Speck Fitted 3G/3GS review

I have a soft spot for innovation, and to me combining materials is always interesting. The Fitted case from Speck is basically a two piece hard case, but with a definite twist. The back is covered by thin fabric. This gives a unique tactile property of the case, and a definite classy style.

The back half of the case covers the entire back, and sides. It is possible to use only the back half, as it hugs the phone snugly. There are some plastic pieces sticking up to snap into the front piece, that don’t look too good if you don’t use the front. Furthermore I doubt it that you can blame Speck for the iPhone falling out if you only use the back part, as it wasn’t designed for such usage. Snapping on the front is easy, and adds much appreciated front protection.

There are cut-outs for the camera, volume controls, mute switch, hold/silent button, charge socket and headphone socket. All functions are easy to use without any hassle. It is not dockable in all docks, and this needs to be taken into consideration if you have a snug dock.

The protection offered is really good for the back, sides, and front. There is no screen protection film included. At 2.3 oz the case is lightweight, and the bulk added is minimal. The overall feel of the Fitted is smooth, sophisticated and cool.

A large problem with the Fitted is the fact that the fabric tend to fuss around the edges. After a couple of weeks in my pocket there is no sign of the fabric being damaged or loosing the grip to the plastic. Still the visual aesthetic is damaged as the case looks ragged and worn after such a short time. To others this might be a large positive if you are all over the worn and torn jeans style. The Speck logo in rubber fastened to the fabric is also slowly coming loose, and that is less of a problem to me.

The artworks available are overall really well done. The original fitted line comes with different classical patterns such as hounds tooth, pinstripe and tartan plaid. Updates adding more colour such as pink have been added to the collection, and even the special headphones artwork that I have been testing. The grip is somewhat enhanced due to the edge where the back and front meet.

A trend has become that great case manufacturers have turned to cool designers to get some groove going. Griffin and Threadless did this recently, and Speck started working with Artsprojekt Global Creative Network. The art found on the Fitted Artsprojekt cases are colourful, and at times thoughtful. Not as interesting as the Threadless designs, but definitely eye catching. I find the Pale Horse KOI by Chris Sparks to be an artwork that I want on my wall. If you find any Artsprojekt design you enjoy you better get it right away as those are limited editions.

Summary

Pros
Elegant sophisticated design or bold young art.
Good overall protection solution.
Full functionality.
Unique sensation having fabric on the back.
Enhanced grip when using the phone.

Cons
The fabric get fuzzy around the edges, and there is even the odd strand to cut off.
No screen protection film included.
The rubber logo on the back tears off quite easily, but that is not that big of a deal.
A belt clip or holster solution is needed to take the Fitted to the next level.
Dust and grime collects around the edges of the screen.

The Fitted by Speck is an interesting case giving a combination of protection, added grip and sleek art. If you find an artwork or pattern that feels good for you, then go for it. The Fitted can be the only case you will ever need.