Anyone in the market for a new phone case? You might want to sign-up for Google Offers if the answer is yes. Today’s offer is essentially a 52 percent discount towards any purchase made at Case-Mate.com, one of the better mobile phone case sellers that we’ve come across.

There’s currently a Google Offer, set to expire on February 4, 2012, that gives $25 credit towards any purchase made at Case-Mate.com. Interested buyers would only have to pay $12 to get the credit, so you’re doubling your buying power and getting free shipping in the process. This deal requires membership with Google Offers (free and US only), and would have to be redeemed by July 28, 2012.

Case-Mate.com has its largest selection mostly in iPhone cases, but the company has been introducing limited case options for Android phones and tablets. Among the support devices from HTC are the Rezound, Sensation, Evo Design, Amaze, Rhyme, Inspire, and Thunderbolt. Motorola has the Droid 3 and Droid RAZR, Samsung has the Galaxy S II (all variants), and Galaxy Nexus. There are also cases for the Amazon Kindle Fire, HTC Flyer, Motorola Xoom, and Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Most cases at the site cost about $25, so the Google Offer should see you covered. There’s also a custom case creator that uses personal photos or art licensed to Case-Mate that costs more, but I’m not sure if this deal supports those as well. (The Case-Mate website has been failing frequently for me all morning.) I recommend the Barely There series of cases because they are thinner and still protect the phone from scratches and low-impact falls.

Get more information on deal requirements at Google Offers

Cases often present a strange trade-off between form and function. Either the case is protective and ridiculously bulky or it is stylish and slim but short on absorption power. The Gumdrop Drop Tech Series is the latest accessory that tries to be protective and pretty at the same time. Is it successful on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?

The Drop Tech Series (DTS) case is a little too thick to be considered slim. It’s still small enough to not earn the “ridiculously bulky” tag, but noticeably bigger thanks to the weight that it adds to the normally featherweight Galaxy Tab 10.1. However, unlike the Toshiba Thrive – which is abnormally large – the Gumdrop-coated Tab 10.1 actually uses that bulk to keep the device safe.

The Gumdrop DTS is actually a three-part case designed for “high-density” shock absorption. A hard polcycarbonate frame protects the front, and a silicone skin protects the back and sides. An optional screen protector frame is also included, but considering that the Tab 10.1 has Corning Gorilla Glass that can stand up to practically any real-life adversity, that seems rather unnecessary. The only positive reason I can see for keeping the screen protector is in case a user fears spilling coffee or water in the morning.

The silicone case is necessary and a reassuring feature. During my informal drop tests from just under waist length, the case did an excellent job of absorbing the impact of the fall. The silicone has a number of pads elevated to a tip, so the shock of hitting the ground is practically uneventful. And while these earn the DTS praise for security, it also lead to minor points deductions for not being a smooth and comfortable surface. One-handed operation in portrait is fine because the fingers rest between the ridges, but holding with two hands in landscape – important for gaming – is slightly awkward.

People who are careful and avoid dropping their devices don’t really need the Gumdrop DTS. But people who are less-than-careful and want an added bit of protection for that Android tablet that cost several hundred dollars are the target market. The DTS does an excellent job of keeping a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 or ASUS Eeepad Transformer in tact after being dropped, so visit Gumdrop Cases if you have $49.95 to spend.

The Toshiba Thrive is a highly-customizable Android tablet, debuting with a surprisingly wide range of accessories available at launch. Among those many options for enhancing the Thrive experience is the Portfolio 360, a case that both protects the Toshiba tablet and extends its usability.

While some people may mistakenly believe that the Thrive’s large size and solid replaceable back cover is enough protection in case the device is dropped, that’s not really the case. As noted in our Toshiba Thrive review, the tablet’s rear is actually hollow and not much more secure than its rivals. The Portfolio 360 case is a true bodyguard made of synthetic leather that provides an extra layer of “durable hard shell construction.”

