Case makers swarm to the iPhone 5

Griffin Survivor

Ballistic Hard Core

Hitcase Pro

It's only been a few days since details about the new iPhone 5 were released but iPhone case makers are already churning out new designs for Apple's longer and slimmer device.

Griffin Technology, which makes some of the most rugged phone cases on the market, has announced a new line-up of cases that included a new version of The Survivor, a case that is designed to meet or exceed US Department of Defense standards.

The Survivor is built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame and clad in rugged, shock-absorbing silicone. The case is designed to protect the phone against dirt, sand, rain, shock and vibration. Griffin said the new version of the Survivor will cost $49 and be available in a variety of colors. No specific release date was announced.

Griffin also announced several new fashion cases. One group has jungle-inspired patterns, others are sculpted out of soft silicone to look like elephants, monkeys and other zoo animals. Both will cost about $25.

Another heavy-duty case from the iPhone 5 is the Hard Core case from Ballistic. It has a built-in screen protector, impact resistant polycarbonate shell and an optional outer silicone layer. It also has a a kickstand media viewing and a holster with rotating belt clip. The Hard Core costs about $60. It and other Ballistic cases can be pre-ordered now.

Hitcase announced two new waterproof cases for the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4 and 4S. The cases use patent-pending design called ShockSeal that protects the phone while allowing use of the touch screen, buttons and headphone jack.

X-Doria Shield

The cases include the Railslide Mount System that lets you mount the phone on bicycle handlebars to serve and a point-of-view camera. Hitcase also offers a free Vidometer app to record your speed and altitude.

The Hitcase costs about $90. Hitcase Pro, which includes a removable wide-angle lens, costs about $130. Versions for the iPhone 5 will be available in mid-December.

A new hard-shell case from X-Doria called the Shield features a front polycarbonate screen protector that provides a styrong layer of protection while still letting you type and control the screen. The Shield costs about $40 and is available now.

X-Doria also announced another new case called the Venue that has offers a colorful soft rubber case that covers volume and lock buttons. It costs about $35.

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Written by Ric Manning

Follow me on Twitter @ricmanning and read my technology columns at My Well Being.