July 15, 2010

People keep telling me “you get what you pay for,” so I decided to put that theory to the test by ordering (blind) some very inexpensive cases on ebay. I’m currently in possession of three cases, one from Singapore, and two from Hong Kong. The case from Singapore proves the old saying true. It is a flimsy piece of rubber with visible seams. It fits poorly, and just feels cheap. It cost $2.97. There was no shipping charge.

The two cases from Hong Kong, on the other hand, are startling exceptions. They are both that semi-rigid material that allows a good tight fit. The only complaint I have is the colours, and that’s totally my fault – they all look the same online.

Below is a full gallery of photos of the two cases I like, one “pink” and the other “tangerine.” They cost $1.99 each, and included shipping.  An ebay seller with impeccable ratings, I even exchanged some email with them (when I screwed up choosing colours), and they were wonderful. Take a look at the photos, and then I’ll answer all your questions.

Cases VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Q: Can I use my aftermarket sync/charge cable with these cases?

A: You can!

Q: Do the sides come up over the top edges of the glass to offer protection to the screen?

A: The tangerine case comes up slightly higher than the pink case all the way around. The pink case comes up above the screen on the sides and at the top and bottom, but recedes at the corners.

Q: Are they “grippy?”

A: The pink case is smooth, but not slippery. The tangerine case has marvelously textured strips on either side. I’m not sure if these strips would prevent you from pulling the iPhone smoothly from a tight pants pocket (my pockets are large!), but for $1.99, you owe it to yourself to find out!

Q: Can I access the buttons and ports?

A: You can! As you can see from the photos, the pink case covers the volume buttons, and although slightly off-center, it’s fairly flat, so it’s still easy to press both volume buttons. The power button on top is also covered, but it does not impede depression. The side of the case with the volume and mute buttons on the tangerine case is wide open, giving you access to all 3. The power button, on the other hand, is covered, but very easy to press.

Q: Is there any give to either case? There is no give at all in the sides on tangerine case. The fit is tight, with a tiny bit of movement at the top and bottom. The pink case is slightly less rigid, but almost no noticeable give.

Q: Where do I order these cases?

A: The tangerine can be found here, and the pink case can be found here. And if you click those links, you will see they are available in a ton of colours. For less than two bucks, you can get one to match each outfit!

Q: If they ship from Hong Kong, how long will it take?

A: I ordered mine on July 3, and received them on July 15. I don’t understand how they can not charge shipping, but I’m not complaining!

Q: Do you get what you pay for?

A: No. Sometimes you get way more than what you pay for!

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