Gear Diary XtremeMac Microshield Style Case for iPhone 5 Review photo

Here’s another XtremeMac case for the iPhone 5. This time out it is covered in a layer of cork. This adds visual appeal but also offers some practical benefits such as making it easier to hold than some of the more slippery cases. At under $30 the case is a good deal. Were it to include a screen protector it would be an even better deal. It doesn’t. But I still like the case.

From XtremeMac:

XtremeMac mixes style and function with these durable cases for the new iPhone 5 device. Durable, hard shell finish protects your iPhone 5 and helps avoid scratches, dust and dirt. Available in natural Cork finish, adding an element of earthy style to your device.

Features:

Hard case offers high level of protection

Natural Cork finish

Full access to switches, jacks, camera and flash

Gear Diary XtremeMac Microshield Style Case for iPhone 5 Review photo

The case is rather simple but the cork overlay adds visual interest and grip. In addition, thanks to the composition of the cork material I suspect this case also provides a bit more drop protection than some of XtremeMac’s other iPhone 5 case offerings. Still, the case doesn’t come with a screen protector and has no lay-on-the-table protection. That’s going to be an issue for many potential buyers.

Gear Diary XtremeMac Microshield Style Case for iPhone 5 Review photo

I also don’t like the way the camera lens opening on the back shows the transition in materials that Apple designed into this case. It looks unfinished.

Gear Diary XtremeMac Microshield Style Case for iPhone 5 Review photo

You can learn more and order yours here on the XtremeMac website. And look below for a chance to win the review sample.

MSRP: $27.95

What I Like: Looks and feels unique thanks to the layer of cork; Comfortable to hold and keep gripping thanks to the cork layer; Rather inexpensive

What Needs Improvement: No screen protector; Opening for camera lens is a bit too big and shows the transition in material on the iPhone’s back… and not in a good way.

Win The Review Sample

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him.
  • http://twitter.com/Austieb7 Austin Baroudi

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