Recently purchased a new iPhone for my job. Given the amount these things cost (and that the AT&T insurance for the iPhone 3G is non-existent) I wanted to get a hard shell case to protect my investment as well as a belt-clip holster. After looking through literally every option at the local Apple store and not finding anything I liked (even bought another black rubber case / holster combo that I'm no longer using) I noticed this one on a fellow iPhone user. Here's a quick summary of the key features.
1. Very solid hard shell case, though slim enough to allow it to mount on most iPod music stands without removing it. Really hate fat phones.
2. Matte finish with soft rubber-like feel. Easy on the hands, comfortable to grip . . . Not awful shiny hard plastic that feels awful and easily slips out of your grip.
3. Perfect cut outs for all key buttons, camera, mounting doc, and even for the shiny apple on the back--improvement on all those cases, including the one I bought where you have to press the button through the rubber.
4. Low profile holster with belt clip. Clip swivels and is short and easy to get onto and off of my belt. Holds on very securely, will not accidentally pull off. Does not add unnecessary bulk.
5. Spring loaded holster clip allows you to get the phone easily into and out of the holster, but holds phone tightly once you slide it in.
6. And (my favorite feature) the velvet lined holster back prevents the screen from getting scratched while on the go. Note this is a FACE-IN style holster so be aware if you don't like that.
7. Also comes in a choice of three muted colors (black, a rust red, and navy blue). Was tempted to get the blue, but went with all black to match the phone.
All in all this is a beautiful case. Price was right. Many dealers, including iphoniacs.com (where I was looking), sell this as two separate pieces for $30 each. Amazon was the only place where I could find both as a combo for a smaller price ($45-ish). While that's a bit more than some of the other cases it is miles better than all the others (yes I looked at apple's InCase options--not even close) . . . definitely worth the extra $$. All in all very satisfied with this purchase. Highly recommend. You won't be sorry. Seidio Innocase II Surface Spring Clip Holster Combo for iPhone 3G, 3GS (Black)
As many others have stated, this is a fantastic case/holster combination. However -- I've used it for less than a full year, and twice the clip that holds the iPhone in the holster has broken. Seidio provided a replacement holster the first time the clip broke, but they have refused to provide a second replacement (since I was past 180 days from my original purchase). I try to be as careful as I can with my phone, so I'm not sure why this is happening -- never had it with previous holsters for other phones. I must also note that, thus far, others that I have convinced to buy this holster have not yet seen a similar problem.
If it wasn't for this issue, I'd give this case five stars, but I have to hold back, given my personal experience.
This is an excellent case and holster.
The case fits the 3G and 3GS like a glove, fully covering the back except for the Apple logo. Some protection is afforded the logo since it is below the level of the case, but those who want to fully protect the logo will want to cover it (perhaps with a piece of screen protector film). It adds minimally to the iPhone size, as it is only 1-2mm thick and shaped to exactly fit the curves of the phone.
The inside is coated with a felt-like material that gives a tight fit and prevents scratches. The edges wrap around and over the chrome bezel, putting them about 1-2 milimeters above the level of the glass screen. This provides some very minor protection for the screen, in that if you lay the phone face-down on a flat surface (like a desk) the glass is supported 1-2mm above the desk rather than touching. But those who want full screen protection will still want to add a screen protector film.
The exterior has a matte or "silk" finish. This provides enough friction to be easily held without slipping from your hand, yet is not "grippy" like the silicon cases and will therefore slide in/out of a pocket or pouch easily and without gathering lint. All controls and ports are fully exposed and conveniently accessible, but this also means there is no protection from splashes/rain. If you are frequently in wet enviornments, you may want to forego this convenience and buy a case that covers buttons and ports too.
A sync or charge cable can be plugged in with the case installed. To use the phone in a dock, you must remove the bottom 1" of the case -- which separates and slides off leaving the rest of the case still installed. Removing this bottom 1" is a bit difficult, as it is a tight fit and needs to be pulled "straight down" or you risk breaking thin plastic alighnment tabs on each side (reason for 4 star rating instead of 5). It is very easy to reinstall. I decided to forego the dock and just use a cable.
The holster works very well and appears to be very durable. The clip rotates with firm detents, so it will stay in a vertical or horizontal position and work correctly whether you wear it on your left side, right side, or anywhere in between. The iPhone faces inward, with the glass towards your body and the holster. Although the glass doesn't actually touch the holster, the area of the holster closest to the glass is coated with the same felt-like material as the inside of the case. The spring clip holds the iphone firmly, and the phone is easily snapped in/out of the holster with one hand. It might be possible to accidentally release the clip by brushing against something just right, but I've been using it daily for about 3 weeks now and haven't had this happen.
I don't know how much protection it would add when dropping the phone, and I'm not willing to experiment. If I drop ever drop it, I will update this review at that time. While the case is minimal thickness, the material is flexible and should add SOME impact absorbtion, which in some instances might mean the difference between a bounce and a cracked case or screen.
All in all, a quality product that provides some protection and a better grip, plus the convenience of a holster at the same time. (Note: The case and holster are sold as a combo, but are also sold separately if you don't want the holster, or want to buy the case now and add the holster later.) - 3gs - Innocase - Iphone - Holster'
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