Design

The DLO HybridShell for iPhone 3G is a transparent plastic snap-on case for the iPhone. The case protects the back and sides. The openings are all precision cut, even the camera, to allow for easy access to all of the ports and switches on the iPhone. As a bonus, you even receive a screen protector to protect the screen.

Daily Use

The factor that attracted me to this case initially were the raised black rubber “bumps” on the bottom of the case. I think everyone would agree that out of the box, the iPhone can be a little slippery. After snapping on the case I immediately began placing the case on any surface I could find to see how it “stuck”. Keep in mind that there is no adhesive, simply solid rubber studs. I have to admit to my surprise it actually made a difference. Specifically in the car. Placing the case on the dashboard for example proved  non-perilous.

With these positives, there are inevitable downsides. The big one? Well, that same awesome non-slip behavior on surfaces also applies to your pant pocket. Though not impossible to wield, depending on how tight you wear your pants, the case can get “stuck” pulling it our of your pocket. Yes, those rubber studs work their magic in there too.

I typically shy away from snap-on cases because my biggest fear is that if the phone is dropped, the case will hit the ground and break apart. Not so with the DLO Hybrid Shell. Once this case is on, it stays on and can be very difficult to remove (I had to get my pocket knife to use as a prying tool to remove the case).

Conclusion

Overall I think this is an excellent case only brought back a tad from perfection by a couple issues including: no docking while in the case (you can still use the USB cable), sticks in your pocket and the case can be rather challenging to remove. This last one only would apply if you swap cases often). These sniggles aside, if you are looking for a clear case with screen protector and rubber grips, I think you can’t go wrong with this case. Its low-profile and ridged to serve the most abusive customers.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Case is compact
• Precision openings for accessing everything you need on your phone
• Back grips are nice
• Included clear screen protector is an added bonus

Cons:

• Case can get “stuck” in your jean pocket do to the rubber studs
• Case is very difficult to remove
• Not dockable from within case

TiPb’s Rating:

The DLO SlimCase for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $39.95. If you are looking for a case that allows you to easily remove your iPhone while still keeping it secure when in the case, this one might be for you!. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The DLO SlimCase comes with the case and wrist strap. There is a nice leather finish on the outside of the case and a soft, non-scratch material on the inside. This material allows the iPhone to slide into the case smoothly, yet holds it in place securely as well. The included wrist strap attaches at the top of the case and does not impede placing the iPhone in or out of the case.

Daily Use

When I first looked at this case I was perplexed as to why the whole top half of it was open. As you can see in the pictures, there is no flap or clip to keep the iPhone from falling out! However, after spending some time with the case, I feel this design was done for three reasons; 1) easy access to remove the phone as needed for docking, etc. 2) to keep the form factor compact 3) complete and unobscured access to the iPhone’s external buttons.

The DLO SlimCase is durable and stylish. The removable wrist strap comes in helpful too. The smooth leather case allows it to easily slip in your pocket and I feel it is protected. The only concern I have is if the case is dropped. I feel fairly confident that the iPhone will stay in the case, but the issue is the top corners; they are unprotected and if it takes the brunt of a fall, could harm the iPhone’s shell.

Using this case daily, I did not encounter any problems. It didn’t get stuck in my jeans pocket and it held up well under the daily abuse a case can get. I kept the wrist strap attached, but found that the case gave the iPhone sufficient grip so I did not use it. The Big question I know is on your mind: with a gaping opening at the top of the case, did the iPhone stay in securely? The answer is yes. The iPhone does fit securely, I had no issues with it coming loose.

Conclusion

This iPhone case is a double-edged sword; easily removable and slim, yet a compromise on the top corners if dropped. I am giving this case a 3 instead of a 4 because I have concerns if I were to drop the case, would the top corners be protected? If this is not a concern for you, then this is a great case that looks good, has a nice finish and allows you to remove the iPhone easily for docking or other activities.

Pros:

• Nice leather finish
• Easily remove the iPhone as needed
• Case is compact
• Openings for accessing everything you need on your phone
• Wrist strap

Cons:

• Top corners are exposed
• Not dockable

TiPb’s Rating: