When we took a look at Nokia’s first and official case for the N900, the CP-321, we liked the stylish and simple design, but it was several steps back in convenience: It lacked any access to the lock switch, microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, camera button and both the camera lens and speakers were blocked. It was pretty and helped to to protect the N900, but it sure wasn’t useful. Nokia went back to the drawing board and came up with what we have here: the Nokia CP-408. Would we choose it over the CP-321? Is it the ultimate N900 case?

In many ways the CP-408 is the complete opposite to the CP-321. While the 321 helps to soften the bulky, “man phone” design of the N900, the CP-408 pretty much continues the utilitarian look of the N900 and almost perfectly matches its design.

The case consists of two stiff plastic faux leather parts that are joined using stitching by a flexible faux leather material. The insides of the case are done in a soft cloth material that did a good job in protecting the device from scratches, but did seem to attract dust and as a resulted needed a cleanup from time to time.  The entire case is held together by a strong plastic frame, that also adds some extra rigidity. While Nokia didn’t use real leather, we were impressed with the overall quality feel of the materials used and build-quality. We also liked design details such as the stitching on the front and the side of the case and the Nseries logo. The CP-408 isn’t the most stylish, but it certainly does look good in a functional sort of way.

Once you pop the N900 into the case, there’s really no need to get it out. The case has been designed in such a way that you can use all of the N900’s features with the case on. What we simply LOVED is the ability to keep the N900 protected, while still have access to the  the lock switch, microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, camera button, camera lens cover and volume rocker. Even the speakers and IR port have openings. Worth noting is that there is no way to get the stylus out with case closed, you actually need to open the case to do this. This makes sense as you still have to open the case to have access to the touch screen. Another nice little feature is that this case has a slot on the inside for credit cards, memory cards and such.

Because of the opening for the camera lens/cover you still have access to the kick-stand, as a result even the kick-stand can be used with the N900 in its case! However you will have one huge flap hanging on the front part of the phone. Functionally it doesn’t stand in the way of using the device, but for some this might be a problem. The biggest downside to this case is when making and receiving phone calls, but this of course will vary depending on your taste: you will need to pull the flap to the back of the device, which can be a bit awkward. When texting you also have this large flap hanging in front of you. Again, while this doesn’t come in the way of functionality, for some this might be annoying.

Overall, we feel that CP-408 is not as stylish as the CP-321, but certainly does look good with it’s all-black design and stitching. It does  easily make up for lost points with a design that perfectly matches the the N900 and is one of the more functional offerings out there. While no real leather was used, overall the build quality is good with excellent quality materials used. It’s safe to say that you can use the N900 without ever taking it out of the case, however some will find the front flap a bit awkward or annoying when texting or making calls. Even when considering this, the CP-408 is easily the best option for power user, those that favor design should have a look at the CP-321. We give the CP-408 a well deserved 9.2 out of 10.

The Nokia CP-408 can be found at MobileFun as well as other Nokia N900 cases.

Pros

-Design perfectly matches the N900

-Access to all of the N900 features

-Kick-stand can be used  with the case on

-Slot for credit cards

-Quality materials and good build-quality

Cons

-Front flap can get in the way while making calls/texting.