One aspect of the iPhone that distinguishes it from all previous devices is that it is truly a “full-time” device. I carry it with me all the time. It is– my phone, my email device, my mp3 player, my web surfer, my video player, my rss reader, my todo list (loving “Remember the Milk” these days) and the list goes on and on. In fact there are some situations in which I would normally have brought my laptop or tablet but don’t anymore.
My iPhone is the first thing I check in the morning. It is the last thing I check at night. It is even my alarm clock (review/commentary coming soon…) But while my iPhone fits pretty much any user scenario for me, the case I carry it in does not. The case I use during the work day when I keep it in my suit pocket isn’t necessarily the one that best fits carrying it on my off hours when my preferred garb is jeans and a t-shirt. And since I am heading off to a beach vacation soon, the leather cases I normally use are probably not ideal for the sand and sun of Aruba. As a result, even though I am quite pleased with the two cases I have been using regularly, I am always on the lookout for one that might better suit one situation or another.
I have been lucky enough to try out two new cases recently and am pleased to be able to review both over the next few weeks.
First up– the Marware Sportsuit Convertible case for iPhone (Marware also makes one specifically for the iPod Touch).
Let me start with the conclusion. I like it. I like it a lot. And I can already see situations where it might be the ideal case to use. Read on so I let you know why I like it …
The first thing you notice upon opening the case is how many items come with it. There is the case itself; a detachable belt clip, an arm band, and a small pouch that attaches to the arm band for cash or a key or two.
Getting the case on the phone (or the phone into the case depending on your perspective) was a bit of a challenge due to the tight fit. This is probably a good thing since it means the case holds the phone like a glove. Once in the case, you immediately notice the tight fit and the accurate cut-outs for the speaker, the proximity sensor, the camera and the headphone plug. Nothing says “shoddy” more than misaligned cut-outs and this is anything but “shoddy”! In addition, the mesh on the bottom can be pulled back to allow for syncing and even cradling the phone. This is a well-conceived and executed case!
Unlike the cases I am used to using this one has thick plastic over the phone’s screen. Since this case is specifically promoted as an “action case” (hence the name) this makes sense. I did, however, have concerns about whether not the plastic would interfere with the iPhone’s touch screen. (My concern was all the greater since my phone already has permanent body film on it.) Much to my surprise, while the plastic did have some effect, requiring me to press a bit harder and, at times, repeat the motion, the touchscreen remained quite responsive. I like knowing there is an added layer of protection. What I did not like was the dust that gathered between the screen and the plastic, as well as the fact that at times part of the plastic sticks more closely to the screen than other parts resulting in darker and lighter areas. It did not effect the use of the phone though.
The multidapt belt clip attaches quite securely and makes for a nice solution when you want to carry the phone on a belt or in a pocket. One downside, however, is that since it does not rotate the phone must remain in portrait/landscape. This isn’t a big deal for me but might be for others.
Where the Marware Sportsuit Convertible really shines is when you remove the belt-clip and attach the armband. The phone connects to the armband with the same level of security as the belt-clip– a good thing since it will likely be used while walking or running. Moreover, I found it to be quite comfortable. One thoughtful touch was the extra material between the hard plastic “belt buckle” and one’s arm. It creates a smooth layer of soft material all the way around one’s arm thus reducing the possibility of it rubbing and chaffing during exercise. In addition, the armband is long enough to accommodate just about any arm and is made from material that has just enough stretch to make extremely comfortable.
All in all I found the Sportsuit Convertible to do everything it reports to do quite well and at $34.99 it is a good value. So will it become my “full time” case? I don’t think so. But I will be using it when I am on vacation next week.
Pros
Comfortable
Adaptable
Well Conceived
Decent value for what you get.
Able to sync and even cradle while the case is on
Available in three colors (blue grey and black)
Comes with Marware’s lifetime guarantee!
Cons
Belt clip does not rotate
Difficult to get on and off the phone
Plastic over screen will get dirty and scratched over time
Dust between the screen and the case difficult to remove `
For more info and to purchase the Sportsuit Convertible, check out its page at the Marware site:
Sportsuit Convertible product page
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