[Ed: Wondering where you may have seen this case before? Look no further than our ongoing Smartphone Expert Round Robin! Yup, one lucky TiPb reader will be winning the Naked Case along with a shiny new iPhone 3G, both courtesy of Case-Mate! Huge thanks to them, and our new sibling store Smartphone Outlet for making all this possible! Now hurry up and read all about what you just might win!]

Need a new case that is light-weight, thin and protects the iPhone screen? Look no further than the Case-Mate Naked Case Touch Through Acrylic Case for iPhone 3G! This case is available for $34.95 from the Phone Different Store. This case totally encompasses your iPhone protecting it from any accidental damage. How does it work? Read on for more information!

Design

Case-Mate's Naked Case comes in a few different colors; black, white, grey, pink and clear. In this review, we are looking at the "clear" case. The design allows for a simple two-piece solution. The two section of the case slide together, seamlessly snapping at the bottom of the case, by the iPhone's dockng port. The top half has openings for the front sensors, power button and volume controls. It also have an elegant black outline covering the perimeter of the device. The translucent top piece is not only a protectant, but it is an electrostatic membrane that allows you to touch the screen. More on this later.

Daily Use

Once your iPhone is encapsulated by the case, it is fully protected. That doesn't mean you can drop it in water, it means that 95% is covered. There are still needed openings for the Home button, speakers, power button, etc. How does this device work on a daily basis? Let's start with the basics: the touch screen.

I have to admit I was a little leery of using a case that covered my touch screen. However, there is no need to fear, the device responds perfectly fine. The case is designed with such precision, the touch screen lines up beautifully with no gaps; even the home button is exact. Kudos to Case-Mate. The only distractor I could find is sometimes that the too screens just barely touch, So sometimes, there are sections of the case and touch screen that meet and it can leave a somewhat distracting "bubble" on the screen. To be honest though, if you touch it, it typically disappears and probably won't cause too much distraction.

I have myself trained that I use the power button to turn by iPhone on and off. I don't use the home button, just the power button. This has been a challenge because I find the the power button is recessed a little too far for my "fat" fingers. But hey, I embrace change, and pressing the home button to boot up is a satisfactory second place. 

I have found all of the other opening sufficient for what they do. I can easily access the ringer switch, volume controls, camera lens, headphone jack and docking port with ease. 

The case adds minimal bulk to the iPhone. I am not one to usually have a case attached to my phone all the time; I typically slide it in and out of a case. However, with the very thin form factor of the Naked- Case, I could still easily slide it into my pocket with no worry of it being uncomfortable or bulging out too much from my pocket (ok, no jokes here). 

Conclusion

Overall, I like this case, I really do and this is a first for me with this type of case enclosure. Sure there are a few distractors, and a couple nagging idiosyncrasies such as the Apple logo is completely obscured when using one of the colored cases. However, what is gained is awesome; a lightweight case that protects your iPhone top, front and back. The electrostatic membrane is responsive and works like a charm. All ports are assessable and is easily taken off and removed. Oh, that part reminds me of something; durability. I can't say I feel that I were to drop the iPhone on concrete the case would live to see another day, but I sure feel the iPhone will. Oh, and check out the gallery and YouTube video at the bottom

Pros

• Solid
• Touch screen works great with case!
• Easy to snap on and off

Cons

• Not dockable with case
• Some iPhone buttons are hard to access

TiPb Rating:

What's In The Box?

Upon opening the BodyGuardz package, the inside cover contains detailed instructions and hints for installation of the scratch-proof transparent film. There is also a helpful tip referring you to their web site (bodyguardz.com) for How to install instruction videos. A pocket on the inside of the front jacket contains two (2) complete BodyGuardz transparent film sets and installation diagram.

On the right side of the package is a spray "tube" of application solution (harmless water and baby shampoo) and a credit card-like "squeegee" applicator. You definitely want all of these tools to do the job right.

