Michael Johnston
May 19th, 2008, 05:50 PM
<img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/contour/showcase/showcase_thumb.jpg" align="right" />
It's been a while since we've reviewed anything here at iPA, but we're ready to get back into the groove and start reviewing all the stuff that's piled up. Starting off, we've got the Showcase by Contour. The Showcase is a hard plastic case with a few tricks up its sleeve. A removable belt clip gives it a versatile edge and the two halves stay together using a hinge instead of clipping the halves together all the way around. Not only is it useful, it's also quite stylish.<!--break-->
<b>Contour Showcase Gallery:</b> [<a href="http://www.iphonealley.com/photos/?g2_itemId=2873&g2_GALLERYSID=f629324a73e35ba5b6f020f6449db086">Gallery</a>]
<b>Description</b>: Contour did a magnificent job with the Showcase. In the box you'll find the case itself, along with a removable belt clip. The clip comes off easily when you want it to, with no danger of it coming off when you don't want it to. When removed, the case is very thin and easily slips into a pocket. All sensors, speakers, the dock port, and buttons are uncovered and accessible with the clip on or off. The clear front and back portions are made of acrylic and the corners and sides are made of a hardened rubber-like material. Did I mention it was pretty? Not only is the case nicely designed, it also shows off the iPhone's backside through a nice little window.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/contour/showcase/showcasefront.jpg" /></center>
<b>Pros</b>: The Showcase is a really rugged case. I've dropped my iPhone several times while in this thing from varying heights without a problem. The case itself doesn't scratch so much thanks to those great rubber-like corners. The belt clip is good for those geeky enough to don it and won't fall off if you're walking around. You can also use the clip to prop up your phone for movies and TV if you feel so inclined. When you remove the clip, your iPhone is free to slip into a pocket or just look sexy on a table. It's not rubbery enough to stick to the insides of your pockets, so grabbing it to answer a call is easy. The iPhone itself is very secure inside this case and doesn't move around much.
<b>Cons</b>: I don't have too many complaints about this case, but there was one things that really bothered me. Although the hinge is cool and will likely keep it together better than most cases of this type, it still has the problem of weakening every time you pull it apart and put it back. For a lot of you, this won't be an issue if you don't use the dock and go right for the USB cable, but it's something to be aware of. I used it for quite some time and haven't noticed any significant wear. I'm also concerned that, like every case of this kind, that dust and little bits of pocket garbage will get inside and scratch the phone. Again, it's a nice, tight fit, but it may be a good idea to let your iPhone breathe from time to time with this case.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/contour/showcase/showcaseside.jpg" /></center>
<b>Bottom line</b>: Overall, this case rocks in my mind. It's sturdy, stylish, doesn't block buttons, and protects your precious baby. The slim design is great for slipping into a pocket and the addition of a belt clip is great for people who are into wearing their technology. The case isn't dockable, but most aren't. Watch out for dirt and dust and this case should treat you well. We give it four and a half stars.
The Showcase by Contour is available for $34.95 from <a href="http://www.contourcase.com/showcase/showcaseiphone/" target="_blank">Contourcase.com</a>.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/ratings/4.5-5.png" /></center>
It's been a while since we've reviewed anything here at iPA, but we're ready to get back into the groove and start reviewing all the stuff that's piled up. Starting off, we've got the Showcase by Contour. The Showcase is a hard plastic case with a few tricks up its sleeve. A removable belt clip gives it a versatile edge and the two halves stay together using a hinge instead of clipping the halves together all the way around. Not only is it useful, it's also quite stylish.<!--break-->
<b>Contour Showcase Gallery:</b> [<a href="http://www.iphonealley.com/photos/?g2_itemId=2873&g2_GALLERYSID=f629324a73e35ba5b6f020f6449db086">Gallery</a>]
<b>Description</b>: Contour did a magnificent job with the Showcase. In the box you'll find the case itself, along with a removable belt clip. The clip comes off easily when you want it to, with no danger of it coming off when you don't want it to. When removed, the case is very thin and easily slips into a pocket. All sensors, speakers, the dock port, and buttons are uncovered and accessible with the clip on or off. The clear front and back portions are made of acrylic and the corners and sides are made of a hardened rubber-like material. Did I mention it was pretty? Not only is the case nicely designed, it also shows off the iPhone's backside through a nice little window.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/contour/showcase/showcasefront.jpg" /></center>
<b>Pros</b>: The Showcase is a really rugged case. I've dropped my iPhone several times while in this thing from varying heights without a problem. The case itself doesn't scratch so much thanks to those great rubber-like corners. The belt clip is good for those geeky enough to don it and won't fall off if you're walking around. You can also use the clip to prop up your phone for movies and TV if you feel so inclined. When you remove the clip, your iPhone is free to slip into a pocket or just look sexy on a table. It's not rubbery enough to stick to the insides of your pockets, so grabbing it to answer a call is easy. The iPhone itself is very secure inside this case and doesn't move around much.
<b>Cons</b>: I don't have too many complaints about this case, but there was one things that really bothered me. Although the hinge is cool and will likely keep it together better than most cases of this type, it still has the problem of weakening every time you pull it apart and put it back. For a lot of you, this won't be an issue if you don't use the dock and go right for the USB cable, but it's something to be aware of. I used it for quite some time and haven't noticed any significant wear. I'm also concerned that, like every case of this kind, that dust and little bits of pocket garbage will get inside and scratch the phone. Again, it's a nice, tight fit, but it may be a good idea to let your iPhone breathe from time to time with this case.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/contour/showcase/showcaseside.jpg" /></center>
<b>Bottom line</b>: Overall, this case rocks in my mind. It's sturdy, stylish, doesn't block buttons, and protects your precious baby. The slim design is great for slipping into a pocket and the addition of a belt clip is great for people who are into wearing their technology. The case isn't dockable, but most aren't. Watch out for dirt and dust and this case should treat you well. We give it four and a half stars.
The Showcase by Contour is available for $34.95 from <a href="http://www.contourcase.com/showcase/showcaseiphone/" target="_blank">Contourcase.com</a>.
<center><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/reviewimages/ratings/4.5-5.png" /></center>