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The first thing I noticed about Waterfield Designs' new iPhone Smart Case is how well made it is: just picking it up you're instantly aware of the sturdiness and solidity of every stitch. This thing is built like a tank!

The design is simple and elegant: it's a slip case that you slide your iPhone into. But that simplicity is deceptive. When you start to explore the case, you see the thought that went into the design.

For starters, the front and back of the case are extra-thick, reinforced with a rigid insert that protects your iPhone. The outer skin is a sleek, textured fabric while the inner skin caresses your iPhone with soft Ultrasuede that won't scratch (and in fact polishes) the iPhone's sleek finish.

The sides of the case are a textured rubber that feels great in the hand. (Trust me, you do not want a slippery case!) The rubber allows a little expansion room so the case grips your iPhone snugly and yet allows easy removal and insertion. Intelligently the sides of the case end about an inch short of the top, giving you room to grip your iPhone for removal and allowing access to the ringer switch and volume controls without having to remove the phone from the case (handy when using headphones).

But now we get to the interesting twist, for Waterfield Designs have created three versions of this case. You can get just the simple slipcase, which is designed for slipping into a pocket or purse. Another features a belt clip. A third design is unique and the most intriguing and one I tested, which adds Velcro "wings" at the back for securing the case to a shoulder strap:

This works great, securely holding your iPhone to the shoulder strap of your backpack or shoulder bag and is excellent for hiking or traveling, placing the iPhone conveniently near your chest for easy access in case of a call. You could also use the flaps to fasten the case to the handle of a purse or carryon suitcase.

However, I found that when you weren't using a shoulder strap feature, the additional bulk of the flaps makes the case awkward for non-shoulder strap usage (the flaps are not removable). My advice would be to buy the shoulder strap version exclusively for shoulder strap use -- buy one of the other versions for other uses.

These slip-style cases aren't made to let you use your iPhone while working with it so they are ideal for people who don't like cases. You place your iPhone in the case when you aren't using it, protecting it from damage or dropping, but have a "clean" iPhone while actively using it.

Waterfield Designs cleverly offers three different iPhone Smart Cases, the slipcase, belt clip, and shoulder strap, and each is available in six colors (black, blue, brown, green, red, and silver). The case is amazingly well-built with solid stitching, strong materials, and hefty protection for your valuable iPhone.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for an elegant and stylish case that's durable and provides solid protection, you need to check out Waterfield Designs' line of iPhone Smart Cases.

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