I’ve searched for a really effective protection for my new iPhone 4 that wouldn’t look outright awful. Artwizz SeeJacket Alu comes quite close. It’s a thin aluminium shell with a silicone insert that also provides a raised edge around the iPhone’s display. It looks very similar to Marware MicroShell (I have tried both on), but provides much better protection and a slightly better grip for the same money.

The good:

1. it weighs only 25 grams,
2. silicone and aluminium should provide better protection than silicone or plastic alone, only the display is not covered,
3. it looks inconspicuous, doesn’t carry any logos or text,
4. protruding silicone ridges provide better grip,
5. it slips quite easily in your pocket.

The bad:

1. the silicone ridge attracts debris, but it is actually less visible then on the photos (click below to see them full-size),
2. it does not look as elegant as the naked iPhone, on the other hand, it will certainly attract less attention.

The pictures:

Note: On the product’s web site there actually is a little logo on the back of the shell. I think that mine has completely worn out after the few weeks, but I can’t really remember if it was there in the beginning.

Pro české čtenáře: Pouzdro jsem koupil od Cables & Simms za 588 Kč s DPH. Měl jsem možnost vyzkoušet toto pouzdro i vzhledově podobné, ale plastové, Marware MicroShell (528 Kč s DPH). Na pohled kupodivu není poznat, že jedno je plastové a druhé hliníkové, dokonce i barvy (na fotkách odlišné) jsou v případě “černého” pouzdra od Marware a antracitového od ArtWizzu velmi blízké.