I go through phases of different cases that I like to style my iPhone with. Back in the day I used to like clear cases just to show off the fact that I have an iPhone at all, but lately I’ve been really digging leather. That’s why I was particularly excited to try out the new Access Case 2 from Nodus, but it’s more than just good looks. It works as a compact wallet and dock for your phone as well. Yes, an actual dock.
The case has a folio design, which means it wraps around your iPhone with a flap that covers the front. It’s made with tanned Italian leather nice enough to turn your iPhone 6s into a fashion statement — even for me, and I’m known to wear sweatpants even in the most inappropriate social situations. The inside is lined with microfiber to prevent scratches on your device and features two areas of micro-suction. One large strip on the right side secures your iPhone and a small strip on the left side ensures flap stays closed when you fold it over.
Photo: George Tinari/Cult of Mac
The micro-suction does a good job of keeping the iPhone in place without leaving a sticky residue when you pull it off. I do worry though that in the case of a drop, the iPhone might slip out. The micro-suction is strong enough for regular use, but might not do the trick for clumsy folks.
When you open up the case, you’ll notice a pocket on the left side. That’s your wallet for storing cards and cash. I fit four cards in the slot before the case started to feel unreasonably bulky to me, but those cards did all have embossed numbers on them. You can probably fit about six flat cards in there. I also did a vigorous shake and was pleased that not one card moved in the slightest. Even when I took all but one out, the one card was still snug.
Photo: George Tinari/Cult of Mac
Access Case 2 also has a crease on the back, which folds back the case and supports the iPhone as a horizontal stand. Apply pressure to fold back at the crease as far as possible to get the iPhone to stay put. Once you get it, it works pretty well for something made out of leather and microfiber. It’s not perfectly sturdy, but it’s appreciable for browsing Safari or watching a video while you’re sitting at a table.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Access Case 2 is its compatibility with the Micro Dock. This separate accessory from Nodus is a tiny block that can attach to any vertical surface with adhesive and, using magnets built into the dock and Access Case 2, can mount your iPhone pretty much anywhere.
Photo: George Tinari/Cult of Mac
Though I didn’t get to test it out, the Micro Dock seems like a pretty cool little gadget. Even nicer is that the Access Case 2 (and Nodus’s Shell Case) works with it out of the box. The extra feature does come at an extra cost though, and that cost is £14.99 for a two-pack, which converts to $23.15 for those of us in the U.S.
As for the Access Case 2 itself, it provides only mild protection, but with a healthy dose of style and function. It’s currently available for pre-order through Nodus for £39.99, or $61.76, and comes in black, brown (above) and yellow. It’s not the best value at that price especially if you’re looking to buy the Micro Dock too, but the premium feel plus wallet and dock combo are still enticing. The case should start shipping in late October.
Update: The developer has pointed out that if you buy the Access Case 2, you get the Micro Dock shipped free as well. That’s a significantly better value to consider.
George Tinari has covered Apple and technology for over six years. On the rare occasion that he’s not sitting in front of his laptop, you can find him eating, awkwardly socializing, listening to music or singing along loudly to said music. You can also follow George on Twitter if you need more complaints and sarcasm in your timeline.
3 responses to “Clever leather wallet case can turn iPhone 6s into a dock”
I think you overlooked two little things, one is that the case you have pictured is the original Access Case, which was funded via Kickstarter so I was able to get one a reduced price a year and a half ago, and the new one they are releasing, the Access Case 2 does away with the little micro suction strip. I think it’s due to people complaining that after a while, the strip is rendered useless, since it’s constantly needing cleaning, due to the oils on the screen, from people’s fingers, clogging the cups in the micro suction strip. I found that if you took tape and pressed and lifted from the strip would get it working like new.
The other thing is that they also offer a flip option, which is the one that opens up vertically, rather than horizontal. Which of course does away with the slot for cards, but they both are still great looking in their own way.
Nodus is a company without any after-sale customer support. They make promises that they do not keep. I would stay away from them and their products.
While its a nice looking case, I prefer not to pray my case will stay in place or if it got dropped wouldn’t get trashed on impact. Sometimes function has to come before style.