Question: You just got a brand spanking new N97 and you want an original Nokia case, what should you get?

 

Luckily, Nokia is only offering 2 choices for the N97, which should make our search a bit easier. Our first option is the Black CP-382, which is actually included with the Asia-Pacific (APAC) version of the N97.There’s also the CP-323, that’s available in two colors. Having both cases in my hand I do admit is kind of special for the simple fact that Nokia accessories are a bit hard to come by, except for some parts of Europe and Asia. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the CP-382 might be a bit harder to find considering that it’s an in-package accessory, just in case you plan on purchasing as a stand-alone accessory.

The CP-382 reminds of the rubber case included with the 5800 XpressMusic, just like that combo, the N97 is held tightly in place. At first it might seem a bit too much, almost making you think that the N97 will get scratched, but thankfully it doesn’t. Within just one day it loosens up a bit making it a perfect fit. A tip is to insert the N97 with the screen facing the metal ornament on the front of the case, otherwise it just wont sit right. I wouldn’t call this case stylish, but it doesn’t look bad either. There are some interesting design elements like the Nseries logo and stitching on both the front and back that prevents it from looking too blend. While were are on the subject of design, what’s that metal thing attached to the front? In my opinion it looks completely out of place and almost seems like it was added the very last moment. This case is purely  made to hold the N97 in-hand and protect it from scratches and slight hits. In the real world it does this quite effectively, but with such a thin rubbery material, I wouldn’t expect it to protect a heavy device such as the N97 from major drops.

The CP-323 is really simple in design. The cloth material makes it light yet sturdy and feels nice to the touch, in some cases it might even double as a screen cleaner. For those of you with the White variant of the N97, there’s also a Grey version available. A White case might have seem a bit more fitting for the White N97, but I think Nokia designers were realistic into thinking that it would be very hard to keep a White case, well…..White. For this reason I think they chose the next best color: the color a White case most certainly would have turned into in the real world. The Grey doesn’t look bad either, matching the metal accents on the N97. Out of the two this certainly is the most stylish with the unique material, Nokia tag and cut-of side that neatly shows the “N97” logo. Just like the CP-382, it nicely protects the N97 from scratches, but just don’t expect it to protect if from drops. From the looks of it, this case was designed to carry the N97 in hand almost like a piece of fashion.

The biggest difference between these two cases is how they hold the N97 in place: The CP-382 holds it in vertical position, while the CP-323 takes a more horizontal approach. It might seem like a big difference, but you end up holding both cases upright anyways. With the CP-323, there’s no actual danger for the N97 falling out from the side, because the case tightly holds it in place and when holding it upright your hand is also there shielding it and holding it in position. With the N97 standing upright, there’s that extra bit assurance knowing that there’s no way it could fall out from the side of the CP-382,  which I think is a plus when compared to the other case. Another difference is the material used. The CP-323 keeps up with recent Nokia trends in offering cases made out of a cloth material instead of the usual Black leather. It certainly looks different and stylish and the cloth adds lots of extra grip that simply makes it difficult for the N97 to slip out your hand and fall. When I thought the CP-323 added a lot of grip, the CP-382 goes one step further with its textured rubber material. This type of material already has a sticky characteristic, but making it textured makes it very difficult to slip even out of the most sweatiest of hands.If you do plan on taking the included stylus with you, both cases are perfect.

Despite these differences, these cases have a lot in common. For example, if you like the N97’s included stylus, you’ll be happy to know that both cases are stylus friendly. The CP-382 actually has a place to attach the stylus, while the CP-323 easily takes the N97 with its stylus attached. One negative point is that you can’t charge the N97 with neither of these cases. Logically you could always take the N97 out, but it’s much easier if you could attach the charger with the case on. Another thing that many will complain about is the lack of belt loop or some way of attaching it to your  pants. I do like these types of cases where you can just hold it in your hand, but maybe Nokia should consider adding an attachable belt loop for those that like this. 

In the end I prefer the CP-382 (just barely) over the CP-323 for the simple fact that it adds a lot of grip and because it holds the N97 upright, but the the cloth material makes easier to get the N97 out of the CP-323. The CP-323 is stylish and is more fitting for the N97’s design, but getting the N97 out from the side might not be for everybody.

 Mobilefun.co.uk has the CP-323, both in Grey/ Black and the CP-382.

With the N97 just now arriving at retail stores, it will be a bit difficult for buyers to get their hands on a White or Black N97, especially during the first two weeks. As strange as it may sound, getting a genuine Nokia Carrying Case CP-323 will prove to be a lot harder to find than the N97 itself. Nokia buyers are well aware of this: after securing their long awaited device, it sometime may take weeks and even months to get your hands on the matching Nokia case. This counts for other Nokia accessories as well.  In some ways you can even say that Nokia accessories have achieved an almost “rare item” status. Unless of course you happen to live close to one of the Nokia flagship stores.

As the N97 doesn’t include a case or pouch, many new users will without any doubt be looking for one of these matching Carrying Case CP-323 , without much luck of finding one.

A quick check on the Net at  popular places like Ebay or Expansys doesn’t show any sign of the CP-323, while other sites just show them as pre-order items. Previous experiences with these accessories has shown that despite the pre-order status they won’t be available for quite some time. This leave us without a case to protect the device or resorting to other less-than-ideal options.

Personally I think Nokia should have at least included a pouch, even the 5800XM included one! Other than that Nokia should make sure that matching accessories reach retailers at the same time as the devices themselves.  What’s been your experience with Nokia genuine accessories?

Update: Owners of the NAM and some EURO versions of the N97 that didn’t include the pouch can now buy the same original version included with the APAC version. This black pouch, called the Nokia CP-382 can be purchased here from Mobilefun.

As for the other Nokia original case for the N97, specifically the CP-323, can now be purchased both in Black and Grey.

Buying a new device for me always means buying a new case or pouch. While we do know that the N97 will include a new Stylus, we don’t have any word whether it will include a case or pouch like E71 or N95, we’re keeping our fingers crossed! In the mean time Nokia has released the Carrying Case CP-323 for N97. It comes in both Black and Grey, but where’s the White version? Not exactly a case, but more like pouch similar to the one included with the E71, it does look different with the fabric look.

Is the CP-323 up for the task?

Update: The N97’s CP-323 looks identical to the N86 8MP’s CP-322. Our guess is that it’s exactly the same case with different dimensions. Hmm, are fabric cases the new “it” thing for Nokia’s cases?

Update 2: Owners of the NAM and some EURO versions of the N97 that didn’t include the pouch can now buy the same original version included with the APAC version. This black pouch, called the Nokia CP-382 can be purchased here from Mobilefun.

As for the other Nokia original case for the N97, specifically the CP-323, can now be purchased both in Black and Grey.