Monday, April 19, 2010

Pong Phone Case

I was sent a Pong iPhone case to try out. It came at a good time as the case I'd been using had just broken. So, I slipped it on and thought - Yep, it fits my phone. It seems really sturdy. So what? What makes this case any different from any other case out there?

So, I took a look at their website. The first thing I read on the site is "Proven to reduce cell phone radiation." Cell phone radiation? Radiation? As in "Put this lead apron on while we take your xray so you don't mutate" radiation? Ok, clearly I'm clueless because I've never even considered radiation exposure during the 8 million times I use my cell phone every day. I'm probably the only person over the age of 5 who was unaware of the threat of radiation from cell phone use. Naturally, after hearing this news, I packed up the kids and headed to our underground cave away from all harmful substances. And sunlight. And fresh air. And Justin Bieber songs.

So, I researched and after reading several articles on the matter, came to the conclusion that although there may not be any concrete proof that cell phone use can cause cancer in your brain and other areas around your ear, there haven't been many studies done. Long-term studies haven't been conducted and I believe the studies that were done, took into consideration, average cell phone use, not people who spend hours a day on their phones. And what about kids who start using cell phones in grade school? What about their long-term exposure starting while they're young and more suseptible to the radiation? My friend Mimi's son died from brain cancer. My best friend's brother is battling brain cancer now. It's not a pretty thing. This information freaked me out! enlightened me.

I not only use my cell phone frequently, but when I'm not using it, I keep it in my pants pocket. I also sleep with it right by my pillow because I use it as my alarm. After reading these articles, a part of me wanted to drown my phone in the hot tub again. But let's be realistic here. I know, I know, generations of people got along just fine without cell phones, but I don't really want to go that route. There's got to be a way to have and use a cell phone, but cut down any potential risks too.

Which brings me back to the Pong case. It's designed to direct cell phone radiation away from your head. Using technology that I don't understand, Pong redirects your cell phone's radiation while maintaining full signal strength. I can attest to the fact that the case doesn't interfere with my signal at all. And testing has shown the Pong case to to reduce specific absorption rate for the iPhone 3GS by over 60%. (Wired Magazine witnessed testing of the Pong case and confirmed their claims HERE.)

* Using a Pong case could reduce the amount of radiation absorbed into your head while talking on your cell phone.

* Also, texting and emailing instead of talking on the phone can cut down radiation going into your head.

* Holding the phone away from your head a couple inches helps too. Or better yet, put your cell on speaker phone.

* Don't store your cell phone on your body (like carrying it in your jeans pocket all day long).

* Don't let your young children talk on your cell phone or play with it and pretend they're talking. Studies have shown that the smaller, developing brains in children absorb much more radiation than does an adult and since long-term studies haven't been conducted, it's better to be safe than sorry. Talk to older children about reducing the amount of exposure to them.

* Keep in mind that smartphones like iPhones and Blackberrys with 3G, 4G, etc. can emit spikes of radiation frequently, not just when you're talking on them.

* Use your landline at home and save the cell phone for emergencies when you're out.

Right now, the Pong case is available for the iPhone and Blackberry Curve. It's a sturdy silicone case that has protected my phone from my klutziness the effects of gravity. At $59.95 for the iPhone and $49.95 for the Blackberry, it's a little expensive for a case that doesn't even come in pink (only black or green). But the fact that it could help cut down your chances of being exposed to unwanted radiation and the health risks that come with it, makes it worth it in my book.

Readers can save $10 on a Pong case by using code "HGIMT" at checkout! Also, Pong is giving away one Pong case (your choice of iPhone or Blackberry case) to a reader. Leave me a comment here for a chance to win. Friend Pong Research on Facebook HERE and leave me a comment saying you did it for a second chance to win. Twitter about Pong and leave me a comment for every tweet you send out for even more chances to win. Contest open to residents of the U.S. No purchase necessary to win. I'll choose a winner on Friday, April 30.

I was given a Pong case to review, but have not been paid to write about it. As always, my opinions are my own and are always honest.

35 comments:

Katina Sharp said...

Scary stuff!

Vivian M said...

After reading your post, I think I am going to throw my cell phone away. I barely use it anyway!

