RipTen Review: Speck iDevice Cases

Ever since purchasing my 4th gen iPod touch, my only real complaint has been that it is nearly impossible to hold onto while gaming. The slick finish on the back, combined with the slim form factor make it slide out of my hands while trying to play a game (especially those that require both thumbs). Speck looks to fix this issue with their new line of cases, specifically designed for iDevice gamers.

Love That Non-Slip Grip

The first thing to note about these cases is that they accomplish their goal of making your iPod much easier to hold. They add a little bit of depth to the device, as well as the rubberized, textured finish making it easier to grip. The cases are comfortable in your hands, and instantly I felt a huge difference in how comfortable the iPod was to hold. It no longer slides around in my hands, and I can keep a much firmer grip while playing. Playing Call of Duty: Zombies (one of my favorite iOS games) went from cramping my hands after a single wave, to being able to play for 20 minutes without any problem. At the same time, the grip doesn’t seem to catch in my pocket, meaning it’s still easy to quickly pull it out (that’s what she said) wherever I am for a quick gaming session.

Another factor to these cases is their durability. They definitely add some protection to the device. The cases are tough, and I feel a lot better about dropping my device with this case on it. The inside is padded, but the case is very rigid to provide solid protection. Most cases that are this solid are ugly, bulky, and don’t really help the grip on the device. The Speck cases fit perfectly to the contours of the device, and add very little footprint, while at the same time providing a significant amount of protection. These cases are definitely high-quality.

I also didn’t have any trouble plugging in headphones or the power cable, something that is often a problem with 3rd-party cases. Pretty much anything that worked with the device without the case is going to work with the case attached as well.

Plug and Play All the Way

While maybe not the most important factor in choosing a case, the look is definitely something to think about. Speck cases definitely have that nailed. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles, and it’s pretty easy to find one that you’ll like. The cases that I looked at range from stylish black to a turquoise blue, to bright pink. They really have done a lot to make sure there’s something for everyone.  There’s even custom Burton cases for snowboarders.

The only problem at all that I had with the cases were the buttons. Especially at first, the power button on the top of the device seemed much harder to operate with the case on. Some of the cases cover the power button, providing a soft spot to press to turn the power on and off.  After a day or two of use, however, the button seemed to loosen up, and I didn’t have any more problems. Whether this was due to the case softening up, or me just getting used to the difference, it doesn’t matter. It’s a minor complaint, and one that in no way detracts from the case’s value.

Built to Last and Look Good

In the end, then, this case is a must buy if you don’t already have a case for your device. Even if you do have a case, I still recommend taking a look at these.  At $25, Speck’s cases are very reasonably priced, and are definitely worth it. I’ve had quite a few iDevice cases, and this is hands down my favorite. It provides the right balance of style, grip and protection. Speck definitely knows what they’re doing with iDevice cases, and with Christmas just around the corner, I know what I’ll be getting my iPhone-gaming friends.

Here’s The Rundown:

+ Solid case design

+ Added protection

+ Better grip for gaming

- Adds very slightly to the device footprint

- Slight trouble with power button not working