Matt previously had a Piel Frama case for his Smartphone 2002 based QTek 7070 and found it very much up to the task, so when ordering the Windows Mobile 2003 based i-mate Smartphone2 for Emma, we wanted to ensure that her phone would be equally well protected. It was impossible to go past the Piel Frama case, and while Matt previously ordered directly from Piel Frama, we were pleased to discover that our friends at Press Digital stock the Piel Frama case - making it that much easier for us, by allowing us to order both the phone and case simultaneously.

Look and feel

The Piel Frama case is very smart indeed, made out of cowskin leather and available in your choice of black, tan, or black and tan. We asked about a purple one for Emma, but it would seem that this isn't a colour they're interested in carrying yet - although Emma could probably persuade them!

The fit is superb, indeed it's a little tight when you first fit it to your phone, but satisfying nonetheless. It gives an impression of sturdiness that Matt can vouch for (having dropped his QTek 7070 any number of times). Over time the leather does stretch somewhat, but it doesn't lose its pleasing fit or excellent protection.

We found that the case adds very little to the profile or weight of the phone - really quite an achievement, given that the case is solid enough to provide some heavy-duty protection (from Matt's own experience).

The smooth finish makes for a very nice feel indeed, and both Matt and Emma were impressed by the professional quality of the case overall.

Accessibility

It's easy to see why Piel Frama haven't released a new case for the i-mate Smartphone2 - all buttons and lights are in exactly the same place as the QTek 7070, and thus it would really make little sense to replace it - although we do have one minor complain in this regard.

There is no hole for the built-in camera (naturally, since it was designed for a phone with no built-in camera). This would definitely be a reason to offer an alternative case, although it takes only a little effort to remove the phone from the case to take a photo. However, you might miss that "spur of the moment" photo opportunity if you're not fast enough.

The case has a very sturdy stud fastener at the back, which ensures that the flip case can't just "fly open" at a whim. This takes a little getting used to - especially if you've become accustomed to magnetic cases - but is certainly bearable.

Belt Clip

The case has a stud sewn into it for attachment of the belt clip, and although you can order without belt clip, we would highly recommend it. In Emma's case, it has limited purpose for her day-to-day needs (when she'll just throw it in her hand-bag), but it's nonetheless essential for those times when a bag or pockets just can't be managed.

Matt has found that if you're given to breaking belt clips, the Piel Frama clip might not be for you. Happily for him, the belt clip broke along its "join line" - making it very easy to use a strong bonding glue to repair the damage, and he's had months of usage from the phone since.

Pricing

The price for the Piel Frama case is normally AUD$129, although Press Digital currently have it on special for AUD$99. This may seem a little steep for a phone case, but it is a hand-made luxury case rather than the typical mass-produced AUD$30 case one might otherwise expect. The protection through the extra padding, as well as the inclusion of SD card slots and very nice alignment with buttons, headphone jack, and lights make this a worthwhile price for those who want the most from their phone.

Overall

Matt: "After months of Piel Frama ownership, I'm still convinced. It's definitely the case to buy for protecting my QTek 7070, and although the belt clip broke quite early on, a quick repair with heavy duty glue has seen it last through even tougher treatment. I've had no complaints, otherwise."

Emma: "I'm not that fanatical about cases (and neither, to tell the truth, is Matt). But I was impressed by the Piel Frama case from the moment I took it out of the box, and I've remained so ever since. It takes a little getting used to, but I'm overall quite satisfied with it."

Purchase the Piel Frama case from Press Digital's eStore here!

Piel Frama case for QTek 7070 / i-mate Smartphone2 Overall Score

Good: Fits snugly Great padding Provision for storage of SD cards Satisfying feel Sync through travel cable possible

Bad: Belt clip may not withstand rough treatment No hole for the camera Limited colour range Price May prove difficult to sync on cradle with the case on Stud clip takes a little bit of getting used to

Verdict: The Piel Frama case suits both the HTC Canary / Tanager (eg. QTek 7070, Orange SPV / SPV e100) and HTC Voyager (eg. i-mate Smartphone2, QTek 8080, O2 XPhone, Orange SPV e200) models of Microsoft Smartphone, and is a very satisfying case to use. You won't be sorry for the investment. Matt's Score : 8 / 10 Emma's Score: 7 / 10