Sena

Created in 1999 by gadget enthusiasts, Sena Cases aims to produce cases that are trendy, sleek, and completely function-accessible and customized entirely by the customer. Sena cases are handcrafted by leather artisans in Turkey using full grain genuine Italian and Turkish calfskin Napa leathers. Sena cases are offered in classic smooth leather or patterned leather such as croco, pebble, perforated or vincado in a variety of colors. Since Sena cases are made from full grain genuine leather, the cases adjust and soften to develop a perfect fit to the device after a short break-in period. The leather is unique as it begins to form and customize to the owner’s individual usage habits. Sena knows good leather, and believes in the variations of markings that come with their leather, considering marks and scars a necessity in distinguishing real, quality leather from imitation, and deems these “imperfections” as genuine properties of the leather that enhances the overall quality aesthetic of their cases. Offering a large variety of case designs for their vast selection of devices, Sena allows unique customization options so that each case is crafted just as their customers wish.

To read this full article, click “read more” to learn about Piel Frama, Krusell, Vaja, Noreve, OtterBox, and Fortte’s manufacturing process!

Piel Frama

The kind of leather Piel Frama uses to make their PDAs cases is cow skin 1ª quality. This leather comes from Piel Frama’s country of Spain, which allows them the opportunity to select the highest quality leather offered. The leather Piel Frama uses is from veal (young cows) due to their clean, undamaged skin. Additionally, Piel Frama´s leathers are environmentally safe, or “green”, because the leathers are tanned and finished with natural products and biodegradable organic substances, which avoids impact on natural systems. All of Piel Frama’s products are hand-made through an “elaboration process,” which maintains that each piece has a strict quality control. This elaboration process includes creating different molds in hard cartons, then cutting the different parts of the case (the leather, interior lining, etc.) and assembling each part together like puzzle pieces with glue that is not environmentally harmful. Piel Frama also uses a raw material called “viledón” which is a highly resistant synthetic cloth, located between the leather and the lining, adding consistency and resistance to the cover. The leather cover is then sewn together by 100% polyester thread (stronger and more durable than cotton), and a conveniently removable rotating clip is added to the case.

Krusell

Krusell, a Swedish company founded in 1991, makes a great deal of their products primarily with superior and medium nappa leather, a full-grain dyed and tanned leather known for its soft feel and durability, as well as cow skin for the interior of the case. Krusell offers seven different collections of cases labeled by different colors for a variety of customers (business [blue], active users on the job [red], sporty [green], “cool”/hip [orange], glamorous [purple], luxurious [Grand Kru], and a separate collection for accessory packs [black]). Because of this, leather is not the only material Krusell uses to craft their cases. For instance, their Green Label collection is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rubber for shock-absorption and durability for their sporty customers. As well, PU imitation leather is used for their Orange Label, quilted leather, micro fiber lining, and piping is used alongside nappa and PU leather in the Purple Label, and Polyamide plastic is used for the accessory packs in the Black Label. For more information on the manufacturing of Krusell’s products, watch the video below:

Vaja

All leather used in Vaja products is full grain cowhide. These hides are from the top ten percent of Argentina’s leather and are selected for quality, strength, character and grain. They have not been altered in any way thereby allowing the natural markings and character to show through. Full Grain cowhide is generally much cleaner and has minimal scarring and insect bites. This results in a more expensive product than other altered grain leathers, but Vaja feels this is warranted in order to produce a product of extremely high quality. Vaja’s products are made one at a time in their own factories by skilled craftmen who maintain the highest quality standards in the leather industry. According to Vaja’s online FAQ, “Each customized product is specially handcrafted for the customer who requires it. All of [Vaja's] products are handmade by a group of craftsmen specially selected for this purpose. There are many stages involved in the customization process: leather selection and special arrangement according to the model and features selected, case molding and assembling, finishing, quality and functionality testing. Attention to even the smallest details is always present in each of these steps.”

