Where ever I go, there I am...

Recently I reviewed the Monaco Vertical Executive Leather Case. This time I thought I’d take a closer look at one of the other cases in the Monaco range, and so I’ve spent the last week using the Monaco Leather Flip Case (for the HTC HD2) – and here’s my take...



Monaco make the claim that all their cases are hand inspected before leaving their workshop, and given the quality finish on both of the Monaco Cases I’ve reviewed to date, I certainly feel very comfortable that this is the very much the case.

As with the previous Monaco Case I reviewed, the Monaco Leather Flip case is very well crafted and immediately strikes the eye as a high end stylish looking case. The other thing that grabs your senses is the unmistakable waft of genuine leather that hits you upon removing the case from its packaging. There’s nothing quite like the touch and smell of genuine leather... to which I would be lying if I said that I hadn’t taken a good intake of the genuine leather smell a number of times... I’m sure my wife was wondering what in the world I was doing with my Monaco Leather Flip Case positioned just out from my top lip and under my nose... hard to explain!



The case comes well packaged to the point that to would be near impossible for it to suffer damage in transit. When you spend good money on a stylish leather case, the assurance that the case will arrive in good condition is important! The packaging comes in the form of a moulded plastic rigid film within which there is a heavy duty cardboard box (for added protection) which leaves the top open allowing for inspection of the case. The case comes with a polyurethane style of foam in its centre to ensure it retains its shape. Even the 360 degree belt clip comes packaged in bubble wrap!

Some of the features of the case include:

1. Three internal pockets located in the inside of the forward opening flab. These can be useful for the storage of memory cards, a credit card, a photo or some spare cash – as they are deep enough to hold a range of items.

2. Secure (forward facing) magnetic closure. A magnetic closure is always preferable as it negates any need for ‘heavy handling’ and use of force to open and close the clasp. The magnetic closure allows for a ‘soft’ though secure opening and closure of the clasp each and every time.



3. Cut out to allow easy access to the base of the HD2 – including the headphone jack and the charger post. This means that the HD2 can remain safely within the case with no need to remove it.



4. Front flip on the case that allows for ease of access to the HD2 while offering maximum protection to the front of the device. When the front flap fully folded back over itself, a soft leather facia is revealed which holds the HD2 safely in place.

5. The sides of the unit which support the HD2 in place are also crafted form genuine leather. As I mentioned in a recent review, some cases utilise elastic sides which will stretch over time and loose shape. The use of leather for the sides of this case will ensure a greater life of the case while also adding to the visual high quality look to the case.

6. 360 Degree Belt Clip (and attachment). One of the great things with the 360 degree belt clip is its flexibility. It allows the case to be used with the belt clip or by easily removing the swivel clip from the case, it can be easily and comfortably used as a case that fits neatly into a pocket (jeans, suit jacket, etc).



Use of the 360 degree belt clip and swivel clip is very straight forward. The swivel clip simply screws into and out of the back of the case. With the swivel clip in place in the back of the case, it clips securely into the locking mechanism built into the 360 degree belt clip. The belt clip component slides neatly over the top of your belt and remains in place with the case (and swivel clip) sliding/locking in and out of place with ease.

As I mentioned earlier, one of the great benefits with this case is how easy it is to then remove the swivel clip from the back of the case and use the case neatly in a pocket, jacket, handbag, etc...



The back of the case boasts a very clever enhancement! Sure there’s the ‘standard’ hole punching area to allow for the sound from the speaker in the back of the HD2 to travel...

One thing you instantly notice is that there is no provision for the camera? How could there be no provision for the camera? Surely you can’t be expected to remove the HD2 from the case every time you take a pic? And the answer is... nope you surely do not! And this is where the case boasts its ‘hidden’ enhancement...

So you want to take a pic. As you open the flap on the case you may (or may not) notice that the flap (which does a great job of protecting the front of the HD2) can flip right over the top of the unit and folds back against itself. This allows for a very neat and comfortable holding in the hand when making calls or using the phone as a PDA.



Now, while the case is open and the flap is flipped back over itself, you will notice that there is almost a second fold that can be easily achieved. When you ease the flap back to the second fold position, you will notice that the back of the case is constructed in such a way that the case now reveals the camera! Shoot your pic, and then easily move the flap back into the ‘full’ position (allowing for use of the phone/PDA), or move the flap all the way back into place to fully protect the front of your HD2 and use the magnetic clip to secure it in place. Now that’s a good enhancement!

In summary, a stylish, well crafted and highly diverse case which fits perfectly in suit with the form factor of the HD2.

You can find out more about both this case and also the full range of accessories from WirelessGround here.