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The Little Black Book iPhone Case - Review

I've had considerable time using this case from my original introduction last year. Despite that somewhat positive introduction my initial reaction to the case was entirely negative. I found it awkward to hold and use, and too large to comfortably fit in my front pocket. My opinion has tempered and after a short period of adjustment have come to enjoying using the case more than most others I have tried. Here is a snippet from my original post:

If you use your iPhone primarily for data and apps., then The Little Black Book iPhone Case from Pad & Quill may fit your needs. Handcrafted to look like a small notebook with simulated leather binding, a wood interior and a wrap around strap. The red bookmark is a great touch, allowing easy removal of the iPhone.

What I like

• Based on my phone usage the metaphor works for me - it's very attractive. A practical benefit of having a case that looks like a book is that it becomes unattractive for thieves. Not many thieves steal books.
• After daily use the great build quality shows. No signs of wear and the glue withstands the humidity and odd temperatures of Taiwan's weather.
• It offers more protection than most ugly rubber cases I have used. Though I'm not about to test this assertion, the extra width around the edges add an extra bit of protection from falls - most mobile phone damage starts at the edges and spreads to the screen.

What I don't like

• While the build quality is good the tolerances are poor. I can't use headphones with the iphone in the case nor does the charger fit properly in bottom. It's a very slight distance but enough to make me unable to use headphones and make plugging the phone in to charge imperfect.
• During those odd times that I do accept a call it looks very odd to be talking into a book. I keep getting these 'Get Smart' flashbacks (showing my age here) with images of talking into a shoe-phone.
• The wood aesthetic doesn't match with the iPhone glass front. It's a nitpick but I find it visually jarring.
• The elasticized strap is stretching which makes me wonder just how long before it becomes a floppy useless cord.

Despite the caveats it's still an attractive case for data mongers like myself. Though they are almost impossible to find, before you purchase you might want to check out Moleskine as an alternative.

Pad & Quill - The Little Black Book iPhone Case

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