Cygnett UrbanShield for iPhone 4/4S

Cygnett’s $20 UrbanShield for iPhone 4/4S is a sharp-looking, minimalist case with a brushed-aluminum back and rubberized edges. Available in four colors (bronze, black, blue, or silver), the back of this shell-style case is constructed from a hard, brushed aluminum—the bronze model I tested had a very thin silver accent and black rubberized edges. The inside is lined with the same smooth rubber material as the edges to provide a little extra cushioning.

Even with the included thin-film screen protector, the level of protection will be rather low. Yes, the UrbanShield should protect your iPhone rather nicely from scratches, but I wouldn’t risk a drop. The case’s edges do not come up over the screen at all, so if you drop your phone face-down, the screen will take the full impact. Having the screen film in place should help, but I wouldn’t depend upon it to prevent damage. The UrbanShield also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth to help rid your iPhone of dirt and grime.

On the plus side, the UrbanShield does not add much bulk to your iPhone at all. A case really couldn’t get much thinner (unless it were just a decal or skin). The edge cut-outs also allow easy access to all ports, controls, and connectors. If your dock-cradle accessory allows room for any sort of case, your iPhone should fit in with the UrbanShield on, no problem. If you need to remove it, it’s really not the easiest case to remove; it’s so thin that there’s nothing to grab.

If you don’t need a heavy-duty protective case, the stylish, industrial-looking UrbanShield is a solid choice with minimal bulk.

[Karen Freeman is a writer, teacher, and Apple fan. Follow her on Twitter @karensfreeman.]