When I look for a cellphone case, I not only look for functionality but also a case that is fashionable. 

The  Vintage Rider encompasses both of these qualities and it's nice that I keep receiving compliments on the case validating my purchase (which always makes me feel a little better on the inside :). 

Not every case is created equal and not every case is perfect so let's start off with the good aspects: 

The PROS:

I love that it acts as both a case and a wallet. I'm the kind of gal who doesn't like to carry a purse if I don't have to and if I do, I like to carry very little. 

If you lay the case on one side, the side with the phone, it looks like a normal cellphone case. The actual piece that holds the phone in place is nicely textured so it doesn't fall out of your hand easily and there's also a decently sized bevel surrounding the lip of the phone which is another good sign of protection. 

If you flip it on the opposite end, you have what looks like a nice little rustic, light brown, leather wallet with subtle stitching on the outside and a button clasp. When you open the clasp, it reveals five card slots with one including a place for your license to easily be seen without having to take it out. 

There's also an extra pocket under the left side of slots for placing receipts or other loose papers that need to be easily stuffed in quickly. What's nice about these slots, that can sometimes be a downfall for other similar cases, is that you have the ability to stuff more than one card in each slot without really over stretching the opening. 

The fact that the phone is not inside the clasped area is also a plus because that gives me the convenience to text and talk on my phone without having to undo the clasp or having to speak with what may look like an open checkbook against my face, like I see some people end up doing in public. 

The CONS:

The only downside of the case is that when I need to use the back-facing camera, I have to open the wallet which reveals all my cards outwardly. I could take the phone out of its case, but for convenience purposes that would just take too long. 

It's not a dealbreaker for me and it definitely is better than someone catching me talking on the phone with a little open-faced book slapped on my face. 

Final Thoughts:

Functionality aside, this case is also super cute and stylish. I've had lots of people come up to me and ask me if I got the case from Madewell, J Crew, or Fossil. 

Maybe that's why I was so attracted to the case to begin with because those are literally the only places I shop! It's great to be able to find a case that matches my overall style without having to break the bank. That's always a plus in my book! Overall, the Vintage Rider case meets my practical needs and also represents my style.

Final Score: 8/10

What It Goes With:

Shop for the case here:
Vintage Rider by STI:L

Thanks for reading - Lisa.

Definitions and Differences

Wireless charging is still a fairly new technology that hasn’t quite taken off yet. This is why the struggle between Qi and PMA is so fierce right now. The tides could turn at any moment, so both companies are trying their hardest to beat the other out. So what makes one better than the other?

Truth be told, they’re very similar. They both allow you to charge your phone by setting it down on a mat and walking away. No cords, no plugs, no hassle. Without getting too technical, Qi works on a 100-205kHz band while PMA devices work on the 277-357kHz band. What does this mean to the average consumer? Nothing. All that matters is which technology gets the most support.

Yet again, we are seeing a large divide as PMA is backed up mostly by manufacturers and Qi by its users. The PMA board of directors includes representatives from companies like Duracell, Starbucks and AT&T. This means that you shouldn’t be surprised to find PMA charging stations the next time you go to get your coffee. Alternatively, Qi is widely supported by Windows and Android phone devices, including Google and LG.

Things are split once again when it comes to major cellphone networks with PMA being supported by AT&T while Qi is supported by Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It seems that we won’t be seeing wireless charging standard any time soon with competition like this.

Supported Phones

Presently, there are few PMA-certified mobile devices, but companies like AT&T are working to change that. The recently released LG G3 supports PMA now as well as the Samsung Galaxy S5, S4, Nokia Lumia 925, 1520, Motorola Moto X, and ASUS PadFone.

Qi gets a lot of support as well from phones such as the LG G2, many Nokia Lumia devices, and the Google Nexus 7.

Some phones such as the Galaxy S5 and S4 support both. With phones like these you can buy a back cover that will either have a PMA or Qi charging module, whichever you prefer. Take the ECO Qi wireless charging receiver for the Galaxy S4 from Creekle for example. It provides an easy installation allowing you to ditch your cords and charge your phone by simply placing it down an an Qi compatible charging mat. It’s convenience at it’s finest.

