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(More customer reviews)This is my second of these cases. The first was for the original iPhone and does not fit my new 3GS.
This product is both a case and a holster. One of the few on the market that combine the two in a very usable and compact package.
The case is designed to wrap the back of the phone and keep it protected. When mounted in the holster, the screen is facing in on the hard side of the holster and that protects the screen. The two do not 'seal' together, so there is somewhat of a gap where foreign material could enter, but this gap also makes it very easy to grab the phone as you release it from the holster. I can't say that I'm at all worried about stuff getting in, but felt it should be noted.
The case is easily installed on the phone. It provides a 'lip' of sorts that should protect the screen on a flat surface. Access to buttons and ports is easy. A thin Foam substance fills the gap between the phone and the rear of the case. Appears to me that this will prevent any damage to the finish on the back of the phone.
I'm still going to install a ZAGG shield over the screen, but I could see a valid argument that this isn't really required as the phone is quite well protected in the holster. The holster has a felt like material facing the screen, but does not come close to touching it. My only fear here is that the coating might attract dust which will then transfer to the screen. However, this is only a worry - nothing of the sort has occurred.
Case does not really provide any moisture resistance since the headphone jack and the buttons are exposed. I just stick the phone in a snack size Zip-Lock bag when I need to worry about moisture. The holster does not fit, but I've never wanted the phone on my side at those times. This method has worked well since the old original Motorola Flip Phone back in the late '80s.
Will this case protect in a fall? It should prevent any physical damage to the phone's exterior, but shock will still be transferred. Since everything is solid state and there are very few contacts that might get damaged I can't see why the phone couldn't take a few bumps and survive. However, if you tend to drop your phone off the motorcycle or other more extreme conditions, you might want to look for a more rugged case. I tend to just stick the phone into a seat bag on my bicycle or into a compartment on the motorcycle. In both cases, the bluetooth link works just fine to an earpiece.
The texture of the case feels just right. Not too rubbery and not too slick. I find the added size and texture makes the phone easier to hold and use.
It does make the phone a little larger, but the increase is quite minor. A few millimeters at most.
There is now a clear 'window' over the camera and apple symbol on the back which I didn't have before. I guess they have been listening to their customers. The window is mounted to the inside of the case. As of now, I don't see any issue with the cover over the camera.
If you hold the holster vertical and release the top clip, the phone does not easily fall out. The bottom catches do a remarkable job keeping the phone within a few degrees of the clip until you lift it out. Should help to solve the one handed juggle I've had with other holsters.
The clip has a nice spring loaded hook to it that makes it simple to use. Far too many other holsters just use the flexibility of plastic to make their clip work. By using a rugged clip and a spring, the action is a lot smoother and feels more secure. It is easy enough to push the phone into the holster without lifting the hook. However, once in place pulling hard does not release the phone at all. Lifting the spring hook is easy - perhaps a little too easy, it could be possible to snag the hook and lift it. When lifted, the phone moves a little, but is still captured when the hook again closes. I'm not too concerned about accidentally releasing the phone, but with some clothing or orientations it might cause trouble.
If you rotate the phone horizontal, the holster holds just as well, but when the hook is lifted, the phone will fall out. Strongly recommend keeping the holster vertical with the catch on the top.
I prefer the screen-in position for more protection, but it might have been nice to allow either orientation. I could easily see times where it might be nice to clip the holster to a seat back or some other location to watch a movie or similar video presentation.
I never took the case off the old phone until just recently. I saw no damage to the phone at all. I even found a docking stand that would work with the case attached. I'm looking for something similar for this one. Shouldn't be too hard.
I carry my phone clipped to my left hip in the rear most edge of my front pocket. The clip rotates to allow easy orientation to the pocket while keeping the phone vertical. I prefer this location as it tends to ride lower than a seatbelt. Some dress pants don't work well with this method. In jeans and pockets that are similar to those in jeans, the phone rides close and tucks in nicely. Since I wear jeans most of the time it's great. When I do wear slacks or chinos I sometimes still use the pocket or the belt. Neither feel as good, but then I don't do it very often so it might be more my own perception than poor performance.
I knocked one star off mainly for the inability to use the holster screen out. Honestly, a full star is a bit much for that, but I can't do less, nor can I justify full marks for that reason. I'd easily give the system 4.75 stars.
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Seidio Innocase II Surface Spring Clip Holster Combo for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Sapphire Blue)
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