Noreve

This French (St. Tropez) manufacturer has conquered the international market through a network of specialized resellers across the globe since 2004, and continues to become more accessible to customers all over the world. Noreve specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality, individually hand-crafted leather cases for the most up-to-date devices by offering a large variety of color options as well as four selections of leather: Perpetual, Ambition, Exceptional, and the recently-released Illumination Selection. All four selections differ greatly between texture and style, and each leather type is unique and offers something a little different from the next. All leather used by Noreve production teams is premium cow leather that goes through a different treatment process depending on the custom-ordered case. In the Perpetual Selection of leather, full grain calf leather is used to create a smooth feel with a matte finish. The Ambition Selection of leather is pebble-grained and has a polymer to protect against scratches. This selection is also weather-resistant and fights discoloration. The Exceptional Selection is suede-like leather that goes through a strict weathering process to highlight the natural quality of the leather and make it unique from every other case manufactured by Noreve. Finally, the new Illumination Selection of leather is glossy and smooth to the touch and is finished with a layer of varnish that is applied during the last stages of the tanning process to obtain a shiny effect.

OtterBox

Dedicated to the “klutzy, spontaneous, chaotic, graceless individuals,” OtterBox (located in Fort Collins, Colorado) was created in 1996 to protect devices for customers with an active lifestyle. Their original line of cases are waterproof (like that of an otter’s fur… get the connection?), which has since expanded into four lines of device-specific cases for the most up-to-date gadgets on the market.

The four lines include:

1)      Defender Series:

http://www.otterbox.com/defender-series-cases

2)      Commuter Series:

http://www.otterbox.com/commuter-series-cases

3)      Impact Series:

http://www.otterbox.com/impact-series-cases

4)      Tandem Series:

http://www.otterbox.com/new-case-series/

As a company that has been continuously evolving, their cases are crafted primarily with polycarbonate and silicone components to withstand water, sand, dust, and klutziness in practically any situation. Additionally, silicone materials maintain good electrical insulation to resist the flow of electrical currents while polycarbonate components are easily molded and are impact-resistant. Both polycarbonate and silicone components maintain thermal stability and are temperature-resistant which is ideal for OtterBox’s active customers looking to keep their devices insulated and protected from UV light.

Fortte

Known as one of the leading leather case manufacturers, Fortte specializes in the creation of sleek, customizable leather cases for mobile devices popular in today’s market. They only use quality hides and inner materials that guarantee to maintain long-lasting durability. Fortte additionally manufactures in Biodegradable Plastic in an effort to help environmental practices, and part of sale is reinvested in Sustainable Forestry in the Amazonian basin. A focus of Fortte’s is guaranteeing that their brand is manufactured with only selected material under the ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Assurance), ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Practices) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Safety and Labor protection).  This also means that the suppliers of the materials also comply with the regulations.

Fortte cases are designed both to custom fit every specific device (they even offer a universal collection) and maintain a high level of functionality without compromising style. They offer high quality leather cases at decent prices in a variety of colors with a choice of belt clips and customization options. Fortte only brings their best cases to the market with a strict focus on quality standards and customer satisfaction.

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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This selection is quite unique to Noreve’s other competing leather selections, as the colors include Onyx, Maïa Gold, and Platinum, diverging from their usual straight-forward colors. Though I’ve not yet received these cases to review, it’s clear there will be a bit of a demographic switch in terms of customer satisfaction with this new selection just based on the couple pictures I’ve seen of the cases. I think this selection debut has potential to reach larger audiences, as the glossy finish may spark the attention of perhaps younger customers who may not have been otherwise interested in Noreve’s competing leather selections.

According to Noreve’s website, the new Illumination Selection of leather is smooth, hand-crafted, varnished leather and catches the eye which may be appealing to some and tawdry to others.

One thing is for sure: This is a big step for Noreve and we can’t wait to get our hands on a new Illumination Selection case for an in-depth review!

