The DLO SlimCase for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $39.95. If you are looking for a case that allows you to easily remove your iPhone while still keeping it secure when in the case, this one might be for you!. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The DLO SlimCase comes with the case and wrist strap. There is a nice leather finish on the outside of the case and a soft, non-scratch material on the inside. This material allows the iPhone to slide into the case smoothly, yet holds it in place securely as well. The included wrist strap attaches at the top of the case and does not impede placing the iPhone in or out of the case.

Daily Use

When I first looked at this case I was perplexed as to why the whole top half of it was open. As you can see in the pictures, there is no flap or clip to keep the iPhone from falling out! However, after spending some time with the case, I feel this design was done for three reasons; 1) easy access to remove the phone as needed for docking, etc. 2) to keep the form factor compact 3) complete and unobscured access to the iPhone’s external buttons.

The DLO SlimCase is durable and stylish. The removable wrist strap comes in helpful too. The smooth leather case allows it to easily slip in your pocket and I feel it is protected. The only concern I have is if the case is dropped. I feel fairly confident that the iPhone will stay in the case, but the issue is the top corners; they are unprotected and if it takes the brunt of a fall, could harm the iPhone’s shell.

Using this case daily, I did not encounter any problems. It didn’t get stuck in my jeans pocket and it held up well under the daily abuse a case can get. I kept the wrist strap attached, but found that the case gave the iPhone sufficient grip so I did not use it. The Big question I know is on your mind: with a gaping opening at the top of the case, did the iPhone stay in securely? The answer is yes. The iPhone does fit securely, I had no issues with it coming loose.

Conclusion

This iPhone case is a double-edged sword; easily removable and slim, yet a compromise on the top corners if dropped. I am giving this case a 3 instead of a 4 because I have concerns if I were to drop the case, would the top corners be protected? If this is not a concern for you, then this is a great case that looks good, has a nice finish and allows you to remove the iPhone easily for docking or other activities.

Pros:

• Nice leather finish
• Easily remove the iPhone as needed
• Case is compact
• Openings for accessing everything you need on your phone
• Wrist strap

Cons:

• Top corners are exposed
• Not dockable

TiPb’s Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: DLO SlimCase for iPhone 3G

The Krusell Classic Case for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $24.95. If you are looking for a stylish case that zips closed and has a protective clear cover, this case might be for you!. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Krusell Classic Case is form-fitted for the iPhone 3G. The case comes with a removable multidapt clip that can adhere to any multidapt accessory. The clear protective screen allows you to still touch the iPhone touchscreen while protecting it. You also have openings for all of the standard accessible areas such as the sleep button, vibrate, camera, volume and 30-pin connector.

Daily Use

I was excited to get my hands on the Krusell Classic Case for iPhone 3G. Stylish cases are sometimes hard to come by as they are often stripped of their “coolness” for usability and functionality. The Classic Case fits very snugly in the zipped enclosure of the case. So snug, it was a little challenging to zip closed. Once my iPhone was inside, I inspected all of the openings to see exactly how accessible everything was. I have to say, everything was accessible… but… I feel the holes were cut poorly; they did not align properly and headphone jack did not have a sewn seam unlike the other openings on the case. This would lend me to believe that over time, the headphone opening might tear, or become larger than intended.

The clear protective screen was a nice addition. It allows you to use the capacitive iPhone screen to enter text, select apps, etc. I did run into two distinct issues: 1) the clear cover is not flush against the touchscreen, so sometimes I would have to “press” the screen in order for anything to work and 2) there is a distinct opening directly above the 30-pin connector on the bottom of the case. Depending on where you keep your iPhone (I tend to carry mine in my jean pocket) you can accrue unwanted lint and dust between the cover and the touchscreen.

Speaking of 30-pin connector, this case is not dockable unless you unzip the bottom of the case and slide it out, you can however, plug in your standard cable for charging and syncing. The included multidapt clip works… like a clip. If I had more multidapt accessories, it might be a little more exciting. To be honest, I left the clip off about 90% of the time.

Conclusion

While this case does have a few shortcomings in my opinion, it does look cool. The multidapt accessory is a definite bonus if you can take advantage of it and the Euro-styling is catchy. One of the big advantages of this case is that it protects it without adding a real bulk. The screen

Pros:

• Stylish
• Case is compact
• Openings for accessing everything you need on your phone

Cons:

• Not all openings are stitched
• Dust and lint can easily get between the screen and protective cover
• Not dockable

TiPb’s Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Krusell Classic Case for iPhone 3G

The Smartphone Experts (SPE) Book Case for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $29.95. If you are looking for a case that folds closed and can store the basics such as a license and credit card, then this case might be for you. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The SPE Book Case for iPhone 3G allows you to carry your iPhone in a convenient flip-open design that not only is practical but also protects your iPhone. The bottom of the case unsnaps exposing the 30-pin connector. This allows you to plug in a cable for syncing/charging, or you can place the iPhone 3G on its charging dock. If you like variety, this case also comes in variety of colors from red and black to beige.

