Leather "smart-sleeve" anyone? - Xperia Z3 Accessories

I was wondering if any has come across a leather "smart-sleeve" for the Z3? I don't think the term really exists so let me explain.
I don't really like cases, but I don't really like a damaged phone either. The compromise for me would be a leather sleeve type of thing - like this random one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Lea...lePhonesCasesPouches&var=&hash=item4627d52959
But having to take out the phone just to check the time or see who is in fact calling would greatly decrease the protectiveness of said sleeve. So I thought a "smart-sleeve" with cutouts for the mic and speaker along with the window from a smart-case would be the perfect solution.
I haven't been able to locate any of this sort though and I don't believe my sewing skills are up for the task
Would you think there would be a market for this type of deal (And feel free to snatch the idea btw) or am I the only one thinking this could be practical?
//M

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Regarding what you mentioned; this is the best way to enjoy your device and guarding it at the same time. I've been using leather pouches since a long time throughout all the phones I've bought and been enjoying it. I use the tpu back cover case when going to the gym or with any outdoor activities.

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sevoflurane said:
Regarding what you mentioned; this is the best way to enjoy your device and guarding it at the same time. I've been using leather pouches since a long time throughout all the phones I've bought and been enjoying it. I use the tpu back cover case when going to the gym or with any outdoor activities.
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Yup but yet they are unpractical as I need to take it out of the sleeve when the phone rings - and the risk of me dropping it when I do that is unappealing. That's why I wanted a quick window in it
//M

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Surely the official case is ideal for what you describe?
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/official-sony-xperia-z3-style-cover-with-smart-window-black-p48231.htm

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3Shirts said:
Surely the official case is ideal for what you describe?
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/official-sony-xperia-z3-style-cover-with-smart-window-black-p48231.htm
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No that is a flip or book case - not a pouch. I've had one of those for my G2 and didn't like it at all - the "door" is in the way most of the time
//M

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Oh I see. So you want a pouch like the one sevoflurane suggested but that has cut outs so you rarely need to remove it?
I think, as you say, you'll struggle to find anything like that. The official book case is the only one I know that has the smart window anyway. I think you'd need to make something yourself.
Perhaps buy the official flip case and a leather pouch. Cut the front off the flip case and cut aligned holes in the pouch. Glue the case front to the inside of the pouch. You'd have to make sure you know how the flip case triggers the smart window on the phone so you don't accidentally remove it.
Don't know how handy you are but it might be tricky to make that not look terrible!
Another option is a smart watch. I have a Pebble which is perfect. Obviously has the time (it's a watch!) but also shows me notifications and stuff without even taking my phone out of my pocket. I can even see who is calling and dismiss the call if I don't want to answer it. Pebbles are pretty reasonably priced too and can do a lot of other funky stuff.

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3Shirts said:
Oh I see. So you want a pouch like the one sevoflurane suggested but that has cut outs so you rarely need to remove it?
I think, as you say, you'll struggle to find anything like that. The official book case is the only one I know that has the smart window anyway. I think you'd need to make something yourself.
Perhaps buy the official flip case and a leather pouch. Cut the front off the flip case and cut aligned holes in the pouch. Glue the case front to the inside of the pouch. You'd have to make sure you know how the flip case triggers the smart window on the phone so you don't accidentally remove it.
Don't know how handy you are but it might be tricky to make that not look terrible!
Another option is a smart watch. I have a Pebble which is perfect. Obviously has the time (it's a watch!) but also shows me notifications and stuff without even taking my phone out of my pocket. I can even see who is calling and dismiss the call if I don't want to answer it. Pebbles are pretty reasonably priced too and can do a lot of other funky stuff.
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Yup exactly what I wanted
For the window the trigger most probably is a small magnet (at least it is on my G2), that shouldn't be much of a problem fitting in a pouch. As for a DIY kinda deal I think i might need to look for somebody else as my sewing abilities lack a lot to be desired :silly:
I've been on the smartwatch route for quite somme time, but has decided to go with a fitness tracker instead (Basis B1), it actually provides me with something on top of my phone, which a smart watch does not. But it is a good idea though
//M

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Smart watches have fitness features. Pebble has had a recent update and there are a few excellent step counters, swimming counters etc but I'm not gonna try and sell you smart watches.
If you are careful, you could probably customise a pouch without needed to do any sewing. You only need to cut it in the right places and you wouldn't need to cut through any existing stitching. If you bought a couple of cheap pouches you could experiment with the cutting before you spend too much money.
Another thought, you might be able to use NFC to trigger the smart screen so then you could just stick one of those in the back of the pouch.

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3Shirts said:
Smart watches have fitness features. Pebble has had a recent update and there are a few excellent step counters, swimming counters etc but I'm not gonna try and sell you smart watches.
If you are careful, you could probably customise a pouch without needed to do any sewing. You only need to cut it in the right places and you wouldn't need to cut through any existing stitching. If you bought a couple of cheap pouches you could experiment with the cutting before you spend too much money.
Another thought, you might be able to use NFC to trigger the smart screen so then you could just stick one of those in the back of the pouch.
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Not to derail completely - but no other fitness tracker can keep up with the Basis in terms of features (Heart rate monitor to name one). But on the positive side they have announced an upgrade which has smartwatch capabilities
I guess I need to find myslef a few cheap pouches for the purpose of experimentinga bit. Good idea on the NFC - at least if Sony is more open to their smart-window than LG is
//M

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If you do go for this, or find a case that suits, please update this thread. I'll be interested to see your solution.

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3Shirts said:
If you do go for this, or find a case that suits, please update this thread. I'll be interested to see your solution.
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Sure - I've ordered a rather cheap one from eBay, should arrive next week: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yousave-A.../390946403503?ssPageName=ADME:L:eek:C:US:3160
I'll see if I can mod it to my needs :silly:
If it is working out, I'll do it with a more premium leather case
//M

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sevoflurane said:
Regarding what you mentioned; this is the best way to enjoy your device and guarding it at the same time. I've been using leather pouches since a long time throughout all the phones I've bought and been enjoying it. I use the tpu back cover case when going to the gym or with any outdoor activities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh that leather pouch is just what I am looking for! May I ask where you got it from ?
Thanks!

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lordgoata said:
Ooh that leather pouch is just what I am looking for! May I ask where you got it from ?
Thanks!
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Actually there was this German dealer on ebay whom I used to get these covers from. But unfortunately this dealer is not available anymore, suddenly disappeared, dunno why.

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sevoflurane said:
Actually there was this German dealer on ebay whom I used to get these covers from. But unfortunately this dealer is not available anymore, suddenly disappeared, dunno why.
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No worries, thanks - I found something similar on eBay from a German dealer, so will see what thats like when it arrives. Appreciate the replay, thanks again!

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Just received the case I ordered from eBay - what a crappy piece of junk. It's by no mean made for the Z3, I've send the seller an email but wont probably do me much good
Anyway if anybody could help figure out where the magnet to detect when the door is closed it would be cool - my tries have lead me nowhere so far
//M