The Dacha Works Module SmartCase is a lot like a corset for the iPhone: it focuses on changing the appearance and form factor of your favourite little device. Sure, it adds some scratch protection to the sides and back of the device, but don ‘t count on this back plate to protect your smartphone in the event of a fall.
What you can count on is the the patent-pending LeveRidge (hah, leverage) grooves that extend along the length of the Module, making the iPhone 3GS becomes much easier and more comfortable to hold in your hand (On second thought, maybe the whole corset comparison isn ‘t where I want to take this review).
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Design
One of the great things about the Module is how easy it is to install: simply place the iPhone volume rocker-side first, and then snap it right on. The case feels great in the hand, and the LeveRidges really do provide you with extra leverage. The iPhone doesn ‘t feel wider in the hand, but it certainly does feel thicker, which makes it a lot easier to type (especially in landscape mode).
A small cut-out along the middle of the Module is supposed to provide extra grip for one-handed operation, but I just didn ‘t find this groove deep enough to really provide any support.
I am, however, quite happy with the new look and feel that the Module provides. The case feels very similar in texture to the iPhone ‘s back: it ‘s smooth and a bit of a fingerprint magnet, although prints don’t show easily on the black. The only disappointing aspect of the Module ‘s design is the interior, which looks like a cheap $10 plastic frame with a very basic coat of paint — nothing like the glossy exterior that seems more worthy of the $30 asking price.
Protection
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph: the Module offers very little in terms of protection. It will allow you to place your phone screen-up on most any surface, but the phone is basically naked in most every other respect. The fit of the case is good, but likely not tight enough to stay on after any significant impact, especially when you consider that the sides of the case don ‘t quite make it to the edge of the bezel.
Compatibility
Another area where the Module shines is in its accessory compatibility. I still enjoy full access to everything on the iPhone, including full support for headphones with fat stereo jacks. I can also still use my Xtand dock if I remove the rubber feet, and the iPhone still fits perfectly on the Konnet Reflex Dock I ‘ve hooked up to my speaker system. Portable chargers that attach to the bottom of the iPhone should also still fit as long as they don ‘t require space along the back of the device (like the Dexim P-Flip).
Conclusion
The Module is a pretty unique offering on a market that ‘s already saturated with all sorts of different plates, sleeves, and cases. It brings sexy back with a sexy back. It won ‘t do much to protect your device, but this SmartCase does a great job of improving the comfort of one and two-handed use of your iPhone, while maintaining compatibility with all of the earphones and other accessories you may already own. As for the price: $30 does seem like a little much for an ergonomic back plate, but if Dacha Works were to spruce up the inside of the case a little bit, I could definitely see a market for these things.
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The Module is available for $30 in white or black at dachaworks.com.
The case was provided by dachaworks for review on Just Another iPhone Blog. For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.
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TAGS: case review, ergonomic