What do you think about this new selection of leather? Classy or tacky? Or perhaps a bit too early to judge? Here at CaseScoop we’ll wait to hold, touch, smell, test, and analyze the product before deciding, but we’re curious to hear what you have to think!

ObeyBrandon on YouTube

If you want the chance to win $100 store credit @ NoreveUSA.com, post a review on NoreveUSA’s Facebook page by December 15th!

As many of you know, we’ve done a variety of product reviews for Noreve. Recently, NoreveUSA contacted us to help them judge a contest offering $100 store credit at NoreveUSA.com. This contest is all about creativity, and allowing customers like you to express your feelings about Noreve’s line of products. So by simply reviewing a currently owned Noreve product or by describing you what interests you or is keeping you from purchasing a Noreve product, you could win $100 store credit toward any Noreve product. The rules are simple: join Facebook if you’re not already a member, and become a fan of NoreveUSA (www.facebook.com/NoreveUSA). Then, under the “Reviews” section of Noreve’s fan page, post a review expressing your interest/disinterest in Noreve’s line of products. The more you express yourself, the more likely you’ll be to win the $100 store credit. Feel free to post a video or include pictures in your review, but it’s not mandatory. According to NoreveUSA, they’re looking for “rich content that not only expresses [their] products, but helpful information that [their] users can attain to make an informed buying decision about [their] products and company alike.”

The contest has been extended to run through December 15, 2009 and the contest winner will be announced by December 18th on NoreveUSA’s Facebook page.

For more information about the contest, visit www.facebook.com/NoreveUSA and click the “NoreveUSA Facebook Contest” tab.

You have nothing to lose by submitting a review. And who knows? You could easily win $100 to spend toward any Noreve product at NoreveUSA.com just by expressing your opinion! (We’re a little jealous CaseScoop can’t participate in the contest…)

We look forward to hearing what you have to say! *And remember, you must submit your review BY December 15th!*

Good luck!

- CaseScoop.com

Designed for such a small device, this Noreve case is elegant and slim, accessible, and durable.

Protection: 9

Everything is protected with the exception of the charger and headphone jacks. Otherwise the case is extremely protective due to the design of the case and quality of the leather.

Functionality: 10

This case is completely function-accessible. There’s access to the power switch, charger and headphone jacks, and camera lens without any obstruction from the leather.

Overall: 9

This is a nice, slim case for the iPod Nano 5G. It’s attractive, protective, function-accessible, and fits like a shoe.

NoreveUSA.com – Starting at $45.89

Color:

This tradition leather case came to me in black, which looks nice against the black iPod Nano I own. Though the black color is not the most exciting of colors Noreve offers, it’s elegant and classy-looking and could perhaps be targeted for a more “mature” customer. Otherwise, Noreve offers nineteen colors- most of which are spunky and unique, with the exception of a few soft, more mainstream colors (i.e. white, black, beige, brown, etc.). As well, there is the option of a more “special” case with the choice of three diverse types of leather to fit your liking. With a device so small, I’m not sure ordering a pebble-grained or suede leather case would do the fine leather real justice, but I definitely think that having seen each of the types of leather, any would be an ideal pick.

Fit and design:

It’s a slim fit for a slim device. The design is an interesting one in comparison to the majority of Noreve’s cases which have a top flap that snaps around the bottom of the case. Instead, this case design is reversed in terms of having the flap stem from the bottom and snap at the top of the case. It’s interesting because I’m not used to the snap being on top of the case, but it works well with the Nano because it can be charged as well as allow for headphones to be connected while still in the case. Otherwise there aren’t really functions to allow openings for, besides the camera lens on the back of the case which is exposed at all times. Another nice thing about this case is the fact that the flap can be snapped in backwards (see picture below) so that the front screen of the device is open and accessible while remaining in the case. On the back of the case, Noreve has created an option for a belt clip by placing a metal stud in the back and including a plastic belt clip and screw/screwdriver for quick and easy attachment to the case. This way, if you want the option of being active while listening to music, you can wear the belt clip and it won’t hinder your productivity.

