Clear Flip Cover For iPAQ 2200 Series [Archive]

Ed Hansberry

12-12-2003, 01:30 PM

<a href="http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/productMtce/productDetail.do?state=init&productId=118&productRef=PCLR-81112-00&category=CLEAR_CASE">http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/productMtce/productDetail.do?state=init&productId=118&productRef=PCLR-81112-00&category=CLEAR_CASE</a><br /><br />JavoEdge has created a clear flip case for the iPAQ 2200 line. It is $23.95 and is projected to be available on December 17, 2003. Finally, a flip cover for a Pocket PC 2003 device. Now, will all you Jornada refugees stop complaining? :wink: :lol: <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2003/20031212-2215clearcover.jpg" />

Timothy Rapson

12-12-2003, 02:41 PM

This would put the 2215 close to the top or at the top of my list of desirable PPCs. I suppose it is picky, but there is just so little difference in the Tosh E7XX, Dell Axim X5s, and the 2215, that this would make the sale.

I would like to see this company make such lids for everyone.

Jimmy Dodd

12-12-2003, 02:51 PM

I hope someone gets hold of one of these and does a review. From the website I'm not sure how it attaches to the 2215. It looks as though it covers the back, too.

12-12-2003, 03:17 PM

It looks like it's a moulded plastic box with a hinged lid. The 2215 seems to be locked in place to stop it from falling out when the lid is open. It doesn't seem to add much additional size.

Interesting idea, would be great if they were to come up with them for other devices as well.

Possum48

12-12-2003, 03:32 PM

toward making covers that don't add a lot of bulk or thickness to the PDA. I used a PocketSolutions aluminum flip cover on my e335 (God rest its soul) and just loved it. Although it did not add any real "protection" to the unit if dropped it did protect the screen very well. It also made it easy to put the PDA in my shirt or pants pocket without a lot of extra bulk.

Looking at the JavoEdge Clear Flip Cover I think they are working in the right direction but haven't go it totally right.

First off its is plastic. It looks "cheap" and undoubtedly will not provide any more protection to the unit as my PocketSolutions flip cover did.

Second, if dropped it will probably end up cracked or broken and with that up into smoke goes the $24 purchase price.

Third, it looks like it could be very slippery if handled with sweaty hands (for those of us who use the PDA in the gym). Not good in my opinion.

Fourth, I wonder about sync my IPAQ. Can I just put the PDA in the cradle with the Flip Cover attached? That was one very nice feature of the PocketSolutions cover and now the Sena case I purchased for the IPAQ.

I think that the real answer is to somehow make the unit out of aluminum ala Innopocket's aluminum case only with a flip lid rather than a book style opening. Also I see a need to be able to just drop the unit, case and all into the cradle for syncing. This feature will help avoid the dreaded problem of 2215 side grips working loose.

Just my two cents worth. I agree that for those who want the Jornada type cover this is what you want. But for me I will stick to my Sena flip case which by the way doesn't all a great deal of bulk to my PDA.

I hope someone will get ahold of one of these covers and give it a through test and post the review.

Stephen Beesley

12-12-2003, 03:47 PM

Sorry but as one of those Jornada refuguees I have to say that this is just too ugly for me! What I want is something totally intergrated. The aluminum flip covers are much closer to my ideal if only they didn't need velcro to attach to the device - I know never happy am I!

redifrogger

12-12-2003, 04:29 PM

there is just so little difference in the Tosh E7XX, Dell Axim X5s, and the 2215, that this would make the sale.
8O

This is a side note, but there is a HUGE difference b/w the toshiba e740 (I hear better things about the e75X series) and the other devices. Lots of bugs, no support, and no upgrade to new OS. I have an e740 and know from experience. :cry:

juni

12-12-2003, 04:31 PM

Well, we ordered two of them. Can't wait to try them out. :)

Foo Fighter

12-12-2003, 04:58 PM

Eh...as a flip cover fan, this is NOT the solution I want. I prefer integrated flip covers, not after-market accessories. And I wouldn't so much as touch this thing because all that clear plastic will show dust, pocket lint, and fingerprints like crazy. :roll:

