SGP Leather Pouch Vintage Edition for iPhone 4 Review

The SGP Leather Vintage Edition Pouch has got to be my most favorite leather flip style case for the iPhone 4. I've had this same exact case for the iPhone 3GS and it held fantastically well for over a year and counting, so I've got high hope for this iPhone 4 version. This leather case does not disappoint one bit, it's got great quality soft leather with a vintage look to it and it just holds up very well with use. The special thing about this vintage leather is that it shows your everyday use and scuffs easily, it's a very unique look. The name is a bit confusing because it is not a pouch really, it's a flip case with a flap that is reinforced with plastic to give you more protection for your screen when in your pocket or not in use. The iPhone 4 fits very snuggly inside and it feels very secure. 

The build quality is superb and it is fully hand made. Not only does this case look great, it offers great all around protection. The only exposed parts of your iPhone 4 are the middle side parts, however there is a nice lip on both top and bottom of the case make the iPhone recessed, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. Iv;e been using this case for quite some time now and I did not experience any issue. The flap closes very securely onto the top of the iPhone without harming it because of the soft lining it has inside, and while the flap is closed your speaker and mic are uncovered as well as your sleep/wake button and headphones jack. 

The SGP Leather Pouch has a generous cutout for the camera and flash and if that is not enough, SGP includes flash defuser rings that simply attach to the metal camera ring and greatly reduce any flash glare from entering the camera lens. You can use these rings with any other case or even without a case, and they work very well. I think that is a huge plus that SGP includes these flash defusing rings. While this case isn't much of a shock absorber, it will do great for most light drops and bumps, and of course it will protect your iPhone 4 from getting scratched. You do need to note that when you use your iPhone with the flap down, your front screen and sides will be exposed. You will need to get used to handling the case with the flap over and back, and once you do, it won't bother you so much. You can also just have the flap open without flipping it back and that also works well. You can get the SGP Leather Pouch without a logo on the front as well as in other colors and leather types. I would highly recommend SGP's Leather Pouches for the iPhone 4. Price $45.99.

SGPstore.com

Padster Bag for iPad

Padster isn't your ordinary iPad bag, it's more than that. The Padster is custom fitted to carry your iPad as well as other documents and accessories you might need for your travels. The Padster bag is made from high quality materials that you just notice right away after first using it. The flap that covers the front of the bag is fully made of quality soft leather and it has a nice heft to it so it does not move around at all when you're on the go. The whole design is very straight to the point giving you fast and easy access to your important main compartment where your iPad is. The way the iPad is held inside the Padster is by a padded neoprene sleeve that will also fit most slim cases including the Apple iPad Case. In the interior of the Padster you will find a large zippered compartment and a few individual pockets for various items. There are also two large zippered compartments on both sides of the Padster, the front being covered by the leather flap. 

The Padster is a simple, sharp looking slim bag which goes very well with both casual and business attire. Carrying around the Padster is comfortable even though it's strap is not padded, however it all depends on the weight carried and since the Padster is made to carry your iPad with some accessories, it won't be an issue for most people including myself. The strap feels very well made and the nylon material is nice and thick, which in term provides great long term durability. The Padster's exterior are made from high quality 1680D ballistic nylon that covers most of the back side, sides and middle bottom with cotton-blend lining. A soft-milled full grain cowhide leather covers both bottom sides and of course the front flap. 

The Padster bag feels very well made and it just works flawlessly on the go. I really love the quick and easy access I have with the option to even more securely zip up my main compartment for when I don't need to access my bag often. I was able to fit my iPad with my Apple Wireless Keyboard as well has a charger and some paperwork with much more room to spare. There are no obtrusive logos on the Padster except for a pair of unnoticeable embossed written logos on both the side strap anchors. This bag is the most useful and stunningly great looking iPad bag Iv'e seen and used. Price $165.

Padster.net

Cyber Acoustics Leather iPad Folio Cover

Cyber Acoustics's Leather iPad Cover, which is more of a folio type case for the iPad has a very simple smooth design on the outside. On the inside there is a very smart mounting system for the iPad which is made from clear rubber that neatly holds and presents your iPad to you once you need to use it. This rubber mounting system looks like it would also provide a little shock protection from back bumps to the case. This leather folio actually feels protective because it's slightly padded unlike other folios. The front and back of the folio are pretty tough and hard so they seem to provide a good amount of protection. The leather quality isn't the best but it's definitely sufficient if you don't care much for high quality leather. The insides are lined with felt material which isn't super soft but it gets the job done. You can use the inner hand bungee strap on the inside of the flap which you flip over and secure it in place by two little straps, for when you want to hold your iPad by sliding your hand thru the strap. This actually provides some security and grip. 

Switching to the typing angle works flawlessly and it provides a great steady typing angle, I'm actually typing this review using my iPad with this folio and I find it to be comfortable. The front flap slides into a back slot and allows you to use both the typing and upright functions of the case. When it the upright landscape angle, the case is fairly steady even while using the screen lightly. If you want to use your iPad normally, you can flip the front flap over and back while using both the bungee straps to secure the flap to the case itself, this works the same way when you want to fully close up the case. This folio isn't the slimmest on the market and does add some bulk. While I really like the rubber grip mount that securely holds the iPad in place, it could lift up any screen shields you might have installed on your screen. Whether if you have the Leather Folio closed or opened, you've got full access to all your iPad's ports and buttons without any obstacles in your way. You can currently pick up your Cyber Acoustics Leather iPad Cover only in black leather. Price $39.99.

