Filed under: Accessories, Reviews, Stocking Stuffers, iPhone, Holidays
Hands-on with Element Case and your chance to win a TUAW version
We get a small number of physical products to review around here, and the streets are thick with iPhone cases of every variety -- but Element Case stood out. These aren't generic leather or plastic cases, they are somewhat beefier plastic cases available with metal, carbon or wood accents and sporting magnetic "flip" lids. The added surface area makes it a little easier to play games, especially if you're getting cramps playing Fieldrunner all day. At the end of this review we've got a special-edition TUAW Element Case to give away.
The phone is secure in the case because you have to unscrew the bottom of the case, slide the phone in, and put the screws back in. There are ports along the sides that allow you to access everything you'd normally need: camera, volume, sync cable port. You can't put the phone in the dock, however. The "flip" lid is a piece of plastic with magnets, and those magnets lock onto the screws. The lid attaches to the back of the case when you need access to the screen -- a nice design feature.
I'm not sure all this protection adds any shock absorption, but the phone certainly feels sturdier with a rigid casing on the outside. For games, the added surface area was welcome, even more ergonomic. Speaking of the casing, you can choose a CNC-machined version with a base in aluminum alloy (fits first-gen iPhones), but my model was the "Liquid" edition, which is injection-molded plastic (fits both 1st-gen and 3G iPhones). There's a slightly fancier plastic model with some wood veneer on the back, plus a nickel-plated model and a very limited-run of the "CRG" model. The only problem with all this is that several of the cases are for the 1st-gen iPhone only (like the CRG), so you'll have to peruse the shop and see what's available. Essentially everything is limited-run, which adds to the cache value of your case, if that's your thing. No designer case would be complete without customization, and Element Case will custom-engrave a design on the lid or back of your case.
Gallery: Element Case
For protection, the case seems to work well, although a nasty spill on concrete might knock the lid off. Despite carrying it around in my front jeans pocket, the added size wasn't too noticeable and the fuzz accumulation was minimal (pics in the gallery). The only real concern I had might stem from my general fear of small magnets coming in contact with my credit cards or computers, but I didn't let it get in the way of throwing the case around. I felt confident tossing it in my backpack and walking around, and I didn't have to sorry so much about a power cord or keys scuffing up the phone.
The Element Case Liquid edition I tried for a week performed admirably, but the $99 price tag will be too steep for some. It is beautiful, different and useful, that's for sure. But without a way to clip it to something (OK, it did stick to the fridge) you might pass it up. If you tend to carry your phone in a gear bag of some kind, you appreciate design and you have the cash, I'd say this is a good value. Plus, the custom engraving is very well-done if you want to personalize the thing.
And hey, thanks to the nice folks at Element Case we're giving away two "Liquid" (plastic) cases. One sports the TUAW logo on a blue lid, with TUAW engraved on the back and a smoke-colored backup lid with Element Case on it. The other is a standard Liquid case with a nice green lid sporting butterflies and we're throwing in a red lid with the TUAW logo on it. Both are designed for the 1st-gen and 3G iPhone. Who gets which will be determined randomly, just like we pick our winners.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
- To enter leave a comment telling us what kind of case would you choose for an iPhone?
- The comment must be left before December 22, 11:59PM Eastern Time.
- You may enter only once.
- Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
- Prize: One Element Case Fluid ($100)
- Click Here for complete Official Rules.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)
Mike said 2:09PM on 12-16-2008
This is an awesome case and to have the TUAW logo brand brazen on it to show my loyalty!
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Brandon said 2:10PM on 12-16-2008
I've been waiting for this particular case for a while now, I curenlty have the first gen phone but will be upgrading to the 3g for some time now, as soon as I do I'll be ordering myself on of these, in all the looking I've done I think this case has the potential to protect your phone the best.
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Ted said 2:12PM on 12-16-2008
I would love a case that holds up-- my stupid hard case cracked within a month of buying, and of course, the apple store and everywhere else stopped selling 1G iPhone cases.
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Brendon said 2:17PM on 12-16-2008
I'm using invisible shield right now. I think I'm in the market for a new one.
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DevilGhost said 2:14PM on 12-16-2008
I don't really like cases they bulk your phone and make them look like a brick
i rather get invisibleSHIELD from http://www.zagg.com/
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Tim Hart said 2:17PM on 12-16-2008
I'd love a case like this for my 1st-gen iPhone. Some durable and sturdy. The TUAW logo should be considered another "feature!"
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Chris said 2:19PM on 12-16-2008
I like the look of this case! Combined with a screen protector, it would be the ultimate case!
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Jeremy said 2:21PM on 12-16-2008
These cases are amazing. I've never seen anything like them before. If i had to choose I would go with the blue lib and TUAW logo.
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joe said 2:23PM on 12-16-2008
I have a stupid rubber one now that collects fuzz like mad. My 8 year old dropped mine on the cement, dead on the corner and separated the glass from the side casing.... Bummer. This would come in handy...
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Mario DeMarino said 2:22PM on 12-16-2008
I would have picked the liquid black with the headphone & record player design. TUAW logo looks good too.
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michael said 2:23PM on 12-16-2008
If money were no option --- I would definitely have an Element Case.
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Philip said 3:59PM on 12-22-2008
As a former Apple employee I saw my fare share of iphone damage from drops, throws, or otherwise. While the price looks steep it seems like the perfect all-around case especially when emblazoned with the Tuaw logo
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Gene Cowan said 2:25PM on 12-16-2008
Maybe I'm just not getting the idea, but it appears that what this review calls -- in quotes -- a "flip" lid is actually a magnetically attached separate piece. Meaning, it doesn't flip up and out of the way like, say, a Newton lid; but instead is a completely separate piece.
So, not only are you carrying a much bulkier phone that no longer fits in the change pocket of your jeans; in order to use it you have to remove the lid and stick it on the back. Then when you're done, detach the lid and stick it back on the front. Lots of extra steps.
Kind of hobbles the ability to quickly look something up or take a picture, and seems like it would REALLY make it difficult to answer a phone call considering that you'd have to detach the lid to swipe the unlock bar.
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Mark Keyes said 3:41PM on 12-16-2008
I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!
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Ry said 2:35PM on 12-16-2008
I haven't been interested in any cases, but I suppose I would get this one.
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melman101 said 2:28PM on 12-16-2008
I would like this case :-).
Thats my entry.
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VeganTnT said 2:28PM on 12-16-2008
I actually noticed the Element case a few days ago and am really interested in it. Currently my 1st gen iphone just feels too thin and is uncomfortable for me to play games on for long periods (I review them for a friend's website) The price tag is just too steep without me first getting some hands on time with it
The case also looks like it could take a beating... or give one
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vince said 2:30PM on 12-16-2008
That case looks very nice I like the idea of the lid. I recently ordered a http://switcheasy.com/products/Rebel/Rebel.php Rebel from Switch Easy which comes with a dock adapter. That was the selling feature for me on that case.
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jonathan said 2:31PM on 12-16-2008
i currently have a plastic case (showcase i think) and the damn thing keeps opening and revealing my beautiful phone to the harsh concrete whenever i drop it. whats the point?
i'd love a case with screws on it to prevent this from happening again....
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asinesio said 2:35PM on 12-16-2008
I am sick of my silicone case by "incase" which has completely been destroyed. I am hoping to get an Otterbox for Christmas, but this case looks good, too.
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