T-Will

12-12-2003, 04:59 PM

Yeah looks more like a flip case...not a flip cover... :? Oh well I guess I can still dream about a flip cover for my 4100... :zzz:

Sven Johannsen

12-12-2003, 05:14 PM

I am another Jornada refugee, and no I won't stop complaining. This doesn't look like I can put a WiFi CF card in AND open or close the cover. It obviously doesn't sync with the cover on. While there are comments that this doesn't add much to the device, the Jornada cover added nothing to the device...it was part of it...by design.

The reality is the only way you are going to get a cover as beautifully integrated and functional as that on the Jornada is for the OEM to do it. The mechanism for attaching the cover to the device must be integrated into the device at manufacture. For the Jornada that was two little detents on the sides of the case. Barely noticeable if you chose to remove the cover and opt for a third party case.

I don't get it. Why can't the OEMs figure out that a device with a glass touch screen needs some decent protection. Woudn't cost much more to add an integrated cover than to provide that rediculous case they throw in. I'd pay more for it. Heck, I have to spend money to find a decent case anyway. Never did that for my Jornada. Did buy a couple of colored replacement ones from HP to snaz up my baby though. From HP by the way. Notice that, OEMs..a marketing opportunity.

Sorry I forgot the at the top, but here is the

SoAlive

12-12-2003, 05:23 PM

And I wouldn't so much as touch this thing because all that clear plastic will show dust, pocket lint, and fingerprints like crazy. :roll:

Probably scratches, as well.

I just can't see boxing up a $400 PDA into a clear plastic case.

Ed Hansberry

12-12-2003, 05:53 PM

stayputnik

12-12-2003, 06:01 PM

scratches are my concern as well... if this thing is anything but polycarbonate, then it's going to be really brittle as well. one decent fall, or even being a little rough when the cover is hinged back, and that baby will snap right off... polycarbonate (lexan) is the clear bulletproof plastic that apple uses on the imacs and ibooks these days. it's 200 times more shatter resistant than glass 8O ... you've gotta love that.

stayputnik

12-12-2003, 06:06 PM

ok... it's fine. just read the description and it says it's made of "PC plastic" which i'm betting is polycarbonate. so probably won't shatter, but it'll still get scratches if you're rough with it. can't imagine it provides much shock protection though.

larryka

12-12-2003, 06:08 PM

Does anyone remember the iLid (http://www.pdajacket.com/detail.asp?p=ILID1002) from the iPAQ 36xx days? I used to like them. I wonder if the producer is thinking about making them for any of the new devices. I could use a non-bulky solution for protecting my 4150's screen.

ricksfiona

12-12-2003, 06:13 PM

Very creative. I think it's a totally cool design. If they come out with one for the 5550, they got a buyer here.

uvahoos

12-12-2003, 06:42 PM

I will never stop complaining. :mrgreen: I still have yet to see a flip cover/case that would allow me to have my WiFi card installed when the case is closed. The best compromise I have seen is my Proporta aluminum case. It flips (albeit to the side) and I can still keep my cards in place.

rpommier

12-12-2003, 06:46 PM

I sort of solved the flip-cover issue on my 2210 by ordering the Sena case... I've gone weeks without removing the Ipaq from it, the fact that it's the only case that can be cradled along with the Ipaq helps.

Just get a Sena case and be done with it. If someone did make a flip-cover for the 2210 it would most likely render any case solution you currently use obsolete.

I had both a Jornada 525 & 565 both with flip covers and loved them... As far as I'm concerened they should be standard issue, not some oddity. HP is really missing the boat here, you would think all new Ipaq would inherit the Jornada flip covers...

Tierran

12-12-2003, 07:06 PM

I'm another refugee that won't stop complaining. I want a real flip cover. I want the Jornada line back :cry:

mr_yellow

12-12-2003, 07:10 PM

All i have to say is:

Where the heck was this when the 19xx was the hippest PPC around??!?

anyways, I hope they expand the produce line/support =)

Merry Christmas!

