After our run in with JBL's Micro 2 and Micro Wireless portable speakers which put quite a few speakers of their caliber to shame, we've also secretly had our hands all over the Flip wireless Bluetooth-enabled portable loudspeaker, which is to say the reputable audio brand's $99 Jambox killer in a clean-cut suit and tie. Where the Jambox got its reputation using cutting edge styling backed by a brand that's all about deliciously colorful and updated design, JBL's Flip is more of a technical know-it-all speaker with hardcore performance to back it up. Care more about the sound and less about what Beats By Dre fanboys have to say? You know where to find our full review, on the flipside!
The Noreve Tradition leather flip case for the iPhone 4 looks simple on the outside but we don't judge cases by their outside looks alone. With this particular flat and smooth leather finish, the Tradition doesn't look all that interesting, and once you open it up you are greeted with black leather interior with an embossed Noreve pattern, which adds a lot of detail to the case. The Tradition flip case is very tight fitting and securely holds your iPhone 4 in place while letting you have full and easy access to all your buttons, speaker and mic. This case features a clip that can be optionally added by you to the back by simply changing the screw hole cover with the clip mounting screw and sliding on the clip. I really like how Noreve covered the mounting on the back with a low-profile rounded screw cover. It doesn't feel like it would scratch any surface and I could barely notice it.
The Tradition flip case feels very nice in the hand because the flap completely sits flush on the back when flipped over. You really don't get bothered by it because of how nicely it fits on the back and in your hand. The quality of the Tradition's finish is not great and does need to be a bit higher, however it is nothing that stands out. Iv'e gotten a few straight stares right at this case when I was using it in public, the color and style really attracts peoples attention because it isn't a case you see everyday.
The overall thickness of the Tradition flip case when closed isn't bulky at all and would easily fit nicely into pockets. The flap snugly attaches onto the top of the iPhone's metal band and stays on secured. There is an issue with the cutout for the flash that will bounce the orange color of the case right into the image. If you don't use flash, images won't be affected. The Tradition leather flip case doesn't provide a good amount of shock protection but it will protect your iPhone 4 from scratches and daily use in style. You can get the Tradition flip case in various leather textures and colors. Price $55.
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.
