Contour Showcase for iPhone 3GS review

The Contour Showcase is the true old-timer in my collection of cases. It is also the case I have used for the most. I got it two years ago when I looked for a sturdy case with a belt clip. In total I think I have used it for about a year, and it is the case I usually go for when I need practical protection on the go.

The Contour Showcase is a polycarbonate hardshell with shock absorbing rubber borders. When the iPhone is inserted in the case it sits really sturdy in place. The case is sturdy, and has no parts that can fall off or become loose. To insert the iPhone you simply open the case by hinging the top backwards. It splits just enough to insert the iPhone, and the fit is snug. Not too snug though, and you can use a screen protector as well.

The protection this case delivers is really good as the combination of polycarbonate and rubber can withstand quite a lot. It isn’t shock absorbing as the products from Tech21, and I have not tried dropping the Contour Showcase to test how well it fares. The times I have dropped my iPhone with the Contour Showcase have been without any injury to the phone or case. The screen is wide open to impact from anything pointy/sharp. The case protects the screen from damage from flat surfaces such as dropping it on pavement. Most times the iPhone is dropped on flat surfaces, but if you want to have maximum protection there is a better product out there called the Otterbox Defender.

All controls are usable when the iPhone is in the case. Only the sleep/wake button has somewhat impaired functionality. It works but takes more effort than without the case. Volume controls and the ringer switch are open to use, but are still protected by the case as they are encased. The speakers have nothing blocking them. The charge socket are open and easy to get access to, but the case can be hard to dock in some speaker docks due to added bulk.
The holster clip is great, and both adds functionality and protection. You can wear the iPhone either with the screen inwards or outwards. For maximum protection the screen inwards is perfect when out running. When sitting on bus with the screen outwards the iPhone turns into a perfect video viewer. It can stand on its own in landscape mode using the holster. Even better you can put clip it to almost any piece of cloth or plastic that can hold the weight of the iPhone and case. I used this feature a lot when I walked with my baby girl in a pram. Simply sticking the iPhone to the pram I could walk for hours watching Dexter and Southpark. It is perfect for parents, and it is a good solution for using the iPhone for you kids as a video viewer when travelling by car.

Every product has some kind of shortcoming, and even the Contour Showcase has a couple of nagging things. The first thing is of course that it doesn’t come with any screen protection. The second is that when using a screen protector it is hard to get it even, and generally it looks really bad along the edges of the phone. Air bubbles are almost impossible to get rid of, and in the end I rather go without any screen protection at all. The case with the holster adds quite a lot of bulk.

The weight of the case is 31 grams(1.1 oz), and that is perfectly ok for longer gaming sessions. The rubber along the edges of the case gives extra grip, and when playing accelerometer games it definitely improves my game. At time the extra bulk on the front of the case makes it harder to use the touch controls. Especially when touching buttons along the edges of the screen the case can feel a bit clumsy.
Summary

Pros
Great sturdy hip holster for use both in landscape and portrait mode.
Study protection.
Showcases the back of the iPhone.
Added grip when playing games.
Full functionality for all buttons.

Cons
No screen protection included.
Not dockable in all iPhone docks.

The Contour Showcase is the best hardcase I have come across with good protection without sacrificing functionality. The hip holster even adds functionality. I have used this case extensively, and I can guarantee that it won’t fall apart on you. Definitely built to last, and it gets my full recommendation.