Yes, yes, yes. We all know the iPhone 5 is another hot seller, but this is important news for accessory manufacturers. This is especially good news for case makers since about 78 percent of iPhone owners buy cases.
Speck smartphone cases are among the most popular and with good reason.
The case maker has a diverse and proven line. Currently, Speck offers seven different quality cases for the iPhone 5 in a variety of colors and designs. Speck cases seem to multiply like rabbits so there will probably be more by the time you read this.
Speck applies the same basic construtction to its line which includes not just stylish cases, but also one with a folding kickstand and another that can stand in as a wallet. All have a hard plastic structure that surrounds the screen with a minimal, but effective bezel to help prevent face down scratches - or worse.
The sleep/wake button and the volume buttons are covered with easy to find exoskeletal buttons. The ringer toggle, audio jack, and lightning connector are exposed for easy access. There are grills for the speaker and microphone.
As you would expect the case is designed to not interfere with operation of the rear-facing camera and its LED flash.
The CandyShell line adds a shock-absorbent silicone layer inside the hard plastic frame. Also in the CandyShell line are the aptly named CandyShell Flip and CandyShell Grip.
The Flip's trick is a rubber hinged bottom panel that swings out of the way to allow use of a dock - at least one with enough space to accommodate it.
The Grip is aimed at gamers and those with butter-fingers. It has four sections of raised rubber ribs for extra grip. This Speck might be my favorite since I like to put my iPhone 5 on the slippery sofa arm at home. It is grippy enough to hold there, but not so much that it is difficult to get out of a tight pocket like a full silicone case can be.
The SmartFlex Card and SmartFlex View differ slightly in design from the CandyShell line. Rather the hard plastic and silicone combination, the SmartFlex line uses a softer plastic. This makes removing your phone easier should you like to swap cases or go au naturel. The SmartFlex cases do lack some of the button tactility felt in other Speck cases.
The SmartFlex Card can hold up to three cards for those looking to travel lightly. The slot holds the cards snuggly, but there is a small opening on the opposite side to help push your plasticware out. This case's card trick does add a little more bulk, but that's a small price for those looking to leave behind a wallet or a handbag.
The View has a retractable stand for either vertical or horizontal use. It's reasonably sturdy and offered a decent viewing angle for those looking for a hands free option for viewing video or using FaceTime.
Speck's FabShell line offers several fabric patterns for those seeking a more distinctive look. Choices include nearly a dozen prints including plaid, tribal, floral and other designs. The FabShell deletes the inner silicone layer and may be Speck's thinnest case. It should still offer reasonable protection in moderate drops.
There is one Speck design I didn't get a chance to put my hands on. The PixelSkin has a textured grid pattern on the back to enhance grip. It was well-liked by Killian Bell over at CultOfMac.com.
Prices for Speck cases generally range from $25-$40. You can find cheaper hard shell cases out there, but most if not all of those that I've seen don't match the protection that Speck offers. Considering the Benjamins you've plunked already on your device why go cheap to save just a few dollars. A Speck or any other quality case might make the difference between a cracked phone or just a skipped heartbeat.
Speck also makes accessories for the iPad, iPad, MacBook, HTC, Samsung, Nokia, BlackBerry, Kindle and Nook.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.