INTRODUCTION

   At the time of this writing, the HTC Star Trek (that’s the Qtek 8500, Dopod S300, Cingular 3135, etc) is generally accepted by most to be the sexiest Windows Mobile Smartphone on the market. With such a distinction, good protection from a case is essential to keep the device blemish-free. There are very few cases for the HTC Star Trek. One in particular from Noreve promises to provide top quality protection with top quality leather, in several color choices. Let’s take a look at how it held up wrapped around a Star Trek!

PRODUCT FEATURES

(all images link to higher resolution)

The package is elegant.

Here’s a shot of the classy box in which the case comes.

Inside the box you will find a case, belt clip, and metal screw that swaps with the belt clip bezel…

   …on the rear of the case. I found the belt clip to provide good functionality. As with most clips, it swivels 360 degrees and can be removed easily. I didn’t use the clip, though, because I felt it protruded too far from my body when attached.

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The cutouts are accurate. That said, if you go to take a photo while the case is on, you’ll get black bars on the left and right side of your image.

The Star Trek essentially "slides" into the case. There are several places where the edges are curved around the device.

   When the folder is open, you get some overhang, but that is to be expected by a case for a clamshell phone. The problem comes when you’re trying to use the phone: the area of the case that latches onto the top of the phone will come loose, and "flap down" … very annoying when you’re on a call.

The only visible area of the case when it’s open are the edges that curve around the phone.

The external display is covered by a thin piece of plastic. Unfortunately, I found a few flaws in the plastic, such as small scratches.

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HELP SUPPORT

    The case is very easy to use once you get past the issue of the top portion detaching, as explained below.

OPTIONS

    This case is available in six colors, which can be found here.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
After a few weeks of use, I found some stitching that was coming undone. Not too big a deal given the nature of the product, but if it were to continue, we’d have a problem. Perhaps all of the sharp curves of the case made it difficult to create tight stitching.

    Something that I found terribly annoying was that the top portion of the case would detach from the phone when I flipped it open. This would case the case to "flop down" until I reattached it. Noreve ought to find a way to make the top portion of the case have a tighter fit.

    The camera cutouts are accurant, but when you open the phone to take a picture, the case obsecures the cameras view! Fix this!

    Finally, the case includes a thin piece of plastic to shield the external screen. On my review unit, that piece of plastic had minor flaws out of the box, making it look as if the actual screen was scratched.

PURCHASING

   
The HTC Star Trek leather case from Noreve is available for 32.99 euros, or about $45 USD, via their online store.

PROS

• One of the few leather cases available for HTC Star Trek
• Color choices
• Good price
• Quality leather

CONS

• 
  

  External screen cover had flaws

• Top portion of the case detaches easily
• Stitching could be tighter
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  Case obscures camera

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

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OVERALL IMPRESSION

   Although the leather used in this product is several levels below Vaja, it’s still a terrific value given the decent fit of the case, and the awesome belt clip that is included. I think this case requires a few refinements before we give our whole-hearted recommendation. If you’re looking for an affordable leather case and aren’t having much luck finding one for your beloved Star Trek, then Noreve has a good option for you.