The Week in iPhone Cases: In protection we trust

The launch of the iPhone 5 has brought a veritable avalanche of cases for Apple's latest mobile handset. As usual, your faithful Macworld staff is on, uh, the case with a roundup of the latest and greatest.The Zero 5 (iPhone 5; $20) is one of the thinnest iPhone cases available; at only 0.5mm thick, it is, in the words of the manufacturer, almost unnoticeable when installed. The iPhone 5 model of the case has been improved to provide additional protection and be more scratch-resistant than its predecessor. It's available in black, white, blue, or clear.
The Embrace (iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S; $89) is an aluminium bumper designed to protect your handset from bumps and scratches while accentuating its beautiful, glass-and-metal design instead of trying to cover it up. It comes with a compimentary backplate, available in black, carbon-fiber black, or titanium gray. The case itself can be purchased in a variety of exotic hues, including Kyoho Sauvignon, Champagne Blush, Phantom Gray, Space Gray, Peach Glamour, and Oyster Blue. The company's latest iPhone 5 offerings include the Axis Wallet (iPhone 5; $50), with its genuine-textured-leather construction, a convenient card slot, and wraparound construction with a front cover that doubles as a stand for viewing at multiple angles. It comes in black, white, or red. The Stealth (iPhone 5; $35) features a compartment that is normally hidden away and can be used to store an RFID-enabled card so that you can make quick purchases, enter the office, or get on the subway without having to dig into your wallet. It's available in white or black.Finally, if you like wallet cases but prefer your cards to be easily accessible, the Solo Wallet (iPhone 5; $40) comes with two pockets that can hold either cash or plastic; like the Axis, the Solo Wallet is made of genuine leather; it can be purchased in white, black, or red.
The company's iPhone vinyl skins (iPhone 5; $15) are now available in a size that matches Apple's latest mobile offering. Like before, there are literally dozens upon dozens of designs to choose from, in themes that go all the way from artsy to pop, and almost all with their own matching iPhone 5-sized wallpapers.The Bamboo Case (iPhone 5; $60) is a snap-on shell made entirely of one of the most environmentally-friendly protective materials available. The two-piece design fits your handset snuggly, and it's lined with soft velvet that helps protect it from bumps and scratches. The case also features the appropriate number of cutouts and openings to ensure unhindered access to all of the iPhone's ports and cameras.