Andy Whiteford
12-17-2003, 06:00 PM
With the HP h1900 series proving as popular as it has, you will never be stuck without a case for this great little Pocket PC. The one problem you might have is selecting the case that suits you best from the myriad available. So is there anything that this leather offering can bring to the table to ensure its place on your short list? I think it has its merits.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/andyw-nov03-proporta1900-1.jpg" /><br /><!><br />One of the first things you will notice about a case is the packaging it arrives in. This is normally a good indication of the stature of the case found within. The top of the range makes usually find themselves tucked away inside presentation boxes and wrappings while products at the lower end of the scale are happy in a cardboard box or plastic packaging. Proporta’s case comes somewhere in the middle housed in a cardboard carton and sealed in a plastic container. Strangely the pricing would put this nearer the lower end of the scale so does this mean the product within suffers?<br /><br />The first thing I do with a leather case is give it a good once over paying particular attention to the stitching and craftsmanship employed. Things certainly impress in this area and it’s apparent that the overall construction of this case is excellent. All materials appear good and the interior is well finished with a softer, brushed material. For the relatively low price point, you are receiving a case of high quality. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/andyw-nov03-proporta1900-2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: The Proporta case full on</i><br /><br /><span><b>A case for change</b></span><br />So what makes this case different from the others? Well the main thing about this case is it is more of a leather flap that covers the front and rear of your device. A magnetic clip folds underneath and clasps onto the rear. What this means is with the case closed, the sides of the device are exposed, albeit in a recessed fashion. This styling will be the deal breaker for many potential customers. While reinforcements and cushioning are good, many people will feel there is a lack of protection to the sides and be put off by this. So is there any redeeming feature to encourage someone towards a purchase? I’m glad you asked. Once I switched to this case for a couple of weeks of evaluation, I quickly realised something that I had forgotten; just how stylish the h1900 series of Pocket PC is. When you flip open this case, virtually the entire device can be seen and if you love the look of your HP, you are going to enjoy using this case.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/andyw-nov03-proporta1900-3.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: Good storage options in the lid</i><br /><br />The device itself is held in place well by two leather finished clasps that grip the unit safely without any markings. The inside of the flap has four slots for credit cards or money and there are a further two smaller slots for holding SD cards. Also included with the case is a removable neoprene insert that sits between these slots and the device protecting the screen when the slots are in use. The flip side of this insert has a further pocket with a clear plastic cover to hold further items. For those of you who prefer not to use these slots, the insert can be slipped out leaving a slimmer fitting case.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/andyw-nov03-proporta1900-4.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 3: Good access to all components</i><br /><br /><span><b>Access all areas</b></span><br />With the sides being left open, that means you have easy access to all buttons and connections. There is a stylish cut out at the top meaning plugging in headphones is simple. The case is also slightly wider than the device meaning the sides of the unit are recessed into a safer position although this still can’t compete with the protection of an all enclosed case. Unfortunately, even with the open nature of this case, you still need to remove it if you wish to dock the device in a cradle.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/andyw-nov03-proporta1900-5.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 4: The optional protective insert</i><br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</b></span><br />The construction and styling of this case means there is limited all around protection which may be a an issue for some even though I never had any such problems during my evaluation.<br /><br /><span><b>Where to buy</b></span><br />This product can be bought from the <a href="http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=501">Proporta Web site</a> for £19.99.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />While it does take a little getting used to this type of case, the people out there who factor the styling of your device as a major buying point will love the exposure this case offers. If protection is paramount in your decision to choose a case, the Proporta aluminium case or an alternative leather case will be more up your street. All in all, though, this is a good case that is well constructed and offers good storage.