Brando Treo 650 Leather Flip Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

May 06, 2005

Product Requirements:
Device:
palmOne Treo 650 Smartphone

The palmOne Treo 650 smartphone is an expensive device that deserves to be protected from everyday abuse. Most people that own this phone will immediately seek out a case for it. Some people are not satisfied unless their phone is completely covered on all sides by leather or metal. If you are one of those people, then this leather flip case from Brando might be just what you're looking for.

Available in a horizontal pouch and vertical flip style, I was sent the vertical flip. The case is made of a fine grained black leather with contrasting white stitching.

The interior of the case is lined in a crushed velvet like material that will not scratch the Treo's shell. The phone slides into the leather holster easily and is held there by friction.

When encased, all of the Treo's functions (including the camera) are freely accessible. The entire keyboard, navigation pad and application buttons are open for use. I like this style of holster because the leather sides do not get in your way when you're trying to type a message on the keyboard. That said, the strip of leather that separates the display from the keyboard is slightly lower than needed. It barely clears the top of the Home and Menu buttons.

A earphone cutout in the cover also allows you to use the phone when the cover is snapped shut. This is something I would not typically do, but if you want to, you can. There is also an SD card slot in the cover.

On the back of this case there is a removable belt clip post and the magnetic snap for the cover.

I can not find any faults with the workmanship and materials for this case. You will feel comfortable using this case in both casual and business environments. Although it does add a bit of bulk to your phone, it does protect it quite well from average day to day bumps and bruises.

 

Price: $32.00

Pros:
Play through
Removable belt clip

Cons:
Leather bar below display is slightly too low