Jimmy Dodd

12-12-2003, 08:21 PM

Something you have to remember. Many of us hate flip covers. I think the Jornada looks ugly with it removed because of the hinge holes at the top too.

...

Ok, flame away. :lol: :scatter:

The best looking design that allowed a flip cover was the old Palm V design with the slot down the side that allowed for a very secure attachment to a flip cover (or any other type of case) that contained a stylus-like hinge bar in it. Very functional in use but not at all detracting from the appearence if it wasn't used.

EricMCarson

12-12-2003, 11:37 PM

The best looking design that allowed a flip cover was the old Palm V design with the slot down the side that allowed for a very secure attachment to a flip cover (or any other type of case) that contained a stylus-like hinge bar in it. Very functional in use but not at all detracting from the appearence if it wasn't used.

I have to agree with you here. I actually have been waiting for someone to design a Palm V like flip cover for my 4155, since it has the stylus slot in nearly the same spot. The only question would be about where to put the stylus, since the 4155 doesn't have two stylus slots like the Palm V did (wonder if hp could fix this in the next design?).

iPaqDude

12-13-2003, 01:53 AM

I guess I have really gotten spoiled by my zippered Case Logic case for my 2215. This flip case won't work for it when in the zippered case, unfortunately. Oh well......

Really, I take a lot of notes - primarily with Phatpad's PhatNotes - and have gotten use to having a full daytimer-type case around my 2215. It makes it extremely easy to use the device and hold my CF cards. I would like to have something that would protect the screen a little better but this really does the trick.

And, when you lean back and look like you are interested - no one knows you are playing a game of solitare or asteroids or whatever.....

Bladefree21

12-13-2003, 02:58 AM

Something you have to remember. Many of us hate flip covers. I think the Jornada looks ugly with it removed because of the hinge holes at the top too. I probably won't buy a PPC that has an integrated cover like the 560 did. Sony is OK, but theirs are velcroed or screwed to the back, not actually integrated into the unit. This is the same way - it uses the holes HP provided for third party addons like this.

Ditto :D

HP makes a "Hinged Case" hard thin tinted, side opening flip cover (and one with an integrated keyboard) for the iPAQ 3-5000 Series :x-mas:
My preference for removable flip covers :twisted:

They also sell wallets made for these iPAQ's that attach to the back part of the "Hinged Case". (Where the tinted hard plastic connects/attaches)

If JavoEdge's Case were water proof, and for my current PPC I would buy it.

normaldude

12-13-2003, 03:39 AM

I never had a Jornada, but I definitely also fit in the "must have a flip cover" camp. I currently carry a Toshiba e310 w/aluminum flip cover from thepocketsolution.com .

I was going to get an HP Ipaq 1945 or 2215 for the integrated bluetooth, but there are no flip covers available for them yet (thepocketsolution's 2215 flip cover has been "coming soon" for several months now).

Pixelnose

12-13-2003, 06:28 AM

Well, we ordered two of them. Can't wait to try them out. :)

It's supposed to be a gift! You weren't supposed to find out! :D

aximcases

12-13-2003, 10:20 AM

We will also carry this product under our brand name (under $20)! I have one in my hands and can say that it is a great product! At least it looks very cool on PDA. I have not used it much so I cannot report how usefull it is, yet...

Slava Pupko
ipaqcases.com

ppcsurfr

12-13-2003, 06:53 PM

I want a cleaner cover!!!

One that doesn't add ay bulk to my h2210!

Anyone out there have any ideas?

I'd even be happy if HP were to come out with a flip cover similar to the Clie's... a leather one would be cool... besides the clip holes at tha back are there already... better make use of them.

Mabuhay! ~ Carlo

bbarker

12-14-2003, 04:34 AM

I never had a Jornada, but I definitely also fit in the "must have a flip cover" camp.

I still have a Jornada because no current model has a built-in flip cover. The JVC was going to offer one as an accessory but that model never appeared (and would have been too large).

