Unlike the first generation iPhone with its chrome back, due to its plastic back the iPhone 3G absolutely needs some sort of case to protect it. Thankfully, a wide enough range of cases and cradles is currently available to satisfy all tastes and needs.

DLO is offering a number of different choices and they were kind enough to send many of them along for us to have a look. What follows is a brief overview of some of the choices.

The DLO VentMount

The DLO VentMount securely grips the iPhone for hands-free access while in the car. It easily rotates from vertical to horizontal for best viewing angle. The vent mount hooks into an AC vent, providing both a secure grip and easy access to all controls and the dock connector. In addition, the VentMount can also function as a belt clip or a desktop stand.

What I Like:
–Versatile. Works as car mount, desk stand or belt clip.
–Rotates horizontally or vertically so you can easily get a good viewing position in the car
–Sturdy

What I Don’t:
–Requires the iPhone be removed from any other case before use

Available HERE for $24.99.

The DLO SlimCase

The SlimCase offers an impact-resistant shell wrapped in leather. The inside is felt-lined to keep the iPhone from getting scratched. The design of the case offers unrestricted access to all controls, as well as having an opening for the camera and for the dock connector

The SlimCase is a minimalist design that doesn’t add a great deal of bulk to the iPhone. The phone is held in the case by pressure and there is no feature for securing the device further.

The case comes with a DLO Surface Shield and a removable leather wrist strap.

What I Like:
–Slim design doesn’t add a lot of bulk
–Provides complete access iPhone controls, camera, headset jack and dock connector
–Ships with a “Surface Shield” screen protector.

What I Don’t:
–iPhone not secured in the case by more than friction
–Handstrap is cheap-feeling
–I question the durability of the design over time

Available HERE for 34.99.

The DLO HipCase

The DLO HipCase is a thin, belt clip case that tightly holds the iPhone in a horizontal position on your belt.
The fixed belt-clip and Velco tab feel sturdy. A center notch at the bottom of the case (when held horizontally) makes it easy to quickly removed the iPhone from the case with one-handed and a single motion.

The case is thoughtfully designed. An inner pocket inside the case and behind the iPhone can hold a few bills or other small, flat objects. In addition, the case allows the iPhone to be inside while a headset remains plugged into it.

What I Like:
–Nice feeling leather
–Offers good protection and easy
–Access to the headphone plug while the iPhone is in the case
–Small inside pocket for an ID, credit card or cash

What I Don’t:
–Requires iPhone be removed (and exposed) to use it
–Beltclip is fixed
–Bulky

Available HERE for $29.99.

The DLO VideoShell

The DLO VideoShell is a two part case that snaps around the iPhone to protect everything but the screen. All buttons, ports etc are full accessible while the iPhone is in the case. Made from a “tough polycarbonate body”, out of the box, the case is crystal clear. I am not, however, convinced it would stay that way even with minimal use.

The case features a built-in kickstand that can hold the iPhone in either a horizontal or vertical position for easy, hands-free viewing. In both positions the stand holds the iPhone at a useful angle. When closed, the stand is not noticeable and does not add any thickness to the case. While it is very well thought-out, the stand itself feels rather flimsy. Anything but the most gentle of care would likely result in breakage after a relatively short period.

The DLO VideoShell includes one DLO Surface Shield screen protector.

What I Like:
–Low profile
–Surrounds the iPhone while still allowing access to all ports etc.
–Built-in stand holds iPhone at good viewing angle in both portrait and landscape
–Ships with a “Surface Shield” screen protector.

What I Don’t:
–Front and back pieces snap together and will likely loosen over time or separate in a drop
–As with most clear cases, will likely scratch over time
–stand flimsy and cheap

Available HERE for $19.99.

The DLO Jam Jacket

The DLO Jam Jacket is a thick silicone case that surrounds the iPhone with protection and, thanks to raised bumps on the side, is easy to grip. The silicone is thicker on the corners, proving extra protection to the most likely areas to receive a bump.

The Jam Jacket leaves the camera lens, headset jack and dock connector exposed for east access, while the home button and volume controls are covered but easily accessed through the material. The silent toggle is exposed but more difficult to access than other controls.

The DLO Jam Jacket ships with three Surface Shields.

What I Like:
–Silicone feels high quality, offers excellent protection from bumps and is easy to grip
–Available in Black, Clear, Pink and Blue
–Offers easy access to all controls but the silent toggle
Ships with 3 “Surface Shield” screen protectors.

What I Don’t:
–Difficult to access the toggle to silent the phone
–Silicone is magnet for dust, lint and other small particles

Available HERE for $19.99.

Of all the case in this brief roundup I most like the JamJacket. It privides the best protection, comes in at the lower-end price-wise and is easy to grip. Thanks to the wide range of offerings by DLO, however, there is something for every taste and need.