Vaja i-Volution & Top SP Holster
Have you been holding out for the perfect iPhone case? Ask any iPod aficionado what the best cases are and Vaja will likely be mentioned as one of the best. The same now holds true for iPhone cases, as well. If you're looking for a case with class and quality, a Vaja case is likely the best choice.
Description: The i-Volution Top SP Holster is a beautifully designed flip-style case. The iPhone slips in from the top and is snugly held in place. The iPhone's front is protected by a hard leather flap which folds up from the case's bottom. With the flap in place, all iPhone controls and ports, excluding the dock and SIM card tray, are available for use. WIth the flap down, everything is accessible. The bottom two corners are very well protected and the top two are moderately covered.
Pros: I have to start off by saying that I immediately fell in love with this case the moment I took it out of the box. It's absolutely gorgeous and wonderfully designed. The cuts and curves are stylish and serve their purpose well. Unlike most flip cases, the flap is attached at the bottom, so it doesn't interfere with taking pictures. it is also very thin so it slips into a pocket very easily. All of the iPhone's controls are totally unobstructed and can be used effortlessly.
Cons: As far as shortcomings go, I don't think there is much to say. The only thing I didn't like was that the iPhone doesn't fit in the dock with the case on. However, it does plug in using the cord without a problem.
Conclusion: The Vaja i-Volution Top SP Holster is an elegantly designed case which perfectly compliments the iPhone. It protects your investment while simultaneously amplifying its style and aesthetic. If you're looking for a top-notch leather iPhone case, the Top SP Holster is a must have.
Starting at $80, the i-Volution Top SP Holster is available at vajacases.com.
Description: If flip cases aren't your thing, you may consider one of Vaja's many opened face cases. I managed to get my hands on the standard i-Volution with the optional belt clip. This case, because it's not as thin as the Top SP, offers a bit more protection and padding to your iPhone. The phone slips in from the top and fits snugly inside. As you would expect, all ports and controls are accessible while the case is on. The home button is covered by a raised area which is softened to allow press-through to the button. The optional belt clip can be removed and rotated 360 degrees.
Pros: The i-Volution is simply crafted and looks very good. The elegant all-leather design is stylish and very protective overall. The camera hole is cut in such a way that ensures you won't see the case in any photos and looks very nice as well. The belt clip functions smoothly and only detaches when you intend it to. Because the case is made of leather, its tough and it won't scratch your phone. If you don't bother using the iPhone's dock, the dock connector is easily accessible.
Cons: There's not much to dislike about the i-Volution. Everything is well protected and the case looks good. The only thing I didn't like was the home button access. Although Vaja softened and raised a push-through spot for the home button, it's difficult to press. It's not so difficult that you should consider carrying a pen to jam it in with, but a conscious effort needs to be made.
Conclusion: Vaja did another excellent job with the i-Volution. It looks great and keeps your iPhone in top-notch condition. The only disadvantage is how difficult the home button is to press. I recommend this case to anyone looking for the stylish, leather open-face iPhone case.
Starting at $80, the i-Volution is available at vajacases.com.
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I disagree
Warning: Do not buy Contour Cases!!
I bought this case and have used it for almost a month now. The "lock" mechanism has worried me every since I first got it, and my fears came true 2 days ago as I was going down the cement stairwell at my office! I work in a carpeted office, and as Murphy's law would dictate, the case locking mechanism will not fail while I am walking around in a carpeted space, no! Instead it waited until I was half way down a flight of cement steps at which point my $500 32gb iPod Touch came flying out of my Contour Case and proceeded to bounce down the stairs (did I mention they are cement!), then slide across the cement landing to finally smash against the cement wall!
The good news is that it still works fine, and I was also lucky in that it seemed to slide and bounce only on the back surface, so the screen and front of the iPod is fine with no visible marks anywhere. The back is a different story :-(
I bought this Contour case at the recommendation of someone in the Apple store who raved about how great they are. I had to buy *something* to protect my new iPod while my Vaja case is being made (about 30 days since they are custom made). That said, I really regret having trusted my iPod to this case! I did see the danger of the so-called "locking mechanism" immediately when I first put my new iPod into it - it simply does not lock! It's a slider that can be pushed back and forth easily, like by your jacket if it's on your belt. I'm sure that is what happened to me - many times! I have found the thing open repeatedly, but I have been just sliding it back to the locked position. Now I have it taped down, but it's kludgy at best. Better to just stay away from this poor design.
If you look at their website, they advertise it as "Secure sliding latch keeps iPod inside." but don't believe it. It does not "lock", and will slide open inadvertently and at the worst possible times when you least expect it. If you need a case that will never open unless you specifically open it, then look elsewhere. This case does look cool and all that, but what good is it when it won't stay closed?
just my $.02 - stick with Vaja - the best case made for iPod, PDA, and now iPhone and iPod Touch. Mine should be ready in about another week, but unfortunately my iPod is no longer pristine and unscratched :-(