$99 and up
Readers (particularly Shawn - thanks!) brought my attention to the iPhone cases by Element since I hadn’t been looking around that much for new ones given how satisfied I’ve been with my Incase Slider. The Element cases are pretty unique - they are built such that they can accommodate both the 3G iPhone and the first-generation iPhone and both the front lid *and* the back of the case can be customized with your selected graphics and/or text. They offer 3 case lines - Liquid, Alloy, and Limited cases and prices start at $99. Each case comes with a flip lid, and they’re currently offering an extra flip lid with each case purchase for free.
I received 2 cases - one Liquid case in black and the 2009 Valentine’s Day special edition Liquid case in pearlescent pink. This special edition case has a design created by graphic designer Nancy Ogami and only 100 of them will be made. I have #004. If you’re thinking of ordering one, I suggest you do it soon before they run out!
Materials
The bottom half of the Liquid cases is made of a high impact polymer and is painted with a high gloss finish. There is an anodized aluminum plate inset into the back of the case colored to match the polymer portion, and this plate is laser-engraved with a graphic. If you don’t provide a custom graphic, you receive a case with their current standard graphic, which is retired after a season to essentially create limited runs of cases. New designs then become available and the process is repeated each season.
Both cases with lids on
Regarding the paint job and finish of the plastic portions of the case, they are done well with no rough edges or missed spots upon close inspection. While I’m not usually into the color pink, this case is done in a deeper pink with a slight metallic look to it and I like it enough to want to use it and won’t be embarrassed by it.
The Valentine’s Day special edition case with a customized lid
The flip lid is made of translucent acrylic and comes in various colors, including a frosted finish (see the picture below). The lids are also laser-engraved with graphics - when I went to choose from the stock offering of graphics on their site, there were 22 graphics and 7 lid colors from which to choose, yielding a total of 154 possible combinations already. Unless you have a lot of friends who are into iPhone cases, chances are that you’ll get a unique case among your local population. If you throw in a custom graphic that you don’t share with anyone else, you’ll definitely get a unique case no one else will have (barring anyone coming up with the exact same design, of course).
The Liquid case with a customized rear design
I want to note that the process was fast as well - I received the cases, including one case and 1 flip lid customized for macgirl.net about 1 week after submitting my selections.
Access
With the lid on, every button and port is accessible and the screen is completely covered. You cannot dock the iPhone while it’s in the Element case, even in a Universal Dock with no dock adapter inserted. The lid attaches to the four corners of the case magnetically and does not rest directly against the iPhone’s screen - it’s actually a couple of millimeters away from the screen. So, your touches on the lid won’t transfer through to the iPhone and the lid’s material won’t transfer electrons to activate the iPhone’s capacitive screen to begin with anyway.
The left side - iPhone 3G on the top and first-generation iPhone on the bottom
Since you get 2 lids with every case with the current special offered, I do want to note that the lids are all identical in terms of fit, so you won’t find any “this lid fits better than the other one” situations here.
Access to the dock port, speaker, and microphone
When you remove the lid, the entire screen is accessible. With the iPhone 3G, the chrome bezel is hidden by the interior frame that holds it in the bottom portion of the case. With the first-generation iPhone, the bezel is partially visible. This is best illustrated by the following picture:
I have no trouble plugging my headphones, currently a pair of V-Moda Vibe Duos, or a charging cord into either iPhone when in an Element case. I have a Power Support anti-glare screen protector on my iPhone 3G and the case doesn’t interfere with it at all. The hole for the camera lens is cut a little wider than you’d expect to accommodate its placement on both the iPhone 3G and the first-generation iPhone.
First-generation iPhone on the bottom, iPhone 3G on the top
The slightly different camera locations between the first-generation iPhone and the iPhone 3G
Using the case
If you’ve read any of my other iPhone case reviews, you already know that I frequently use my iPhone during my commute and often only have one hand free to do so. I also like to keep my iPhone in pocket while at work sometimes and it’s usually in my purse when I’m out and about on the weekends. My iPhone in an Element case fits into my coat pocket just fine, but it’s a tighter fit in my jeans pocket. A much, much tighter fit. If you wear baggy jeans, this won’t be an issue for you. If you’re a woman who wears the type of jeans currently in style (skinny, boot cut, or flare), you will probably have a harder time fitting your iPhone in an Element case into your pocket.
The lid attached magnetically to the back of the case
I use a case for my iPhone because I think it’s a slippery little bugger when it’s naked and I want some level of drop protection for the inevitable slow-motion fall it will one day take to the ground as a heart-broken “NOOOOOOOOO!” escapes from my lips. In these two respects, the Element case works well - with the lid on, it covers most of my iPhone and I don’t think anything would really happen to it in a fall from hand-height to the ground.
The flip lid attaches to the front and rear of the case magnetically, attracted to the 4 screws in each corner. These magnets are strong - I’ve never had the flip lid come off in my bag by itself or during normal use. I occasionally leave the flip lid attached to the back of the case when I know I’ll be using my iPhone again shortly but need to put it in my pocket for a few minutes, and the flip lid stays put on the back with no problems. It is a 2-handed job to review the lid and put it on the back, so I like that there is at least the option of just leaving the ild on the back of the case every now and then.
The right side
Summary
If you’re looking for a close-fitting case that adds little bulk to your iPhone, an Element case is not for you. However, if you’re looking for a strong and unique case customized with a logo or any design you can put into a format to send to Element, this is the case to buy. I must say that I am absolutely tickled pink every time I look at the macgirl.net customized case - I never understood the thrill in having a unique case like this before, and although this case doesn’t quite suit how I tend to use my iPhone, I’m still inclined to use this case because I find it so cool.
Starting at $99, the Element cases may be a little too expensive for many, but I think the level of customization they offer makes it worth it and the cases are indeed solid and well-made for the price.
Related reviews:
Incase Slider for iPhone 3G
Vaja iVolution case for first-generation iPhone