Vaja iVolution iPhone Holster

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

August 28, 2007

You know a device has hit milestones in popularity when Vaja makes a case for it. Not that there was really any doubt that the iPhone wasn't going to end up being as  uber-popular as it is. But just incase you didn't know, the iPhone is crazy popular, and as a result there are now several Vaja cases for it. The first one we're going to look at here on The Gadgeteer is the iVolution Holster.

I'm calling this a case, but it's really more of a protector. It doesn't fully enclose the iPhone, it mainly protects the back and sides. Available in your choice of 40 different colors, I was sent the iVolution Holster in Dark Blue.

The case is made of Caterina leather which has a smooth texture and very tight grain. The interior color matches the exterior and has the Vaja logo stamped into it.

The iPhone slides into the case and is held there very securely by the wrap around sides... dare I say too securely? At the moment, I don't seem to be able to extract my iPhone from the holster... I guess I'll worry about that when I need to review a new case for this phone.

The holster has a simple design which I always appreciate. From the front you only notice the curved wrapped sides. Nothing gets in the way of using the touch screen.

From the back the case is molded with a raised ridge. This is a design feature as the back of the iPhone is completely flat. One corner of the case has been sculpted to allow the built in digital camera lens to remain uncovered.

The Left side allows access to the volume rocker and mute switches.

The top of the holster is open so that nothing covers the earphone jack, SIM card slot and display wake button. That means the corners of the iPhone are not protected against damage in the event of a fall.

A cut out along the bottom of the holster allows access to the universal docking connector. I think it's pretty obvious that you won't be able to dock your iPhone in a  cradle while it's in this case. Connecting a cable is not a problem though.

As you can see here, the Vaja iVolution Holster adds very little bulk / thickness to your iPhone. What it does add is better gripability (I just made that word up...), a bit of protection for the back of the phone and protection for 70% of the sides. Although the case that I'm reviewing here doesn't have one, the holster is available with a belt clip option. I like the fact that this case is so form fitting and that there are no seams or sharp edges. Everything is smooth and very classy looking. If you are searching for a minimalist protector for you iPhone, the iVolution Holster is definitely an eye catcher. Since it's available in 40 colors, there's every chance that your favorite is an option.