Starting the year on a new foot, we’ve decided at CaseScoop that along with posting case reviews, we’d also like to bring to you the latest news on recently released cases from some of our favorite manufacturers.

This article includes:

Vaja’s ivolution Top Crystal 2 Series for the Apple iPhone 3G/3GS & BlackBerry Tour 9630

Sena’s UltraSlim case for the BlackBerry Tour 9630

Krusell’s ENCORE Label for the Apple iPod Nano 5^th gen.

Piel Frama’s Leather Goods Collection, “The Pearl”

Fortte’s upcoming cases

OtterBox’s New Tandem Series

Proporta’s Shine Case for the Apple iPhone 3GS

Noreve’s Motorola Droid – Milestone Tradition Leather Case

Follow the link below to read the full article.

Vaja’s ivolution Top Crystal 2 Series for Apple iPhone 3G/3GS & BlackBerry Tour 9630

This feminine series of cases is just about as girly as it gets, as encrusted Swarovski crystals sparkle around a vine-like design that borders both the front and back of the Caterina leather case, and a variety of color-scheme options are offered to allow the crystals to stand out as their own. The customization options are pretty nifty, as you’re able to choose from a few different “art” (design) options and can even personalize the back of your case (in about ten characters or less) with their laser-engraving option for an extra $10, as if the already-$220 case wasn’t expensive enough. Additionally, Vaja is offering the convenience of a leather wrist strap for a “secure attachment” for an extra $30. (To note: the strap is made of the same color and Caterina leather used for the rest of the case). Also for your convenience, with your purchase Vaja will include a leather bag with a drawstring, presumably used for carrying the case. (It’s like its own case for the case!)

This case allows access to just about everything, as you can see for yourself below:

Though we doubt Vaja will want to donate a potentially $260 case (personalization option and leather strap included), this is a case we’d like to get our hands on just to see if it really is worth the big bucks. Vaja is known as one of the leading case manufacturers, so the case is undoubtedly of high quality, especially including the Swarovski crystal glass beads, but it’s hard to really believe any small case could really be worth spending $260 on. Though maybe it is worth it, since it’ll take well over a month to craft. Let’s hope their female customers think so!

To purchase this case visit: www.vajacases.com where you can find the ivolution Top Crystal 2 Series under both the iPhone 3G/3Gs and BlackBerry Tour 9630 tabs.

Minimum price: $220.

(View image gallery below for additional ivolution photos).

The Sena UltraSlim case for the BlackBerry Tour 9630

This slender case is one of the thinnest leather cases ever designed for any mobile device (according to Sena), and has absolutely “zero bulk” as it is the leanest case Sena offers. The UltraSlim case is handcrafted from high-quality pebble textured Italian leather, and contains a soft, micro velvet lining with stitching along the opening of the case. While this case is merely a pouch to hold the BlackBerry Tour 9630, Sena has allowed cutouts in the leather for the speaker and microphone, and even offers an energy-saving sleep function activator. Though you aren’t offered the beautiful colors around the color wheel, Sena does offer five (somewhat bland, but sufficient) color options: White, black, brown, tan, and red.

The pebbled leather was a smart design choice for this UltraSlim case because it looks just as elegant as the next Sena case. Though the BlackBerry Tour won’t function while inside the case, this “slim” pouch option is a nice choice for protection while inside pockets and purses, and will protect the device while inside the Sena case. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be able to tell their friends that they have the slimmest case designed for any mobile device?!

To purchase this case visit: http://www.senacases.com/blackberry-cases/blackberry-tour-cases/ultra-slim-pouch-sleeve/.

Minimum price: $29.99

(View image gallery below for additional UltraSlim photos).

Krusell ENCORE Label for the Apple iPod Nano 5^th gen.

Following Krusell’s release of the ENCORE collection of cases for the Apple iPod Nano 4^th gen, Krusell has released the same label for the Nano’s 5^th generation iPod. It’s a stylish design offering a variety of fun metallic color choices (blue, silver, pink, yellow, orange, purple, red… to name a few), all to match the Nano unit, with a focus on functionality. There are openings in the small case for the screen, click wheel, and camera lens. The design is simple as you just slide the Nano into position in the case, but the real beauty of the case lies in the eye-catching metallic glimmer that radiates from this Krusell label.

To purchase this case visit: http://www.krusellcases.com/uk/p_krusell_product.aspx?i=189717.

Minimum price: £9.99

(View image gallery below for additional ENCORE photos).

The Leather Goods Collection “The Pearl” by Piel Frama

As difficult as Piel Frama’s website is to navigate around, the little information we can give you about this new Leather Goods collection is that the variety of cases offered range from men and women’s wallets, glasses cases, handbags and laptop and travel bags. These handmade cases are crafted using high quality Cowskin and a smooth finish. This series is very elegant and is distinguishable by its unique design.

To purchase products in “The Pearl” selection visit: http://www.pielframa.net/leathergoods/

Minimum price: Prices vary per product

(View image gallery below for additional “Pearl” photos).

Coming Soon to Fortte!

A long list of Fortte’s upcoming leather cases are as follows:

IPod Nano shoots video Chromatic, Sprint Samsung Instinct S30, Thuraya Satellite Phone, Samsung Rant M540, HP iPAQ 210, HTC Imagio, Sony Ericsson Satio, Sony Ericsson W595a, Google Nexus One.

To check back for availability visit: http://fortte.com/

OtterBox’s New Tandem Series Revealed

OtterBox’s now-fourth series has finally been announced: The Tandem Series for the Palm® Pre™. Featuring an overmolded design, this series incorporates TPR (a plastic material used in the injection molding process) into the polycarbonate shell for device protection. According to OtterBox, the first shell attaches to the front of the smartphone and the second shell attaches to the back. TPR lines the outside edges of the case and combines with polycarbonate to offer extra stability. Once the case is assembled, it allows for complete functionality, even when sliding the screen.

(This series was designed to complement the Palm® Pre™).

It’s an interesting design idea using two shells, even if it seems a little bulky.

To view this series and a chance to be notified when the Tandem Series is released for purchase visit: http://www.otterbox.com/new-case-series/

(View image gallery below for additional “Tandem” photos).

The Proporta Shine Case for the Apple iPhone 3GS

This case is one for the girls out there with its soft feel interior zebra print lining and high gloss patent leather exterior. If that wasn’t enough, Proporta has included an interior compact mirror for those high-maintenance women who are desperate for a quick peek while browsing their iPhone apps. There’s even a magnetic closure system that enables you to flip the cover of the case over and position in place for easy phone use.

This stylish case isn’t for the modest shopper, so all you girls out there who want a stylish case (and a compact mirror!), this one’s for you.

To purchase this case visit: http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=4886&t_mode=des

Minimum price: £ 24.95

(View image gallery below for additional “Shine” photos).

Noreve Motorola Droid – Milestone Tradition Leather Case

Released earlier this month, the Noreve Motorola Droid & Milestone case is hand-crafted and slim with a top flap that snaps into a magnetic closure at the back of the case. Similar to most Noreve cases, this case allows openings in the leather for access to the basic functions of the two devices, and includes a stainless steel mesh speaker protector. It’s an elegant case like the rest offered by Noreve, but there’s nothing new to speak of in terms of design so if you know Noreve, you know what to expect. The usual color options are offered with this case (including the new Illumination Selection of leather), as well as a removable plastic belt clip. It’s protective and function-accessible while maintaining a level of elegance with its simple and direct design.

To purchase this case visit: http://www.noreveusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=2342

Minimum price: $51.00

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