Review: Marware C.E.O. Card Wallet for Nano

I used to carry business cards all the time but, for a variety of reasons, got out of the habit some time ago. Regardless, I find myself looking forward now to having to carry cards again and was wondering what sort of options I had for porting them about, besides using the old and dusty Apple ‘Learn and Earn’ branded case I found the other day, tossed in the back of a forgotten briefcase.

Marware, makers of the smart looking C.E.O.™ Billfold Wallet for Nano, has come to my rescue.

Their C.E.O. Card Wallet—with room for a full, busy meeting’s worth of cards as well as a Nano iPod (1st or 2nd generation)—has all the same great design and solid style as their C.E.O. Billfold Wallet. Unlike the Billfold, however, the Card Wallet comes in a variety of colours besides black. It comes in tan, red and pink versions as well, so budding fashion mavens can accessorize with a bit more leeway.

Purchasers are warned once again, as they were with the Billfold, that this case is meant to be put in a jacket pocket, not a pants pocket. Ignoring this opens you to the very real possibility of snapping your Nano in two. Those little things just aren’t that durable. Most people I know, however, seem to keep their card cases in their jackets anyways, or at least in their briefcases, so this warning and limitation isn’t as bad as it might be.

I think I’d be more likely to carry a Nano around, while be-suited at work, in a nice leather case like this than use any Nano-equivalents of my personal off-duty case favourites. While my favourites are fun, or functional, they really do seem a bit out of place on a mahogany boardroom table.

The size of the Nano as well lends itself to this sort of case and the inside pocket of a suit jacket really is the best and safest place for a small electronic device like this. I think it’s a great idea and a great implementation. I still can’t quit bring myself to keep my wallet in my jacket pocket, but, as I said, that’s just where I would keep my cards anyhow.

Smart case, smart idea. Well done, Marware. I give the C.E.O.™ Card Wallet an 85%. If and when I buy my Nano (Product)^Red, I’ll be carrying it, and a stack of business cards, around with me at work in one of these for sure.