Kraken cases from Trident Cases (http://www.tridentcases.com) are named after the legendary sea monster that was big and strong (and which swallowed Jack Sparrow -- but that's irrelevant). It's an apt name as they'll more-than-adequately protect your idevice from falls, spills and other mishaps.
Krakens are polycarbonate constructed cases enclosed with an impact resistant silicone sleeve. An anti-scratch, anti-glare clear PET screen protector will keep your screen from fingerprints, smudges, and scratches. This type of screen protector is much easier to use than the adhesive-based ones that I can never seem to apply without leaving air bubbles. Also, the cases are moisture resistant (fitting, considering the name) and have touch screen interactivity.
The Krakens -- available in blue, yellow, black, red and gray -- sport an anti-dust design with silicone covers that open to provide access to the headphone jack, switches, sensors, the dock connector, etc. for the iPhone and iPad. Plus, there are dust covers on the speaker bays.
Of the two cases, the $39.99 Kraken for the iPhone 4 is my favorite. It doesn't seem to "bulk up" the smartphone the way the Kraken case for the iPad does the Apple tablet. In addition to the aforementioned features, it has a camera lens and logo opening protected by a PET film to keep out dust and debris.
An audio jack extender is included to provide compatible connection to all types of 3.5mm audio jacks -- a nice touch. You can connect your iPhone 4 to the AUX input of your car and home stereo system without fitting problem. The TRRS connector is compatible with the microphone function of the iPhone 4 and iPad.
The Kraken for iPad ($44.95) does a great job of protecting the Apple tablet. But it makes the tablet seem a bit ungainly and detracts from the svelte, cool design of the iPad. It may also add just enough heft to prevent it from slipping into snug iPad bags. What's more, you can't just slip the iPad into and out of the Kraken. You must remove the silicon sleeve, then snap apart the case itself to insert or remove the tablet.
That said, if you carry your iPad with you everywhere, and have a tendency to drop it or spill liquids on it, the Kraken is certainly worth considering. It's durable and completely encases the Apple tablet. Plus, its handles are molded to fit the contour of your hands and offers a nonslip, and comfortable, hold in both landscape and portrait modes.
Ratings: Kraken for the iPhone 4: 9 out of 10
Kraken for the iPad: 6.5 out of 10
-- Dennis Sellers
