For those of you who haven't read about some of my more recent adventures in iPhone land, this article may seem out of the blue.  A quick peek at a previous post will greatly illustrate the derivation of this review. So here we go...

First, I want to say that I searched long and hard to find a case that would prevent my previous mistake.  Needless to say, there aren't many that can take the punishment and protect the iPhone after the last incident.  So, I was very pleased to find a nice case from the (*)speck people that looks like it will do the job.

As you can see, this looks like a SUBSTANTIAL case.  It is also very pleasant to hold in your hand due to the contouring and grip of the rubber on this phone.  For some, this will be its first drawback...  it's a SUBSTANTIAL case.  Its actually a two-part case with hinged docking area and an internal hard-plastic skeleton.

So even though it's big, honking, and protective, this case is still able to show some skin and allow the phone to dock without completely removing it from the case.  Which is a very good thing because it's not a simple matter to get this case fitted. The basic procedure goes like this

1. Place endoskeleton on face of iPhone
2. Insert top of iPhone into top of case.
3. Align the endoskeleton tabs with the cutouts in the case
4. Pull swinging flap over the base of the phone

Seems simple I know, but this is a VERY well designed case that has tight tolerances.  The good thing is that the tabs on the endoskeleton ensure the case is secure AND properly aligned with all essential ports.  One thing to note.  If its not essential to have a part uncovered... its not.  So the home button, power button, and volume buttons are all concealed.  The vibrate tab, earphone, camera, and doc/speaker areas are all uncovered for easy access.

Once this case is on and fitted properly, it becomes a seamless extension of the phone.  In the photos that follow, you'll also notice (maybe) another reason for the endoskeleton.  It gives the case a nice edge to grip onto.  There is a square channel cut into the inside of the rubber case that allows the case to align and have a nice straight edge to grip.  This makes the fit and finish of this case second to none. Yes, it does make it bulkier and less "sleek", but the trade off for protection of a very expensive piece of mobile hardware is not to be overlooked.  I mean seriously, look at the thickness of that edge rubber.  That will save your digitizer time and again from accidental drops!

Pros:

• Durable
• No-slip exterior
• Fit and finish
• Protection
• Docking Ability
• Substantial

Cons:

• Bulky
• First insertion is difficult
• Someone might mistake it for a piece of tire