Installation and Performance

Installing the BodyGuardz transparent film may look very intimidating at first. I've used similar products on other devices and had them "professionally" installed at mall kiosks. For purposes of this review, I did this installation all by my lonesome, and I have to say, it wasn't as difficult as I thought. The instructions are pretty straight-forward and the videos on the BodyGuardz web site are helpful.

The secret is using enough of the solution to make your job easy. Make sure you have solution on your fingers at all times - it's a safeguard against your fingers sticking to the film. You also want to be sure to handle the outside of the film to avoid leaving fingerprints on the tacky side that will apply to your iPhone. Just slowly remove the film from it's backing, spraying the sticky side with solution as you go, and then apply the pieces of film to the appropriate locations on your iPhone. The screen protector is the easiest, then it gets a little more tricky as you apply the film to the rounded corners of your iPhone.

If you use enough solution, I found that installation was much easier because the film will "float" a little on the surface areas of your iPhone and allow you to move them more easily into position. As the water starts to dry, the film gets more tacky and sticks in place better. This is particularly helpful to know when installing around the corners. As the film gets more tacky as it dries, just press and hold the corners in place until they stick on their own.

Once the film is applied, there will likely be tons of bubbles where moisture is trapped between the film and your iPhone. Don't let this be a big worry. Just use the squeegee to smooth out the bubbles, carefully pushing them to the edges where most of the moisture can escape. It's recommended that you allow your iPhone to sit overnight without being placed in a case or pocket - you need to allow the film enough time to "cure" so it adheres to your iPhone. Once in place and dry, the film will stay put and won't come off. You can peel it off later without leaving any residue if you want, but until that time, the BodyGuardz will stay on your iPhone and protect it from scratches and scrapes.

The nice thing about using the BodyGuardz transparent film to protect your iPhone is that it adds minimal bulk, it shows off the sleek design and color of your iPhone, and it does a fantastic job of protecting against scratches and scrapes. It is also a good idea to apply BodyGuardz before using another kind of case. I've learned through sad experience that some cases, although designed to protect your iPhone, can cause scratches over time as dirt and dust get trapped between the case and your iPhone. There are some downsides to using BodyGuardz. First, it adds just enough bulk to your iPhone that some form-fitting cases, particularly the hard cases, may not fit properly. Second, over time the film can get dirty and start to peel around the edges if you aren't careful. Sometimes this can be remedied if you keep it clean and reapply the corners with a little moisture and curing. Finally, it offers no protection from harmful impacts. Also, it may be a little bit on the pricey side at $24.95. But, that price does include two (2) sets of BodyGuardz.

Conclusion

The BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent film is an excellent way to protect your iPhone and still give it that "naked" look. It's moderately easy to apply and stays put once everything dries. It does a fabulous job protecting your iPhone from scratches and scrapes, but is not recommended for protection in the event of accidental (or intentional) drops to the ground. It may create a problem if you want to use a hard form-fitting case. Personally, I like it enough that it's still on my iPhone and will stay there as long as I have the phone. You can get BodyGuardz here in the iMore Store for $24.95.

Pros

• Adds minimal bulk
• Clear film to show off your iPhone
• Moderately easy at-home installation
• Protects against scratches and scrapes

Cons

• Adds enough bulk that hard form-fitting cases may not fit properly
• Offers no protection for damaging impacts
• Can start peeling off on the corners over time; wear and tear
• A little pricey at $24.95

TiPb Rating:

The iSkin revo case for iPhone, available in the iMore Store for $39.95, is designed for the iPhone 2G and is touted as offering maximum protection for your iPhone. With a broad landscape of cases to choose from, this one stands out from the others. It costs a bit more than most other cases, but is it worth the extra bucks? Read on for the full review!

Design

Constructed of durable rubber and including an ultra-clear impact resistant Screen ViSOR, the iSkin revo case for iPhone 2G has your iPhone covered. Form-fitting to protect all vulnerable areas of your iPhone, it is an impressive way to protect your iPhone from bumps, scrapes, and shock from accidental drops. The material used in it's construction is even anti-microbial to help keep the germs away. Also, it is available in a variety of colors to give your iPhone a little flair.

