i have this case and I can tell you that the problem you're describing is a fact and very annoying.

I bought this case because it was functionally identical to the type of cases I have used for years with previous Blackberries and Treos. I find that it's easier to get the phone and put it back than any other type of case. It's also more comfortable when sitting than a case that is in "portrait mode".

My other cases had magnetic clasps which I prefer to the Velcro. But I've read that magnets aren't good around iPhones. If true, then Velcro is fine. The worst thing about it is that makes noise in a meeting when trying to sneak a peak at email or the web.

I think the quality of the leather is great. Outside it looks nice and the inside lining is soft and easy to slide the phone with. I really like the fact that the logo is embossed so you can barely see it.

The belt clip goes on easily but is snug. The interior dimensions are exactly the size of the iPhone, making the exterior dimensions as small as possible. I am very excited by this case.

Not that you asked for another review . . . but I thought I would add this in keeping with the theme of your blog entry.

I have both this case and the Sena leather dockable case. I am a female professional who wears pants suits mostly. The iPhone is great but the form factor of the iPhone is a little large for my waist. I do not tend to carry the phone in my pocket or purse. It needs to be on my person.

I love the look and feel of this DLO Hipcase. Gorgeous and fits very well on my waist.

I use the Sena when I have a belt that I can clip it to. I like to have the face of the iPhone covered. I do not think it looks professional to have the phone's face on my waist. I like to keep it concealed and quiet at work.

The advantage of the Sena over the DLO is that the iPhone is slippery and I am always worried I will drop it as I lift it out of the DLO case. Also, the Sena allows me to answer the iPhone with one hand. The DLO requires two hands, unless you are not paranoid about dropping it -- or have amazing dexterity.

And, of course, the Sena can stay on when you dock and charge your iPhone.

But as a girl geek, overall I prefer the look and feel of the DLO Hipcase.

I have been using one of these for almost 2 months now and it rocks. What the reviewer pointed out about the orientation in the pouch is true as I was a person that wanted the screen to face in as well but quickly abandoned that for a few reasons.

-The first is that the screen has proven to be rather hardy. I have had the phone since release day and I have yet to get a scratch.
-The second is that once I realized this, turning the screen away was no big deal and it opened access to the volume buttons. This was a great thing as well. When exercising this holster is very secure. I have used it when on an elliptical trainer and when cycling (including some rides over 100 miles with out of the saddle hill climbs) and have never had a problem.
-Turning the face out and having access to the volume buttons also makes it so the headphone jack is not blocked, you have clear access to it. So there is not need to have the cable leave the back as they often show.

This is a solid solution for those like me that hate to have stuff in the pocket. It provides a reasonable amount of protection and is pleasant to the eye. I use the black leather version and I doubt I will use anything other then this for this phone.

My experience contrasts with Marie Boyer's, who said it's difficult to answer the iPhone with one hand when it's in the DLO:

I find it quite easy and secure to answer with one hand. My index finger gently lifts up the flap; Then my middle finger presses on the iPhone through the opening at the middle/bottom, pushing the phone into my waiting hand. Quite easy after even a little practice.

i love this case! my only problem is that because the clip is so tight, after a while the seam at the end of the clip begins to fray. in my case, the leather and the metal clip separated. I put some clear packing tape over the seam to hold it on. nothing serious, just be aware that over time, you might have to do some repair work. i'd rather have this problem than a problem of the case falling off of my belt.

This is the case I bought at the time I purchased my iPhone (June 29). I absolutely love it. At first, I saw the same annoyance as listed above in regards to the headphone jack, but I soon learned to put the phone in so that the headset jack is facing the rear, so the screen is still protected. This had no other downside to it for me, other than learning how to automatically orient it if I need to put it out of the holster. And that is going to take place when I need to access some data, or when I'm pulling it out for the day. Perhaps easy access to volume control is another downside? But I would have that downside if the headset jack was accessible from our favorite position, so I won't count that.

As for answering? Either my Apple bluetooth headset or the white "toxic" handset is being used to answer what few calls I get. I use about 150 minutes of talk time a month on average, so those are few and far between. ;-)

The seam-wear happens to any tightly fitting clip after frequent removal. Every clip I have ever purchased that has material covering the metal clip has done this.

James: I have to agree with you on the durability of the screen. That was my initial fear, but that has left, and I now fear that the plastic, chrome, or aluminum will get scratched. ;-) I may end up turning it face out for the convenience of the volume control. Thanks for the insight.

I have the DLO and think it is a great case for what I need. The case fits snuggly on my belt which is great and it protects the face of the iPhone perfectly.

I previously had a case with a swivel clip (do not remember the maker) and the fit was too loose and the phone would come off - clip and all.

I am extremely happy with the DLO case and since I do not wear the ear plugs id does not matter to me how they might fit.