The synthetic leather has a pleasurable texture that offers an added sense of security should a user drop his or her tablet. It’s not the most aesthetically durable material, however. After a couple of weeks, the case took a few nicks and the outer material on the latches that secure the Thrive in place chipped away. In theory, that’s good because those scratches could have been on the device; however, at $59.99, one would expect a more premium experience. (The case is more affordable at third party stores, some as low as $39.)

Ever had a formica desk? Than you'e likely familiar with the chipping issue on the Thrive case latch.

The functionary benefits of the Portfolio 360 are more interesting than the fashion-based values of the case. The same ridges that protect the screen can also be used to keep the tablet standing vertically or horizontally at a variety of viewing angles. Instead of having to hold a tablet during video chat or while watching a movie, the Thrive can be propped-up to enable a hands-free experience. There are four ridges that offer just the right viewing angle depending on a user’s height or position, and the ability to rotate the case means switching between portrait and landscape is painless.

The negative factor most likely to concern potential buyers is that this case adds a small amount of extra bulk to a tablet already thick enough to earn the nickname of the Honeycomb Hulk. The design is elegant for protection, access to ports, and positioning, but this added girth may be a detraction. With that said, the drawback is minimal when weighed against the added benefits of the Portfolio 360. Anyone who owns a Thrive and wants to keep it safe and standing should consider this case.

• Dimensions & Weight: 7.25” W x 11.2” L x 1.4” D; 1 lb
• RoHS compatible
• Compatibility: Compatible with Toshiba 10” Thrive™ Tablet PC series
• In the box: One Toshiba Portfolio 360 case and instruction sheet
• One-year limited warranty

CTIA 2011 has come and gone. And while we saw plenty of great Android phones and tablets, there was also a healthy serving of accessories. That caught me off guard because since my first trade show in 2009, practically every smartphone accessory on display targeted iPhones.

But Android wasn’t the forgotten stepchild this time around. I saw several new bluetooth headsets, phone skins, tablet cases, and the like at CTIA 2011. Some were kooky ideas like  a case with a bottle opener built-into the back, and others were bulky, ridiculous monstrosities that never should have made it out of the research and development labs.

My two favorite Android phone accessories at CTIA have already been highlighted: the LG Wireless Charging Pad, which has clever induction charging, and the BodyGuardz Carbon Fiber skin that makes my EVO both protected and prettier. Here are some of the other Android phone and tablet accessories that I saw at CTIA. Follow the links below the videos to visit the website of each company.

Gelaskins

Your phone is boring. Gelaskins is not. These vinyl skins include front, side, and back covers that can be removed without leaving residue. Artists, comic book characters, and even wallpapers to go along with your design are all available for a variety of Android devices. More info at Gelaskins.

Clingo

Stick, Peel, Repeat. Clingo makes it easy to stick your phone to a car dashboard, vent, or windshield. You can also put one on a desk and always have your phone or tablet stick to the proper viewing angle. More info at www.clingo.com

Enercell

Enercell offers an emergy power boost when your phone can’t get to a power outlet right away. It ships with multiple sizes and supports multiple phones. Radio Shack sells it for $49.99. More info at RadioShack.

Jay Bird Freedom Bluetooth headset

Jay Bird is a Bluetooth audio set designed for people who want a headset that is comfortable and optimized for movement. More information is available at Jaybirdgear.com.

MusicSkins.com

MusicSkins.com offers vinyl skins for anything you can think of. The online store is targeted mainly for album covers and photos of recording artists like The Beatles, Rihanna and Justin Bieber. However, there are also images of famous brands, artwork, and the ability to upload custom images to design a skin of any image you have the right to print. More info at MusicSkins.com.

Cellairis.com

Cellairis.com proved to be the biggest and flashiest of all the booths at CTIA. This company sells silicone skins and hard shells for several products, including Motorola Xoom cases, Samsung Fascinate cases, holsters, screen protectors, and more. Go to the website and shop by device or category. More info at Cellairis.com.

The longest two seconds of my life came the first time I dropped my EVO. I had owned the device for only two days at that point and worried that my new baby had already been defaced. The EVO Otterbox case couldn’t come soon enough as far as I was concerned.

