DODOnotes for iPhone 5: Less case, more notebook

The DODOnotes for the iPhone 5 grabbed a little attention when first announced, likely down to its unusual form factor. Less case, and more notebook, the DODOnotes is perhaps one of the more unusual accessories you'll find for your iPhone. We like unusual, so we sourced one to take a proper look at.

The DODOnotes is definitely less of a case and more of a notebook. Aside from the back of the phone, nothing else is covered. While this does mean easy access to the Lightning port and all external buttons, it also means this is definitely not for you if you're looking for something to protect your iPhone 5. And, because you strap your iPhone in by way of an elasticated band across the middle, it's pretty impractical to make good use of your phone while attached.

That isn't to say it's not a nice enough item in it's own right. It's a lovely looking notebook, following the sort of design that brands like Moleskine follow. However, while all the pages are detachable, it's pretty slim, so you won't get a whole lot of life out of it if you take a lot of handwritten notes. And, if I'm really picking I would have liked somewhere to attach a pen or a pencil as well.

The good

• Nicely designed
• Good quality paper
• Holds the iPhone in nice and secure

The bad

• Definitely a niche product
• Impractical to use your iPhone while attached
• Nowhere to attach a pen or pencil

The bottom line

The DODOnotes for iPhone 5 is a niche product, no doubt. But, in a previous life it's a niche that I would have taken advantage of in a job where I took notes every hour of every day. At $13.95 it isn't the cheapest notebook you're ever going to find, but it fits nicely in your pocket and you've always got both it, and your iPhone to hand. There is also now a version for the iPhone 4 and 4S, which also costs $13.95. Just don't jump in hoping to protect your iPhone with it.