I really enjoy synergy when a combination becomes more than the sum of its parts. Combining a protective leather case with a wallet seems to be a no brainer. Sena has got a couple of different versions of the wallet/case combination, and the WalletBook is the one offering most protection. I have been using a black leather WalletBook with crocodile skin patterns. And the question I ask myself is: is it a wallet, a case or something more than the sum of its parts?
Starting off with the wallet aspect of the WalletBook it comes with 2 credit card slots of which one is transparent. The transparent one lets you use the iPhone as a FBI badge with an id stuck in it. Looks kind of cool flashing the entire phone when you need someone to id you. Both of the slots are really rigid, and even after a week of using the case the cards are hard to remove. 
I minimised my extensive wallet into a driver’s license, a credit card and a library card. Most of my friends were unable to strip down their wallets into 3-4 cards, and that might be the largest concern when it comes to turning the WalletBook into an actual wallet. A couple of bills could be inserted as well, but they needed to be placed in such a manner that a credit card took them with it on the way out. The slots are really snug. I found myself breaking a sweat trying to remove my cards when shopping. Finally I have concerns regarding having my credit cards damaged by the proximity to the phone. I have no backing to this concern, but still it feels wrong to have important information in a possibly harmful situation. The test ended after 10 days with me going back to my wallet. The credit card slots are still practical for other cards, and definitely for business cards. For a night on the town I don’t see any problem using the WalletBook for credit cards either as it is for a limited duration.
For protection the WalletBook works really well. The leather covers most parts completely, and the front flap is as rigid as you want it to be. Simply put credit cards into it to make the frontal impact protection better. The corners have no direct cover but the front and back still protects them. When the iPhone is inserted into the case you have visual access to all ports and functions except the volume controls. The leather is quite soft covering the volume controls making them usable even though you can’t see them. With the flap open you have full access to the screen. 
The case is tight around the edges of the screen, but doesn’t intrude in any way. The button securing the flap to the back sticks out, and the phone wobbles when put onto a table back down. Even with a lot of usage to the small button flap it felt strained, and I had hoped for it to stretch somewhat to lessen the strain.
For gaming the WalletBook is awkward, and both landscape and portrait mode gaming is problematic. You have to hold the flap away from the screen, and it makes games such as dual stick shooters and racers really hard. Strategy games and line drawing games work quite well when you only need one hand operating the controls. It is simple to slide the iPhone out of the case but that is kind of not how it is supposed to work. Taking it out also means that the protection is gone.
Summary
Pros
Great quality leather.
Durable design.
Good impact and scratch protection.
Access to all ports and functions when used.
Cons
Not good for gaming.
Not a viable replacement for your wallet.
Too rigid and too few credit card slots.
No belt clip or holster solution.
Can’t lie flat back down due to a protruding button.
The Sena WalletBook case is a beautiful sleek product that feels good to the touch, and protects the iPhone well. Sadly it isn’t practical as a wallet replacement, and the side mounted frontal flap is in the way when playing games. The synergy effect I had hoped for isn’t there, but it is still a really good high quality case worth considering as an accesory when out and about.
Final Rating
Sena WalletBook Case for iPhone 3G/3GS at Sena Cases $52
Sena WalletBook Case for iPhone 3G/3GS at the US Apple Store $49.95