It’s been a few months of extra careful handling and exposure to the elements, but my EVO is finally protected thanks to the recent release of the Otterbox Commuter series for the HTC EVO. Available now for $34.95, the Commuter Series delivers a high level of protection that we previously covered for the lower-tier Impact Series.

The Commuter provides two-layers of protection: a smooth silicone layer that’s good enough on its own, and a tougher polycarbonate shell that latches on top of the silicone. This can add some considerable bulk and weight, which may not be ideal for users who prefer to keep the phone slim. However, the extra shell appears very durable and beneficial should the phone be dropped or at risk for scratching (the case also comes with protective film for the screen). It’s good to have the tougher exterior lessen the impact of a falling phone.

Customers familiar with Otterbox know that the company produces some of the best cases in the mobile industry, and the Commuter Series is no different from that legacy. I have tested the phone in day-to-day use and love everything about it. Well, everything except the awkward chin that covers the USB and HDMI ports. It can be very annoying when removing the polycarbonate shell, so if you prefer the silicone layer, you may want to consider cutting the chin.

Here are a few photos of the case in action.

Visit Otterbox.com to purchase

Protecting a phone from scratches and scuff marks is a priority for many, but some people don’t like the bulk or unnatural feel that comes when using many of today’s modern smartphone cases. Anyone looking for added protection without added size ought to consider XO Skins.

XO Skins provides cases that are thin but durable. The material offers a tight fit that prevents scratches and is thin enough to make your phone fit comfortably in a docking station. The best thing about XO is that it feels good. I initially installed the anti-glare screen protector sold by Sprint but removed it because I did not like the way the material felt on my thumb. The XO Skin for my EVO 4G is the complete opposite; my thumb glides across the screen and feels perfectly normal. I would prefer the back of the skin have a little more grip, but it’s tolerable.

Once on the phone, XO Skin does a great job of protecting your device. The material doesn’t add any bulk or residue, so your phone still looks good. While others may choose to perform stress tests with knives, I opted to use the real world tests of seeing how XO performed in my day-to-day travels. Despite dropping out of my pocket onto cement, grazing my keys, and nicking the edges of my night table as I swatted the phone to stop the alarm, my EVO held up nicely.

My only complaint with XO is the same complaint I have for most protective skins: installation. Despite following directions to the letter, I was unable to get out all of the air bubbles on the skin. I’m convinced this has more to do with my poor installation skills since this a problem I commonly have, so get someone to install it for you if you typically have trouble applying protective skins.

When I removed the protective layer after a month of use, my EVO was as pristine as the day I bought it. XO Skins is one of the better phone skins that I’ve used and one of the few that I recommend.

XO Skins :: HTC EVO 4G Skin Protection

XO Skins are available for a variety of devices for $11.99; available at XOSkins.com

The folks at Wrapsol recently sent Androinica an evaluation package of their newly launched “Wrapsol ultra” flexible protective covering for the Nexus One. After a week of usage, I have done enough testing to offer some opinions about Wrapsol’s newest Android product.

Product Overview

Wrapsol’s ultra line is marketed as a “remountable drop and scratch protection system.” What you get out of the box are three pieces of thin plastic film that are cut to fit the countours of your Nexus One, including the screen. It is important to note that this product is not just a screen protector, but is intended to cover the entire device, with cut-outs for the various buttons, ports, and contact points.

Wrapsol claims that the thin veneer is “durable, transparent and astonishingly thin,” provides “damage- and wear and tear-protection for off-the-counter and out-of-pocket falls,” and even protects your device from “keys, sand, and dirt, and other daily wear and tear.” All this “without adding bulk or changing the looks of your device.” Wow. Does it really work? Read on.

