Jason Dunn
08-05-2002, 04:00 PM
<a href="http://handheldplanet.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HHP&Affiliate=PocketPCThoughts">http://handheldplanet.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HHP&Affiliate=PocketPCThoughts</a><br /><br />Handheld Planet has been around for a while - I first saw one of their cases in late 2000 (the Omni Case). They've continuously evolved their product, and with this case they've found a winning combination of style and price.<!><br /><br /><span>Un-published PocketPC.com article originally written April 19th, 2002.</span><br /><br /><i>Case maker Handheld Planet has hit a home run with its excellent iPAQ case</i><br /><br /><span><b>Device Requirements</b></span><br />The Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 is designed only for the Compaq iPAQ 3800 series Pocket PCs (3850, 3870). It was tested with an iPAQ 3870.<br /><br /><b><span>What's Hot</span></b><br />Handheld Planet has created attractive leather cases for the iPAQ 3800 series Pocket PCs at a very affordable price.<br /><br /><b><span>Where to Buy</span></b><br />The Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 case <a href="http://handheldplanet.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HHP&Affiliate=PocketPCThoughts">can be purchased directly</a> from Handheld Planet for US $29.95. The <a href="http://handheldplanet.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HHP&Affiliate=PocketPCThoughts">model with the belt clip</a> is US $34.95.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/articles/JD-617-fig1.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: The Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 case (front)</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/articles/JD-617-fig2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: The Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 case (flap down)</i><br /><br /><b><span>Black leather - is there anything better?</span></b><br />Pocket PCs are expensive devices, and since most of us will carry our Pocket PC with us nearly everywhere we go, having a case is critical for protection. My Pocket PCs have weathered countless bumps and bruises, and on several occasions I've even dropped some of them on concrete - much to my delight, the case always seems to save the day. The need for a case can't be underestimated!<br /><br />The Flip-Top case from Handheld Planet is very well designed (Figures 1 and 2). The leather is smooth and soft, unlike some of the "vinyl feeling" leather some other case manufacturers are using. I&#8217;m no expert on leather, but I really like the feeling of the case. It's cut away in all the proper places, allowing you to access the recording button on the left of the iPAQ, the buttons on the front, and even the soft reset button on the lower right. I like the fact that they didn't opt for a strip of leather above the front buttons - some case makers do, and I feel it distracts from the screen and gets in the way.<br /><br /><b><span>Quality is in the details</span></b><br />On the surface, most leather cases for Pocket PCs look alike - the difference is in the details. The Handheld Planet Flip-Top case was crafted with someone like me in mind. First, the cover has a PVC-based insert in the top flap for a "hard shell" layer of protection. It doesn't add to the bulk of the cover, but it just might save your screen from serious damage if something sharp hits it. The seams of the case are referred to as "doubled over" which helps hide them from sight - this improves the look of the case and makes it look more "one piece". If you're going to be showing off your Pocket PC, you want the case to look good, right?<br /><br />One of the problems I've found with some belt-clip cases is that the clip breaks! I'm quite hard on my cases (I have an old battered Vaja case that has seen many a trade show), so the clip has to last. One of the best clips I've ever seen is <a href="http://www.theclip.com/mall/ultraclip.asp">the UltraClip</a>, and that's exactly what Handheld Planet has chosen for the case. The UltraClip can stand an incredible 130 pounds of force in any direction before breaking - I've yet to have one break on me yet!<br /><br />In addition to the case reviewed here, there are two other distinct models, each offered with or without a clip:<br /><br />• Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 + CF Sleeve Case<br />• Flip-Top 3800 + CF Sleeve with Belt Clip<br />• Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 + PC Sleeve Case<br />• Flip-Top iPAQ 3800 + PC Sleeve Case with Belt Clip<br /><br />The CF models allow you to put a Compaq CompactFlash sleeve into the case, while the PC Card models allow you to do the same thing with an iPAQ sheathed in the PCMCIA sleeve. They also offer various cases for <a href="http://handheldplanet.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HHP&Affiliate=PocketPCThoughts">3600/3700 series iPAQs</a>.<br /><br /><b><span>Gotchas</span></b><br />None. The case does exactly what it's supposed to with no surprises. If I can find one fault, it's that there's no selection of colour or style. If you're into personal expression, you may find this to be a negative, but I will usually opt for understated black leather in almost any case I get so I don't find this to be a significant draw back.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusion</span></b><br />Handheld Planet cases are well-made from excellent-quality materials, and are extremely affordable compared to other leather cases on the market (more than 60% less than some compeditors). If you're in the market for a leather case for your iPAQ, this case should be at the top of your list. I should also note that they're actively working on cases for other Pocket PCs, so if you own another brand of Pocket PC other than the iPAQ, keep an eye on their site.