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In-Depth Review
DLO StrapWrap
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 at 7:00 AM - by Bob LeVitus
DLO's StrapWrap is a unique carrying case for your gadgets that attaches to the strap on your bag, backpack, or purse that's suitable for your iPhone, Blackberry, iPod, Bluetooth headset, and/or any other device that measures less than 2.5 inches wide. Though it works with a variety of devices, I used it exclusively with my iPhone, so that's how I'll describe it here.

I often carry a messenger style bag and when I do, I frequently stash my iPhone inside one of its inner pockets. The upside is that I never lose my iPhone nor is it likely to be banged up or otherwise damaged. The downside is that I usually don't hear it ring. And when I do hear it ring, I usually can't get it out of the bag in time to answer the call.
StrapWrap was a great solution. I was able to hear the phone ring, and able to get it out in plenty of time to answer the call. And because it's built of stretchy tight-fitting neoprene and attaches to the strap via a huge hunk of industrial-strength Velcro and a clip for added security, I always felt my iPhone was well-protected. And I appreciated its 2-pocket design, which provided a place to carry my Bluetooth headset along with the phone as shown here:

There are a couple of things about the StrapWrap that could be an issue for you. First, you can't use the phone or even see who's calling without removing your iPhone from the StrapWrap. That's not a big deal if you typically carry your phone inside a bag of some sort, but it would have been nice if the front of the StrapWrap were transparent and/or allowed you to use the touchscreen.
Second, if you use a carrying case for your iPhone you could have a problem with StrapWrap. Almost every iPhone case I've reviewed to date made it difficult or impossible to insert and remove my iPhone. So, if you already use a carrying case with your iPhone, StrapWrap probably isn't appropriate.
The Bottom Line
If you typically carry your phone inside a laptop bag, backpack, or purse, the StrapWrap offers you two distinct advantages -- you're more likely to hear your phone ring, and you're more likely to get it into your hand in time to answer the call. If you spend much time with your phone inside a bag with a strap, this $20 contraption is a winner.
Just The Facts
Pros:Handy design, beefy Velcro closure, pocket for earphones or headset.
Cons:Can't use phone without removing it, iPhone cases make it difficult or impossible to use StrapWrap.
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