Mikey Campbell
Kickstarter graduate Designed by m on Wednesday debuted a revamped version of its AL13 iPhone 5 and 5s bumper, which is being touted as the first aluminum enclosure design to exhibit zero cell signal loss.
A little under one year after launching its first all-aluminum iPhone bumper, Designed by m is bootstrapping another project into existence with the AL13 v2, a follow-up design that addresses signal drop issues experienced with the original.
In our review, AppleInsider found the design and high-quality fit-and-finish of the first AL13 to complement the iPhone 5's sleek design. While we appreciated the bumper's aesthetics and ease-of-use, we did note a definite issue with radio signal transmission.
During testing, we recorded signal strength drops of around -20 dBm in certain coverage areas, which brought overall reception down to two or three bars (as represented by the then-current iOS 6 signal bar mapping). The findings were in line with Designed by m's own claims that a signal strength took a 5 to 10 percent hit due to the form-fitting aluminum construction.
The design of the second-gen AL13 is said to remedy signal loss altogether, while managing to retain the "barely there" form factor we enjoyed in the original.
Along with the radio transparency tweaks, the new AL13 v2 enclosure has been reworked and now includes a more secure locking mechanism. The anodized bumper will come in eight colors, including a special "Kickstarter Green" limited edition run.
As always, judgment will be reserved until we have spent sufficient time testing the unit's capabilities.
Designed by m's AL13 v2 Kickstarter is now live with a goal of $25,000. Early adopter versions are going for $39 with a free mPact Glass protective screen shield. Once the first 150 are sold, the price jumps to a second early bird price tier of $45 without the screen protector. Regular pricing is set at $55 or $79 with mPact.
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11 Comments
I've always been interested in this bumper, but if they're not delivering until June and I'm up for a new device this fall, I'll just wait and see what emerges for the iPhone 6.
So what exactly is the point of wrapping your already aluminum iPhone with a "bumper" of aluminum? It can't be anything other than personalization, right? Because it just doesn't make sense to me. Not that I don't appreciate the effort that went into making it, or the look, which is great, but how is it adding anything to the iPhone?
I wish it had a kickstand similar to the one on Zerochroma. After using a case with a stand I cannot justify a case without one.
I've had their first gen sitting in a box gathering dust since I bought it.
I'd stay away from this company. I bought an mPact glass shield for my iPhone. A day after installing it, the edge of it chipped while in my pocket. Designed by M's fix for this was to offer me a new one at a discounted price. No thanks. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.