I've stated my theory before: the iPaq team can't do an integrated, removable flip cover because it might be seen as an admission that the Jornada team had a good idea. I wish they would drop their defensive arrogance and make a cover available. It has to be designed for the PDA, not an afterthought.

While Ed perversely opposes a cover even for those who want one :wink: , I support making the cover removable so those who prefer a case can have their way as well. (I don't think the Jornada looks at all bad with the cover removed. I've never heard that before.)

shawnc

12-14-2003, 05:27 AM

Something you have to remember. Many of us hate flip covers.

I'm with Ed on this one (did I just say that?? :wink: ). OEM's HAVE figured it out. The answer is that most folks simply don't want a flip cover. A small, albiet vocal, minority do. But most don't.

bbarker

12-14-2003, 05:33 AM

I'm with Ed on this one (did I just say that?? :wink: ). OEM's HAVE figured it out. The answer is that most folks simply don't want a flip cover. A small, albiet vocal, minority do. But most don't.
So make the cover an optional accessory but design the PPC to support it. Everyone wins, including the OEM, which can sell a $10 or $20 accessory that costs $1.50 to manufacture. This doesn't at all hurt you who don't want the cover.

Ed Hansberry

12-14-2003, 06:11 AM

I've stated my theory before: the iPaq team can't do an integrated, removable flip cover because it might be seen as an admission that the Jornada team had a good idea. I wish they would drop their defensive arrogance and make a cover available. Uhm.... yeah. The 2215 looks far more like the 560 than any iPAQ. I can assure you, they don't care what the 560 looked like. They are out to sell mass quantities. If their markat research says they need an integrated flip cover, they'd build it.

shawnc

12-14-2003, 07:23 AM

So make the cover an optional accessory but design the PPC to support it. Everyone wins, including the OEM, which can sell a $10 or $20 accessory that costs $1.50 to manufacture. This doesn't at all hurt you who don't want the cover.

I disagree. It only costs 1.50 to manufacture once you get a fairly high level of units. The price per unit is likely significantly higher given the tepid demand for this type of accessory. Believe me, if enough people wanted them, suppliers would be tripping over themselves to make them.

normaldude

12-14-2003, 08:56 AM

normaldude

12-14-2003, 09:07 AM

Believe me, if enough people wanted them, suppliers would be tripping over themselves to make them.

Palms/Sonys/Treos have been making PDAs with flip covers for quite some time now.

shawnc

12-14-2003, 03:14 PM

Palms/Sonys/Treos have been making PDAs with flip covers for quite some time now.

I brought my Treo in spite of the flip cover, not because of it. But I just don't understand the logic. Do you really think there is some type of conspiracy among suppliers? Believe me, if they thought they could make a buck, they would manufacture them.

normaldude

12-14-2003, 08:49 PM

Do you really think there is some type of conspiracy among suppliers? Believe me, if they thought they could make a buck, they would manufacture them.

No, I believe that the current crop of leading PPC manufacturers (HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc) are focused more on technical power rather than human form factor. They've been in business for years building laptops and desktops, and are set in the "just build a powerful box" mentality.

The PPC "laptop-down" mentality is also probably why PPCs have had problems with something as simple as alarm clocks - a function core to PDAs, but not to laptops. Meanwhile, a ground-up company like Nokia builds alarm clocks in their cellphones that work perfectly. According to your logic, since PPC alarm clocks have been terrible, consumers must not have cared about them.

Your belief seems to be that PPC manufacturers are omniscient entities that meet demand perfectly. I say that they're meeting demand maybe 97% accurately. But in entering a relatively new market (PDAs) with their "laptop-down" direction, some features have fallen through the gaps.. flip covers, decent alarm clocks.

Palm and Handspring were built from the start to focus on PDAs, so thus the flip covers. And Sony is one firm that has had a focus on design and form. I fully believe that if Sony had joined the PPC camp, they would still have flip covers, innovative clamshell designs, etc.