CyberAcoustics.com

WaterField Designs Smart Case for iPhone 4 (Bumper version)

WaterField Designs's Smart Case for the iPhone 4 is one tough pouch. The Smart Case I've been sent is made to fit an iPhone 4 with a Bumper case on, but it still offers the same protection as the slimmer Smart Case which fits the naked iPhone 4. Now, right away you can feel how ultra padded the Smart Case is with it's multi-layered padding that incorporates a high-impact, rigid insert. The Smart Case is lined with very soft Ultrasuede that helps protect your iPhone even more. This case is simply designed to protect your iPhone from drops and bumps and it does a great job at it. Once your insert in your iPhone, it will stay in there until you decide you need to quickly use it. There is only one top opening that does not close but due to how snug your iPhone will fit inside, it is not a problem. You still get access to your silent/vibrate switch, power button and headphones jack. The Smart Case has a very simple design and micro square texture to it on both sides with soft leather trim on the sides. Depending on the fit you choose, the Smart Case that is made to fit the iPhone 4 with a Bumper on will be very bulky. The Bumper Smart Case version will also work great with other slim cases.

The craftsmanship is just outstanding, you will not see any visible stitching on this slip pouch. The Smart Case feels very good in the hand and this micro squared texture even adds some hold grip. All Smart Cases come with a low-profiled stretchy pocket which can be used for cards, money and even earphones. Now if you are looking for great drop protection for your iPhone, I would recommend the Smart Case pouch. There are a few choices of colors and sizes depending on if you want your Smart Case to fit your naked iPhone or iPhone 4 with a Bumper or similar slim case. Price $39.

Sfbags.com

Boomwave Strapz Folio for iPad

The Strapz by Boomwave is a folio style case for the iPad that is made out of leather, although it does not smell like your typical leather, more of a pleather smell. The Starpz has a modern look to it with a pattern of slits on the front flap to show off the color of the inner neoprene sleeve which your iPad slides into. The outside finish of outer leather is smooth while the inside is a rough texture. The iPad slides very easily into the neoprene sleeve, but the neoprene is only on one side while the back is covered by the Strapz rough leather insides. This is a problem because this rough texture could scratch your iPads back side (depending on which side you slide in). Also there is very pminimal padding and protections against shock and even small bumps. The neoprene sleeve should fully surround the iPad from front to back, but this is not the case. 

The Strapz leather flaps are pretty thin leaving the back side with very little impact protection because there isn't padding on the back side. The way the Strapz secures the iPad inside is by slipping over the rubber band to close the flaps together and while doing so, your iPad is secured and will not fall out of the neoprene slip pocket. The Boomwave logo is embossed on the front side corner, and it isn't really noticeable which is nice. The Strapz does not offer much protection for your iPad, and I could not recommend it. Strapz is available in blue, green and orange. Price $43.

TheBoomwave.com 

Simplism Leather Vertical Flip iPad Case

Simplism is a company based out of Japan that strives to make Apple products and other peripherals for many devices. The key to their products is to make them as simple as possible, but with a unique twist the enhance the value of products.

The Simplism Leather Vertical Flip iPad case is very simple and unique because it doubles as a shoulder bag! Simplism has really put a great deal of time in designing this iPad case from the 100% genuine leather to the stitching from inside out it is absolutely perfect. Simplism has even gone the extra mile to line the case with a suede material to prevent the back of the iPad from scratching. 

This product is offered in four different colors - black, white, red, and tan - Retails for $59.99 from Amazon.

Simplism.jp

Noreve Tradition Leather Case For iPad

Noreve's Tradition iPad case is fully made out of leather of your choice of texture and color. The Tradition case has a folio style design that has some functions to let you use your iPad in both landscape and portrait positions. Once you slide in your ipad from the top into the tradition, you will notice that you iPad is fully usable and uncovered. When inserting the iPad into the Tradition case, you will get a very tight fit that is very secure so your iPad will stay safely in the case without you wanting it to come out. The overall design of the case is very simple and without any writing of logos except a very little badge on the front bottom corner which is a nice touch. The finishes on the outside of the Tradition case will vary depending on your choice, you have the choice between various finishes of leather and textures. On the inside there is a nice embossed texture of Noreve writings on the surface where the iPad slides into the case. Also, this part is lightly cushioned to help protect your iPad's back side. Surprisingly the Tradition case has a slim form factor and keeps a low slim profile.

Protection: The Tradition case is a great protective folio case all around. When your iPad is inside the case it's protected from front to back. The front side is of course protected once you close the flap over the iPad. The Tradition is lightly stuffed with padding. The Tradition fully covers and does not expose your iPad when fully closed. I still cannot say that you can drop your iPad with this case on and hope for the best however, it will give you great protection considering it's a folio style case that fully protects the glass screen once closed. 

Functionality: The Tradition case offers some great useful functions, however I found that only one single function actually works correctly. The landscape function works the best and is very stable when type and touching the screen. This is done by flipping out the stand that is located at the back of the case that is held in place by two small clips. The landscape angle cannot be adjusted but it is set in a perfect viewing angle and stays very stable on flat surfaces and works very well. With that same stand you are able to set your iPad in a portrait position but because the stand does not click into place or securely latches it will eventually fold back if you touch your iPad's screen a few times. Also, the Tradition's flap will have to stay opened to the side and it will be in your way of work. Another function you can use is for typing in lanscape by flipping over the front flap and setting your iPad on a flat surface to start typing at a low angle. All your ports and buttons are always accessible even when the Tradition case is fully closed with a magnetic closure.

The Tradition case also has four slots on the inside of the flap for business cards, credit cards and also slip pockets for small documents. I would not recommend using credit card and such because once you decide to open up the flap, your card will be exposed. I would recommend the Noreve Tradition B for more security or even the Noreve Sleeve if you don't plan on using those slots and pockets. The Tradition is available in various colors and leather textures. Price $81.

Noreve.com