The design of the case is straightforward, and there isn’t any unnecessary feature to the case. Simply slide the Nano into the rail system, aligning the camera lens with the opening in the leather, and fold the top flap over, snap it closed, and voilà! The device is in place and protected. I’m glad this is a case and not a pouch, because it proves that there can be a case for a device as small as the iPod Nano.

Protection:

The majority of the device is completely protected by this Noreve case, so the only real problem I have in terms of protection is that the charger jack is completely exposed which is nice in a sense because it’s easily accessible, but isn’t protected against grime or any sort of outside harm. The same goes for the headphone jack, but since the opening is smaller there is less of a chance for harm than the opening for the charger. Otherwise the strong leather protects every other aspect of the device.

Quality of materials:

Though this is such a small case, the materials used are nice quality and durable to outlast even the Nano itself. The stitching is tight, the cut-outs are symmetrical, and though it weighs only slightly over an ounce, this case is completely durable to protect the Nano.

Conclusion:

It’s obvious that this case was designed entirely for the iPod Nano 5G. No universal case here. It’s a slim-fitting, long-lasting/durable case, with access to functions and protective of most of the device. It’s a nice design, and would be suitable for any customer looking for a high-end leather case offering durability, accessibility, and a huge variety of color/leather options.

NoreveUSA.com – Starting at $45.89

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The style is fairly generic for Noreve, but the rounded corners at the bottom of the case give it a bit of a different look. The design of the case is elegant, and because of the color and leather options it’d be hard not to satisfy any type of customer.

Protection: 8

The sides are a bit exposed, and the top flap (very slightly) shifts from left to right. That will not harm the device, but I do feel it necessary to mention.

Functionality: 10

As far as I can tell, every basic function is accounted for with the design of this case so that you’re able to access every function easily while the device is still in the case.

Overall: 8.5

I think this is a nice case and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a Palm Pre case. The black color offers more of a business feel but the color options will satisfy any demographic.

NoreveUSA.com – $51.00

Color:

The color I’ve received from Noreve is their black leather case from the Perpetual Selection of leather. This selection of leather is smooth and flawless. It’s slightly cushioned for protection but doesn’t add extra bulk. The black color is elegant and does have more of a business feel, but there is a huge variety of colors to choose from as well as three different types of leather so that you’re able to create a case to your liking.

Fit and design:

Similar to most/all Noreve cases, this Palm Pre case has a rail system that the device is placed into to prevent it from shifting around. The rail system hugs the Palm Pre snugly so that you know that the device will never fall out of the case. Once placed in the rail system, the screen can be shifted upward to reveal the keypad without having to adjust the case. Because of it, the case is easily accessible to all basic functions of this device. There are even openings in the leather for quick and easy access. These openings include access to volume control, headset jack, camera lens and flash, and speaker. The speakers are even protected by stainless steel wire mesh.

When the device is not in use, the top flap of the case is simply folded over and held together by a magnetic snap that shuts very easily. As well, when the case is closed the top flap covers and protects the camera lens and back speaker. Noreve also offers the option of attaching a removable belt clip by including a screwdriver, screws, and a plastic belt clip with every purchase. The clip is durable even though it’s plastic, but Noreve offers a metal belt clip which can be purchased separately through NoreveUSA.com. The case does not add extra bulk and with this Perpetual Selection of leather, the case is very sleek and nicely crafted.

Protection:

I definitely find this case to be a protective one, though I feel that the sides of the device are a bit unnecessarily exposed. Reason being, Noreve has already allowed openings on the sides of the case for functions, but even portions of the device that don’t have functions are exposed. That said, I’m not sure if that will even affect the protection of the device. Otherwise I think that due to the quality of the materials this case is very protective. The rail system is sturdy, the leather is durable and hand-crafted, and the stitching is extremely tight so there’s no way this case will fall apart… or at least not for a very long time.

