Blackberries were originally designed for the business user.  Their primary focus was e-mail, schedules, and making calls.  If you know anyone that has a Blackberry, then you realize that they are never without it.  My other half would go crazy if hers disappeared, which is why I haven’t hidden it, yet.  Their highly addictive nature is what has earned them their nickname, ‘crackberry’.  If they made a modern animated version of Inspector Gadget, even he would have a ‘Go, Go Gadget Blackberry’.  Since the devices are so heavily used, it is a good idea to protect them from the wear and tear of everyday life.  There are many choices out there, and I took a look at Sena’s MagnetFlipper case for the Curve.  Keep reading to see how it fared in the real world of crackberry madness.

Packaging

I need to make one point about the packaging.  The case is of course shipped in a box, but inside the box the case is inside this small Sena drawstring bag.  I LOVE those little bags!!!  They are perfect for carrying adaptors, charging cables, etc.  Its a nice little gift that Sena throws in with every case. 

Materials and Fit

The case is made from European leather, and the quality is excellent.  The leather is smooth, and the stitches are tight and barely noticeable.  I have had the case for a couple of months, and trust me, it has been thoroughly abused.  I have to say that it looks as nice as when I first took it out of the box.  No scratches or rips of any kind.  Getting the Curve into the case was a bit of a challenge.  The fit is very tight at first.  There is a ‘break’ in period for the leather.  Its similar to a newly washed pair of jeans.  You struggle to get into them, but after you are in them for awhile, they relax to your body.  The case is not stretched out, but its now easier to remove the crackberry from it. 

Features

The MagnetFlipper case is not your ordinary case, it comes with a few nice extras.  The pocket inside the flip cover of the case,for example, makes this a great product.  There is enough room to slide in your drivers license, a credit card, and some cash.  This is especially important for us ladies who, do not want, or need, to carry a purse, or if you have a pair of pants with no front pockets.  (A side note to all designers of women’s pants:  We need pockets!!!  I know its hard to imagine that we have things to carry around, but its true.  I simply don’t understand why they are lacking in so many pants.  Men don’t have this problem.  Plus, do not cheat and throw in that one front pocket that is only big enough to hold a quarter.  Real pockets…take a look at jeans if you don’t know what I am talking about.  OK, I am now off my soap box.)  Another nice feature is that there is room to store 2 micro SD cards.  Those cards are so easy to lose, and this case holds onto them quite well.  The leather flap is kept closed by a magnetic closure.

Another nice feature is the fact that both the belt clip and tab are removable.   First, the belt clip itself can be rotated 360 degrees, so it gives you the freedom to adjust the phone however you like.  Second, if you do not want to use the ratchet clip, you can remove the tab by using the special tool that Sena includes with the case.  The tool looks like a baby, baby, baby allen wrench.  The case also has no plastic covering over the keyboard or the screen.  Those plastic covers always get so dirty, and the closed flip will be able to protect the hardware.  Of course, the case has all the appropriate openings for the camera, headphone jack, volume key, microphone, speaker, power key, and USB port.   

 Overall

Sena produces an excellent case for the Blackberry Curve.  Its well made, stylish, and functional.  Plus, they give you 8 colors to choose from for the regular leather case, and 2 colors for the crocodile skin designed leather case.  The choice of colors like pink, green, and blue certainly beat most case choices of black and brown.  It helps you show your individuality. 

Pros:  high quality leather, sturdy, extra storage, no plastic covers, removable belt clip and tab

Cons:  tight fit for phone during initial use

Sena’s MagnetFlipper Case for the Blackberry Curve can be purchased for $49.99.