

It allows you to record studio quality audio recordings to your iPhone or iPad simply and easily and view and build upon them with its three major apps or any other music/recording based app.  This makes the iRig great for recording podcasts and for use on the go, as the audio quality is second to none.

Singers and musicians can record and edit songs, whenever, wherever; journalists can record interviews on the go in excellent quality and those who give speeches can amplify their speech or practice and listen back beforehand.

One of the leading brands for specialist iPhone accessories, IK are known for their excellent quality.2

IK Multimedia iRig Microphone

3. The Ultimate iPhone 4 Accessory Pack

Starting off the Top 3 is the Ultimate iPhone 4 accessory pack which contains six accessories which any iPhone 4 owner should have: a desk stand, car holder, Flexishield skin, mini desk stand, car charger and a screen protector.

This is a great pack of mobile phone accessories for any iPhone 4 owner, especially those who have just bought an iPhone 4 and want to use it to its full potential straight away, as it contains everything you need to get started.

The Ultimate iPhone 4 accessory pack

2. MiLi Pico Power Projector for iPhone

Taking second place is the MiLi Pico Power Projector which lets you stream media from your iPhone and project it onto the nearest wall; allowing you to make a cinema anywhere in your home.  All you need now is the popcorn and surround sound speakers and the cinema effect comes to you.

This projector is also great for those who frequently make presentations, as it charges your phone whilst it’s docked and comes with a remote which can be used to control the volumes and menus amonst other things.

One of the most useful mobile phone spares being sold simply folds out and can even be used with laptops and your iPod touch; adding to it’s multi-functionality and user-friendliness.

MiLi Pico Power Projector

1. Incipio offGRID Battery Back Up Case

Top of our list, the Incipio offGRID battery Back Up Case solves the main problem smartphone owners have: a lack of battery power.  The offGRID doubles your iPhone 4 battery power without adding bulk to the handset, an unusual feature for battery cases.

The offGRID has a thickness of just 6mm, meaning most people would just mistake it for a standard iPhone 4 cover without realising that its actually housing a powerful battery.

Syncing and charging isn’t an issue with the Incipio offGRID as it includes a MicroUSB cable which allows you to perform these actions without having to remove your iPhone from its case.

Owning a battery back up takes away the stress of forgetting your iPhone charger as you have double the power, meaning your battery should last twice as long.

Incipio offGRID Battery Back Up case for iPhone 4

With just 3 days left of 2010, I thought I’d take a look back at some of the top handsets from the last year and see just which of them came out on top – after all, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t do an end of the year round up!

The handsets listed below are ranked on their popularity on the main Mobile Fun website from the 1st January through to today (29th December) and are based on a the number of people visiting the accessory pages for each handset.

There are a few surprises in here – most noticeable is that there are no handsets from Nokia, Motorola or LG.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 - Black

10 - Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Release Date: April 2010
Operating System: Android

At ten is the X10 from Sony Ericsson, it’s their only handset to make it into the top ten. It was their first handset to run the Android operating system and shows that Sony Ericsson aren’t just going to lie down and let the iPhone take over. The handset is crammed full of features, including a massive 4 inch screen, 8 megapixel camera with flash and a fast, 1GHz processor. Sony Ericsson have changed both the charging and headphone port on the phone, making the task of finding X10 Accessories easier than ever.

HTC Desire HD

9 - HTC Desire HD

Release Date: October 2010
Operating System: Android

Some of the guys in the office were surprised to see the HTC Desire HD finish so low in the top ten. Although it’s hugely popular, it’s only been out for a few weeks, so to even finish in the top 10 is a great achievement. It won’t take it long to get to the top spot, and I’m certain that this is going to be one of the biggest Android phones of 2011. The Desire HD is essentially the same as the original HTC Desire, but with a few noticeable differences – the first, and most obvious is the screen size – 4.3 inches – perfect for internet browsing and watching videos. Other differences include more internal storage, more RAM, and an upgraded camera.

