The NitroX iConn Plus case comes in a clear plastic retail package that shows off the case itself. What is not shown is the paper manual and standard USB cable.
Once the case is out of the box, we can see that it is about the same width as the iPhone, but a little longer and about twice the thickness. The case looks really nice being made out of black leather and durable plastic. There is an embossed “iConn+” logo on the top flap, which is reinforced.
The back of the unit is what holds the lithium ion battery with additional 1200mA of juicy goodness. A small circular hole is punched out so the camera can still function. The top and bottom are held together by a strap, which connects with a small pad of velcro. The sides and top of the case are open to allow access to all of your iPhone’s buttons. The iPhone plugs into a little connector and the plastic backing is molded so it keeps a relatively good grip on the phone. The case has speaker and microphone ports (which sound a bit muffled) on the left and right of the case since the original ports are blocked by the iPhone connector.
The USB port, hinge, and speaker port
The bottom of the device has a small USB port, which is used to charge the external battery. Once plugged in, a small orange LED on the right side of the case lights up and turns green once completely charged. Both the iPhone and external battery can be charged through this “more standard” USB port, but the iPhone charges first, then the external battery. You can also sync your iPhone using the external USB port as well. The only major problem is that this USB port is blocked when the case is closed, so you must have the flap open during use.
With the phone mounted and velcro unstrapped, you can flip open the case like a Star Trek communicator (we’re talking classic ST, not TNG). The top flap just dangles there, which really tends to get in the way. When closed, you have a decent amount of impact protection, but won’t help against liquids, pocket lint, or other dirt. Honestly, most people drop their phone when getting it out or when in use, so if the flap is open then it’s pretty much like not having any protection at all.
On the next page we render our conclusion…