The included Screen ViSOR snaps into place to protect your iPhone's screen from damage when not in use. When you need access to the screen, the Screen ViSOR snaps into place seamlessly on the back of your iPhone, readily available when you need it's protection again.

The case covers and protects the ports and controls of your iPhone as well. A removable docking port cover is included to keep dust and dirt away from your docking port while still allowing room for the speakers. Along the top of the case, a rubber flap allows access to the headphone jack. The surface of the case is slightly grooved to give your iPhone some "grippiness."

The iSkin revo includes a privacy screen film with anti-glare. This is a nice touch because it covers and protects your screen from prying eyes as well as dust and dirt, but also performs admirably in reducing fingerprints and smudges. Also, a small, clear plastic lens cover is included to fit between the camera lens and the case.

Performance

The iSkin revo is an exceptional case with regard to protection. It covers the iPhone's vital spots while still giving you full access to the screen and all controls and ports. The material is grippy and durable, and the case is easy to install on your iPhone and it stays put. Staying put is important, and not for the obvious reason of protection. In my experience, other rubber cases tend to stretch over time and develop a looser fit on my phone. As it loosens, it slides just a little, but enough that any dust or dirt that gets inside between the case and phone results in scratches and abrasions over time. This is very annoying when you thought you were protected. The iSkin revo avoids this problem because not only is the rubber material fairly rigid, but each end is a snug fit on the iPhone, drastically reducing the possibility of stretching and, consequently, abrasions and scratches.

The case features slightly raised surfaces over the buttons so it's easy to find and "feel" the power button, volume buttons, and Home button. There is a cutout for the mute switch, protecting the switch very well but also causing a little trouble for those of us with larger fingers to access the switch. The ultra-clear impact resistant Screen ViSOR is handy if you are carrying your iPhone in a bag or pocket and want to protect the screen from damage, but it can also be a bit humorous when you try to tap on your iPhone's screen, get no response, and then realize you had forgotten the clear Screen ViSOR.

The port cover is a handy little item. I like that it's not attached, giving you the choice of using it or not to protect your iPhone's charging/syncing port from dirt and dust. Usually it sits firmly in place, but on rare occasions it would come off when I struggled to pull my iPhone out of my front pocket, for example. A friend of mine has used this case since he bought his iPhone 2G when it was first released (a testament to the durability of this case), and he has already paid a few bucks to replace a lost port cover.

Along the top of the phone is the headphone jack cover. I like the design in that it's a flap of rubber that is virtually seamless when closed, but opens to reveal the headphone jack when needed. It does a great job of protecting your headphone jack from dirt and dust. The included anti-glare privacy screen film is a nice addition. The iPhone's screen is such a fingerprint and smudge magnet, so the privacy screen film is a welcome addition because it greatly reduces smudges and fingerprints while reducing glare and keeping your screen private from curious onlookers.

Conclusion

The iSkin revo case for iPhone 2G, available now for $39.95 right here at the iMore Store, is about the best you can do for an iPhone case. It offers excellent protection of your iPhone while still providing access to the buttons and ports. The included privacy screen film with anti-glare is a nice addition, and the embedded anti-microbial protection offers a little piece of mind against germs. The option to attach the Screen ViSOR to protect your iPhone's screen is nice, particularly that it stores seamlessly on the back of the case when not in use. It is a durable case that adds a little bulk to your iPhone, but not so much to make it unbearable. Given what you probably spent for your iPhone, it's a great way to protect your investment.

Pros

• Great overall protection.
• Protects yet allows access to all buttons and ports.
• Anti-microbial.
• Includes a Screen ViSOR and privacy screen film with anti-glare.

Cons

• Adds a little bulk to your iPhone.
• Rubber port cover can be lost if you aren't careful.

Rating: