Review: Marware Sportsuit Sleeve for iPhone

Maybe you don’t need a fancy-pants case for your iPhone. You just want to keep it as protected as possible and you’re happy to keep it stowed away whenever you’re not using it. If you’re just such a person, you might consider Marware’s $20 Sportsuit Sleeve for iPhone.

The Sportsuit Sleeve is a simple, neoprene pouch sized for the iPhone. Similar to Marware’s Sleeve cases for the iPod line, this SportSuit Sleeve features a Velcro-adorned flap to secure the top of the case, with a notch cut out of the flap on the left side for access to the iPhone’s headphone jack. The front of the case has an elastic pocket, made of Marware’s “Orca-skin” elastic fabric, for storing your iPhone’s earbuds or other small accessories. On the back of the case, which is internally reinforced with a stiff card, you’ll find a mount for Marware’s Multidapt system for accessories. Included with the case is a plastic, quick-release, Multidapt belt clip that swivels 360 degrees, a clear-plastic film for protecting the iPhone’s screen, and a microfiber cloth for cleaning.

The construction of the case is solid: the neoprene is thick and cushiony, so accidentally dropping your iPhone will probably not inflict substantial damage on it. The belt clip is plastic, but feels secure and is not likely to come off by accident. However, one problem with the nature of the case is that since the iPhone’s speaker is not exposed, ringtones and other alerts are often muffled. (If the case is attached to your belt, the vibration is usually still strong enough for you to feel the phone ringing—although in cases where the phone vibrates only once, it’s easy to miss.) And, of course, using any of the iPhone’s controls involves, at the very least, opening the Velcro flap, if not removing the phone from the case entirely.

One major benefit of the Sportsuit Sleeve’s appearance is that it doesn’t immediately scream “I’ve got an iPhone!”—potentially making your handset less of a target for would-be thieves.

If you’re looking for a simple, low-profile case and don’t mind the inconveniences of a pouch-style design, the Sportsuit Sleeve might meet your needs.

Category: Reviews

Posted by Dan Moren on Oct 31 2007, 5:08 PM ET

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iPhone illustration by Joe Zeff Design Inc. // Design by Jason Brightman