Daily Use

The first thing you need to know is that this is not a “pocketable” case. It is meant to be carried or placed in a purse. Though technically you could place this in your jeans pocket, the size is prohibitive. Having said this, for a case if this type, it is really quite good!

I typically keep my case/iPhone in my pocket when I am not using it. Needless to say, it took some adjustment not keeping it in my pocket. I was able to carry the bare essentials in the case; my license and credit card (I am not a cash type of guy, so that part was not a big deal). This was somewhat liberating since I then did not have to carry all of my wallet possessions with me; I could take only what I need.

The case is sturdy and the leather feels good. The inside of the case where the iPhone lives is not leather, but a soft felt. The buttons at the bottom were very easy to remove but where not so tough as to think I would break them and the iPhone was definitely secure inside of the case.

There are openings around the case to access headphone jack, sleep button and camera. I found with the case that I was using these fields were well placed, but I would have issues with the camera; the hole opening was just a little off. Not a huge deal to resolve, I just nudged the iPhone a little and it would no longer be obscured. My bet is that this is not an issue with every case, just mine. The volume controls are not accessible since they are obscured by the flip-open cover; I did not find this to be horrible troublesome.

Conclusion

Overall, I had no real issues with this case other then having to use it outside of my comfort zone. I think there is a specific target market that will find this case useful, especially due to the excellent protection and sleeves for cards. However, if you are a big gamer, I think you will find that the flip-open design is not the best to allow maximum game playability.

Pros:

• Nice leather finish
• Protects the the iPhone front and back
• Convenient flip-open storage of credit cards or license
• Multiple colors are available

Cons:

• Not very pocketable
• Some leather cut outs are not aligned flush with the iPhone 3G
• Can get in the way of playing games

TiPb’s Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Smartphone Experts Book Case for iPhone 3G

I’m a big fan of not using a hard case as doing so hides the beauty of the iPhone. So I tend to look for pouches, sleeves, and sometimes leather cases. Enter the Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G which happens to be available in TiPb Store for $29.95. I’ve spent a good amount of time using this case, so read on for the full review!

Design

Lets start out by saying when you first see this case you probably won’t come away that impressed. But after a closer look at this side case, it might just make you change your mind. The first thing that you’ll notice is how the Krusell Hector Case is built out of a very soft, high quality leather. A lot of leather holster cases out there are very stiff but that is not the case with this Krusell. It is by far one of the most subtle leather cases that I have personally come across in a very long time.

On the inside, Krusell has lined it with a soft suede leather. So there is absolutely no reason to worry about this case scratching any part of your iPhone. On the outside, you have a magnetic flap keeping your iPhone securely in place along with an open slot underneath so you can push up to get the iPhone out with a great amount of ease.

On a negative front there is one thing that I found to be missing… a normal clip. All you get here are belt loops… More on that later.

Daily Use

Like I mentioned, I’m a big fan of not hiding my iPhone 3G in any way, shape or form. When my phone is not in use and is in my coat pocket or pants pocket it is always in one of my pouch cases to be kept well protected. So giving a new case like the Krusell Hector a try was a very welcome opportunity.

Right away I could not help but notice it’s one and only major flaw. It only has belt loops and it omits a regular clip! Seriously? While this may work for some of you, it is something that I just could not get past. When my iPhone is not in use it stays protected, whether it’s sitting on a desk, table or whatever it may be. In order for this to happen with the Krussel Hector case I would have to undo my belt. Not very convenient in my honest opinion.

Another gripe about the lack of clip is what if you don’t wear a belt one day? It pretty much renders this case useless. So note to non-belt wearers out there: This may not be the case for you.

Now for all of your who like having your iPhone attached at your hip all day long. This may just be the case you’ve been looking for.

When it is attached to a belt, it is actually more sturdy than a normal clip, which leaves you with less of a chance of actually leaving your device behind for someone else to pick up. That is obviously a plus. While wearing the Krusell on your side you will notice that it is reasonably comfortable and eventually you forget it is attached to your side. It’s also important to note that removing your iPhone is also a piece of cake. So no worries there.

Conclusion

The Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, available at TiPb Store for $29.95, is a good side holster case with one major drawback. Yes, you guessed it. The lack of a normal clip. Now if you are the type of person who likes to keep the case attached at your hip for your entire day, I suggest you give this case a try. You will not be disappointed in it’s build quality. It is very well crafted and it suits it’s purpose well.