The Future of Wireless Charging

Reply hazy, try again. Which standard is going to come out on top is anyone’s guess at this point. With both companies be digging their hooks into the market, it’s really hard to say which one will finally be forced to concede.

But there is one major player that could change everything. You can probably guess who it is. It’s Apple. They have been very quiet on the wireless charging front, most likely plotting and waiting for the opportune moment to strike. It’s possible that Apple is letting both sides battle it out, waiting to jump in once it’s more clear who will become the new wireless charging standard. Apple definitely has the power to secure the fate of either company.

Another possibility is that Apple won’t side with either, but rather become a competitor themselves. They have always been known to do their own thing, independent of everyone else, so it makes sense that they would continue this trend. In fact, back in late 2013, Apple won a patent that covers wireless charging. This might be the smoking gun that people are looking for, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for companies to patent things that they will never use. Whatever happens, Apple will undoubtedly be a game changer.

Samsung Galaxy S5

We’ve all come to expect great things from Samsung. They are an industry leader when it comes to electronics, always providing top-tier products across the board. In a cell phone market dominated by Apple, Samsung has managed to produce a strong competitor to the iPhone. The Galaxy S5 by Samsung is the company’s latest flagship model. Not only is it one of the most popular cell phones on the market, but it’s also one of the best.

Sporting Android 4.4 “KitKat” and a Snapdragon 801 processor, the S5 is extremely fast and efficient. You’d be hard-pressed to find a faster phone out there. It also has a beautiful and bright screen with a resolution of 1080 X 1920 pixels on a Super AMOLED screen.

The camera is another one of the S5’s big features as it sports a whopping 16 megapixels. From autofocus and manual focus to High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) to digital image stabilization, this camera has everything you need to capture the perfect moment.

iPhone 5s

There’s not much to say about the iPhone that hasn’t already been said. Apple has been the industry leader in the cell phone market for quite some time. Every year they take a great phone and make it even greater.

The iPhone 5s impresses on nearly every level with its super minimal and sleek design, fantastic camera, and intuitive iOS 7 operating system. It delivers a handy fingerprint sensor for extra security and even a motion-tracking chip, a great addition for fitness buffs. Of course it also has all the best apps that you’ve come to expect from iOS. Having some of the best developer support, this is a phone that you just can’t go wrong with.

LG G3

This is a cell phone that took many by surprise. LG has struggled in the past to make a name for itself as a good cellular device deserving of your hard earned cash. This year, however, they seem to have found their place among a sea of competitors, proving that it’s hard to ignore them.

One of the first things you’re bound to notice about this phone is its innovative design. It’s got a gigantic 5.5 inch screen with some of the smallest bezels of any phone. To further compliment that, it’s got an amazing resolution of 1440 X 2560 pixels (with viewing quality equal to high end glossy art books). It’s fast, too. With the Snapdragon 801 processor the G3 will let you do whatever you need without ever slowing down.

Sony Xperia Z2

The Xperia Z2 might just be one of the sleekest phones on the market. You can really tell that a lot of care went into making a design that would really resonate with people – something typical of Sony products.

One of the main features of this phone is that it is highly dust and water-resistant. If you’re one of those people who has ever had a phone claimed by their toilet, this is especially good news.

Sony isn’t pulling any punches with this phone in terms of hardware. It features an impressive 20.7 megapixel camera, making it a very good choice for photography aficionados. You won’t have any trouble multitasking either with its large 3072 MB of RAM. The 5.2 inch screen produces beautiful image quality with its new Live Color LED imaging technology. This truly is a beast of a phone.

Google Nexus 5

Google isn’t content with just dominating the internet, as it aims to seize control of the cell phone market, too. The Google Nexus 5 is a powerful and cheap smart phone that offers big features to accomplish any task. It has a nice 5-inch screen clocking in at 1080 x 1920 pixels. The camera is a decent 8 megapixels featuring optical image stabilization and HDR. This phone also features a solid 2058 MB of RAM and 32 GB of built-in storage.

Perhaps one of the most impressive things about this smart phone is how much you get for the cost. It is one of the cheaper flagship options available that still offers all the powerful hardware and features you’d want.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us at sales@creekle.com

1. iOS 8

Apple’s newest OS was recently announced at their 2014 WWDC and aims to blaze the trail as the biggest update to their mobile operating system since the App Store was launched in 2008.

