REVIEW: The PR for this LifeProof iPhone gizmo claims it is dirt proof, snow proof, waterproof - "take it surfing, swimming and snorkelling up to 2 metres underwater" - and, happily for Cantabs, shockproof.

It also boasts that it is designed to military specifications and tested to a two-metre drop. The instructions include a video link that shows you how to install the cover - yes, you do need to watch it.

On first impression the cover appeared utilitarian, and too flimsy and plasticky to live up to its bold LifeProof claims.

I tested it over four days, including a weekend. I dropped it on a dancefloor where it was kicked around by several exuberant dancers before I could retrieve it, on my hands and knees under strobe lights. It coped with me accidentally tipping half a can of Red Bull over it and a friend's hyperactive border collie slobbering on it. It didn't flinch when a toddler scribbled on it with red crayon and then used it as a pretend hammer.

Upon leaving work I dropped it part- way down an open drain. It fished out just fine. When I accidentally sat on it, my butt didn't dial my mother-in-law as is usually the case.

Still, nothing in life is flawless. People found it harder to hear me when I was speaking on the phone. The barrier to the touchscreen makes texting more difficult, each press of a key has to be hard and precise. Plugging in headphones was a bit of a drag, there's an adaptor but it's fiddly. The same problem exists with charging the phone.

I didn't try going 2 metres underwater with it so can't vouch for it being waterproof or not. But I listened to music in the rain and survived. As a generally clumsy person I'd say that as this product survived four days with me it's pretty LifeProof but feel I should mention that it does come with a warning in tiny print that it's not indestructible.

LifeProof case for Apple iPhone 4 and 4S
RRP: $98.95

- © Fairfax NZ News

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