DLO Jam Jacket With Earphone Management - 7/10
In essence this was a fantastic accessory...
MyBuzz.com.au
Submitted by annirowe
So it took a few weeks but I finally managed to get my hands on a DLO Jam Jacket with integrated Earphone Management. It was an accessory that from the moment I saw, felt that it was probably the first 3rd party component that I would buy for my iPhone.
Packaging
The Jam jacket came packaged in a neat little packet. With a front flap that could be opened, i gentle pull and the Velcro release its hold revealing The case inside with a mock iPhone within it. Pop open the top of the box and slide out the clear plastic holder and you get your first feel of the case.
Design
The Jam Jacket to me gives off the impression that this is a rugged little cover. Each corner has large Silicon moldings to absorb the shock caused by the odd drop off a table. On either edge, you will find gripped areas to ensure you have a hold on your iphone at all times.
There is access to all parts of the iPhone which is a sie of relief. Cable access works perfectly, volume controls are covered but have two rubber bumps that align good with the underlying controls. The camera has a area cut out which does align perfectly with the lens... However there is a downside with this, and I will get to the issue in the Cable management system. One other issue I found was with the Mute switch. Due to it being close to the corner, it is deep within the silicon padding, requiring the use of a finger nail to switch it. I guess its a catch 22 here. I have always felt that switch is too easy to flick when you don't mean to, so the case prevents that, but then makes it a bit difficult to switch when you want to.
Earphone Management
The major component of this case that sets it aside from all others is the integrated cable management system that it employs on the back of the device.
Basically it has a small stalk of silicon which then has a flat silicon table that contains impressions to hold the plug, and the two earbuds. The excess cable then raps around the stalk, in the attempt to keep it out of the way.
In essence this was a fantastic idea. It would allow me to carry my headphones around with me, without having to put in my pocket.. But with this came a couple of problems.
The added height created by the system made the phone a pain to get in and out of your pocket. Trying to get silicon out of your pocket is hard enough, but to then have it catching on things added to the difficulty.
The next thing I found with the system was unless you spent some time meticulously winding up the cable in the same method every time, you would find your cables becoming quite messy. Still to this day I dont know the "correct" way to do it.
The final thing that I noticed was that the corner closest to the camera was about 2mm to long and actually comes into view on the camera. I ended up cutting the corner with a pair of scissors.. because as a photographer this was just too much to handle!
Conclusion
In essence this was a fantastic accessory. DLO is a trademark of the Phillips Group and it really showed with this case. It was made of high quality materials, wrapped around the iPhone perfectly and really was quite rugged. I even put the shock protection to test when I accidently knocked my phone off the table... my fear turned to delight as I heard the soft thud of the phone as she bounced on the silicon and came to rest as if nothing had happened!
For me I think I could have done without the cable system, and just got the standard DLO jacket, but if your looking for a case with the protection of a padded room, and the cable system of a University IT department, then Look no further than a DLO Jam Jacket.
To find out where to get one of these great cases, head on over to the distributers website at www.iworldaustralia.com.au
