Wirecutter's Pick for Best iPhone 5 Case: The Switcheasy Tones

[Marzzz]

I went around with my iPhone 4 naked for two years; my wife said it was like going around holding a raw egg. Not a mark on it, until the moment she borrowed it from me and dropped it.....

Now I have the iPhone 5 naked, but it is staying in my pocket!

[barkmonster]

Originally Posted by slicecom

"... and when I sell it, I'll get 10% more for it... minus the cost of the case of course... "

Keep kidding yourself.

http://youtu.be/OSFKVq36Hgc

[D.T.]

I like my phones like I like my women: naked, slim ... and on mute.

[iMacC2D]

Originally Posted by Cygnus311

Because the glass doesn't scratch if you're even remotely careful? I've been sticking the iPhone 4 in my pocket naked for over 2 years and there's not a single scratch on either side of the glass whatsoever. Just don't put keys and other crap in there. Not that hard.

Why does that make anyone that uses a screen protector an idiot though? I use an id America Skyline case with my iPhone 4S, sporting a Mercury AV glossy protector between the phone and case (to prevent dust intrusion from leaving abrasion marks) and a matte finish anti-glare protector on the front cover glass.

My previous iPhone 3G developed a faint scratch in the front glass, although how is beyond me. I keep the iPhone in a separate pocket at all times, although the phone did tend to get use in the workplace and by people other than myself in certain occasions so it's possible it occurred in any of those situations. My iPhone 4S did develop some minor abrasion marks in the glass due to an improperly manufactured case (the injection moulding seams weren't ground back properly). Thankfully, it buffed out.

However, I've never cracked or chipped the cover glass on any device I've ever owned.

It's for that reason I have the protectors on there. When it's entirely in my control, when the handset is in my pocket or in my hands, I know it will be safe and out of harms way. Should I remove it from that pocket though and leave it on my desk, which as an Apple Technician can be littered with the odd screw or otherwise microscopic piece of debris that perhaps fell from a damaged computer (for example), the last thing I want to do is have direct contact between that debris and the glass. Perhaps the bench is completely clean, completely clear, and it's the negligence of another that results in some damage (it wouldn't be the first time I've returned to find my desk shuffled around, much to my dismay).

I take care, but it's a harsh world, things can and do happen.

Considering it only cost me a few dollars at the most, does not add any additional weight and has no effect on my ability to use the handset at all, I don't see what the problem is in having it on there nor do I feel stupid for doing so. Quite the contrary, in fact.

[Jimmy James]

The switcheasy was my favorite case for my 4. The fit was the best and the included accessories over the top (ie. stand). The protection was excellent too. I'll be buying one for my next phone.

[Hot Karl]

I have been keeping my iPhone 5 naked too for all of the good reasons stated above. I have been in the market for an occasional case - that is, a pouch, folder, or wallet that I could put the phone into when I know I will be stowing it away for travel, putting it into a briefcase, or otherwise letting it out of my hand or pocket. Something along the lines of the following. Has anybody found a good solution?

http://store.griffintechnology.com/d...james-iphone-5

http://www.shophex.com/shop/cases/ip...t-for-iphone-5

http://www.vajacases.com/iphone-5-le...5-matelasse-nn

[Dwalls90]

I don't want to buy these from their website.

Any news of them coming to Amazon?

[Want300]

Originally Posted by Unggoy Murderer

I'm waiting for the TwelveSouth BookBook, the one for the 4/4S was fantastic. Don't get me wrong, pretty expensive (especially internationally) but it's the best case I've ever had for any of my phones.

Im with you... I want the new BookBook for my iPhone 5... and I will get it for my next iPad (whether it be the Mini or the iPad 4)

[PinkyMacGodess]

I need one with a holster so I usually end up with an OtterBox Defender. I used another model that I can't remember off the top of my head for my 3 series iPhones and was horrified to see that the hard plastic hinge insides had worn two gouges in the plastic back. Deep ones too, relatively speaking. Aside from that, the phone was spotless.

Still, the OtterBox Defender series have gotten much better than the first incarnation and have saved me countless times from drops and scrapes... I even use their iPad case and, although it's biggish, it protects well and has survived numerous flights and rides in my tool bag...

Not that there aren't any potentially better cases out there with holsters, but these seem to last and protect without being too heavy. To each their own...

How many holster cases are out on the market? Last time I looked, I didn't find more than the OtterBox and a Dolce and Gabanna thing...

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Originally Posted by D.T.

I like my phones like I like my women: naked, slim ... and on mute.

Don't have much luck with that, huh...

[mdelvecchio]

Originally Posted by bedifferent

The new, thinner front touch-screen is much more susceptible to breakage than the 4/4S. There are many who have already shattered the front glass in situations that previous models easily brushed off.

wheres your data on this?

[D.T.]

Originally Posted by PinkyMacGodess

Don't have much luck with that, huh...

I do pretty good

[bedifferent]

Originally Posted by mdelvecchio

wheres your data on this?

Are you kidding? You want empirical data? Ok. (here's a quick one, read the comments: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57...e-says-report/ )

Placing that aside, and foregoing that google is your own friend, how about the latest news that Foxconn is slowing production due to the poor anodization of the back:

Increased iPhone 5 Quality Control Standards to Address Scratches Slowing Production

[janderson0719]

I have the original Apple case

[james90755]

I am using painter's blue tape on the back until I decide...

[s15119]

Looks like a nice case. I'll give it a try. I too prefer to have my iPhone naked, but I know eventually I'll drop it - so usually I keep it in a case, and then occasionly use it naked for a spell.

[laidbacknate]

Originally Posted by slicecom

The best case is the one Jonathan Ive designed.

