In my last review of Agent 18’s hard plastic eco case, I spent a bit more time beating around the bush than I should have, so in this review of Incase’s iPhone case I am going to get right to the point.
If you happen to be looking for a simple, low-profile case that will easily fit in your pocket, you might want to keep looking. Unlike Agent 18’s hard plastic case, Incase’s protective cover is made from an "injection molded material" (I can’t tell you for sure what exactly this "material" is because neither Apple’s website nor Incase’s website provides a definitive answer), this means that the case fits around the iPhone and protects everything but the screen, while still providing easy access to the headphone jack, microphone, power button, vibrate toggle, etc. Unlike the Agent 18 case though, the protective cover is not compatible with the universal dock, which in my opinion is not that big of a fault seeing as how taking off (and putting on) the case is a breeze.
While I have not purchased this case myself, several of my friends have it, and from what I have seen this case appears to be poorly made (unlike other incase products) for a rubber case (that’s probably its biggest downfall), it is also a lint magnet, if you stick this case in your pocket there is a good chance you will be pulling out a lot more than you knew was down there. Also, this case is known to become stretched, and tear with constant use. Furthermore this case is known to scratch the brushed metal of the iPhone. I would not recommend this case to you guys mainly because it is poorly constructed, and not very durable.
I can tell you though that I own an Incase neoprene sleeve for my MacBook, and a rubber Incase "case" (for lack of a better word) for my iPod, both of these products are made of high quality material, and I would recommend both to all of you.
So to sum up, Incase’s protective cover made from "injection molded material" (that’s starting to sound kind of funny) is a slim, form-fitting case that will cover the back and sides of the case, while leaving the ports (but not the universal dock), and screen open to use. Unlike Agent 18’s case there is a higher chance of scratching due to the fact that there is increased friction occurring between the "injection molded material" and the back/sides of your iPhone (this case is more prone to tearing, and stretching with strenuous use than most other cases).
Features:
- Form-fitting, injection molded material provides added grip
- Custom topographic pattern exterior
- Direct access to widescreen with touch controls
- Easy access to headphone jack, hold switch, and dock connector
- Camera lens cutout and speaker and microphone openings
- Allows charging while in case
So there you have it, Incase’s "Protective Cover" for the iPhone reviewed in under 500 words. Oh, I almost forgot, you can purchase this case from Apple for $29.95 in one of three colors (black, chocolate, or magenta). If you don’t already have a case, and are like me (not wanting to get a single scratch on anything you own), buy another case!
March 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’d say AVOID this case if you care about your chrome getting all scratched up on your expensive phone… I don’t know how anyone can stand by this product when it’s well known that it can and will scratch the chrome bezal!!! Now if you don’t care about that or if your phone is scratched up already… go for it.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
this article is wrong and the reviewer admits he doesn’t even have the product. I do. It doesn’t scratch the phone or tear and it it rather high quality.
Maybe irresponsible people put sand between the case and the phone get scratches but there’s no way the material of the case could cause scratches–it’s impossible! The plastic is like rubber and couldn’t scratch tofu let alonealuminum glass or plastic.
Why do people lie about products like this?
I’ve spent a total of $30 with incase-buying this one case so I can’t comment on the quality of thief other products….but this one is a good iPhone case if you don’t need to use the dock.