First off, and probably most important- this case has a very nice fit. Unlike the clear plastic cases that clamps on to the
N95, this silicone case completely encases the device and becomes one piece with the use of a slider rail system. Here's a pictures so you get a better idea-
The
N95 is placed into the bottom silicone piece, then the top silicone slider is slid into the rails and creates a nice tight fit around the
N95. Indeed- it fits like a glove.
The case, of course, allows operation of the slider in either position, though a little close on the multimedia keys- but nothing very problematic. The top piece of silicone is very thin.
Also, when the keypad is exposed, there is no problem with clearance, unless the
N95 poses a problem for you already-
Even though this case covers the navigation and function buttons below the screen on the device, they offer complete and precise use of these buttons, like I said- the silicone is quite thin on the top of the unit. I was concerned at first when I first started to use the
N95, as we all know- it's incredibly tiny. I imagine the close proximity of the buttons on the device might be a problem if you have large thumbs- however, we're not talking about the
N95 here, we're talking about the case. If you have no problems pressing the right button on the
N95's navigation button array, then you'll have no problem with this case.
Although the top of the silicone is decidedly thin, which is a good thing to allow good use of the navigation buttons, the sides of the case are rather thick- at about 4mm. The added thickness is neccessary for the placement and functionality of the rails. It's actaully quite nice, as it adds a decent bit of protection from a couple g's worth of drop- should such a horrific event take place. As the
N95 is a teeny tiny device, I shouldn't think the added 8mm of width to the device would bother anyone. Sorry about the shoddy image quality of this one. The digital camera I was using doesn't quite have the macro capabilities of say, an
N95. ;)
It's important to note that while this case offers a great level of protection from scratches to the bulk of the device- the screen is left naked. So once again, I recommned a nice screen protector. Regardless of what case you use, I ALWAYS recommned a screen protector. Either an Expert Shield or a Martin Fields are good choices, as they will not affect visibility of the screen in the least. The benefit of no covering on the screen, such as the clear hard shell plastic cases, is that there's no cheap material to scratch up easily and cloud the screen over time. Again... a screen protector. Get one.
Unlike some hardshell plastic cases, this silicone option provides complete protection to the protruding camera assembly-
This particular case offers access to every single external feature of the phone, from the stereo speakers and tv/audio output, to the light sensor and front cam, to the lanyard hole and usb/power ports. The only feature that will pose accesibility problems is the micro sd slot. While it does have a cutout for the slot's door- the 4mm of tunnel you have to stick your finger in to access the door is a test to the manual dexterity of your pointer. If you need to access the microsd slot, you'll likely want to remove the case- which is an easy and effortless task, as is replacing it.
All in all... excellent case- if you don't mind covering up the very stylish looks of your pretty little
N95. If you were wishing for a plum backplate, and hate the look of the sand model you've gotten (or vice versa) this could be seen as a benefit- as it'll run you over 50 US dollars to replace your backplate and battery cover. Oh yeah- there's obviously no access to said battery cover while the case is in use.
Widely available on ebay, this case shouldn't run you anymore than ten US dollars, and is a good deal at that price.
Any questions- don't hesitate to ask!
:oops:
Edit!! :oops: So... I uh, well... forgot to test the camera function before posting. It seems that due to the tight fit of the case and the thicker walls, the **** thing is always engaging the autofocus on the cam button. I was unable to snap a photo with the
N95 in this case. Unfortunately, all the bonuses of this case leave it nearly useless, as I think many people see the camera as a pretty important feature of the device. I'm gonna have to change my opinion of this case
drastically- I cannot recommned this case now. :(
Edit part deux- After the initial disappointment wore off, I thought about it... there's still hope for this case, and I like it so much that it's worth some more thought. When I get home from work, I'm going to attempt to hollow the area out that covers the camera button from the inside. If that doesn't work- I'll cut it out all together. I'll post my findings tonight. Hopefully there will be good news. I do really like this case- but it might require a little more real world usage to determine if there are any more problems... like the fact that the IR port is covered. :oops: 
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