Gumdrop Cases Surf Slider for iPhone 4

The $35 Surf Slider for iPhone 4 from Gumdrop Cases is a two-piece, polycarbonate, hardshell case available in semi-transparent clear, blue, red, and smoke colors. The form-fitting case offers access to all your iPhone 4's buttons and ports, although the small openings around the phone's volume buttons and Ring/Silent switch make these controls somewhat difficult to operate. Also, thicker dock connector cables may not connect properly with the case on, although most headphones should work fine.

As with other slider-style cases, the back and sides of your iPhone 4 are kept safe while the screen is protected only by the protruding edges of the case—if you set your iPhone down on a flat surface, these edges prevent the screen from touching that surface. The rigid-plastic material feels solid, though to my hands it’s also a bit slippery. But if you like the idea of being able to see the Apple logo on your iPhone while it’s safely ensconced in a protective case, the Surf Slider's semi-translucent design might make it as welcome as a right-hand break.