Experience with book-like iphone case?

[snowbot]

I'm thinking of getting a non-standard iphone 4 case. The two that I find most intriguing are best described as book-like.
1. Pad and Quill bookbindery case. I'm concerned that it might be too heavy or that the birch case might seem too stiff.

2. The Book-Book wallet. This one looks softer, but I don't really need the wallet function, and I prefer the look of the Pad and Quill case.

Anyone have direct experience with either of these, or a similar case? I've not seen either in person.

[GEOcycle]

I use the BookBook currently and love it. I keep my ID, Bank Card and my Manaca(Subway/train/bus) card in it. Since I always have headphones in, the phone out for translating, SMS, or reading anyways I just place he case over the sensor and it works perfectly to read my card, as my phone is usually handy.

I really wish it had a camera hole, and will be cutting one myself in the near future. I do use another case (Incase Birds Nest) as well if I am out running or need a slimmer case. For holding a few essentials, some bills, the look can't be beat - especially if you usually have your phone out anyways.

I also love the look as it wears in. The stitching is ALMOST perfect, and has that handmade look to it. This can either be a plus or minus depending on personality. It irked me at first - it being one stich off, but wasn't enough to go through the hassle of possibly exchanging it.

Love that P&Q case too, great look!

[Yonkdaddy]

I used the BookBook for about 4 months then returned to a hardshell case (currently the Element Formula). I really liked combining minimum wallet contents with my iPhone, and I loved the book asthetic. But even with only 3 cards and the phone, it turned into a pretty hefty chunk in my front pocket. And, I have ended up using my iPhone camera a lot and it became quite a bother to flip up the little red tab & slide the phone out so I could take a picture. Finally, being leather, everything started to stretch after doing this a bunch of times and the device did not fit as snugly in the case as when everything was very new. I still like the look and the idea, but the experiment failed.

[snowbot]

I should also point out that the iphone + case will be carried around in a medium cafe bag or a little purselet, rather than having to fit in a pocket. Yonkdaddy, thanks for mentioning the camera access. I hadn't noticed that it would be an issue with the Book Book case. It seems that Pad and Quill has a cut-out for the camera.

[GEOcycle]

Snowbot - I forgot to mention that I also carry around my phone in either a bag, jacket pockets (if fall/winter/spring) or my back pocket (not much to fear of pickpocketers here in Japan).

I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison of the P&Q vs. BookBook somewhere. I'm looking at both those companies for my next iPad case too!

[123veo]

Hey there, I've been using a Pad & Quill case for about 5 months now and really love it (others seem to as well, as I get compliments on it all of the time). The covers are rigid and the wood is well, wood! It has proven to be very resilient and really doesn't look any worse for wear 5 months in. The cover is leather, so it just ages very nicely and doesn't retain scratches. It also offers very good protection - having dropped my phone a couple of times, it came out completely unscathed and still in the wooden frame. I would buy another in a heart beat. If, however, you are looking for something soft sided, this one is not.

[snowbot]

123veo, how's the Pad & Quill for phone calls?

[123veo]

Reception is perfect, no dropped calls etc. not awkward making calls either, cover folds back and calls are easy. A very elegant case!

[snowbot]

Thanks for all of the advice. I'll be asking for the P&Q case for my early January birthday.

[Lani]

As a big Moleskine fan, I've thought about ordering the Book-book, but I lean towards more minimalism than that.

What I did, was buy myself a cheap slim case. And then I bought a package of side-loading self-adhesive business card holders (like this: http://www.amazon.com/CLI70238-Side-.../dp/B001TQFILA) and stuck one on the back of the phone case. It fits my work ID fine; I can manage two IDs if I have to, although it's quite tight.

[123veo]

Wise choice snowbot!

[snowbot]

I've been using the Pad & Quill case for a couple of weeks and I have to say that I really like it. I feel that my phone is better protected from bumps and from casual theft.

I've attached a couple of pictures.



Note that the phone still fits in the MCB pocket, although the fit is definitely more snug.

[snowbot]

I'm looking at both those companies for my next iPad case too!

My husband got the Pad & Quill Contega for his new iPad2. The case was pricey, but really well made. It just have an Apple Smartcover for my iPad, and I put it in a Cache when I want to carry it around (in my MCB). But my husband wanted something he could carry around work without need of a bag and he liked the journal-look and feel of the Contega. The real benefit I see is the viewing angle. It's great for watching movies (which he does) and also basic breakfast web-browsing. I'd recommend it.