Mobile Fun Blog

Buyers Guide: iPhone 4 Leather Cases

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Of all the phones on the market, there are more iPhone 4 Cases than there are for any other phone currently on sale. At the time of writing this there are over 240 cases to choose from, where as the next most popular phone, the HTC Desire has just 72.

Having such a wide range is great as it means there really is a case for everyone, but it can sometimes mean that you’re spoilt for choice, and after a while all the cases start to look the same.

Over the next week or so, I’ll be putting together a series of buyers guides for iPhone 4 Cases. These guides will focus on each of the different styles of iPhone 4 Cases, explain some of the main features and give you help and advice on what to look for when choosing your next iPhone 4 Case.

I’m starting off with iPhone 4 Leather Cases as there aren’t quite as many leather cases as there are plastic or silicone and there are a few things to consider when choosing a leather case.

Style of Case

Generally speaking there are 3 styles of leather case, a flip case, a carry pouch and an enclosed case. The most popular at the moment tends to be either a flip case or a carry pouch. Enclosed cases are still available but are better suited to traditional candybar phones.

3 styles of iPhone 4 Leather Case

Flip Cases

Over the last couple of years this style of case has grown in popularity. They’re perfectly suited to touch screen phones as they fully protect the phone when it’s not in use, but still provide quick and easy access to the screen, without having to remove your phone from the case. There are a few things that you should look out for though when choosing a flip case.

Position of the flip

This often gets overlooked, but where possible I’d always recommend going for a side or bottom hinged cover. If you go for a case that is hinged at the top, you may find that the cover gets in the way of the camera. Often you’ll fold the cover back on itself when you’re using the phone, but this of course will cover up the camera lens or it will flop forwards and cover the screen.  If the flip is hinged at the bottom, the flap will be out of the way no matter how you use the phone.

Cut Outs

Leather Cases normally have some form of light padding built into them. This is great for protection, but can mean that some of the cut outs don’t quite line up as they should. Headphones and chargers are normally OK, but if you’re planning on using the camera, check to make sure that there are no shadows in your photos and that the case isn’t obscuring the lens. It may seem odd, but not all flip cases have cut outs for the camera, so to take photos you’ll need to remove your phone from the case.

Carry Pouch

These are another popular way to protect your iPhone 4 as they cover pretty much all of your iPhone and are less bulky than a flip case. If you’re looking for a carry pouch there isn’t too much that you need to consider, but not all pouches are the same.

Pull Tab

This is probably the only real feature to look for on a carry pouch. Instead of having cut outs on the side that allow you to grip the phone to pull it out, you simply pull a fabric tab to raise your phone out of the case.

Cut Outs

Most of the time, you won’t find cut outs on a carry pouch. The top is  open so that you can still use your headphones, but to charge the phone you’ll have to remove your phone or put it in the case upside down. Some cases, such as those from Beyza, do have a cut out at the bottom so that you can connect the dock cable, but they can leave the charging port exposed and unprotected against knocks and spills.

Enclosed Cases

There is currently one one enclosed leather case for the iPhone 4 and that’s the Krusell Classic Leather Case. It covers pretty much all of the phone, but leaves the headphone socket, silent switch and volume keys accessible. You can still use the touchscreen, although it’s not quite as sensitive as it would be out of the case.

Just because there is only the one enclosed case it doesn’t mean that you’re limited on choice of carry options. All Krusell Cases use the Multidapt clip system that gives you plenty of choice over how to carry the case around.

The Dock connector is covered, but you don’t need to remove the phone to sync/charge it, just unzip the bottom of the case to expose the charging port.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for when choosing an iPhone 4 Leather Case, take a look at our full range of iPhone 4 Cases.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Keeping Your iPhone Charged During the Festival Season

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Festival season’s well underway now and, like many of you probably were too, I was off enjoying the sunshine at Glasto last week.  If you were there too then let me know what your favourite bit was in the comments below – I thought Muse were amazing!

Getting away from things for a bit is always good but I like to be able to touch base with things back home when I want to, so it’s pretty important to me that my phone stays charged up throughout the weekend.  That’s without all the other stuff you use a high end smart phone for – taking pictures of yourself posing with celebs, updating your twitter to brag about all the amazing bands you’ve seen and, of course, crawling around your tent (probably drunk) in the middle of the night using your phone as a torch.

