Review: Case-Mate Signature & Carbon Fiber cases

Hey all!

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Today’s post will be a dual case review of the Case-Mate iPhone 3G Signature Series Case and Carbon Fiber Leather Case.

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Case-Mate Signature Series Case (Red)

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This first case from Case-Mate features an all leather front and back. The leather is very fine and soft and feels really good in the palm. The exposed areas of the case allow for access to the dock connector, the volume rocker/silent switch, the camera, headphone jack/SIM tray/Sleep button, and full access to the screen, including the home button and outgoing phone speaker area.

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Once the iPhone 3G is in the case, the case provides a very tight fit. In fact, it is too tight. This is my only gripe about this case; the fit is way too tight. Pulling the phone out is a chore and the only way I was able to do it was to press down on the screen and slide it out, causing the iPhone screen to glitch temporarily. However, I did have the Invisible Shield on, so maybe without it the phone would come out fine. In other words, do not use this case if you use any current screen protector film. Other than that, I like it mostly because it provides full access to the screen, which many people enjoy.

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The Signature Series Case is available on Case-Mate’s online store for $34.99

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Case-Mate Carbon Fiber Case (Black)

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The second case from Case-Mate features an all leather front and back. The leather is slightly rough for the carbon fiber feel but regardless it still feels good in the palm. The exposed areas of the case are exactly as the previous case-mate skin in that it allows access to the dock connector, the volume rocker/silent switch, the camera, headphone jack/SIM tray/Sleep button, and full access to the screen, including the home button and outgoing phone speaker area.

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Once again, when the iPhone 3G is in the case, the fit is really tight. I won’t explain why I do not like that as you just read about it above, but again it is my only gripe. However, other than that, I like this case because it is not just a plain colour; it has some nice texture to it and I think that really sets it apart from many typical leather cases.

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The Carbon Fiber Case is available on Case-Mate’s online store for $49.99

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So, now the time you have all been waiting for…THE GIVE-AWAY! I know, I know…I haven’t had a give-away in a while, but that will make this one all the sweeter. Also, for the next few weeks, I will be having a give-away spree and there will be no limit to how many times you can win, so NOW is the time to watch X1Zero’s Corner and score some nice Christmas Gifts!

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Both Case-Mate cases pictured above will be given away today and since this is the first give-away in a while, we will start easy. Simply post in the comments below with something regarding the cases reviewed today and you will be automatically entered (TIP: positive comments are more likely to win)! The contest will end on Friday October 31, 2008 at 11:59pm.

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Enjoy!

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Reports on iPhone news, reviews apps and accessories. Also an armed ninja with an iPhone 4.

Did you like the post?

  • X1Zero

    @Jan,

    Stick close to the blog. I got some First Gen goodies too!

  • X1Zero

    @Jan,

    Stick close to the blog. I got some First Gen goodies too!

  • X1Zero

    @Min,

    The case-mate stuff won’t scratch the iPhone. Also, I have tried the holster. A little bulky for my tastes, but it works well for what it is supposed to do.

  • X1Zero

    @Min,

    The case-mate stuff won’t scratch the iPhone. Also, I have tried the holster. A little bulky for my tastes, but it works well for what it is supposed to do.

  • Min

    Hi X1Zero,

    *Thank you* for the reply. In that case, I guess I can skip the invisible shield, although I was told that is a must. Glad you mention the size of the holster. I only looked at its functionality and totally forgot about the size. I guess there is no perfect design. :- )

  • Min

    Hi X1Zero,

    *Thank you* for the reply. In that case, I guess I can skip the invisible shield, although I was told that is a must. Glad you mention the size of the holster. I only looked at its functionality and totally forgot about the size. I guess there is no perfect design. :- )

  • Carole

    I really love the look of this case. For me I would like to try it with the holster, I think I would prefer that to sticking it in a pocket or losing it in the bottom of my purse…again!

  • Carole

    I really love the look of this case. For me I would like to try it with the holster, I think I would prefer that to sticking it in a pocket or losing it in the bottom of my purse…again!

  • Kamran

    I have the black carbon fiber case and i love it. as the reviewer mentioned, when u put the iphone in the case it’s reeeeally hard to get out using JUST ur hands. the simplest way to get it out imo is to connect the tethering cable to the iphone and push on the plug while holding the case to push the iphone out. if u do that it comes out verrry easily. the case looks great. i’ve dropped my iphone with the case on a couple of times and it does its job in protecting it. i recommend it to anyone who is looking to spend a sizeable amount of $$$ on a case.

  • Kamran

    I have the black carbon fiber case and i love it. as the reviewer mentioned, when u put the iphone in the case it’s reeeeally hard to get out using JUST ur hands. the simplest way to get it out imo is to connect the tethering cable to the iphone and push on the plug while holding the case to push the iphone out. if u do that it comes out verrry easily. the case looks great. i’ve dropped my iphone with the case on a couple of times and it does its job in protecting it. i recommend it to anyone who is looking to spend a sizeable amount of $$$ on a case.

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