Hey guys! It's been a while since I've posted, but I thought I'd give a review on the SGP Linear EX Slim. I have owned in the past: Belkin Grip Candy, Speck Candy Sheer, Case Mate Pop! (with kickstand), Otterbox Commuter, Caze ThinEdge, SGP Neo Hybrid EX.
Of the cases mentioned, so far, I have found the SGP Linear EX Slim to be the most tolerable.
The Good:
Bulk: This bumper case has a slim design that adds little bulk to the iP5. I don't have exact measurements, but in comparison to the other cases I've sampled, the only case that was thinner was the Caze ThinEdge.
Design: I think this case is either a love it or hate it type of case. Many wonder why the entire case isn't sold in red, blue, and all of the other colours. I have purchased the Red/Black combo, and the all Black combo. The all black pretty much mimics the natural look of the iPhone. Some mis-coloured grey buttons do take away from the sleekness, however. The metallic red is bright, has not faded over 2 months of use, and has not had any scratches are noticeable let alone compromise the integrity of the colour.
Drops: The case holds up well when tested. My dad was using his Linear Ex Slim outside while gardening, and his phone dropped out of his pocket directly onto concrete. The case came apart, but the phone was protected by the Steinheil screens, and snapped back together without a problem. No scratches were evident on the phone.
Side Skin Friendly: Because of my undiagnosed OCD, I used GhostArmor side skins on my phone with this case. It is firm and tight with this as opposed to naked, and there is better response in your buttons if you do not use a side skin. Being someone who tries to protect the aluminum siding as much as possible, I'm glad to say that without side skins the phone has not been damaged.
The Bad:
Slippery! This case has no rubber or silicone to allow for some stickiness! There have been several times where the phone has slipped out of my hands, which makes it liable to falls!
Adapter Friendly? Unfortunately no. The Lightning-to-30pin adapter will not work, and you will have to file down the head of your 2nd party lightning adapters in order for them to fit in the cutouts for this case.
Cutouts: Win some, lose some! Most of the cases on the market that are very slim have cutouts for the headphones that are too restricting, however, I have been able to use my Skullcandy Fix-In-Ear earbuds without any extra cords or connections. This cutout does NOT allow for ALL headphone sizes to be used. My Steinheisser Circumaural headphones do not fit in this jack.
Buttons: The buttons have terrible tactile feel. The volume buttons are pretty much flush with the case and they are very hard to press. The power button is better, but still suboptimal. I might have to put some stickers or tape to enhance this, but out of the factory it's quite difficult. Tactile response is a little better if you're not using side skins.
Overall: It's really a personal preference, so I try to be as objective as possible with these reviews. My personal preference for a case is slim design and optimal protection. My Caze ThinEdge was number one with this, but the cheap design, the fading colour, and the terrible cutouts for the buttons makes me prefer the SGP Linear EX Slim to it.
HOWEVER: With the increased availability of the Power Support Flat Bumper, I will be on a search for obtaining this in the next month. I believe that finally, since the launch of the iP5, I will get something to satisfy me!
I will add some close up photos of the case later, but here's a low-res for now.
Of the cases mentioned, so far, I have found the SGP Linear EX Slim to be the most tolerable.
The Good:
Bulk: This bumper case has a slim design that adds little bulk to the iP5. I don't have exact measurements, but in comparison to the other cases I've sampled, the only case that was thinner was the Caze ThinEdge.
Design: I think this case is either a love it or hate it type of case. Many wonder why the entire case isn't sold in red, blue, and all of the other colours. I have purchased the Red/Black combo, and the all Black combo. The all black pretty much mimics the natural look of the iPhone. Some mis-coloured grey buttons do take away from the sleekness, however. The metallic red is bright, has not faded over 2 months of use, and has not had any scratches are noticeable let alone compromise the integrity of the colour.
Drops: The case holds up well when tested. My dad was using his Linear Ex Slim outside while gardening, and his phone dropped out of his pocket directly onto concrete. The case came apart, but the phone was protected by the Steinheil screens, and snapped back together without a problem. No scratches were evident on the phone.
Side Skin Friendly: Because of my undiagnosed OCD, I used GhostArmor side skins on my phone with this case. It is firm and tight with this as opposed to naked, and there is better response in your buttons if you do not use a side skin. Being someone who tries to protect the aluminum siding as much as possible, I'm glad to say that without side skins the phone has not been damaged.
The Bad:
Slippery! This case has no rubber or silicone to allow for some stickiness! There have been several times where the phone has slipped out of my hands, which makes it liable to falls!
Adapter Friendly? Unfortunately no. The Lightning-to-30pin adapter will not work, and you will have to file down the head of your 2nd party lightning adapters in order for them to fit in the cutouts for this case.
Cutouts: Win some, lose some! Most of the cases on the market that are very slim have cutouts for the headphones that are too restricting, however, I have been able to use my Skullcandy Fix-In-Ear earbuds without any extra cords or connections. This cutout does NOT allow for ALL headphone sizes to be used. My Steinheisser Circumaural headphones do not fit in this jack.
Buttons: The buttons have terrible tactile feel. The volume buttons are pretty much flush with the case and they are very hard to press. The power button is better, but still suboptimal. I might have to put some stickers or tape to enhance this, but out of the factory it's quite difficult. Tactile response is a little better if you're not using side skins.
Overall: It's really a personal preference, so I try to be as objective as possible with these reviews. My personal preference for a case is slim design and optimal protection. My Caze ThinEdge was number one with this, but the cheap design, the fading colour, and the terrible cutouts for the buttons makes me prefer the SGP Linear EX Slim to it.
HOWEVER: With the increased availability of the Power Support Flat Bumper, I will be on a search for obtaining this in the next month. I believe that finally, since the launch of the iP5, I will get something to satisfy me!
I will add some close up photos of the case later, but here's a low-res for now.
thanks! 