So I took the Solar Power Sleeve Charging Case for the iPhone with me to try out.  I was a bit skeptical at first, worrying that it’d pour it down the whole time and the case would be useless, but since it turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year I had nothing to worry about!  If you don’t have an iPhone, there are plenty of other universal solar chargers available.

The Solar iPhone charger is a great idea as well as being greener and more environmentally friendly than your average charger, which is a big bonus, especially at a festival full of hippies.  Its easy to slide on and although it doesn’t look as elegant as the iPhone itself, it’s still pretty cool looking.  One thing I really appreciated was that it barely adds any bulk or weight to the phone, since it would’ve been a bit of a pain to carry around in my pocket the whole time if it had.

The Solar charger provides a great boost to your battery power, keeping it topped up whilst you’re out and about, which makes it ideal for day trips and camping trips.  It doesn’t need to be placed in direct sunlight so I found it was still pretty effective in the shade, although of course the sunnier it is the greater the power!  You can also plug a mini USB cable into the bottom of the solar charger and charge it via computer, mains or car adapter, so it’s pretty versatile and can be used wherever you are.

Hopefully we’ll see versions coming out to use as an iPhone 4 case and maybe even an iPad case soon enough, though I’m not sure quite how sunny it’d need to be to power a whole iPad!  All in all I thought this was a brill gadget, and it was pretty useful when I managed to lose track of the people I came with and couldn’t remember whether we’d agreed to meet a) next to the portaloos or b) opposite the burger bar.

See more iPhone 4 accessories.

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Vaja Cases now in stock at Mobile Fun

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

If you’re after a case that’s a little bit special and stands out from the crowd there are a number of premium brands you could go for – Noreve, Piel Frama and Knomo are just a few of them, but what if you wanted something really special?

Well, we’re pleased to announce that our range of Vaja Cases have now arrived and are available to order for the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Storm2.

Vaja who?

Vaja are a case manufacturer based in South America. Their cases are all of an exceptionally high standard and not like any case you’ll have seen before.

They’re available in a number of colours and styles – I’ve listed some of my favourites below to give you an idea of what’s available.

Vaja Dockable iPhone Case

It looks retro with the combination of tan and beige leather, but this is a great slim fitting case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G. It has a magnetic catch built in that keeps it securely closed, as well as a kickstand on the rear that’s perfect for propping your phone up to watch videos and browse the internet.

What’s even better is that the case works with most iPhone docks, meaning you won’t have to remove your phone every time you want to sync it with your PC or Mac.

Vaja Classic Retro Dockable Case for Apple iPhone 3G & 3GS

Vaja Black & Red Limited Edition Case for BlackBerry Storm 2

The Limited Edition Vaja cases have a real sporty look to them. They’re made from textured black and red leather, with a brushed chrome logo on the outside of the flip. It provides access to all the ports and buttons on the Storm2. It also has a built in ‘sleep magnet’ that puts your phone to sleep when the cover is closed.

Vaja Black & Red Limited Edition Case for BlackBerry Storm 2

Vaja ivolution Stripes2 for Apple iPhone 3G & 3GS – Black

The ivolution Stripes case is a slim, form fitting flip case that’s all black with 3 coloured stripes across the outer flap. Unlike the Retro case above, the flap is bottom hung and your iPhone is held in place using a tension system instead of a stitched pocket to provide easier access to your phone. All of the screen is accessible, as are the volume controls, silent switch and headphone socket. To close the flap, just clip the end of the flap over the top of your phone.

Vaja ivolution Stripes2 for Apple iPhone 3G & 3GS - Black

You can see the full range of Vaja Cases on the main site, if you can’t see the case or colour that you want on the site, leave us a comment below or drop us an email and we’ll see what we can do to find you the perfect case.

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Top 10 iPhone Cases

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Last July we published a list of the top 10 iPhone 3GS Cases, but that was 6 months ago and in the mobile phone world, 6 months is a long time. The iPhone is more popular than ever and is now available on 3 of the biggest UK mobile networks. Since the iPhone 3GS was launched we’ve released more cases for the iPhone than we have for any other phone, so I thought it was time to take a look and see how things have changed and find out which are the current top 10 iPhone cases.

The cases listed below are our top selling iPhone cases and are ranked based on their popularity over the last 6 months.

