Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Reviews, iPhone
User review: 3 Marware iPhone cases

My buddy Gavin Baker, CEO of Abunga, took three iPhone cases from Marware for a spin. He took a look at the SportGrip ($14.99), C.E.O. Glide ($24.99) and the C.E.O. Premiere ($34.99). Which best suited this CEO on the go? Read his take below for the answer...
I first tried out the Marware SportGrip, the silicone case that has a rubberized feel and covers the back and sides of the phone leaving the touch screen open. This was my go-to case for about 2 weeks. It easily protected the back and sides of my phone from scratches and the material deadened any type of accidental drop of the phone, reducing the damage inflicted. I had no fear about tossing my phone around onto tables, chairs or in my Jeep. The downside is that the protection afforded by the cover also creates a much bulkier pocket profile. This made it more difficult to slide into pockets. One major downside was that I took the cover off after about 1 week and noticed it had collected a lot of dust, dirt, lint, etc. on the inside of the cover, creating some smaller scratches on the backside of my phone. I'm sure had I taken the cover off more frequently this wouldn't have been an issue.
The Marware C.E.O Glide was next on my list and it didn't make it long; partially because of the red snakeskin cover, but it is essentially a vertical sleeve with a Velcro clasp to keep the phone inside. It's not functional for me since I prefer my phone to be in my pocket and easily accessed or on my belt. This was a mix of the two and a cover that doesn't work in that circle isn't the best for me.
The Marware C.E.O Premiere is the last case I tried out. It is a horizontal belt case and allows easy access to the phone while providing a secure environment. As soon as I put the case on I was very confident with it. I wasn't worried about the case falling off my belt, and the case has a Velcro enclosure to ensure the phone stays in the case. The interior of the case is soft but not microfiber so I have no fear of putting my phone into the case and it coming out in worse shape. I've used the case daily for about 2 weeks and the exterior of the case shows minimal wear. My only complaint about the case is the Velcro closure. In the weeks I've used it the Velcro has started to loosen and is not as tight as it once was. Other than that the case has been phenomenal and it is the one I've settled on for everyday use.
All of the Marware products come with a cleaning cloth and protective film.
Thanks Gavin!


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Think Adrian said 7:50AM on 11-21-2008
ugly, ugly and ugly
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deep said 8:12AM on 11-21-2008
The CEO Premiere also comes with a magnetic enclosure instead of Velcro, nut only when you order directly from Mareware's website. Retail versions are Velcro only. I have one and it is by far the best case I have ever had for my iPhone.
Deep
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J David said 11:03AM on 11-21-2008
I have the magnetic closure one as well; by far the best. I mean, any belt clipping case is going to make you look like a douche, but at least this one is functional and protective. I also have a neoprene case from inCase for the weekends, but the damn thing is falling apart.
BlogManiac said 8:27AM on 11-21-2008
Actually, the case from CellularFactory.com that looks similar but with a real soft and magnetic lid has been popular in my circle. It has a loop to thread thru your belt as well as a clip to clip it on, if you prefer - all for a mere $7. Here is the link:
http://www.cellularfactory.com/det.jsp?d=32612&c=39314
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njthree said 8:52AM on 11-21-2008
My only concern about the Marware CEO Premier is it's tricky removing the phone from the case when the case is attached to a belt. On several occasions the phone nearly slipped out of my hand. I've switched to a SENA magnetic flip cover.
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marshmallow said 10:20AM on 11-21-2008
I've seen a defective belt clip on a C.E.O premiere separate from the holster, leaving the affected iphone with a shattered screen after it hit the ground, case and all. And it's ugly. In fact, i've never seen a marware case i've liked.
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mark said 11:17AM on 11-21-2008
While I am appreciative that you guys are reviewing products to help inform your readers of what's out there, you should try reviewing some other companies as well. Personally, I think Marware makes some of the cheapest and ugliest looking cases: silicone and plastic, yuck.
You have a nice expensive phone here, you should get a classy case, and optimally one that allows you to easily remove the phone to enjoy it that way if you choose.
Check out Sena cases. I personally like the materials (leather) and colors and patterns they use, and they have an interesting variety of cases, and not the same old boring styles. I like cases that protect the face of the phone, which is the most important part.
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