By Frank Petrie, Associate Editor
Bling. For years upon years, so long as there have been iPods, cases have been about bling. But in the last several years, people are finally recognizing that they need a little bit of protection, as well (can you say concrete?).
And this brings us to today’s review.
“Unlike common military-impact test grade iPhone® case materials, the NuGuard KX uses state-of-the-art X-Orbing gel technology to absorb and evenly distribute kinetic energy. This revolutionary technology is then engineered into an effective one-piece design that’s available in eight attractive color combinations.
Now you can guard your iPhone with X-treme protection against accidental drops, impacts and scratches without sacrificing looks or adding bulk!”
I have used NewerTech for years for hardware. But I’ve never used them for cases. Let’s see what happens.
THE JUICE
The Nugard KX is constructed from two components bonded together; an exterior shell, lined with an internal, shock absorbent sleeve.
There are openings for phone jack, the mute switch, both speakers and (in the instance of my 4S) space for my 30-pin connector. The volume and power buttons are covered by the shock absorbent materials.
The case is sold in about a half dozen or so colors.
THE PULP
The first thing that struck me is that the case isn’t slippery. If you grip it solidly, it won’t slip from your hands.
Second, even with the fact that you have both interior and exterior sleeves, the iPhone remains a phone that can be operated single-handedly. To me, that’s one of the main reasons that I buy iPhones.
The openings for the mute switch and the earphone plug are more than large enough.
As far as the power and volume covers go, that depends on preference. The power switch had no tactile feedback, which was fine with me but bothered a friend I had tryout the case.
On the other hand, the volume buttons did provide tactile feedback.
My guess is that it is supposed to be either or but was altered during manufacturing.
Can you drop it from 3-4 feet above a concrete surface? Can’t say, as I’m a coward. A poor coward. But I cavalierly tossed it about my desk and the apartment with no damage.
THE RIND
The only thing would have to be the or lack thereof tactile feedback. Honestly, even with them mixed up, it didn’t matter to me. YMMV.
SUMMARY
The Nugard KX is a solid case that also preserves the iPhone’s one handed operation, but does so at a reasonable price.
Now, I can rest easy, knowing that my 4S will be in great condition for when I go to sell it for a new 5S.
ADR rating: 9 out of 10
Product: KXNugard
Manufacturer: NewerTech www.newertech.com/kx/
Requirements: iPhone 4, 4S, 5
Price: $49.95
Test Rig: iPhone 4S
