Solve your iPhone 4 antenna problems with a Japanese bento case

Bet Steve Jobs never thought he'd drive a market in food-based iPhone cases

By Mark Hiratsuka 23 July, 2010

Yaki soba rocks, but maybe not so much on your iPhone

Got something to say? Then speak up! CNNGo is looking to reward 6 smart, lucky readers with free TraVision MileageManager memberships. Rise to the challenge, show your wit, share your tips, leave your thoughts - it’s easy, read our stories, speak your mind and our editors will pick the best readers' comments posted before 23:59:59 29/07/2010. Full details can be found here.

Anyone with even a passing interest in the modern world will know by now that Apple’s iPhone 4 has a teeny tiny problem with its antenna and that the solution offered up by Jobs and co. is to wrap it up safely in a case or to use some good old fashioned tape. But is the official line of sheaths the best you can do? We took a look at a few of the smarter alternatives from the Far East.

Makin’ bacon – Strapya’s food fetish let loose.

iFan4

First up we have the iFan4 series from Strapya -- a stomach-churning selection of life-like plastic foods to slap on your iPhone in the name of both protection and attention-seeking.

The ¥3,990 ($45) range includes the classic bacon and eggs, yaki soba, Japanese Hinomaru bento and something indeterminate, but clearly breadcrumbed and deep fried. Although the horrific lineup goes on sale late August, it’s set to be Japan-only. Best keep your eBay trigger finger warmed up then.

Silicone Case Set.

Silicone Case Set

Next, a silicone number that’s streets ahead of the official Apple Bumper recommended for that pesky reception issue. Simplism’s Silicone Case Set may look, well, simple, but the protection is all round, thanks to the supplied screen film and the rear-hugging rubberized glove.

At just ¥1,480 ($17), it’s also around half the price of a Bumper, plus you’ll have no trouble actually finding one in stock at any of Simplism’s international agents -- check their website for details.

Golden Bamboo iPouch.

EVA x Golden Bamboo iPouch

Lastly, one for comic nerds who dig belt clips -- the oddly named EVA x Golden Bamboo iPouch, a case supposedly endorsed by characters from the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Given the iPhone’s feeble vibrate function, keeping it tucked away in such a restrictive case might be a little counterproductive, but at least you’ll win the approval of otaku everywhere if you do manage to snare one.

Another strictly limited edition, the iPouch will set you back a whopping ¥8,925, or $102, for its 100 percent nylon goodness. This iPhone case is on sale in Japan towards the end of next month as well.