Marware C.E.O. Sleeve

Holsters have long been a popular way of carrying weapons, and in today’s world there’s no more popular or potent sidearm than the mobile phone. Marware’s $25 C.E.O. Sleeve for iPhone is a leather sleeve for the iPhone that keeps it close at hand for those phone calls and email messages that you just can’t afford to miss. Those looking for a simple yet elegant case for their iPhone will find it worth a look.

Constructed from reinforced black Nappa leather, the C.E.O. sleeve is pretty simple: the front and back of the case are connected with stretchy elastic sides, and the top is open to allow you to slide the iPhone in and out (and to allow access to the Sleep/Wake button and headphone jack). On the back of the case, you’ll find a mount for Marware’s Multidapt system, which allows you to swap out the included swiveling belt clip with one of a bunch of optional accessories, such as a car or bike mount.

The case is both attractive and solid-feeling. Marware’s coated the inside of the case with a soft felt-like substance that won’t scratch your iPhone’s exterior, and the phone is well-protected when it’s in the holster; the only exposed parts are the top edge and small parts of the sides of the phone near the bottom. The company has also included an adhesive film to protect the iPhone’s screen and a microfiber cloth to clean the screen before applying the film. Though the bottom of the case is closed, which doesn’t allow access to the iPHone’s dock-connector port, microphone, or speaker, I found the phone to be sufficiently audible when it rang in a quiet room; those concerned they may miss a call might consider activating vibrate, as well.

One complaint I had is the positioning of the side panels. Because of their placement, it’s hard to take the phone out of the holster without inadvertently hitting one of the volume buttons. While hardly a major flaw, it may irritate some users. But other than this, the C.E.O. Sleeve is an excellent option for those in the market for a holster case for their iPhone. –Dan Moren