When I received my new iPhone 3Gs, one of the first things I did was ask our merry little band here what they recommend as “must-haves.” One of the most suggested items (for heavy users) was an alternate battery supply. Another top suggestion was a case of some sort. Enter USBFever.com and their new Leather Battery Pack.

The Leather Battery Pack for iPhone 3G / 3Gs (Product Code#:UFAE001325) is more than just an add-on battery pack. The leather case with flip-type cover features a belt loop for carrying your phone with you just about anywhere. And the leather case does have all the necessary cutouts for full function of your iPhone without having to first remove it from the case (although if it is on your belt you had best be a gymnast to take a photo with it).

The phone slips easily in and out its compartment in the case. A dock port in the bottom of the compartment mates the iPhone to the battery pack and, with the flip of a switch on the side of the case, bypasses the internal battery of the iPhone for the battery in the case. And best of all the iPhone and the battery pack can both be charged while in the case via a charging port on the side.

I did get comments from some folks about the size of the case when I was wearing it on my belt (one guy asked me if I was carrying a small laptop) but it’s really is not that obtrusive or bulky. The pack and case is only about an inch larger in width and height over the phone itself and about twice as thick.

The battery is rated at 1900 mAh and in my usage it seems to last about as long as the onboard iPhone battery. Re-charging takes about as long as it does with the iPhone battery as well.

The Leather Battery Pack from USBFever.com lists for US$39.99.

I would recommend it to anyone needing more battery power, although serious users (Judie) may opt for one of the larger capacity external packs on the market.

I like the dual function of this unit as well as its ease of use and about the only want I could think of might be a belt clip instead of the belt loop on back.

I know it has been said many times and many ways here, but I still look forward to seeing the notice each week that USBFever.com has sent Gear Diary an e-mail listing of all the new goodies available at their site. If you are into smartphones, computers, or gadgets and gear – and here at Gear Diary we are all of the above and more, you simply must have USBFever.com as a regular stop.