The first purchase you make after you get a new device should always be some sort of protection -- ideally, a case that suits your needs in the best way possible. You paid good, hard-earned money for your iPhone, after all, and sometimes a simple rubber skin case or hard case will just not do. So what's left? A nicely crafted holster case, and today I'm going to be taking a look at the Krusell Apollo leather case for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This case can be purchased directly from TiPb store for $34.95. For the full run down on this holster case read on after the break!

Design

When it comes to cases that nicely fit a businessman or businesswoman's needs, Swedish case manufacturer Krusell is the one brand that pops into my mind. The previous Krusell case that I was able to review, the Krusell Hector, left me fairly impressed with their quality and design. The Krusell Apollo Leather Case was able to get that half right.

First thing to point out is the Krusell Apollo's Multidapt feature that allows for you to have a few different wearing options. The Multidapt system is simply a fancy name for a swivel clip system that is completely removable from the case, reducing the size of the Apollo's profile. If the swivel clip system is not your cup of tea, just remove it from the back of the case.

This case has been beautifully hand crafted and solidly put together with very soft genuine leather. The color is black on the outside with a very soft, silver interior. On the exterior of the case you will notice a magnetic flip-top closure, an off-white stitching, and a small Krusell badge. The stitching appears to be exact, with no stray threads or excess glue. There are some minor issues with the functionality, which I'll get into a bit later, but overall the Apollo is a very well constructed case.

Daily Use

So far this has been a pretty positive review for the Krusell Apollo but it's not all a bed of roses. Yes, the Multidapt feature is nice and convenient to have but if you do choose to use it be prepared to deal with a very bulky case. So bulky, in fact, that I could not use the Apollo as my daily driver. Now if you are the complete opposite of me and wouldn't mind sacrificing a slimmer profile to wear the case on your hip, this case may suit you well.

Another worry I have is with the magnetic flip-top. It seems to be a pretty weak magnet and it doesn't take much to flip open, which of course should be a major concern for anyone, especially if you are active person. So if you do purchase this case, be very wary of wearing it horizontally.

The vertical holster functionality, on the other hand, is suburb with the Multidapt clip. It will securely hold your phone tightly to your side via a belt or pants pocket.

This case also keeps your iPhone 3G very well protected. With some cases that you wear, you run the risk of bumping into something, whether it be the corner of a table or wall, that will severely scratch the iPhone itself or, worst case, crack screen. I'm happy to say with the Apollo those are things you need not worry about.

Conclusion

The Krusell Apollo Leather Case for iPhone 3G is a decent product, solidly built with fine materials. While its style will not win any awards, and personally I feel Krusell missed the mark with the Apollo, it is a way to protect your iPhone 3G while at the same time offering more than one way to carry it via the Multidapt clip.

Pros

• Built from high quality materials
• Multidapt clip allows for numerous ways to carry your iPhone 3G

Cons

• Way too bulky
• Magnetic flip-top seems very weak

TiPb Review Rating

The Krusell Classic Case for iPhone 3G is available from The iPhone Blog Store for $24.95. If you are looking for a stylish case that zips closed and has a protective clear cover, this case might be for you!. Let’s see how it measures up after the break!

Design

The Krusell Classic Case is form-fitted for the iPhone 3G. The case comes with a removable multidapt clip that can adhere to any multidapt accessory. The clear protective screen allows you to still touch the iPhone touchscreen while protecting it. You also have openings for all of the standard accessible areas such as the sleep button, vibrate, camera, volume and 30-pin connector.

Daily Use

I was excited to get my hands on the Krusell Classic Case for iPhone 3G. Stylish cases are sometimes hard to come by as they are often stripped of their "coolness" for usability and functionality. The Classic Case fits very snugly in the zipped enclosure of the case. So snug, it was a little challenging to zip closed. Once my iPhone was inside, I inspected all of the openings to see exactly how accessible everything was. I have to say, everything was accessible... but... I feel the holes were cut poorly; they did not align properly and headphone jack did not have a sewn seam unlike the other openings on the case. This would lend me to believe that over time, the headphone opening might tear, or become larger than intended.

