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One hidden benefit to the iPhone? I now know how to spell polycarbonate. It's one word, no dash, and no clever-clever multiple caps. Note to...everyone; capitalizing the second part of a compound word doesn't make you look high tech, it makes you look illiterate.

What does that have to do with this review? Nothing...except that I should apologize to the good folks at GizMac for saying they look illiterate because of their capital M. Sorry, guys. I'll make it up to you by starting with your case. BelKin and GrifFin will have to wait.

The Titan Clear has been a quality line of cases for GizMac, so I wasn't surprised to see the Titan Clear for iPhone ($34.99). This handy case is very versatile, while still offering a decent amount of protection. The entire front face of the iPhone is exposed, but it comes with an adhesive screen protector to compensate. The protector goes on easily and cleanly, and comes off without much effort or the need to clean up any sticky adhesive residue.

The case itself consists of a clear, solid back unit in which you rest the iPhone before snapping the top frame into place. The back unit has a cutout for the camera, of course, but also sports a dual functioning kick stand. One piece opens up to display your iPhone in portrait mode, while another opens for landscape display. Both rest flat in the case when not in use. And although neither of them lock into an open position (aside from when they're open all the way, of course), they don't seem to slip open if you brace the iPhone against them before they're open as far as they'll go.

There's adequate space for plugging in a docking cable and headphones, but it does take more effort than it should to reach the sleep/wake button. With most other cases, I can still simply run my thumb or finger across the top to hit the switch. The button is recessed so far into the Titan Clear, however, I have to actually think about and bend my finger to reach it.

The Titan Clear case can work on it own, but it offers no connectivity options. To address this issue, GizMac includes a great holster with rotating belt clip. The iPhone snaps in and out of the holster with ease, which is very important when you need to quickly get the iPhone off your belt; leave the holster on, and just snap the iPhone back into place when you're done. The holster doesn't add too much bulk, and the belt clip locks into place as you rotate it to your liking.

Although the design is minimal and serves only to let the iPhone show through (not necessarily a bad decision), the solid protection and versatile functionality make the Titan Clear one of the best iPhone hard cases I've used yet.

Which I suppose isn't the best way to lead into Griffin's iClear Crystal-Clear Hard-Shell Case for iPhone ($24.99). Understand, though, that although the iClear isn't as functional as the Titan Clear, its still an excellent option for your iPhone.

The iClear is also a polycarbonate hard case with a clear finish to let the iPhone's design show through. There's a little more protection up front, on either side of the ear hole and home button. The advantage here over the Titan Clear is that it's much easier to get to the sleep/wake button.

Unfortunately, the case is very difficult to remove once applied. You have to actually pop it off with a coin or other flat, hard object, which grows annoying quickly. The belt clip is also hard to remove, so you're better off just leaving that on. It doesn't take much space, and can actually be locked open to serve as a display stand...for landscape viewing only. It's not nearly as versatile as the display stand built into the Titan Clear, but it's a nice touch nonetheless. The belt clip also locks solidly into position as you swivel it to your liking. However, the clip itself is fairly small and therefore couldn't actually lock onto my belt. The clipping area of the Titan Clear is nearly 3/4" inch larger.

Despite these setbacks, I like the iClear. It's $10 cheaper than the Titan Clear, and you don't have to mess around with a separate case and holster. Also, it comes with a static cling screen protector, an armband, and a cleaning cloth, making the deal even sweeter. For many users, those should compensate for the shortcomings.

Now, let's stick with Griffin for a minute as we switch over to armband cases, and examine the Streamline ($29.99). Griffin boasts of how thin it is, and they're right; when the iPhone's not in it, the Streamline is about 1/8" thick. You slip the iPhone in through an opening at the top, and only the clear screen protector, the membrane on the back and the solid frame add anything to the iPhone's dimensions. Well, those and the armband, of course, which features some of the strongest Velcro I've every used. When I first pulled it apart, I was afraid I was tearing something I shouldn't be tearing.

Once inside the Streamline, the iPhone loses a lot of its functionality; the touch screen is difficult to use, and the ear hole and mic are both completely covered up. So, what's the point, you ask? This is an armband, remember. It's not meant to be used while in front of me in the grocery store line or in front of me on the highway or in front of me in the movie theater, but for exercise. You can set up your music ahead of time, slip the iPhone into the case, strap on the armband, and "get to steppin.' "

And don't worry if you should get a call. Remember those headphones that came with your iPhone? The ones you've never used? Start to. They have a microphone on them, remember, so you can answer calls and speak to people without having to take the iPhone out of the case or even pause the music, as that happens automatically.

Of course, all of this applies to nearly every armband case for the iPhone, so what should you specifically consider when looking at the Streamline? Just a few things:

1. It's very hard to get the iPhone in and out, causing you to apply pressure where I'm sure Apple would not want you to apply pressure.
2. Its basic black design is quite boring (although the reflective trim is a nice safety touch).
3. It offers total iPhone protection.
4. The armband is comfortable and washable.

Belkin has an armband, too, and you'd at first be hard pressed to see the difference between Griffin's Streamline and this Sport Armband ($29.99). It's also entirely black with a grey reflector. It's also very thin. It also offers total protection for the front and back, eliminating the ability to use the iPhone's screen, dock, speaker and mic. It's also washable. However, it also gets a couple of things right that the Streamline didn't.

First, the wider hole at the top make it easier to get the iPhone in and out. Second, the volume control buttons are marked on the side of the Sport Armband, making it easier to turn your music up and down. And third, the armband itself has a key pocket, which is very handy for a padlock key when working out at the gym, for example.

Unfortunately, like the Streamline, it relies on your use of the iPhone's included headphones for actual phone use. I hate the Apple earbuds, and can't use them. Therefore, my iPhone would be used for music purposes only when using either the Streamline or the Sport Armband. Between the two, though, I feel the Sport Armband has a slightly better design, and I like the inclusion of the key pocket.

Finally, don't forget to consider the JAVOedge AlloyVision Crystal Metal Case when looking for hard cases for the iPhone. I talked about that in my recent review of the JAVOedge portable battery recharger.
  

There are your choices for hard cases and armbands in this round. There are plenty more out there, though, so feel free to take a look. In the meantime, I'll be back next week with a look at soft cases and leather cases for the iPhone.

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