Users will immediately notice new features such as the new Health app, expanded Siri functionality, interactive notifications, and more. Developers now have the new Swift coding language to work with, which is promised to be both powerful and efficient. While there are no changes in looks, iOS 8 is heavily focused on functionality and ease-of-use.

2. Bigger screen

Apple has never been a big fan of following trends, and they aren’t trying to change that now. The iPhone 6 will come in two versions: a 4.7-inch screen model and a 5.5-inch screen “phablet” model. Both of these are bigger than previous iterations, but not quite as big as many of their Android counterparts.

This is nice because the 4.7-inch model can be great for someone with small hands, while the 5.5-inch phablet will satisfy those looking for a bit more screen real estate. It’s always nice to have options.

3. It’s faster

Supporting the improved 64-bit A8 processor, this phone aims to give Usain Bolt a run for his money (completely intended). Last year Apple released the A7 chip in the 5s and will undoubtedly include the next version in the iPhone 6.

Rumor has it that this new processor will primarily focus on power consumption efficiency, which is great for anyone annoyed with the 5s’ less than stellar battery life.

4. Increased security

Fingerprint ID security is here to stay it seems. At least that’s what Apple thinks. The fingerprint sensor is already embedded in the home button of the iPhone 5s and with its current popularity, it only makes sense that this feature will be in the next version too. After an estimated 36 million iPhone 5s units with Touch ID shipped out last year, it seems that this technology is securing its place in Apple’s flagship.

5. Sapphire Glass Screen

Say goodbye to screen protectors. The once useful protectors will soon fade into obscurity as sapphire glass becomes more commonplace in portable devices. Supposedly being so tough that only a diamond is capable of scratching it, sapphire glass is clearly where the future of the iPhone is headed. Apple is already using this technology to cover its camera lens and Touch ID sensor, and soon the entire screen.

Apple’s major tech partner, GT Advanced Technologies, have recently announced that it was ready to produce a high quality commercial volume of the stuff. Coincidentally, this lines up perfectly with the production timeline for the new iPhone.

Have questions? Send us an email at sales@creekle.com.

Today Microsoft announced that Skype version 5.0 for the iPhone would be launching next week.

Skype, one of the biggest messaging programs in recent years, is stepping back into the ring as a major competitor with it’s most refined version to date.

Smooth animations, an updated look, and increased performance with less battery drain are a few of the many welcomed changes coming this month. One of the most notable new features is that this new version is said to be “over 5 times faster” than previous iterations. Notifications will also be improved so that if you use Skype on multiple devices and look at a message on one of them, it will be marked as read on the other devices too. While this feature has become commonplace in other messaging apps, it’s still nice to see it finally make its way to Skype.

On the visual side of things, this new update will feature a new look that is more consistent with the Windows Phone and Android apps. It seems that Skype is going for a more uniform look, which is never a bad thing in a market full of so much diversity.

Finally, users can now start group chats straight from the hub. Messages and photos can also now be sent even if the recipient is offline. This is a huge feature that has been strangely absent until now. Once the recipient signs back in, they’ll see your message.

Check out Skype 5.0 for the iPhone in the video below:

Have questions? Send us an email at sales@creekle.com.

“Class and style.” These are the first two words that pop into my head when I pick up one of these finely crafted cell phone cases. I don’t like to throw the term “art” around loosely, but I think it applies in this case (get it?).

Available for multiple devices including the Apple iPhone 5s/5c/5/4s/4, and the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Scuderia Ferrari cell phone cases are a great way to instantly sport-up your smartphone while getting the protection you need. Most of the cases feature handcrafted genuine leather, lined inside with a hard, protective shell.

Others such as the Ferrari GT Carbon snap-on case for the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S4, feature a durable metal-like exterior designed to provide comprehensive damage protection. This case is Creekle’s most popular case, and for good reason. It’s clear that great care went into making it.

There is a reason that the GT Carbon case is our biggest seller. It looks fantastic. What makes it really stand out is its unique and minimal design that features a carefully placed Prancing Horse logo with a high-end carbon fiber backdrop. The silver color instantly captures your attention as it sparkles in the light it catches. Ferrari seems to have caught onto how much people love shiny things.

