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Apple iPhone LeatherSkin Case (Croco Red) - 3.5/5 |
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Tuesday, 15 April 2008 |
Review by slamiam
I have had a chance to use this case made by Sena. It arrived in a presentation box with an optional belt clip and instructions and a drawstring bag. This is one of a range of cases that Sena make for Apple's iPhone. The case itself includes all the cutouts that you would expect from a case like this so that all of the iPhones functions are usable:
* on/off switch
* headphone jack
* home button
* camera
* volume control buttons
* silent/vibrate switch
* speakers
* sync cable jack
Access to the SIM card slot requires removing the top access flap. While it is possible to attach the sync cable when the iphone is in the case, it is not possible to put the iPhone in the sync cradle since the case extends the thickness of the iPhone to a point that it won't fit. Note that Sena make another case that has a flap that allows for in-case syncing.
The LeatherSkin case is made from fine real leather and this model is a bright red with a croc print for that extra impact. The design has a double-skin reinforced back that acts as a skeleton for the rest of the case to allow for a shape that hugs the curves of the iPhone. A flap with a dome keeps the iPhone securely in place inside the case until you want to remove it. The inside of the case is a soft leather with the exception of the double-skin back. The stitching is faultless and adds to the impact that this is a case of quality construction. The thinness of the leather and its proximity to the screen are well-measured that allows good access to the whole of the screen for selection and typing. The fit of the case out of the box does not sit flat against all of the iPhone but I am confident this will improve over time.
Before giving a summary of whether I think this case measures up, I think it is important to acknowledge that people buy cases for different reasons. Is a case an accessory that adds some bling and individual flair to owning and using an iPhone, or is it something to primarily protect "my precious" that is tolerated even though it can detract from the simplified elegance of the iPhone design itself. Perhaps there can be a win/win solution that takes the best and none of the worst from both schools of thought. From my point of view, I see a case as having to be functional first, and if possible doing the least to detract from the beauty of the iPhone in its natural state. Unfortunately, the Sena Leatherskin case does not quite make the grade in achieving the first criteria since the rounded shape at the top of the case would not protect the corners of the iPhone if dropped. They are as exposed as iPhone au naturale. True, I couldn't bring myself to drop my phone to test whether this would scratch or dent the corners of the iPhone but I think my assumptions are fair based on how past smartphones have reacted to a fall onto the pavement. The Sena case does protect the crucial buttons to operate the phone itself but the top corners would not be protected. The bottom corners, however, are in fact tucked away behind the corners of the case and would do much better. I think in this 50/50 shot that is prudent to adopt Murphy's Law in predicting which end will hit the floor first. I think we have all dropped enough toast to know that it more often than not lands butter side down. Otherwise, the second of the criteria is whether the case adds to the appearance of the iPhone or detracts from its beauty. That is a very subjective thing but I think a bright red leather case makes a statement and would not like to say that the case falls down (so to speak) in this department.
Strengths
Well-constructed with good presentation
Fine leather
High-quality belt clip attachment
Excellent access to the screen and all critical functions
Weaknesses
Corners exposed so protection compromised
Fit not perfect, but could improve over time
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