Ease of application

First a confession. In all of my years of using mobile devices, I have never been able to apply screen protectors without leaving at least some of those dreaded air bubbles on the screen. Unfortunately, my experience wasn’t much different this time around with the Wrapsol product, at least when it came to the screen. I had two or three small bubbles left behind afterward. (I am completely willing to blame this on my own incompetence, as I have seen other folks put these things on perfectly in the past.) Wrapsol includes a small instruction sheet, and even provides an application video on their website, so you may have (or probably will have) better luck than I did.

On the other parts of the phone, application was a breeze, and the thin material adhered well to the non-glassy portions of the phone (no bubbles). I had a little difficulty with the tabs in the corners, but a bit of hard pressing fixed the issue.

Looks and performance

The final effect is a thin plastic sheen that covers your phone. I found it to be visually pleasant, although some people thought it cheapened the look of the backside of my Nexus. (Keep your eyes off my phone’s backside, people.) On the front side, the awesome OLED screen shone right through, no problem, and the ultra covering was only noticeable when the screen was off. Touch sensitivity was not compromised, and I had no problem using my apps, swiping the screen, or using multitouch gestures. I was also able to use the trackball, camera, screen power and volume switches, and USB and 3/4-inch ports without any issues.

Only one problem arose that caused me a bit of trouble. Inserting the phone into my Nexus One dock was much more difficult afterward, and I had to force the device down in a way that I hadn’t before, primarily because of the slight increase in thickness. The dock is very picky, and it doesn’t have a lot of tolerance built in for different dimensions than the designers anticipated. If you don’t have a dock, no worries. If you do, be aware that you may have issues.

The coating itself seems to work as advertised. My mild attempts to scratch the surface were rebuffed, and having the phone in my pocket with my keys left no marks. Sorry to all, but I am not doing a drop test of my Nexus One. If you decide to take one for the team, let us all know how it worked out for you.

Thanks to my lack of skill during application, I had plenty of occasions to test the “remountability” of the material. It works, better than any other protector I have used. I think there is a limit, but I was able to reapply the ultra coating at least three times. The parts that start losing adhesion seem to be the tabs in the corners.

Conclusion

Wrapsol’s ultra line is indeed remountable, looks good, and offers valuable scratch and chip protection for your phone. It doesn’t compromise the performance of the phone (with the possible exception of docking capabilities) and at a price of $29.95, it’s not a bad investment in protection for a device that probably cost you many times more. I don’t see how the product would offer much in the way of drop protection, but I could be wrong (I’m not willing to find out). Finally, it may be helpful to get someone that is good at applying screen protectors to put this on for you.

The car mount is described as being a “Window Mount & Phone Holster Combo” and is priced at $24.99. Sadly though, this appears to be nothing more than a basic dock. And for those looking to run your phone in the car, possibly streaming music or using GPS then you will want to be able to have power, that and, an aux out. Anyway, I guess $24.99 is not bad for a basic dock, but personally I would rather pay a few bucks more and get the extra features.

Moving on, we can also see a case. And most likely an accessory that will end up being one of many. This is described as a “Case – Black with Red Gradient Snap On Cover (Front & Back).” I guess if you are looking for a red and black case and also willing to pay $24.99 this could be for you. Personally I have since ditched the idea of using a case for my phones, but that is just me.

In the meantime, lets hope Verizon releases the Incredible soon, or at the very least gives us a firm release date. I for one am getting a little tired of seeing the words leak or leaked associated with Incredible. And yes, I will be the first to admit that this latest “leak” is far from “incredible.”

[via Phandroid]

Those cases are available on several Android phones, and I was pleased to sample the OtterBox Impact Series on a Sprint Hero. The impact-resistant silicone protects the phone from scratches and padding helps minimize damage if the phone is dropped. The case provides a snug grip but still feels very smooth and comfortable, which is better than the stock cases I bought from a Sprint retail store. An added bonus to this comfort is that the Impact series includes a protective screen that fits to the phone easily.

The Impact Series retails for $19.95 on OtterBox.com. It is one of many options, including the tougher Commuter series that is more solid and costs $34.95. There are now OtterBox cases for the HTC Droid Eris, HTC Hero (Sprint/Cellular South version), Motorola Droid (Milestone), and myTouch.