Speaking as someone who has caused a quick demise of an MP3 player or two on the treadmill (the treadmill!), I think I can say that not all cases are built to withstand that type of torture. They’re made to withstand the torment of being tossed into a bag, purse or pocket. But a drop of a few feet, and at the velocity of someone running? Good bye. That said, Speck just came out with a line of Toughskin and Toughshell cases for the iPhone 4.
The ToughSkin for iPhone 4 ($39.95) is a three-layered system with an inner plastic shell that can be used all on its own, an outer rubber and rugged shell and an detachable holster with a rotating belt clip. The inner, plastic hard shell can stand on its own as a case when you’re not as active. However the rubberized outer case adds extra cushioning for your phone that will protect it if your phone launches from your hands while running or partaking in other activities. The holster has a rotating belt that you clip the phone into facing either direction. You can face your iPhone 4 inward to protect the screen from any damage, or clip it facing out so you can watch video or look at images.
The ToughShell for iPhone 4 ($49.95) is a single-piece design that features three layers of ultra-rugged protection. It features a shock-absorbing rubberized insulation, an impact-resistant plastic hard shell and a textured silicone perimeter grip band designed to help seal the case and offer added grip. The three layers leave space at all the ports and buttons so they’re covered yet still accessible. There is a detachable holster with a rotating clip that you can use as a viewing stand when you take a brake from running and want to watch video, including video of exercises and stretches.
We got a closer look at these cases at CES, and can see that they mean business. The ToughSkin has just enough bulk and tread to make it easy to grip, yet not so big that you see it as extra weight. The ToughShell is a bit more streamlined. It can easily make the transfer from work to work out without skipping a beat.