The clear protective screen was a nice addition. It allows you to use the capacitive iPhone screen to enter text, select apps, etc. I did run into two distinct issues: 1) the clear cover is not flush against the touchscreen, so sometimes I would have to "press" the screen in order for anything to work and 2) there is a distinct opening directly above the 30-pin connector on the bottom of the case. Depending on where you keep your iPhone (I tend to carry mine in my jean pocket) you can accrue unwanted lint and dust between the cover and the touchscreen.

Speaking of 30-pin connector, this case is not dockable unless you unzip the bottom of the case and slide it out, you can however, plug in your standard cable for charging and syncing. The included multidapt clip works... like a clip. If I had more multidapt accessories, it might be a little more exciting. To be honest, I left the clip off about 90% of the time.

Conclusion

While this case does have a few shortcomings in my opinion, it does look cool. The multidapt accessory is a definite bonus if you can take advantage of it and the Euro-styling is catchy. One of the big advantages of this case is that it protects it without adding a real bulk. The screen

Pros:

• Stylish
• Case is compact
• Openings for accessing everything you need on your phone

Cons:

• Not all openings are stitched
• Dust and lint can easily get between the screen and protective cover
• Not dockable

TiPb’s Rating:

I'm a big fan of not using a hard case as doing so hides the beauty of the iPhone. So I tend to look for pouches, sleeves, and sometimes leather cases. Enter the Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G which happens to be available in iMore Store for $29.95. I've spent a good amount of time using this case, so read on for the full review!

Design

Lets start out by saying when you first see this case you probably won't come away that impressed. But after a closer look at this side case, it might just make you change your mind. The first thing that you'll notice is how the Krusell Hector Case is built out of a very soft, high quality leather. A lot of leather holster cases out there are very stiff but that is not the case with this Krusell. It is by far one of the most subtle leather cases that I have personally come across in a very long time.

On the inside, Krusell has lined it with a soft suede leather. So there is absolutely no reason to worry about this case scratching any part of your iPhone. On the outside, you have a magnetic flap keeping your iPhone securely in place along with an open slot underneath so you can push up to get the iPhone out with a great amount of ease.

On a negative front there is one thing that I found to be missing... a normal clip. All you get here are belt loops... More on that later.

Daily Use

Like I mentioned, I'm a big fan of not hiding my iPhone 3G in any way, shape or form. When my phone is not in use and is in my coat pocket or pants pocket it is always in one of my pouch cases to be kept well protected. So giving a new case like the Krusell Hector a try was a very welcome opportunity.

Right away I could not help but notice it's one and only major flaw. It only has belt loops and it omits a regular clip! Seriously? While this may work for some of you, it is something that I just could not get past. When my iPhone is not in use it stays protected, whether it's sitting on a desk, table or whatever it may be. In order for this to happen with the Krussel Hector case I would have to undo my belt. Not very convenient in my honest opinion.

Another gripe about the lack of clip is what if you don't wear a belt one day? It pretty much renders this case useless. So note to non-belt wearers out there: This may not be the case for you.

Now for all of your who like having your iPhone attached at your hip all day long. This may just be the case you've been looking for.

When it is attached to a belt, it is actually more sturdy than a normal clip, which leaves you with less of a chance of actually leaving your device behind for someone else to pick up. That is obviously a plus. While wearing the Krusell on your side you will notice that it is reasonably comfortable and eventually you forget it is attached to your side. It's also important to note that removing your iPhone is also a piece of cake. So no worries there.

Conclusion

The Krusell Hector Leather Case for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, available at iMore Store for $29.95, is a good side holster case with one major drawback. Yes, you guessed it. The lack of a normal clip. Now if you are the type of person who likes to keep the case attached at your hip for your entire day, I suggest you give this case a try. You will not be disappointed in it's build quality. It is very well crafted and it suits it's purpose well.

Pros

• Superbly built with high quality leather
• Comfortable to wear
• Does a good job of protecting the iPhone while holding it securely

Cons

• Lack of removable clip!
• Did I mention belt loops only?

TiPb Review Rating