Jon Ive designed a great case, but if you plan on using your iPhone "naked" then prepare to accept the scratches and dings that will appear all over the aluminum casing.

Sure, I love the look of my iPhone 5, but I also like being able to set it down on a counter top without risking permanent damage. How about Ghost Armor? Slim profile, hardly noticeable, supremely durable. Or even a clear case if you just like the way it looks.

iPhone 5 is great, looks great, feels great in the hand, but I also want it to last. Rollin' naked is for the supremely brave, and/or supremely stupid.

[KdParker]

Liking the case, but my just go with a clear cover inorder keep the look of the phone.

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Originally Posted by laidbacknate

Jon Ive designed a great case, but if you plan on using your iPhone "naked" then prepare to accept the scratches and dings that will appear all over the aluminum casing.

Sure, I love the look of my iPhone 5, but I also like being able to set it down on a counter top without risking permanent damage. How about Ghost Armor? Slim profile, hardly noticeable, supremely durable. Or even a clear case if you just like the way it looks.

iPhone 5 is great, looks great, feels great in the hand, but I also want it to last. Rollin' naked is for the supremely brave, and/or supremely stupid.

link for slim profile?

[PinkyMacGodess]

Well the iPhone was the first phone I've had that is metal. Well, and come to think of it, it's the first phone I've had that is glass too. They've come a long way from the original all plastic iPhone.

All of the other pretenders are predominantly plastic. I give it to Apple for switching things up and trying different materials and combinations to keep it interesting. I am waiting for a carbon fiber iPhone. THAT would be interesting to see, and I imagine a real bugger on the QC side.

[PinkyMacGodess]

Originally Posted by laidbacknate

Rollin' naked is for the supremely brave, and/or supremely stupid.

But there are people that buy SUV's and aside from the occasional dirt clod or tire tracks left from a landscaping truck, never ever see ANY off road action. That's not to say that they shouldn't have bought an SUV, I'm sure they have their reasons, but theirs will make a great score on the used market with no dents and scratches and stress of off road use. Some people buy mobile phones and they never see anything but their ear, and their pants/suit coat pocket. And some people just expect some wear to show on their products. Still I wonder if the aluminum is coated properly. Wouldn't hard anodizing cause the surface to be more durable? Is that material actually stainless steel, or aluminum? Aluminum would scratch a lot easier than stainless... Stainless would be harder to permanently color. Maybe they should have used a hard anodized aluminum instead, unless the reason for the metal plate is to add stiffness/rigidity almost as an afterthought...

[tbrinkma]

Originally Posted by jlgolson

Whoops, you're right. Embarassing. It's/Its is my biggest grammar fault.

You could have just said, "Its my biggest grammar fault.", and he would have corrected it for you.

----------

Originally Posted by bedifferent

Are you kidding? You want empirical data? Ok. (here's a quick one, read the comments: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57...e-says-report/ )

Placing that aside, and foregoing that google is your own friend, how about the latest news that Foxconn is slowing production due to the poor anodization of the back:

Increased iPhone 5 Quality Control Standards to Address Scratches Slowing Production

Neither of those articles even *claims* to present empirical data about the iPhone 5 screen being easier to break. (I'm thinking you don't know what 'empirical data' means.)

[cuskit]

Originally Posted by Presonance

it's > its



it's > its

If you "hate to be that guy" - then don't! I bet you feel SO much better now that you posted your corrections...

I know that I gave a HUGE sigh of relief when I noticed that somebody had finally caught those two errors.. NOT!!!

Sigh...

[cuskit]

I'm extremely interested in this case - I have this "need" to keep as slim as possible and this case does seem to address that issue nicely.

However... I also need a holster (pockets are not an option - I'm a tradesman and often kneeling, lying down, rolling over, etc.) and with the holster I find it easier to remember to remove it when doing any of these activities. Time back I broke my Droid (in my pocket, out of sight - out of mind) while rolling over to my back (installing some kitchen base cabinets).

Which brings me to this question: Any chance this will fit into the Verizon "Shell/Holster Combo"? That is my present protection but I'm not real comfortable with this cover as it leaves the top and bottom front edges exposed (I believe this is where the antennas are located?)..

[jlgolson]

Originally Posted by tbrinkma

You could have just said, "Its my biggest grammar fault.", and he would have corrected it for you. [COLOR="#808080"]

That would have been much more clever!

[HERO XXL]

Originally Posted by Want300

Im with you... I want the new BookBook for my iPhone 5... and I will get it for my next iPad (whether it be the Mini or the iPad 4)

Bought the Book Book last time and hardly EVER took it out--HANDS DOWN one of the best cases I've ever owned.

...but the wait is too much to bear--especially with all the scuffing stories--I purchased a flimsy replica to hold me over--but it doesn't provide the protection that the Book Book did in case of an accidental drop, so I decided to jump on the replicas that ARE available now. I purchased a NAVOR iPhone 4 case for my wife's 4S and was REALLY surprised at its' quality--plus it had the hole for the camera (something I hated about the Book Book). Their version for the 5 was released yesterday and I've already placed my order this morning AND it has already shipped!!

I also purchased another replica off ebay--both of them were under $25 and came in both brown and black. I REALLY tried to hold out for the Book Book, but if something happened to the phone prior to whenever they get around to releasing it, I'd be pissed off at self for waiting.

[Want300]

Originally Posted by HERO XXL

I also purchased another replica off ebay--both of them were under $25 and came in both brown and black. I REALLY tried to hold out for the Book Book, but if something happened to the phone prior to whenever they get around to releasing it, I'd be pissed off at self for waiting.

When you get them... Let me know how the quality is if you don't mind.

Links? Thanks.