Review: Seidio Innocase Active Limited Edition case for HTC EVO 4G
You may have seen that Seidio recently added a new Innocase Active case to its lineup of HTC EVO accessories, but did you know that there's a limited edition version of the case too? It's a uniquely designed two-piece hybrid case that's part silicone (for absorbing impact) and part hard plastic (for extra protection).
The case is not listed on Seidio's site right now for some reason, but the Innocase Active Limited Edition
is in stock and shipping from Amazon for $24.95 apiece. Should you grab one before they're all gone forever?
Design & Quality
Because it was "
created for those that have and want to maintain their active lifestyle," this case has a rugged look that won't appeal to those who prefer smooth, clean lines. The Innocase Active Limited Edition is unapologetically bumpy on the edges and back sides to provide grip and texture.
The bulk of the case is fashioned out of silicone polymer, while the outer "skeleton" is made of the same soft-coated plastic used for the original Seidio Innocase II Surface.
The silicone is thick, smooth, and of very high quality. It has an incredibly finished look with a lip around the back cutouts and raised sides that have grooves where your fingertips would naturally be when holding the case in your hand. Even though this part of the case isn't flat and smooth like other silicones, it still manages to feel very streamlined and thoughtfully designed.
The skeleton piece wraps around the case and fits in the large grooves on the silicone. It seems unusually flexible on its own, but feels really hard and strong once it's in place.
Fit
The Innocase Active Limited Edition fits the HTC EVO nicely and is easy to put on and take off.
The silicone must be put on first. The skeleton stiffens the case, which makes it incredibly difficult (if not impossible) for the EVO to fit into it, so it should be put on last.
All of the EVO's ports are accessible through cutouts, while the volume rocker and power button are protected in typical silicone-skin fashion.
What stops me from saying that this case is perfectly designed (aside from the extra "skin" at the seams) is the extra cutout on the back. Like the horrible snap-on hard case, the Innocase Active Limited Edition has an opening for the notch at the top of the EVO's back that lets you remove the battery cover. The fact that there's a cutout for something that cannot be used when the case is on immediately turns me off because it's a careless mistake. I know that manufacturers often make cases for a device without actually having a final version in hand, but this kind of thing still reeks of sloppiness caused by rushing.
You could say that I'm being overly harsh about a small cutout that doesn't do any harm by being there, but I'm just really disappointed to see this kind of mistake from a company that should know better. Countless no-name brands are able to put out cases without this extra cutout, so I think Seidio should be embarrassed.
The skeleton fits onto the silicone with ease. Since the plastic itself is a little pliable, pressing the center of the largest area causes the "arms" of the skeleton to automatically spread open just enough for them to settle into the grooves.
The Innocase Active Limited Edition adds 2.2mm of thickness to the EVO, so the whole thing definitely feels meaty when you're holding it.
The power button becomes more difficult to press since it's already quite flat on its own and the silicone is so thick, but a slight mash will get the job done and feels like second nature soon enough. I assume that users who need an "active" case like this wouldn't mind the extra finger power needed to push the button, anyway.
Conclusion
Seidio's Innocase Active Limited Edition for the HTC EVO 4G isn't a case that appeals to me personally (I'm a girly indoor person), but it's a good choice for those who need something a bit ruggedized but who don't want to sacrifice too much style to get it. The unnecessary cutout on the back is unlikely to bother anyone as much as it bothers me (I seriously can't stand it), so there aren't any real deal-breakers to speak of here.
The Innocase Active Limited Edition is available for $24.95 from Amazon in black, blue, red, and green.
