History:
Owner of iPhone 3G, and now a brand spanking new iPhone 4. I could not STAND the thickness that cases on the 3G provided, so I never used one. Needless to say, it was very scratched up by the time it met it's misery (no more forum surfing on the toilet).
So with my iPhone 4 it was decided for me that a case would be necessary. My first was the Speck CandyShell. I was impressed at first (and it's still a VERY nice case, I what Speck does), but decided that the case added a little bit too much weight, and the lip around the screen was a little too big and fraying. Bulk begone I said, and set out to find the perfect solution.
So I surfed these forums a bit, and I noticed there's quite the following of pouch users. It seems like the perfect fit: a case, but I'll also be able to use it naked. Intrigued, I clicked on a topic and first found about about the WaterField Suede Jacket. Upon noticing the price, I sent off for one. It arrived this morning, and I opened it up before I even got home.
The Review:
Design:
While the CandyShell succeeded by being good looking, whilst offering great drop protection, the Suede Jacket looks at you sternly and says "I'm here to not be noticed", and that's exactly what it does. It's exactly what you'd expect: a black suede sleeve, with an optional pocket. That's it. Not even a WaterField logo. Nothing. However for me, that's preferable. I like the minimalist looks. It does what it needs to do, and it does it well. It's also extremely slim, so you're adding no bulk to your pocket.
I ordered mine with the pocket, and the only gripe is that the elastic could be a TAD tighter than what it is, as I am using it as a wallet. No worries though. It should hold out.
There's also a thicker version of this case that lets you use a bumper.
Build Quality:
I'll be brief here: top notch. Not a seam to be seen, not a blemish to be witnessed. No problems here.
Protection:
I don't mountain bike. I don't hike. I'm not a police man, a firefighter or a zoo keeper. I don't NEED a case that will protect against drop protection. I DO need a case that I can throw in my pocket and not worrying about scratching, and that's where the Suede Jacket shines. Just slip it in, and you have absolutely nothing to worry. Perfect.
Bonus:
I'll bullet point these.
* American made: Made and sold in America. Gotta support the home team (well, you know, for us Americans)
* Pocket (optional): Don't be cheap and get the pocket for $4. It's awesome. It's replaced my wallet. You can also use it for a charger cable, or earphones, or whatever neat trinkets you'd like.
* The Suede: I used to carry around a small suede cloth to clean my screen. Not any more. Putting in and taking out your phone instantly cleans the screen. Sweet.
* Naked: You get to show off your slim and sexy iPhone 4. 'nuff said.
* Customer Service: This company is so personable and helpful. They make up the price of the case (which is cheap, $10) almost completely with their amazing CS.
Pictures:
Verdict:
If you're not working a job that requires a lot of movement, and want minimalistic protection (psst, that's like 80% of you guys), I cannot recommend this case highly enough. What are you waiting for, for $10 it's a no brainer.