Good luck everyone, and I am happy to hear your radiation risks have now been lowered by using this product. :o)

-T- said...

WOW! Looks awesome and even has a ton of benefits...sign me up! :)

sklay723 said...

I have a Blackberry Curve and would LOVE a case for it! Thanks for sharing this info. :)

HappyGirl said...

Wow I wasn't fully aware of the risks either - my husband and I just got iphones last week - this case is a great idea, I would love one

HappyGirl said...

Okay - Just became a fan on facebook, thanks for this info

Sennie said...

Entering! Even though I really like my current iPhone case, but it doesn't protect from radiation...

Anonymous said...

I had no idea there was a product to help reduce cell phone radiation. Awesome!

Maggie211 said...

Love the case! Would love one for my iphone!

Blended said...

i would love to get this...less radiation the better. So does that mean while pregnant don't use your cell phone? something to think about!

Pam said...

I would love a case like this for my new iphone. I realized the radiation risks for while using my cell phone, but never considered the fact that I carry it in my pants pocket a lot of the time!

Olivia Michal said...

That's a great idea. I want one

jenniferlambert said...

Pick me! If I have a new case maybe I can talk my husband into buying the the Iphone I want!

marythemom said...

I don't actually have an iPhone, but Hubby does. I just wanted to comment that not only do I not have a case, but I keep my phone in my bra most of the time. I can't find a good case that doesn't mess up the lines of my clothing, and most of my work pants don't have pockets.

I even own a product development firm and keep trying to design something for women, but haven't thought of anything good!

Mary in TX

Sara said...

I woud love a green pong case for my iphone :)

Sara said...

added pong to my facebook :)

Bekah said...

That would be great to have for my iPhone! As I get older and more forgetful, it seems anything to help protect my brain would be a good thing! :-)

The A Team Mom said...

Well your post has inspired me to use my phone a little less I hope! I use up my 1500 minutes a month... I wonder how much radiation that will give me... =) Thanks for being real about what you read about though!!!

Nichole

Heather said...

Can we choose who the radiation goes towards?

Just kidding. I'll just add the radiation stuff as another reason the kids don't need a cell phone yet.

Chick Hatchers said...

I LOVE Heather's question!

OK, go ahead and enter me. I don't have either one of those phones, but my hubby has both for work and he wears them both, so now I want him to have the covers. If we don't win, I'm going to push him to inquire with his employer about buying them for his safety!

mychildsview.blogspot.com

sarahk said...

Oooooooh!! Pick me! Pick me!

I'm totally going to "like" them on facebook too!!

Susan said...

Hi Dawn,

I also keep my iPhone in my bra. It's a perfect place, except for the radiation issue. This product sounds awesome.

Teresa said...

Now I have an excuse to use the speaker! You know, instead of telling the person that I can't just talk on the phone - must do other things!

Elizabeth S. said...

Wow, that is scary stuff! I would love to be entered for this!!

thesmithclan at stny.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I wasn't aware how much radiation there is in cell phones! That case sounds like a great idea

Unknown said...

Looks cool - and protective!

Michigan Mama to 2 said...

I've worried about this before, would love to know I'm safe.

Keren said...

I'm going to look into this whether or not I win. (but I hope I do!)

Anonymous said...

Ummmmm....yeah, about that huge laundry list of stuff. I have a blackberry and I keep it in my pocket all day, everyday. Haha. I would love to have this! I've been looking for a case, and this sounds like the one for me!! =]
Amanda R.

Anedia said...

Eeeee radiation scares me!

Betsey in SC said...

I really need this - for my son. He's a lawyer and talks on his iPhone all the time. I can't afford another lawyer, so I need to keep him healthy. Thanks, Betsey

Anonymous said...

Would love a new iPhone case.....and I'm now a Facebook fan too!!

Shelley
SPepper22@sbcglobal.net

Missy Johnson said...

Thanks for the info. This looks like a great case for my phone.

Angie H. said...

I need this....
I don't need any thing else fogging my brain.... :)
angie H
angieaccoun@aol.com

Unknown said...

I 100% totally agree with you on this issue of cell phone radiation ! I am so impressed that Pong has had their case tested and confirmed that it does what they say it does. I'm telling everyone about this case !