Of course looks mean nothing if the case doesn’t perform. That’s not an issue here; this thing is sturdy. Unlike some of the low-end cases that allow for phone-jiggle, this case has an extremely snug fit. So much so, that it feels more like an extension of the actual phone than an additional case. This is important because you don’t want something that will let the phone slip out when dropped.

For anyone thinking about getting one of these Ferrari cases, don’t let the price tag deter you. While it may be higher than that of a low-end case, it’s certainly worth it. You get what you pay for, and that’s especially true here. They are durable, well made, and just plain cool.

The only real con these cases really have is that they won’t make your phone go any faster. Maybe in the next version though, right?

You can find the GT Carbon snap-on case at creekle.com, as well as many other cases, chargers, cords and more.

Have questions? Send us an email at sales@creekle.com

The Tempered Glass Premium Screen Protector by Beyond Cell is exactly what you need for your Apple iPhone 5s/5c/5. It’s shatterproof, virtually unscratchable, and completely resistant to fingerprints and smudges. Available in an array of colors, this screen protector perfectly combines form with functionality.

With this screen protector, you don’t have to sacrifice thinness for protection. Being only 0.5mm thick and having 9H hardness (I’ll touch more on this later), the Beyond Cell Screen Protector is as slim and durable as they get. The best part is that it has 99.99% clarity and touchscreen accuracy. Basically, you can’t even tell that it’s on your phone.

One problem that I’ve always had with screen protectors is how bad they look. Sure they protect your screen, but you sacrifice visibility with all the bubbles, defeating the purpose. Thankfully the Beyond Cell Premium Screen Protector offers a 100% bubble-free installation. It also won’t leave residue when removed, unlike many of its cheaper counterparts.

But what really makes this screen protector so much better than the others? Simply put, it’s the hardness. A screen protector’s durability is measured in hardness using the pencil hardness scale. This scale goes from 9H being the hardest, to 9B being the softest. This is what determines how scratch resistant it will be.

Your average screen protector is only about 3H-4H. The low end, 3-pack screen protectors are usually around 1H-2H, while the more expensive ones start around 6H. You can only achieve 8H+ with tempered glass, and that’s what this screen protector does. The Beyond Cell Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector clocks in at an impressive 9H, the max level on the scale!

Tempered glass is usually created in one of two ways. One way is burning a piece of glass with temperatures of about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, and then rapidly cooling it. Another way is to chemically strengthen the glass by bathing it in potassium salt at about 570 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the sodium ions in the glass’ surface to be replaced by potassium ions. Basically, it makes the glass really hard.

But why stop at scratches? Smudges can be annoying too. Thankfully this Premium Screen Protector comes equipped with an oleophobic coating that offers a resistance against smudges and fingerprints. This is really the icing on the cake.

The Beyond Cell Premium Tempered Glass Screen Protector comes highly recommended. If you want to keep your iPhone’s screen safe, then this is the way to do it. With its perfect clarity, stylish color, and top-notch durability, you can’t go wrong.

You can find the Beyond Cell Tempered Glass Screen Protector at creekle.com.

Have questions? Email us at sales@creekle.com. 

#1. Convenience

If you’ve ever had to get up at night and plug your phone in, pay attention. Fumbling around in the dark, stepping on your dogs tail, all the while trying to find the hole to plug the cord into while trying not to drop the phone and wake everybody up can be an ordeal. Well not anymore. Now you can just “set it and forget it.” Simply place the phone on the charging pad and voilà! You’re done. And with the ECO Pad’s convenient light indicators, you’ll be able to keep track of your phone’s charge level without even turning it on.

#2. No more charging cord replacements

If you’ve ever owned a cell phone, you’ve undoubtedly had to replace the charging cord. It’s a costly hassle. They are made cheap and it shows. Their average lifetime is only about 1,500 connect/disconnects, which add up faster than you think. With that in mind, it makes sense to just cut them out of the equation. With wireless charging, you’ll never again be bothered with buying fragile overpriced cords.

#3. It’s the future

We may not have flying hoverboards just yet, but at least now we can charge our phones without plugging them in! With more and more new smartphones being “Qi compatible” it’s clear that this is where the future of charging is heading. Once you make the change you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. When buying an ECO Charging Pad you can be sure it will be supported for a very long time, or at least for another 15 iterations of the iPhone 5. ZING!

