The Crystal iPhone 3G Case (works solely with the iPhone 3G) is a hardshell case that does the best job of all the cases. It’s easy to open, has easy access to the Home, Standby and volume buttons, as well as the vibrant on/off switch. It does nearly everything right. 

 

 

 

Our main concern with it was that the case was easy to take off, meaning it doesn’t hold together particularly well. While this is great for opening it up, it isn’t good for protection. Our drop tests had it open every time from any height, though our iPhone took no noticeable damage. In fact, it didn’t hold together well at all, falling off the iPhone during jogs or heavy movement while pocketed. 

 

Verdict: Good iPhone case, but it can’t keep itself in one piece. 

 

 

This case is a plastic enclosing that the iPhone 3G (2G does not fit properly, but can be used with this case with difficulty) slides into, keeping it surrounded at all times. In terms of protection, this case is the best because it cannot fall off because of the design, which makes it hug the iPhone at all times. The bottom snaps on to keep it in place.

 

 

 

However, the case also has a startlingly poor design for the outside buttons. The volume buttons can only be pressed from the bottom (meaning anyone wanting to change the volume must use a finger nail instead of just pressing. The standby button is even more difficult to press. 

 

The other deadly fault is the weak snap-on bottom. Because the plastic it is made of is not hard, it’s easy to bend or even break. But even skewed out of place slightly can make it remarkably difficult to properly seal an iPhone into it. 

 

 

 

Verdict: Best of the cases, but the snap-on bottom is simply too weak to withstand any abuse, and the rest of the case is useless without that bottom.

 

 

 

Out of all of these different cases, there is something to be admired, but unfortunately none has everything that we would want: comfort, protection and style. The telescope lens kit is certainly the most interesting, but carrying the lens around and worrying about the back attachment breaking off doesn't seem worth the risk for someone looking for a standard case.

 

Simultaneously, the thin silicon case is not suitable for text messaging or protection, but it does look good. However, there are sturdier and similar silicon cases available that provide more security.

 

The best choice is the hard plastic case, which while structurally weak when in two separate pieces, is very strong when holding the iPhone. The crystal case simply falls apart too easily when dropped; the plastic case offers the most security and functionality, even if the colors for it or feel aren't quite there.

 

 

Join us next week for our second part of iPhone hardware coverage, as we'll look over a different set of accessories.