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(More customer reviews)This review applies to the iPhone 3G version of this case but can be considered for the iPod Touch as well -- structurally identical except for the chrome-lined camera lens hole (iPhone version only.)
This is the third case I've experimented with for my iPhone 3G. The Case-Mate "naked" shell was my first purchase, and was an absolute disaster. The beveled edge which lines the face of the phone was very sharp, and began to hurt my ear almost immediately following the beginning of a phone call (I'm talking actual pain -- not just a minor inconvenience.) The phone also fit entirely too snugly into the case, meaning detaching the back plate from the top was a task in itself. The built-in screen protector not only crippled touch sensitivity, but also easily trapped dirt, debris, dust, you name it; and needed to be cleaned once a week. Keep in mind the difficulty involved in disassembling the shell, and you've got a painful nuisance on your hands.
I returned the Case-Mate "naked" shell to my local AT&T store, and per the salesman's recommendation, bought an "Otter Box." While this monster of a case would surely protect the phone in a nuclear holocaust, I found it to be too bulky for my needs, and returned it as well. Otherwise, a great case at a premium price.
The Griffin Elan in "graphite" trim was my third purchase; the cheapest of the lot. Expecting ups and downs, I removed it from its packaging and installed it onto my phone. Recalling the nightmare of disassembling the Case-Mate "naked" shell, I immediately attempted to remove the case, and was pleasantly surprised. The bottom portion of the Griffin case slides off almost effortlessly, but has enough staying power to not disassemble itself. This will please people who use any sort of dock to charge or use their iPhone or iPod Touch, as the encased phone will not fit. The bottom portion must be removed.
All buttons and cable jacks are exposed with this case, and I've had no issues using the buttons and the jacks. The opening for the headphone jack is large enough to accommodate my large Sennheiser stereo headphone plug, which I believe is as large as a 3.5mm plug gets. The buttons on the side and top of the iPhone are not blocked by this case (which was an issue with the Case-Mate case) and even my fat fingers have no problems using them. The proprietary Apple USB or Firewire cable fits easily into the iPhone without having to remove the bottom portion of the case. This is only necessary if using a dock.
The iPhone feels very sturdy after applying this case. There is a gentle grip to the exterior of the case which eliminates the caution-inducing slippery feel of the bare polished surface, and the interior plastic part of the case holds the phone snug. I've removed the phone from the case a handful of times since many people complain of this case (and many cases) scratching the back surface of their iPhone or iPod Touch, and have determined that as long as you clean both surfaces prior to installing, there should be no opportunity for scratches to develop. Additionally, there are no openings in the case large enough that would allow small dirt particles to collect.
A last note about the functionality of the case, there is a raised beveled edge that wraps the face of the phone. It matches the chrome trim of the iPhone, and also serves as a border for touch interaction. This border assists in muscle memory, allowing you to use the touch screen more efficiently, especially without looking at the screen. Curiously, this is my favorite feature of this case. This raised edge will also protect the screen from minor damage if placed face-down, or even dropped face-down. Don't expect a miracle if you were to throw it off of your roof, though.
A screen protection applique was included with this case, but I opted not to use it, so I cannot comment on how useful it is, and how much it may or may not impede touch sensitivity. The iPhone 3G's touch screen is made of glass, and I am careful with my expensive electronics, so I don't see myself scratching it easily.
Aesthetically, the case blends right into the phone and does not look cheap. The chrome trim is actual chrome. Only a minimal amount of bulk is added to the phone, and should still fit easily into any pocket or compartment that a caseless iPhone would (sans docks, which has already been mentioned.) For the one or two automotive enthusiasts reading this -- the exterior may resemble a carbon fiber material in pictures, but is most definitely not actual carbon fiber. Still, a close match.
I feel I will definitely be sticking with this case. Third time's a charm.
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Griffin Elan Form Graphite for iPod touch 2G Polycarbonate - Black
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