Most of the cases I review do what they're supposed to do. Some do it better than others. Some are a better value than others. But most of the iPod and iPhone cases I've tested pretty much do what they're designed to do -- provide protection for your handheld device.

The Belkin Micro Grip case does what it's designed to do. It's mostly a well-designed and well-made case. The textured rubber exterior it's named for does indeed make it easier to grip than some cases. It's easy to put on and take off, is thin and lightweight, and allows docking without removing it. Available in black and pink, it's even kind of handsome if you go for that spider-webby look.

Unfortunately, in spite of all that's right about this case it has a flaw so annoying I can't possibly recommend it. That flaw is that there is rubber over the iPhone's Home button, and that rubber makes it significantly more difficult to press the button. It rarely worked the first time I pressed it. It sometimes took three, four, or even five presses to get the iPhone to recognize that it's Home button had been pressed. It was so bad sometimes that I lifted the front of the case and stuck my finger under it to press the Home button.

The Bottom Line

I've tested many cases that cover the Home button but this is the only one that made it significantly more difficult to press. And so, gentle reader, for that reason I don't recommend this case in spite of its otherwise appealing features.