8th Place - iPhone 3G

8 – iPhone 3G

Release Date: July 2008
Operating System: iOS

I bet you weren’t expecting to see the 2nd generation iphone in the top ten! At 2 and a half years old, this is the oldest handset in our list and was officially discontinued by Apple back in July. For it to still be in the top ten there must be a lot of people keeping them after their contracts have expired or passing them on to friends and family when they upgrade. The iPhone 3G uses the same wide range of iPhone accessories as the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, with the exception of a few speakers and docks.

7th Place - Samsung Galaxy S

7 - Samsung Galaxy S

Release Date: June 2010
Operating System: Android

Samsung hadn’t had much success with Android handsets, not until they launched the Galaxy S anyway. The phone was released almost at the same time as iPhone 4 and proved to be a great alternative. It matches or beats the spec of both the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire and has an equally stunning 4 inch display. The Samsung Galaxy S is without doubt the best Samsung phone of 2010 and it comes as no surprise that the Galaxy S is the only Samsung phone to feature in the top ten.

6th Place - BlackBerry Bold 9700

6 - BlackBerry Bold 9700

Release Date: November 2009
Operating System: BlackBerry

The media are saying that BlackBerry are having a tough time as more and more people are switch to Android and iOS devices, but that’s not necessarily the case. Two BlackBerry handsets have made it into the top ten – thanks mainly to their large corporate user base. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is the professional’s ‘Berry of choice as it has fast 3G internet, a clear, high resolution screen and is perfect for messaging and emailing on the move. It’s interesting that their two touch screen efforts, the Torch and Storm2 didn’t even come close to making the top ten, finishing 26th and 46th respectively.

5th Place - iPhone 3GS

5 – iPhone 3GS

Release Date: July 2009
Operating System: iOS

The second iPhone to feature in the top ten is the iPhone 3GS – the faster version of the iPhone 3G. Visually they’re the same phone and all iPhone 3GS accessories also work with the iPhone 3G – the only real differences were to the internals of the phone. The 3GS has a faster processor and an improved camera. The iPhone 3GS is still available now, and will be until Apple announce iPhone 5 in July so I wouldn’t expect the 3GS to disappear any time soon.

HTC HD2

4 - HTC HD2

Release Date: October 2009
Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.5

There is only Windows Mobile phone in our top ten – the HTC HD2. It shouldn’t really come as a surprise, as the HD2 is one of the best Windows 6.5 Smartphones we’ve ever used. The huge 4.3 inch screen makes using the OS pretty easy, despite it being designed for sylus based input. What is surprising though is that this is another fairly old handset, that’s now been replaced by the HD7 running Windows Phone 7.

3rd Place - BlackBerry 8520 Curve

3 - BlackBerry 8520 Curve

Release Date: August 2009
Operating System: BlackBerry

BlackBerry have always been associated with business users, but that all changed with the Curve series of phones. The original 8310 was a great handset that suited businesses on a budget, but it still didn’t really appeal to everyday consumers. Fast forward a couple of years, add in a much wider range of 8520 Curve accessories like covers and cases, freshen up the operating system and bring the price down and you get one of the most popular BlackBerry phones ever. It’s been around for a while and there’s plenty of life left in it, although the Curve 3G is gaining popularity and could soon knock it off it’s perch.

Nearly, but not quite - iPhone 4

2 – iPhone 4

Release Date: July 2010
Operating System: iOS

No, you’re not seeing things  - the iPhone 4 isn’t the top handset of 2010, but it is a very close second. If it had been on sale for as long as the phone in first place, it would easily have taken the top spot. iPhone 4 is still the handset that manufacturers are trying to beat and the only one who seems to have achieved the impossible so far looks to be HTC – having said that, no-one can touch the iPhone for simplicity of use, it’s stunning looks, app store content or the huge range of iPhone 4 accessories.

Finally then, the Number one handset of 2010 is the HTC Desire.

Top handset of 2010 - HTC Desire

Release Date: March 2010
Operating System: Android

It’s the closest thing to an iPhone killer that you’ll get and one that Android fans have been desperate to get their hands on. The Desire is easily the most popular Android phone out there, although the Desire HD will catch it up pretty soon. The Desire was the first mainstream handset to get a fast 1GHz processor and has an amazing screen. The range of Desire accessories is growing all the time too, although it will have a tough time matching or beating the number of iPhone 4 cases that are available!

