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Vaja introduces new iPhone 4 cases
Yes, you're getting a bumper for free, but why not wrap your iPhone 4 in something a little more stylish and original? Vaja has released a line of its great premium leather gadget cases for the iPhone 4 -- I love these things, as they're made out of high-quality premium leather, and add an extra little bit of class to a device that already feels like a luxury phone. I do have to say that I don't really like that flap -- I use a Vaja case on my iPod, and in that case, the magnetically-fastened flap comes in handy, since I don't usually have my iPod open. But on the iPhone, I interact with the touchscreen so much that the flap would get in the way. But Vaja also has some excellent cases (like the iVolution Grip) that just slide onto the iPhone and stay out of your way. They're not cheap -- the Grip runs $65, and they go up from there. But they are a quality product. While the bumper cases are all right, if you want something really nice to wrap your iPhone in, give Vaja's cases a look. [via MacNN]
Vaja now selling iPad cases
Out of all of the iPod or iPhone cases I've seen, Vaja makes my personal favorites -- I bought one of their cases for my 80gb iPod, and it's still the best gadget case I've ever owned. They're a little pricier than some cases, but the exquisite leather, custom design, and solid crafting makes the purchase worth it. And now they've introduced an iPad case as well. Of course, the iPad's use chart looks a little different -- it doesn't necessarily seem like the kind of device you'll be pulling out while walking around, and you probably don't need a great leather case if you're just going to use it as a satellite computer around your home (not that anyone knows for sure how they're going to use their iPad yet). But Vaja makes some quality cases, and while they haven't announced all of their iPad options yet (the Retro Slim Jacket is the only one available right now), it might be worth looking at if you'd rather put a little leather on your new Apple tablet. Customization is not yet announced but likely -- when I ordered my iPod's case, there were a whole bunch of different case styles and colors to choose from. Cost on the one they've got is $120, and they're saying it takes about 25 days to get each custom-made case put together. A Vaja case isn't something to be purchased lightly, but quality like this doesn't come cheap or fast.
Frozen iPod returns from the grave
Andrew sent us this great story -- he found an iPod classic in the melting snow of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It had apparently been there "since early winter," and was frozen solid... as is the case, we'd imagine, with most things left outside there between September and April.Incredibly, though, once taken home, cleaned up, and given a warm cup of tomato soup and a grilled cheese, it started right back up again. Everything was completely intact -- he says it even displayed the correct date. Pretty impressive for Apple's little music player (and mine's even stuffed in a Vaja case, so I know it'll always run for me -- assuming I don't drop it in a pile of snow somewhere). He says there is a name on the iPod, so if you've been around the Whitehorse area and have recently dropped your iPod near a place called Takhini School, leave him a note and he will probably be able to get it back to you. But do it quick -- he's giving things about a week, and then it's finder's keepers. We don't blame him: who wouldn't want an indestructible iPod?
Microsoft talks third-party Zune accessories
You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.
iPhone, encased in leather
Michael sent us news of yet another iPhone case, this one made by Noreve. It looks pretty nice, and it's interesting that they created a flip that goes down instead of up-- they say that the camera is still usable with the case on, which is super nice. The colored cases aren't selling yet, apparently, but the black cases are in stock at €42.99.And while my personal choice is probably to go with one of those cool wooden cases, if you really want leather, you'd be crazy not to take a look at the Vaja cases. Like TUAW's Dave Caolo, I've got a nice one on my iPod, and it is excellent. Like the Noreve cases, they're a little pricey but if you're going go all out and buy an Apple cell phone, you might as well go all out on the case, too.
Swanky Leather MacBook Case Day
Yesterday was apparently swanky leather MacBook case day as two separate makers released new models. Vaja has long been known for rather expensive, but very finely crafted mobile phone/PDA cases. They are now apparently moving into the notebook case world and are offering the classic Jacket (from $120) for the MacBook and MacBook Pro (15 & 17). It's a leather sleeve-case, but like Vaja's previous cases looks to be very sumptuously made.On a separate note, Case-mate is releasing the signature suits (pictured, $150), which are "form-fit leather wraps for your MacBook and MacBook Pro." Unlike the classic Jacket, the suits are designed to remain on the MacBook (Pro) during normal usage.So if you've ever felt the need to wrap your high-tech MacBook (Pro) in fine, hand-crafted animal carcass, now is a great time![Via Macworld (x2)]
My swanky Vaja iPod case
Back in December, I used some of my Christmas money to order an iPod case from Vaja, and today it finally arrived. I now believe in love at first sight.It comes nicely packaged with some propaganda (flyers, stickers, etc.) that my 2 year old immediately claimed. I went with a hunter green for the front and a dark brown for the back, but there are literally dozens of color combinations available to choose from. The rear of the case is quite firm, with the logo printed on the interior. The front is soft but not squishy, and the iPod fits in beautifully. The hold button and headphone jack are exposed, as is the port on the bottom, so charging via the cable is no problem (though it won't fit in a dock while inside the case).There's both a screen protector and a click wheel protector (the click wheel protector is optional) that a scratch-o-phobe like me appreciates. The wheel protector does require me to press a little more firmly on the click wheel itself, but not so much that it's a nuisance. There are two styles of beltclip available, but I opted for no clip. I'm just as happy keeping it in a pocket, and it's now so well protected, that I don't have to worry about damaging it.Overall, I really love it. The leather is quite nice, the construction is very good (it should be, it took 29 days), the fit is fantastic and the peace of mind that I won't scratch the daylights out of the screen is nice, too (especially when I try to resell it a few years from now). On the downside, I can't connect it to the Universal Dock or my Griffin RoadTrip while in the case, but I'm willing to live with that. The Vaja i-Volution starts at $70US. More pictures after the jump.