Pros

• Superbly built with high quality leather
• Comfortable to wear
• Does a good job of protecting the iPhone while holding it securely

Cons

• Lack of removable clip!
• Did I mention belt loops only?

TiPb Review Rating

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Krusell Hector Leather Case for iPhone and iPhone 3G

The Case-Mate The Hipster for iPhone 3G is available and can be purchased in the TiPb Store for $34.95. If you are looking for a leather hip-case for your iPhone, this might just be it! Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Case-Mate Hipster is constructed of hard plastic both on the back of the case and the molded over the front. The case is fitted with leather all around it, including the back and belt clip. The inside of the case has a soft, felt-like material. This is a nice touch knowing your iPhone 3G won’t receive any nasty scratches from within the case. The cover is held in place by a magnetic button.

You also receive (as a bonus) a cleaning cloth and screen protector as part of your purchase (both are included from Case-Mate).  This is a first, and a nice welcome; I have reviewed other Case-Mate purchases, and this is a first to have these included in the box. 

Daily Use

So with extra attention, I realized that this essentially a plastic form-fitted case with felt on the inside and leather on the outside; the iPhone was a very tight squeeze to fit. This initially made me apprehensive. However, I began to realize that there would be no harm done to my iPhone and that the “tight” nature of the case meant that the iPhone 3G was not going to easily fall out.

The latch made me a little worrisome at first as well. You seem I am used to a Velcro closure on my current case. It closes, and it takes a little effort to open. This case has a simple button closure that stays closed by a magnet, built into the button. The two issues I have with the magnetic button are: A) the fact that it is magnetic means it is not as secure as the velcro that I am used to and B) when I close the outside flap, it has to match up exactly with the button on the case to close properly.

So, I have listed my initial concerns with this case. How does it fair after a few weeks of use?

Perfectly. For the most part.

The tightness I experienced with the iPhone 3G fitting into the case eventually gave way to a more “glove” fit. I liken my experience to that of blue jeans: at first, they might be tight, but they eventually “fit”. This was a welcome relief. My other concern wasn’t as clearly addressed over time. The button eventually homed in and clasped properly. However, I still have concerns whether it will stay closed if the case were to drop. The only consolation I have is that the iPhone is held very securely still, even after using it a while.

Oh, and I almost forgot, the belt clip works just fine… it clips on your belt. I wish there was more to say about that, but there isn’t

Conclusion

Pros:

Cons:

• Magnetic button closure is not as secure as I would like

TiPb Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Case-Mate The Hipster for iPhone 3G

Looking for a new case for your iPhone? Do you like leather cases? Than look no further than the Belkin Eco-Conscious Formed Leather Case for iPhone 3G! This case is available for $29.95 from the Phone Different Store. This case is not only stylish, but allows easy accessibility to your iPhone 3G!

Design

I have never used a leather case before on any of my previous phones. Needless to say I was excited to see what this Belkin product had to offer. The case is very snug against the iPhone and is held in place by a strong velcro flap that flips over the top of the case. I think “formed” is a bit of a misnomer; the leather is simply folded over then stitched together with what I can only describe as ski boot insulation-like material. This is not to distract from the product in anyway, but when I think of “formed”, I think of almost a molded-like attachment to the body of the phone, which this case does not have. 

There are cut-away openings in the top (to allow for headphones and sleep button), side (silent switch and volume controls) and the bottom (to allow for a cable for syncing and charging). On the front of the case, there is a cut away area at the top to allow for the speaker and sensors. The screen is also cut to allow full view as well. The home button is covered, but has a carved overlay of the home button. So, how did this case fair during daily use?

Daily Use

However, what durability has giveth, some compromises are made. An example that comes to mind is accessing the lower portion of the touch screen while the iPhone is in the case. Many iPhone applications have buttons located on the very bottom edge of the touch screen; such as Safari. I found that I had a difficult time touching the buttons due to the thickness of the leather directly below the bottom of the screen. Or, when typing on the keyboard, I would tap “B” instead of the Space button. Over time, I was able to get used to it; I simply learned to adjust my fingers differently. However, this does take some getting used to.

While the case does have rather exact openings cut into the case to allow for the necessary ports, I found that the bottom volume control was slightly obscured but the case; the hole simply is not big enough. To be honest, this is really more of an aesthetic anomaly; it really had no impact on the external volume controls, but it is worth noting. 

Conclusion

Pros

• Nice leather finish
• Good accessibility to external buttons
• No plastic; eco-friendly
• Durable
• iPhone 3G can be easily removed from case if needed
• Velcro strap is secure

Cons

• Difficult to use the Space bar while typing (case edge can get in the way)
• No screen protection
• Cannot place in 3G dock when inside case
• No clip for a belt, etc. 

TiPb Rating:

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Eco-Conscious Formed Leather Case for iPhone 3G