Reviewed: Marware CEO Flip Vue Case for iPhone 3G

Still looking for the perfect iPhone 3G case? I sure am. I mean, I have been using a cheap aluminum case for some time. It works fine, and has protected my iPhone from the two times I dropped it.

But I would really love a case with some sort of screen protection. After all, my requirements for a case aren't too strict:

• Belt clip or holster of some type
• Screen protection (I've found some cases with a screen protector built-in, with the ability to even use the touch screen right through them, but so far, they've either missed on the belt clip requirement or are so new I can't them)

Pretty easy, right? A lot of iPhone cases forego the belt clip, and most of them don't have any screen protection, with the possible exception of a thin sheet of plastic to put over the screen. Not exactly what I want, really.

I decided to give the Marware CEO Flip Vue case a try, based on the fact that it has a flip top to it. Now, realistically, with an iPhone, the touch screen means that the flip top is a hassle. And it's true. But the flip top also provides protection for the screen, albeit not that much since it is leather.

Another plus: it uses Krusell's multidapt system. This system is designed to allow interchangeability between different belt clips and accessories, and IMHO, is one of the better setups in terms of keeping a device where it belongs.

I tested the black version, which has a grey suede interior; there's also a white version. The top is held down with Velcro, and besides the spring-type multidapt belt clip, there's also a screen protector (actually, a rather "solid" one) and a microfiber cleaning cloth included.

To be honest, there's not much to say. I could summarize it as follows:

• Exterior leather
• Interior suede should keep your iPhone 3G nicely snug
• The included screen protector is much more solid (read: thick) than most
• Necessary controls are all accessible
• I love the multidapt system

The obvious con to this case is the flip top, which ironically, is a pro as well since it protects the screen. MSRP is $29.99, but you can find it for less at many place (though still in the $20 range).