1. iPhone Charging Leather Case

Not only does this case protect your iPhone, it can charge your phone and give you up to 4 hours more talk time or 36 hours more music playback. Just slide your iPhone  into the case and flick the switch to start charging. The case can be charged easily using a standard Mini USB cable in around 2 hours.

iPhone Charging Leather Case

2. iPhone Carry Pouch

The iPhone Leather Carry pouch covers all of the iPhone and has a fold over flap with a magnetic fastening to keep it in place. The rear of the case has a stitched belt loop, which means that the case can be attached to a belt/bag strap for added security. The case has a cut out on the bottom that makes it easier for you to push your iPhone out.

iPhone Carry Pouch

3. Silicone Case Twin Pack for iPhone

As the name suggests, Silicone Cases are made from a soft flexible Silicone gel that covers almost all of your iPhone. The only part left exposed is the screen, so you’ll need to use an iPhone screen protector to prevent scratches. Silicone cases add very little to your phone in the way of bulk or weight, and are a great way to protect your iPhone against minor knocks and scrapes.

Silicone Case Twin Pack for iPhone

4. Seidio iPhone Innocase II Surface

Innocase II are made of two sleeves that slide onto the top and bottom of your iPhone and lock together. This makes it almost impossible for the cover to come off your phone when you drop it. Innocase II Surface doesn’t cover the screen of your phone though, so I’d recommend using a iPhone screen protector to prevent it getting scratched.

Seidio iPhone Innocase II Surface

5. Beyza iPhone Vertical Leather Case

Beyza cases are slim, leather pockets for your iPhone that add very little bulk to your phone. They’re made from genuine leather and have a soft felt lining that cleans your iPhone everytime you slide it in and out. As they have quite a neat fit to your phone, the Beyza cases have a cut out at the base that helps you to push your phone out of the case. It’s designed to be carried in your bag or pocket and doesn’t have a belt clip or belt loop.

Beyza iPhone Sleeve

6. Piel Frama Pull Case For Apple iPhone

Slim leather pockets are proving to be extremely popular for the iPhone. The Piel Frama Pull Case is similar to the Beyza case, but has a built in fabric pull tab that makes getting your phone out of the case quick and easy. Each Piel Frama case is hand made from top quality leather.

Piel Frama Pull Case for iPhone

7. iPhone Orion Case by Krusell

The Orion Case is a leather, book style case that has a moulded holder for your iPhone.  What makes this case unique, is that the moulded holder has a built in kick stand and can be used to prop your phone up at the perfect angle for watching videos. On the inside of the case is a pocket for bank and credit cards.

iPhone Orion Case by Krusell

8. Case-Mate Barely There for iPhone – Chrome

The Barely There case is a protective back cover and a screen protector for your iPhone. It has a high gloss chrome finish that will really make your phone stand out. Cut outs on the case let you use the camera, headphones and charger without having to remove it from the case, and to make sure that everyone knows you’ve got an iPhone, the Apple logo is also exposed.

Case Mate Barely There for iPhone

9. Knomo Sleeve For iPhone

Knomo are a designer brand who are well known for their high quality laptop bags. The Knomo Sleeve for the iPhone is just as luxurious and is a great, slim case to protect your iPhone. Each case is hand crafted from soft full grain leather and has a velveteen lining that helps to keep your phone clean and free from fingerprints.

Knomo Sleeve For iPhone

10. SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel Case for iPhone – Serpent

The SwitchEasy Rebel Case is available in a range of colours and consists of 2 parts, a tough silicon skin to prevent scratches and a polycarbonate ‘exoskeleton’ that protects your phone agains knocks and scrapes.  Included with each of the Rebel cases are 2 screen protectors, a stand that supports your phone in landscape mode for watching videos, and adapter for the Apple Universal Dock that lets you sync & charge without removing the case, a rubber dock connector cover and a cleaning cloth.  The Rebel Case was highly recommended in a recent review by iLounge.

SwitchEasy Capsule Rebel Case for iPhone - Serpent

The range of iPhone cases is huge, with over 250 already available and new cases arriving all the time, so if you’ve not seen one here that takes your fancy then why not take a look at our full range of iPhone cases or let us know what case you’re after using the comments form below.

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Apple iPhone Christmas Gift Ideas

Friday, December 11th, 2009

The Apple iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS have been incredibly popular this year and are going to be two of the most sought after phones again this Christmas. If you know someone who’s got one, or is getting one, you might want to get them a little something to go with their new pride and joy, but with so many cases, covers, docks and other iPhone accessories available, what should you get? To try and make your Christmas shopping a little easier this year, here’s a few Christmas gift ideas for the Apple iPhone.

iPhone Gifts for Under £20

Gelaskins – From £11.95

GelaSkins are very thin protective covers that are made specifically for the iPhone. They are made from a strong vinyl and are available in a range of designs and colours. They can be removed from the phone easily and without leaving any messy residue behind. Gelaskins are a great way to brighten up someone’s iPhone without adding any extra bulk.

