Review: Incipio Orion Flip Case 12
Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:25 pm EDT
The Incipio Orion Flip Case is a clean and simple leather side case that is both attractive and reasonably protective, while still maintaining a slim profile. Designed by Incipio specifically for the Palm Pre, the Orion flip case provides a snug fit, but not so tight that it is difficult to remove or insert your phone. With a double magnet closure and super strong belt clip, this case will keep your Pre in place on your hip with style.
Functionality
The Incipio Orion flip case will hold your Pre as well as most any other case on the market, but it may not keep it as safe as you like. The belt clip is extremely strong (the rubber nub on the clip left a mark on my belt) and will certainly hold the case in place in the event of an unwanted impact. The shell, however, is merely two thin layers of leather - the brown matte leather on the outside and tan suede on the interior (or all black, if you prefer). The think design is nice for maintaining a slim profile, but it won’t provide much padding if you end up hitting a cased Pre hard. That said, the sides of the case do protrude a bit and will collapse under pressure, providing a bit of a crush zone if you walk into something.
As this case is designed with the Pre in mind, it provides a nice secure fit. But it’s not too tight like some other Pre-specific cases, and provides a nice large slot along the bottom for pushing the Pre up and out. That large hole does expose a little over an inch of the Pre, so for the convenience of removal you’re going to sacrifice a bit of protection.
Style
Where that thin design comes in handy is in the world of styling. The Incipio Orion flip case is wonderfully thin and understated, and the brown leather version features nicely contrasting side stitching. After some use, that exposed stitching may very well not be a great thing, as after a few days of rough use it was starting to show signs of fraying. The shell is made from two pieces of leather, the front a simple matte sheet and the top flap and the same material, just dimpled and sporting an embossed Incipio logo. If brown isn’t your thing, the case is also available in all black.
Conclusion
The Incipio Orion Flip Case is a simple and attractive case for your Pre. It may not provide the best protection, but that’s a tradeoff of the nice thin design. Being designed specifically for the Pre, you can be assured that the Orion flip case will fit your phone just right.
The Incipio Orion Flip Case is available (in brown or black) in the PreCentral store for $19.95.
Pros
Slim designCons
Won
12 Comments
... because nothing says cutting-edge like a rumpled, bulky, fleshtone makeup case. Blech.
Who was the focus group that liked this? Absolutely ugly.
Looks like a chocolate candy bar, and someone took a bite of it.
The Pre isn't case-friendly.
I used my case (a Body Glove) from my previous phone, the Moto Q. I only had to buy the plastic case (about $20), put it on my phone and it fits great in the case. You may want to give it a try.
It looks OK to me. I'd probably get it in black though. I have the Palm Pre case and I had to modify it by removing the ribbon inside and cutting a hole in the bottom of it to make it easier to use (push the phone out from the bottom). This case looks like what I have but it costs less by half.
ok ok ok its monday not much is going on so we have to Fill in the blank...lol I have a pre don't wanna hate or anything but seriously you guys sell this in your store right? Put up better accessories up in here man.
I have a similar black case made by Reiko that I got at the local Flea Market for in Shipshuana, IN (Amish Country) $5. My phone comes out easy...super strong mag closure...better protection on both sides of phone than this case.
i need a case so bad. I want a black case not that ugly ass color
sam_inc, you're in luck.
"If brown isn
Not for nothing, but I found my case a Five Below for, of course, $5.00.
It's interesting looking, and it does a FINE job of COVERING UP the Audio Jack! Part of the idea of having a smart phone that has a 3.5 mm headphone jack (something just about every reviewer notes, and something that every reviewer complains about if not present) is to be able to listen to music with it. Now I don't know about you, but if I am out and about doing some walking/running, exercising and what not, I want a case that has a hole for the headphone jack!
Being that I have a Seidio 2600 battery, I complained about the fact that neither their leather case for a standard Pre, or the extended case for one equipped with the larger battery had a hole for the headphone jack. They listened and redesigned it. Why any manufacturer of cases would omit such a simple feature is beyond me!