So there we are, that’s our top handsets of 2010. Any surprises? Should any other handsets have made it? Let us know in the comments.

iPhone is back on top

1. (2) iPhone 4
2. (1) HTC Desire
3. (2) iPhone 3GS
4. (4) BlackBerry Curve 8520
5. (-) Samsung Galaxy S
6. (6) BlackBerry Bold 9700
7. (3) HTC HD2
8. (5) Sony Ericsson X10
9. (-) Samsung Wave
10. (-) HTC Wildfire

Despite all it’s perceived problems, the iPhone 4 has stormed its way to the top of the charts, and that’s before it’s was launched on all networks. It only went on sale with T-Mobile and Three 2 days ago, so next month I’d expect iPhone 4 to have an even bigger lead over the HTC Desire. This means that the Desire has been knocked off the top spot after 3 months. Following HTC’s announcement that they’re downgrading the screen on the Desire due to supply issues, I’d expect it to drop even further next month. Another handset that’s worth mentioning is the iPhone 3GS, which despite now being an old model held on to third place – I’d imagine the recent price drop and it being offered on all networks will have helped with this considerably.

The scores are achieved using a points system. We award points based on sales, number of customers owning each phone, searches on the website, page views and a few other bits of data. At the end of the month we total these up and publish the rankings.

For the last couple of months I’ve been revealing the scores for the top handsets as I think it gives a better idea of just how incredibly popular these phones are. This month iPhone 4 scored more than the HTC Desire and iPhone 3GS combined, based on our points system.

iPhone 4 scored 318 points (+ 198), the HTC Desire came in second with 206 points (-37),  iPhone 3GS held on to 3rd place with  100(no change).  By comparison, the BlackBerry 8520 in 4th scored 39 points and the HTC Wildfire in tenth place scored just 20.

BlackBerry handsets have had another strong month and have managed to hold onto the same positions that they’ve held for the last 3 months.

Sony Ericsson aren’t doing too badly, the X10 slipped slightly to 8th place. Their new X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro didn’t manage to make the top ten, but finished 12th and 25th respectively.

Nokia as I predicted last month, Nokia have now slipped out of the top ten. Their best performing handset is still the X6 which has dropped to 14th place.

Motorola. Still no sign of Motorola. Despite a few recent successes in America, Motorola are still struggling to launch a winner over here. Their best performer this month was the Milestone which could only manage 41st.

LG could only manage 23rd with the Cookie. This is really bad as the Cookie was originally released back in 2007 and they’ve failed to release a handset since then that’s been anywhere near as popular.

Samsung have had a good month with both the Galaxy S and the Wave breaking into the top ten – a massive improvement on last months 27th and 14th places respectively. The Tocco Lite has held on to 11th place.  The Galaxy S is a great alternative to both iPhone 4 and the HTC Desire so I’d expect to see this in the top ten for a quite a while.

Coming Up

August and September are fairly quiet months for handset releases, although we are hoping to see some new handsets from BlackBerry, Nokia and Motorola. For more information on what’s coming up in the next few weeks, take a look at our Release Calendar.

About this Top Ten

This list is unique as it is not based on handset sales, but the number of users with a particular phone, accessory sales and visitors to the mobilefun.co.uk website between 1st & 31st July 2010.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Apple have just announced the iPhone 4 and along with it iOS 4.0 – the latest major update to the operating system on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. There are a number of great new features, but one of the features that I was really hoping to see was full support for Stereo Bluetooth Headsets and music control using AVRCP.

In simple terms, this means that you would have been able to listen to your music from your iPhone through a pair of Bluetooth Headphones and control your music playback, (play, pause, forward, rewind and volume) using the controls on the headset, but Apple for some reason have yet again decided to leave this feature out of iOS4 so you’ll need to continue to skip tracks using the iPod app on your iPhone.

There is a work around of course and that is to jailbreak your phone, but that’s not something that a lot of people want to do and I can’t say as I blame them.

Although iOS4 doesn’t fully support Stereo Bluetooth, it does still support the basics, so you can enjoy your music in stereo and play/pause your music, you just can’t skip backwards/forwards. There are plenty of Stereo Bluetooth Headsets that will work with the iPhone and last June I compiled a list of my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, but as headsets have changed and the phone now supports more features, I thought it was well worth revisiting the list and updating it with some of the best new Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone.

