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Skinit's SwitchPlate expresses moods with a snap

AT CTIA, Skinit shows off a new snap-on case system that's all about self-expression.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Jessica Dolcourt
Skinit SwitchPlate
Skinit's forthcoming SwitchPlate case will let you customize your case to suit your mood. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

NEW ORLEANS--Here at CTIA, you can't go 10 steps without tripping over an iPhone case vendor.

Skinit, which traditionally offers printed stickers to apply to the back and front of your iPhone, is taking a different tack with SwitchPlate, a case system that consists of a decorated cut-out you place on the back of your phone and a black or clear bumper you snap around the perimeter to keep the plastic or aluminum panel in place.

The idea is to buy plates as a three-pack (sort of like department store socks, but cooler) and swap them out at a whim.

The panel decorations range from the abstract to the geometric, and include iconic characters such as Hello Kitty, and sports teams and colleges.

I tried a few of them here at CTIA. My favorite, an aluminum plate with a wood veneer design, unfortunately had a manufacturing flaw that left a trough where it should have snugly fit.

It also took a little commitment to dress the iPhone in the case, since you have to first lay down the plate and hold it in place while you struggle to snap on the bumper. For some, it'll be worth the minor tussle to match the phone design to their mood.

Skinit's SwitchPlate case will sell online in May and at unannounced retail stores in June or July. It'll cost about $35 for the three-pack and $15 per individual plate.

Catch all the latest news from CTIA 2012.

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