Gelaskins are a great way to brighten up the iPhone

iPhone Sat Nav Starter Pack – £14.95

If someone you know uses their phone for Sat Nav and is struggling to balance their iPhone on their lap or the dashboard then this is the perfect gift for them! The Sat Nav starter pack includes a rotating windscreen holder and a car charger for the iPhone.

iPhone Sat Nav Starter Pack

Intempo Bluetooth Speakers for iPhone – £19.95

Fed up of your loved one ruining songs by playing them through the built in loudspeaker on the iPhone? Let them fill the room with their music with the Intempo Bluetooth Speakers. This is a compact, powerful speaker unit that can connect to the iPhone using Bluetooth and play music loudly and clearly without the need to mess around with wires. Just launch the iPod app on your phone, press play and your music will play through the speakers.

Intempo Bluetooth Speaker System for iPhone

iPhone Gifts for Under £30

Knomo Sleeve – £24.95

Spoil someone this Christmas with a luxury sleeve for their iPhone. Knomo Leather sleeves are a stylish way to protect the iPhone. They have a velveteen lining that helps to keep the iPhone clean and free from fingerprints and smudges.

Knomo Sleeve For iPhone 3GS / 3G - Dark Brown

Ed Hardy Backplates – From £29.95

If you know someone who lives for designer names, then why not get them an Ed Hardy Backplate for their iPhone this Christmas? Ed Hardy designs for the iPhone are available as either Backplates or Stickers and each design is based on one of Ed Hardy’s famous Tattoos.

Ed Hardy Stickers and Backplates for the iPhone

iPhone Gifts For Under £50

iPhone OtterBox Defender – £34.95

Looking for a case for an iPhone owner who loves being outdoors?  Look no further. The OtterBox Defender for the iPhone is a triple layered case that can withstand even the most serious of knocks. It has a clear membrane to protect the screen, a polycarbonate shell that wraps around the phone and a strong silicone skin that absorbs impact. Perfect for anyone who loves hiking, walking or any other outdoor activity.

OtterBox For iPhone 3GS / 3G Defender Series - Black

iPhone 3G & 3GS Premium Pack – £34.95

Can’t decide on which accessory to get them? Why not get them all? We’ve combined our most popular accessories for the iPhone and created the Premium Pack. The Premium Pack includes a high quality Car Holder, Screen Protectors, External Back Up Battery, Sync & Charge Cable, Dock and a FlexiShield Skin and saves over £40 compared to buying them individually!

Premium Pack For Apple iPhone 3GS / 3G

Jawbone 2 – £49.93

The Jawbone2 Bluetooth Headset is a great gift for anyone who spends a lot of time chatting on their phone or needs to use their phone in the car. Jawbone have just about the best noise cancelling technology in them, so no matter where this is used, you’ll still be able to hear the person who’s using it.

Jawbone 2

iPhone Gifts For Under £100

iHome iPhone Docking Station – £62.95

iPhone speakers and docks are everywhere you look, but this one stands out from the crowd. The iHome Dock holds the iPhone in portrait mode and rotates 90° so that you movies or TV shows can be shown in widescreen. The iHome Dock has a built in alarm clock with snooze, battery back up, full remote control and a display that rotates to match the orientation of the stand. A must have accessory for every iPhone user.

iHome iPhone 3GS / 3G Docking Station

Etymotic HF-2 Headphones – £84.95

Music is important to most iPhone users, so give them a gift that will really let them enjoy their music and immerse them in sound. The Etymotic HF-2 Headphones are premium earphones that have been specifically designed for the iPhone and has an in-line microphone and control pod that can answer calls, play/pauser music and skip/rewind tracks. The HF-2 comes with a choice of noise isolating ear buds that keep out almost all background noise, leaving the listener to enjoy their music without interruptions. The HF2 is available in Red, Black or Blue.

Etymotic HF2 High Fidelity Headphones - Black

Hopefully you’ve seen something here that will make the perfect gift this Christmas, if not, why not take a look at our full range of iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS Accessories.

All prices are correct as of 10/12/09. Pricing and availability are subject to change. For the latest pricing and delivery information, please see the individual product pages.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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