Quality of materials:

Weighing slightly less than two ounces, this case is extremely light but there’s no question that it’s extremely durable. I’d forgotten how cheap some generic cases can be until I started writing reviews for nice cases that have great leather, are hand-crafted, and are designed to precisely fit the device. Even just by looking at the case it’s easy to tell that the materials used to craft this case are of quality.

Conclusion:

There aren’t any major flaws with this case, just a minor concern with the slightly exposed sides of the device. Otherwise I find this case to be one that I would use if I had a Palm Pre because of its durability and access to all basic functions. The case is designed to fit the device perfectly and will protect it while the device is both in and out of use.

NoreveUSA.com – $51.00

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I think because the device is so large it makes the top flap seem large, but it also showcases the high quality of the leather. Otherwise the style and design of this case is classy and smart.

Protection: 9

I can’t give this a perfect score because there are a few openings in the leather and therefore I cannot absolutely guarantee that nothing will ever happen to your Archos, but I can say that with the durable leather and the few openings that do exist in the design, your device will be protected hopefully without so much as a scratch.

Functionality: 10

Noreve has designed a case geared toward allowing the device to function entirely while inside the case. The case even enables the device to remain upright while the media player is in use.

Overall: 9

It’s an elegant case that offers accessibility, protection, and durability. Two thumbs up for this Archos 7 case.

NoreveUSA.com – $57.37

Color:

This case has a wide variety of color and texture options, but the particular case I’ve received to review is the Sandy Vintage case from the Exceptional Selection. This means that this leather case has a suede texture and look, and is distressed to give a vintage feel. I think the coloring is beautiful for a case as large as this one, and I think any of the Vintage cases are good choices for devices this large to showcase the quality of the leather.

Fit and design:

As with practically every Noreve case, the device (the Archos 7) can be slid into the rail system very easily. Once in the rail system, the Archos is in place and can’t slide or shift in the case. The style is nice because there are cut-outs in the leather for the basic functions of the Archos, and each cut-out is finely crafted. The stitching is extremely tight and will ensure durability, unlike many cheaper cases on the market. Also something to note is the left interior flap and its two slots for business cards, IDs, etc., as well as a slot for the stylus in the middle interior of the case. Something that I particularly like about these Noreve Archos cases is the ability to keep the case in an upright position so that you aren’t forced to hold the media player while it’s in use. This Noreve case has been designed with the customer’s satisfaction in mind as all basic functions are considered in terms of allowing openings in the leather for access and highest quality. For instance there is an opening in the leather for the speaker so as to not muffle sounds, as well as openings in the leather for basic controls. This case is elegant in a way that will shine on its own, especially if it’s a Vintage case from the Exceptional Selection. But regardless of the choice of leather, this case is top-quality, one of a kind, and hand crafted just for you.

Protection:

I would absolutely recommend this case solely based on protection. The leather is of the highest quality so it will be more durable than cheaper leather or other materials, and the design of this case allows no room for harm. As I said earlier, there are openings in the leather to access basic functions, but none of the openings are large enough to hinder the protection of the Archos. The stitching is also extremely tight and will ensure that this case will not be falling apart any time soon.

Quality of materials:

Practically every Noreve case comes in as a special order and is therefore crafted solely for you which means the leather should be to your standard, as well as the quality in which the case is made. The leather looks great, smells great, and is extremely durable without adding extra bulk. The stitching is tight and the interior of the case has been crafted with the same care as the outside of the case. The rail system is sturdy and its rigid frame keeps the Archos from shifting around in the case.

Conclusion:

I’d like to be able to point out flaws in this case, but they’re few and far between when it comes to this Archos 7 case. The leather is elegant and durable, the design is smart and simple, and the overall make of the case provides protection on an upscale level.

NoreveUSA.com – $57.37

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There isn’t anything I’d take away or add to this case. It’s classy and has something to offer for any customer. The black is a bit boring for my taste, but of the 19 colors/3 textures offered through Noreve, there is surely enough selection to fulfill anyone’s needs.

Protection: 9.5

This case is very protective, with the slight exception to the right side of the case which has openings in the leather for a few basic functions. But which is more important? That you can access those functions easily, or that they’re covered and protected? The case protects 95% of the device, so I guess I’ll let those few openings slide.

Functionality: 10

An absolute “10.” Everything about this case is function-accessible.

Overall: 9.5

This Noreve BlackBerry Tour 9630 case is great. So pick your color, pick your texture, and this hand-crafted case will be one of a kind just for you.

Color:

The color I’ve received from Noreve is their regular black case from the Perpetual Selection of leather. The black leather has a universal look; it can be used for business, every day use, and play. It matches with everything, and can be worn by men or women of any age. The Perpetual Selection of leather is smooth and classy-looking, with seemingly perfect, untouched leather. The black color is also offered in two other types of leather, and the case itself is offered in nineteen colors.

Fit and design:

I love the design of this case. Noreve has allowed room for access to all functions in terms of creating openings in the leather to make access to the BlackBerry quick and simple. The slim design gives the case a sleek, sexy feel, and the first time you slide your BlackBerry into the case you’ll notice how the case will fit like a shoe. When I first got a hold of this Noreve case I knew it was going to fit the device well. I slid the BlackBerry into the rail system and as simply as the device fit into place, it was just as simply hugged on all ends and remained in its spot within the case. The top flap folded over, and a magnetic closure within the cover allowed the case to close easily and without adjustment. It simply folds over and holds itself in place. To open the cover, hold it on the sides of the flap and open. You don’t need to use hardly any strength (which is a slightly unfortunate thing) to open the cover, but it makes your BlackBerry’s screen accessible but also protected when needed. The cut-outs in the leather are symmetrical and beautifully crafted in a way making it difficult to notice that the case has been hand-crafted. The stitching is tight and also aligned symmetrically to add to the overall elegance of the case. I recently compared this case to that of a Verizon case and realized how much I’ve been taking Noreve’s tight stitching for granted. There aren’t any loose ends in these Noreve cases, and the stitching is practically flawless. The opening in the leather for the speaker is filled by stainless steel wire mesh which protects without obstructing the noise coming from it. On the back of the case Noreve has placed a metal stud for potential for a removable plastic or metal belt clip. Each case automatically comes with a plastic belt clip, but for additional durability Noreve offers a metal belt clip which can be purchased separately. (For a complete review of the Noreve steel belt clip, click HERE). Along with the plastic belt clip, a screw and mini screw driver has been included for simple installation. And finally, I must mention Noreve’s new logo: I guess I like it? But I didn’t think the original was all that bad.

Protection:

This case is extremely protective, especially with the amount that Noreve offers for access to functions. Point being, there are openings in the leather for some buttons on both sides of the case, so that may take away a bit from the amount of protection offered (depending of course on how well you treat your case). Otherwise, this BlackBerry case will protect from scratches to the entire front screen, will cover the camera lens when necessary, and will keep the device in place within the rail system so that it will not shift and will also be protected from any outside harm.

Quality of materials:

This case weighs less than two ounces and is very light. As I said earlier, the stitching is extremely tight and symmetrical, the quality of the leather is of superiority to most cases out there, and the durability of the materials used is absolutely up to par with any requirements you may have when looking for a case.

Conclusion:

There isn’t much else to say about this case other than what I’ve already said. But I’ll break it down quickly one final time: Elegant, hand-crafted, slim/light, durable, protective, function-accessible. It’s a great buy for your BlackBerry Tour… simple as that.

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