Brando Cases, Screen Protector and Cradle for Nokia E71 Review

Brando Cases, Screen Protector and Cradle for Nokia E71 Review

Available from – http://shop.brando.com.hk/nokia-e71_c0936d009

Price – Various

I recently renewed my T-Mobile contract for another 18 months and in the process got a Nokia E71 free of charge. Brando Shopping very kindly sent me a range of accessories for the E71. The accessories they sent are typical of the range they provide for a wide range of devices and phones. I was sent a range of cases, cradle and their ultra-clear screen protector.  They also happened to arrive on my Birthday  which was greatly appreciated.

Before I talk about the cradle and cases, I thought I would mention the ultra-clear screen protector. All the photos shown include the ultra clear screen protector fitted. And that’s the amazing part. You cannot see it and it really is ultra-clear, strong and great protection for any screen, touch or not. It only takes one set of keys to scratch a screen – I know because I have done this and it only took a few seconds.

Brando E71 2nd Battery and USB Cradle – The photo above shows the cradle holding the E71 perfectly. As you drop the E71 into the cradle the power point fits into the underneath of the E71. The Brando cradle comes with a data syncing usb lead and mains adapter which plug into the rear of the device.

In order to use the usb sync facility, you connect the usb cable into the E71 on the side, and then plug the supplied usb cable into the rear of the cradle and then into your PC. The cradle also allows for a 2nd battery to be charged too, which is located behind the E71.  LED indicators light up to show power connected too.  This is a lovely cradle and comes complete with everything other than a 2nd battery. However, for those who have used a E71 you all know how powerful one charge is from a battery!

Moving on to the Brando cases.

From left to right. Brando Silicone, Soft Plastic Cases and Rubberized Back

The Brando Silicone case

The Brando soft silicone case comes in 4 colours, black, ice, pink and blue. It is a very soft silicone and covers all the front keys with a raised pattern on the keys. Cut outs are provided all around the sides and rear for the camera.  I am personally not too keen on silicone, but nonetheless a good option which allows for easy use of device.

The Brando Soft Plastic Case

Q. Can you tell if it is fitted? This provides a much stronger protection for the phone and is a lot tougher than the soft silicone. It also does not detract from the beauty of the phone and I would imagine if dropped onto a hard surface would stop the protected area from being damaged. Cut outs are provided for the speaker, headphone, infra red, usb, memory, mic, charge and lanyard slots. The soft plastic does cover the power, volume and voice command keys, albeit with the plastic a fraction softer to allow for usage of these keys.

The Brando Ruberized Hard Back Case

This is available in black, blue and red. It simply clips on and provides protection to the back and sides only with the necessary cutouts. This design does make the E71 look a bit posh but provides the least protection out of all the cases.

Above. Brando Workshop Metal Case and Leather Sleeve.

Both these cases provide the maximum protection for the E71 and have the option of a 360 degree removable belt clip.

Brando Workshop Metal Case

This is a thin, lightweight and strong aircraft grade aluminium case. The inside is lined with neoprene for extra protection and shock absorbance. Access if provided to all the buttons and features.  The screen is also cover with plastic to provide the maximum proctection. This case is simple to use. Open the case from right to left, place phone inside and close case.

Brando Leather Sleeve Case

A lovely practical leather case with a plastic cover for the screen. All functions are accessible. The phone slides into the case and is secured via a flap that clips over the top and clips to the rear. The leather flap includes a cutout for the camera too. Clever design.

Summary

So which case wins as the best all round solution; the Brando Soft Plastic case. Finally thanks to Brando Shopping for sending all the cases, cradle and the ultra clear screen protector.

Review by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond