Finding the perfect case for a iPhone is like finding the perfect pair of pants – it has to fit right and should match one’s lifestyle.

Speck, a well-known accessories company here in the US has released a few noteworthy cases – the “Fitted” 3G case and the “SwitchWay” 3G case. Both styles came in a rather cute “milk box” style box with see-thru sections to get a good feel of the item’s size. The “Fitted” boxes even came with a fabric swatch on the front of the box to preview the item’s feel. The boxes open neatly with snaps on the top and the interiors slide out. 

First, the “Fitted“. 

For the consumer looking for a case that is simple, yet functional and stylish, the “Fitted” is a nice choice. The case is bonded with actual fabric which is trimmed at all the plastic edges. The case neatly snaps together and holds the iPhone surrounded on all sides, leaving the glass front exposed. All of the ports, buttons, and camera are perfectly accessible with cutouts in the case. 

The case does give the phone some bulk and a little added weight (although the case itself is feather-light) which may be of concern to people with smaller hands. For men who may want to stash their phone in their pants pockets, you may encounter some difficulty with the fabric providing resistance/snag and case’s plastic edging, in comparison to the iPhone’s smooth edges and contour.

Which brings me to my final concern – the plastic edging. As I hold my phone upright with my pinky, I find that the open edges of the case surrounding the docking port a little irritating. It may not be “sharp” but it can be uncomfortable with continued use. I find this to be a common issue with most open-front cases of this style – but comfort is usually sacrificed for overall protection of the phone.

For it’s simple design and stylish look, the “Fitted” is a nice option for those looking for basic ding and scratch protection with a little flair. 

Speck Products Fitted iPhone case is available in 3 stylish fabrics and they usually retail for $29.95 each. But TODAY ONLY, you can get these cases for 50% off at the SpeckProducts website! 

If you’ve missed the sale, you can always get them at Amazon.com for a great price.

Second, the “SwitchWay“

This has to be the single-most versatile case I’ve come across! Folks who like to wear their cases on their belts often have to consider either a side-loading case or a top-loading case. With this case, you don’t even have to choose! It’s BOTH!

The case is made from both leather and a rugged “ballistic” canvas-type material and the flaps are held shut with hidden magnets and cut-outs around the belt clips. Belt clips are found on both sides as well. The case looks sporty with contrasting yellow stitching. The interior is lined with a soft material that will both cushion and protect the surfaces of your phone. The iPhone slides in and out with ease (aided by cut-outs on both the bottom and side) and is well-protected. The only ports that are accessible are the earphone jack and docking port.

However, I prefer to carry my phone in my bag and I find the case bulky – easily 2-3x the size of the phone’s depth, literally competing with my wallet/pocketbook. I also find the belt clips difficult to use as they were both “stiff” and the spacing was a little shallow (due to the latched covers). It may take some “breaking in” to loosen them up, depending on which way you prefer to wear your case.

Although the case has two different fabrics (leather and ballistic canvas) to differentiate between sides, I still frequently mistook which side I was opening the flap on, which can be frustrating when turning off an alarm or answering a phone call.

The design is quite innovative and is bound to be a conversation starter. It’s fun to play with and feels quite substantial in weight and size. I like having the ability to load my phone from the top and side, depending on my mood or the occasion. Also as someone who frequently drops their phone (by accident…), I feel the case really protects it from most dings and scratches.

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So, if you’re looking for protection, first and foremost, jazzed up with a little style, the Fitted is a great option that fits into most lifestyles – simply find a design that suits your taste! 

I recommend the Speck Products SwitchWay iPhone Case with reservations. Its innovative design and craftsmanship will win most on-the-go business types, but it can be cumbersome and confusing if you opt to not wear it on a belt or waistband. Additionally, it may take some breaking in to soften the flaps and belt clip – expect a tight fit in the beginning!

The Speck SwitchWay retails for $34.95 but is on sale TODAY ONLY for 50% off at SpeckProducts website!

If you’ve missed the sale, you can always help support iPhoneNewsBlog by purchasing the Speck Products SwitchWay from amazon.com (and save a little money as well!)