Background Apps

Another new feature in iOS 4 is that you can now leave audio apps running in the background. This is great news for anyone who regularly uses streaming services such as spotify or Last.fm as it means you can now continue listening even if you’re browsing the web or emailing.

We’re using the latest version of the iOS4 beta software to test these headsets, but until developers update their apps to support multitasking, we aren’t going to be able to confirm that the headsets listed below will work with apps running in the background, but look out for a separate post once iOS 4 is officially released on the 21st June.

iPhone 4 Bluetooth Headphones

Right, on to the headsets!  With so many to choose from, it can get a bit overwhelming, so I’ve been through our current range of Bluetooth Headphones and compiled a list of my top 5 Bluetooth Headphones for the all new iPhone 4.

The headsets below were all tested with iPhone but should work just as well with the iPod touch.  If you have an iPod touch 2G (or newer), then you will be able to play / pause your music and, in some cases, adjust the volume but you won’t be able to use these headsets with any of your VOIP apps (such as Skype) on your iPod. Bluetooth won’t work on the first generation iPod touch as it doesn’t have bluetooth built in.

1. Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

These are the most popular Bluetooth Headphones we’ve ever sold! Not only do they allow you to listen to music from your iPhone without a wired connection, they have a built in FM radio – something the iPhone has long been criticised for not having.

Another unique feature is that they have their own volume control – this means that you can adjust the volume on the headset or on the phone. As with most headphones on this list, they have the ability to skip tracks, but as the iPhone doesn’t support it, the feature is a little wasted for now. It’s multipoint too, so you can use it with your PC or Playstation 3 at the same time.For more details, take a look at my Sony Ericsson MW600 Review.

Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Headset with Radio

2. Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

The Jabra BT3030 works well with both the iPod touch and all versions of the iPhone.  The BT3030 is another multipoint headset – Multipoint allows you to connect to two devices at once, so you can connect it to your mobile phone and your iPod touch to listen to your music, and when a call comes in, it will pause the music and answer the call from your mobile.

The BT3030 hangs around your neck on a chain or can clip to your belt or pocket, and can be used with any 3.5mm headphones. Volume control on the BT3030 is not a problem, press the ‘+’ or ‘-’ keys to adjust the volume. It has several controls on the main unit, including play, pause and track skip – again, all work fine except track skip.

Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

3. Jabra Halo Bluetooth Headphones

The Jabra Halo Stereo Bluetooth Headphones are great. They’re the most normal looking ‘over the head’ headphones that I’ve come across and work well with the iPhone. It has incredibly simple controls – a touch sensitive slider on the right ear lets you adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down, where as a double tap would skip the track if iPhone supoprted it. One multi use button lets you play/pause your music as well as answer/end calls and activate voice dialling (iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 only).

When they’re not in use, the headphones fold away so as not to take up too much space and to reduce the chance of them getting damaged. For more info take a look at my Jabra Halo hands on review.

Jabra Halo Bluetooth Headphones

4. Sony Ericsson IS-800 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

These are without doubt my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, but there are others that work better with iPhone and that’s why these have dropped from the top spot last year to fourth place this year. The IS-800 is incredibly small – it’s basically two earpieces joined by a wire! Although there are wires involved, the IS-800 is one of a few headsets that don’t feature a fairly bulky control unit. Instead the IS800 has a small, simple in-line control that allows you to answer and end calls.

Battery life is impressive at upto 270 hours – especially considering how small this headset is. The IS-800 doesn’t support AVCRP, which is fine as neither does the iPhone! The headset doesn’t have any volume controls, so all adjustment needs to be made on your iPhone.

Sony Ericsson IS-800 Stereo Headset

5. Samsung SBH-650 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

Samsung don’t do many accessories for phones, but the few that they do make are really good. The Samsung SBH-650 has been a hit with Mobile Fun customers since it launched. It is easy to set up and works really well with iPhone. It’s very similar in terms of spec to the Jabra BT3030 but it looks a smarter. Like the MW600 and the BT3030, you can use your own 3.5mm headphones if you don’t like or lose the ones that come with the headset. It’s also multipoint, so using it with 2 devices at the same time isn’t a problem.

Controls are propably laid out the opposite way round to what you’d expect, with the volume controls on the front and track skip/play/pause on the sides. If you want to know more about the SBH-650, take a look at my Samsung SBH-650 Stereo Bluetooth Headset Review.

Samsung SBB-650

There are more Stereo Bluetooth Headsets for the iPhone and iPod touch over on the main site, so if you’ve not seen one here that does what you want, take a look at all our Stereo Bluetooth Headsets.

If you’ve got any questions or queries about Stereo Bluetooth on the iPhone leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you.

Every June and September Apple announce an upgrade to the iPhone and iPod line up (iPhone in June, iPods in September). For months the media speculate as to what the latest and greatest device to come out of Apple HQ will be called, often getting it wrong and causing no end of confusion in the process.

iPhone Naming

iPhones don’t follow the same naming pattern as iPods. The ‘G’ in iPhone 3G and 3GS refers to the technology within the handset and not the generation of phone. To avoid any future confusion over mobile technology and versions of device  Apple have decided to drop the ‘G’ completely from the name of the new phone and have simply called their latest handset iPhone 4.

What does the “G” mean?

When Apple launched the early iPod’s, they weren’t given names like they are today. The original iPod was replaced by a newer model also called iPod. As the newer model had several advanced features over its predecessor, it was unofficially dubbed the new generation of iPod, this over time change to 2nd Generation, which in turn got shortened to 2G.

The number preceding the “G” just determines where that particular model sits in the range of iPods. Even now with the iPod nano, we are seeing 2nd and 3rd generation models. The original style of iPod is now called the iPod classic, and no doubt as time goes on, more generations will follow.

So which iPod or iPhone have I got?

The list below shows all Apple iPods and iPhones from the last few years. I’ve put the dates that the different generations were released along with the available storage capacity so you should be able to figure out pretty easily which one you’ve got. If yours isn’t listed here, take a look at last years post which shows all models of iPod and iPhone up to March 2009.

iPhone 4

iPhone 4

Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 4 is a brand new design with a lot of new features over the 3GS. It has a faster processor, higher resolution screen, video calling and a 5MP camera. iPhone 4 is released alongside a major new version of the operating system, iOS4.
Status: 16GB and 32GB launching 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 4 Accessories

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3GS

Available from July 2009 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 3GS is essentially the same as the iPhone 3G, but with improved battery life and a faster processor. There are cosmetic changes but a major new version of the operating system added many new features.
Status: 8GB Current, 16GB and 32GB discontinued 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 3GS accessories

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G

Available from July 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone 3Gis essentially the same as the original iPhone, but with improved battery life and 3G connectivity. Some minor cosmetic changes and the introduction of a white 16GB model. iPhone 3G shipped with software version 2.0 which added the App store and support for Microsoft Exchange.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone 3G Accessories

iPhone

iPhone

Available from November 2007 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone is a revolutionary Phone, iPod and Internet Device. The iPhone combines all the features of the iPod Touch with a mobile phone.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone Accessories

iPad

iPad

Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The iPad is a whole new type of mobile computer from Apple. It has a much larger touchscreen display that makes emailing, browsing and using your apps much easier. It has the same powerful processor as the all new iPhone 4 and comes in two versions, a Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi and 3G.
Status: Current
View all iPad Accessories

touch 3g

iPod touch 3G

Available from September 2009 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. No visual changes compared to the 2nd Generation Touch. Main upgrade was to processor speed to bring it inline with the new iPhone 3GS.
Status: Current
View all iPod touch 3G Accessories

touch 2g

iPod touch 2G

Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. The the black beveled edges and back cover on the original iPod Touch gets replaced with stainless steel. Physical volume keys and a speaker are introduced into the slimmer design. Support for Nike+ is added with software version 2.1, along with “Genius” playlists.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch 2G Accessories

iPod touch

iPod touch

Available from September 2007 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. iPod moves to a whole new level with the introduction of the iPod Touch. The click wheel is replaced with a wide screen, touch sensitive display. Wi-Fi is introduced to the iPod range to give internet and email access.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch Accessories

nano 4G

iPod nano 4G

Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPod Nano returns to its earlier, slimmer design, but with a 2″ widescreen display. Slimmer than previous versions, the iPod Nano 4G has an inbuilt motion sensor which allows you to change track just by shaking it. The iPod Nano 4G is available in 9 new vibrant colours.
Status: Current
View all iPod nano 4G Accessories

iPod nano 3G

iPod nano 3G

Available from September 2007 and available in 4GB and 8GB models. The iPod Nano now lets you enjoy TV shows, music videos, video podcasts and more.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod nano 3G Accessories

iPod nano 2G

iPod nano 2G

Available from September 2006 and available in 2GB, 4GB & 8GB models. The second-generation Nano come in a variety of scratch-resistant colours.
Status: Discontinued

shuffle 3G

iPod shuffle 3G

Available from March 2009 and available only in 4GB models holding up to 1000 songs. The iPod Shuffle 3G is even smaller than the second generation model, and has no buttons to press to control your music. Instead the iPod Shuffle 3G has a new remote headset that controls volume and play back and a new voice menu system that talks you through your menu’s.
Status: Current
View all iPod shuffle 3G Accessories

iPod Shuffle 2G

iPod shuffle 2G

Available from September 2006 and available in 512MB, 1GB & 2GB models. The second-generation Shuffle comes in only one capacity in a clip-on case that’s roughly half the size of its predecessor. In September 2008 the iPod Shuffle receives a minor make over, with the introduction of 5 new colours.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Shuffle

iPod shuffle

Available from January 2005. Apple gets into the flash-based music player business, introducing the iPod Shuffle. About the size of a stick of gum, the shuffle comes in 512MB and 1GB capacities.
Status: Discontinued

iPod classic

iPod classic

Available from September 2007 and available in 80GB and 160GB models. Re-named the iPod Classic, the iPod Video sees an increase in capacity. In September 2009 the iPod Classic 120GB sees an increase in capacity to 160GB and the 120GB model is discontinued. The iPod Classic continues in Silver and Black
Status: Current
View all iPod classic Accessories

iPod Video

iPod video 5G Available from October 2005 and available in 30GB & 60GB models. The fifth-generation iPod Video plays video on a 2.5-inch, 320-by-240, 260,000 colour TFT display.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Color

iPod colour

Available from June 2005 and available in 20GB & 60GB models. The iPod and iPod photo lines are merged into the iPod Colour, ending the availability of monochrome-screen music players.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Photo

iPod photo

Available from October 2004 and available in 20GB, 40GB or 60GB models. The iPod Photo plays music as well as displays photos on a 220-by-176-pixel resolution screen.
Status: Discontinued

Wondering what’s next from Apple?
You shouldn’t have too long to wait. The next expected announcement is normally a music themed event that takes place in September and normally includes a refresh of all iPod models. This year, I’d expect the iPod touch to get the biggest update, with a new look to bring it in-line with the new iPhone 4 as well as camera and video capabilities. Look for more news on the Mobile Fun Blog nearer the time.

December has been a relatively quiet month for new releases but with manufacturers fighting to sell the most phones at Christmas, who’s going to come out on top?

To see which are the most popular handsets in the UK right now, or to see if your phone makes our top ten, head over to our Hot Handsets page.

An iPhone 3G S Skin is one of the best ways to protect your iPhone against knocks and drops and keep the screen fully accessible.

Belkin Silicone Sleeve for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS

1. The iPhone 3G & iPhone 3GS Belkin Silicone Sleeve is a perfect fit for both the iPhone 3G and 3GS and has cut outs for your charger / data cable, headphones and camera.  A soft, non-slip coating cushions the phone in the event of it being dropped. The screen isn’t covered though, so I’d recommend using an iPhone Screen Protector to prevent scratches.

iSkin have a range of 3 different skins for your iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS – the Fuze, Solo and Revo2.

iSkin Fuze, Solo and Revo2 for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS

2. iSkin Solo are carefully crafted for a precise fit. They feature an Ultra High Gloss finish and have cut outs for all your accessories and volume controls.

3. iSkin Fuze is a dual-layer skin that protect against shock and impact damage.  They have a soft rubber inner layer and a durable hard shell on the outside to give you the best possible protection.  The screen is protected by a plastic guard that doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touch screen. The Dock Connector is also protected against dust and dirt by a rubber cover.

4. iSkin Revo2 is the most advanced iSkin cover available.  It is made from a premium silicone material that builds in Microban technology, an antibactierial technology included in househould items such as baby care and food storage products.  The Revo2 has a non-slip back, as well as rubber covers for both the Dock Connector and headphone socket.  A screen protector is included with the Revo2 as well as a removeable resin screen that protects it against more serious impact.

If you’re not looking for anything too flashy, and just want a simple, protective silicone case, then you have plenty to choose from, each with their own benefits.

iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS Silicone Covers

5. The Dual Skin Silicone Case for the iPhone 3GS is exactly what the name suggests – 2 Silicone cases in one.  The Inner Case is designed to add an extra layer of protection against impact damage.  The outer layer is made from a dust resistant silicone to keep your phone looking at its best.

6. iPhone 3G FlexiShield Skins are thicker and tougher than most Silicone Cases andwill certainly give your iPhone more bounce if you drop it!  It doesn’t cover the screen though, so you’ll need to invest in an iPhone screen protector if you want to look after your screen too.

7. The Silicone Cases for the iPhone 3G & 3G S are simple protective cases for your iPhone 3G or 3GS.  It is made from tough silicone that molds around your phone like a second skin, with an organic additive to help repel dirt and dust from the case.

If you haven’t seen a case or screen protector here that is quite what you’re after, take a look at our full range of iPhone 3GS Skins, iPhone 3G S Cases and iPhone 3G S Screen Protectors

There are a few different options when it comes to protecting your screen, but which one is right for you?  This guide will explain the differences between the different types and help you to make the right decision when choosing an iPhone 3G / 3G S screen protector.

iPhone 3G S InvisibleSHIELD

The InvisibleSHIELD is more than just a screen protector.  Not only does it cover the front screen of the iPhone 3G and 3G S, it also includes the same tough protective film for the back of your iPhone. Installation takes a little bit longer than a normal screen protector, but the end result is well worth it.  It covers almost all of your phone and will withstand the toughest of scrapes.  The InvisibleSHIELD has a matte finish with a non slip feel to it. It is great at repelling fingerprints and reducing reflections and most importantly doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touch screen. As the InvisibleShield doesn’t add any extra bulk to the iPhone, you can use in in conjuction with most Cases & Skins.

InvisibleShield for Apple iPhone 3G and 3G S

Classic Screen Protectors

If you are after a screen protector that is more like the one that will have been on the phone when you opened the box, then there are three to choose from – Martin Fields, MFX or a Mirrored Screen Protector.

Martin Fields Screen Protector for iPhone 3G S

Martin Fields are an exceptionally high quality screen protector, that fit to your phone quickly and easily.  They are just as easy to remove leave no residue behind and can be cleaned and re-used . They are ultra thin and don’t interfere with using the touchscreen on your iPhone.

Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS MFX Screen Protector

MFX Screen Protectors are very similar to the Martin Fields.  They come with a fitting card to help prevent air bubbles and a screen cleaning cloth.

iPhone 3G S Mirrored Screen Protector

These are the same as the MFX protectors, but have a mirrored finish that will turn the screen of your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S into a mirror when the screen is not lit.  As soon as the screen lights up, the mirror becomes transparent and you can use your phone as normal.

Due to the design of this type of Screen Protector, you may find it beneficial to use them in conjunction with an iPhone skin as this will help protect the edges and prevent them from peeling/curling.

Krusell Classic Leather Case

iPhone 3G / 3GS Krusell Classic Leather Case

The other option that you have of course is a leather case.  Now you might be thinking that a leather case won’t work for a touch screen phone, and with most other touch screen handsets you’d be right, but the Krusell Classic Leather case works brilliantly.  It is also the only leather case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S that actually has a protective cover over the screen .  The front of the case is a clear plastic that doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touchscreen and there are cut outs for the volume controls, headphone, charger & camera. A removable belt clip is included too.

If you haven’t seen a case or screen protector here that is quite what you’re after, take a look at our full range of iPhone 3G S Cases and iPhone 3G S Screen Protectors