#4. It looks cool

While this reason is purely superficial, it’s no less legitimate. This thing looks great. Many wireless charging pads have awkward shapes and fat designs, but the ECO Wireless Charging Pad is sleek, thin, and minimal. With its discreet and low profile design you can place it anywhere in your home and still maintain a classy look. This thing is the future, and the future looks good.

#5. Low cost

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about the ECO Wireless Charging Pad is its price. Many of the other charging pads out there cost upwards of $70. With them you’re most likely only paying for the brand name and getting an average product. The ECO Pad on the other hand, holds a strong, fast charge, and won’t try to attack your wallet. For being under $35 the ECO Wireless Charging Pad is a smart choice.

Have questions? Drop us an email at sales@creekle.com.

The Tri-Shield Kombo Case for the Moto G is one of Beyond Cell’s newest cell phone cases to hit the shelves. This case is designed with the rugged lifestyle in mind. It’s clear that Beyond Cell really took the time to design something that would offer substantial protection and security.

Let’s talk features. What you get here is a kickstand, belt clip holster, and screen protector. The belt clip locks in for a nice firm grip, and is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. The kickstand also feels rather sturdy, unlike some of its flimsy counterparts. As for the screen protector, it’s may not be tempered glass, but it certainly does the job.

So this thing has some nice features, but where it really shines is its sturdy design. Made out of two different materials, the Tri-Shield Case comes with a scratch resistant outer polycarbonate shell, and a shock resistant inner silicone lining. What I really like here is all the little shock absorbing pads on the inside of the lining, and the thick, reinforced corners providing extra drop protection. It does a great job of making your phone feel secure.

But let’s not forget about the outside. It features a rubberized exterior coating and numerous tiny bumps all over equating to a grip so good that you’ll feel like you’re Spider-Man. Combine that with the way the sides curve inwards and you have a phone that isn’t leaving your hand.

Perhaps the best part about this case is how relatively bulk-free it is. Normally protection and slim cases don’t go together. While the Tri-Shield Case isn’t low profile per se, it’s got a really sleek design to it. With the aforementioned curved sides, it’s clear that Beyond Cell put a lot of effort into making a case perfectly molded to snugly fit its intended device.

I highly recommend the Tri-Shield Kombo Case for anyone looking for extra protection. It’s even a good contender with OtterBox. It’s perfect for physical activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and anything else where you’ll be bouncing around. It’s also a great product for people with physically demanding jobs. Simply secure it to your belt for quick, dependable access.

The Tri-Shield Kombo Case is also available for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Have questions? Send us an email at sales@creekle.com. 

Both of these cases exude class and style with their minimal and sleek designs. You don’t need to be a fan of the companies to appreciate these fine pieces of work.

Let’s talk a bit about the BMW cases. Focused on offering a high end product, Creekle has carefully hand picked our favorite BMW cases that we feel are sure to impress. Take the BMW Carbon Fiber Snap-On Case for the Apple iPhone 5s. It’s covered with a high quality carbon fiber texture. There’s also a small BMW logo carefully located in the bottom right hand corner. That’s it. It’s simple, sleek and to the point. BMW clearly understands that sometimes less is more.

But this case isn’t just pretty, it’s durable too. It’s clear that great care was taken to design this case to be highly protective. It’s sturdy and provides a snug fit keeping your phone safe from drops, scratches and dings. It’s also extremely low profile keeping your phone bulk-free.

And then there are the Ferrari cases. They are a worthy adversary to BMW as their cases are just as, if not more, elegant.

Take a look at Ferrari’s own GT Carbon Snap-On Hard Case. This is one of our best sellers, and for good reason. Featuring a metallic look, this carbon fiber case also has a high quality carbon fiber texture covering its exterior. There is a small Ferrari horse near the top middle. It’s simple and sleek.

This case has also been carefully molded to snugly fit the iPhone. This is important because it prevents the phone from falling out of the case when it’s dropped.

Aside from these two beautiful examples, Creekle.com offers a wide selection of different high quality BMW and Ferrari cases. From leather cell phone pouches, to hard snap-on cases, there’s bound to be something to fit your tastes.

Have questions? Drop us an email at sales@creekle.com!