Do you really think there is some type of conspiracy among Palm/Sony/Handspring/Zaurus to force flip covers on non-PPC users?

shawnc

12-14-2003, 09:06 PM

I seem to have hit a nerve. Oh well.

I believe that the current crop of leading PPC manufacturers (HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc) are focused more on technical power rather than human form factor.

I guess that's where we differ. I think they are focused on profit.

normaldude

12-14-2003, 11:01 PM

I seem to have hit a nerve. Oh well.

No, I'm always happy to complain about PPC lack of flip covers. Just look at my signature. The more talk about flip covers the better.

I guess that's where we differ. I think they are focused on profit.

All companies are focused on profit. And different companies pursue profit through different methods. And I believe that the current crop of leading PPC manufacturers (HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc) are focused more on technical power rather than human form factor.

shawnc

12-14-2003, 11:35 PM

I seem to have hit a nerve. Oh well.

No, I'm always happy to complain about PPC lack of flip covers. Just look at my signature. The more talk about flip covers the better..

Glad to hear it. Civil debate is always healthy :wink: . We can agree to disagree, and I'll even give you the last word.

bbarker

12-15-2003, 02:34 AM

But what I can't understand is why no PPC's come with flip covers.

:)

nategesner

12-19-2003, 03:29 PM

Here's another way to look at it: HP includes a very cheap carrying case for every 2215. Every user I know personally (regardless of PDA type) uses an after-market case or no case at all. This seems to be the impression I get from most users on the net. So why would HP include something when it's obvious people don't want it? I have yet to hear someone say that their decision to purchase the 2215 was on the fence until they found out it came with a chunk of seatbelt sewn in half. And I think most other PDAs on the market do not come with a carrying case, so this wasn't a decision based on HP keeping up with the competition.

Manufacturers often make mistakes in marketing strategy. They often give people things they don't want, don't need, and won't use, mistakenly thinking it will make a difference. They often leave out features that people would desire, often thinking it's only a vocal minority creating a buzz. Yes, they work for the dollar, but sometimes they make a mistake in the process.

I'm willing to bet that an overwhelming majority of 2215 users would appreciate a detachable flip cover. Those that could care less, like the carrying case crowd, could simply detach and discard like I did with the carrying case. It wouldn't cost the manufacturer much to make and they could use the money they save by not including a carrying case. Certainly they would hear many more praises from the flip-top lovers than complaints from the carrying-case crowd.

Intrigue

12-19-2003, 06:59 PM

Is slowly dying. This makes me VERY sad. I really love the flip-top... it's great in a pocketbook. Sigh.

Am now thinking of getting a PDA phone, but really unsure about which. (My currect cell phone, a Samsung, has a flip thingie and I love that too!)

senfeng

12-19-2003, 10:38 PM

Ya know... it just doesn't look very elegant. It looks like something that you use to protect the PPC during shipment. Let's face it, this this is obviously designed to protect the screen, so why all of the extra plastic? Get rid of the plastic on the sides of the device so that users can take advantage of the grips. That's why they're there and that's one of the reasons that I wanted the 2215. The molding should also look like it was designed for for the 2215. It looks horrible. I had a flip cover for my 3835 that was gorgeous! It had a tinted plastic cover and rubber "hinges". Though this looks like it does what its supposed to do, I wouldn't even think of maiming the classy look and well designed 2215 by covering it up with this ugly piece of plastic. My 2 cents.

bbarker

12-20-2003, 01:10 AM

Manufacturers often make mistakes in marketing strategy. They often give people things they don't want, don't need, and won't use, mistakenly thinking it will make a difference. They often leave out features that people would desire, often thinking it's only a vocal minority creating a buzz. Yes, they work for the dollar, but sometimes they make a mistake in the process.
Absolutely. I've been in consumer marketing and seen it. There's no magic way a manufacturer knows exactly what consumers want and don't want. Coke used extensive focus groups and other research before launching "New Coke," but the product flopped famously. Companies do the best they can and hope it works.

Someone suggested earlier in this discussion that the iPaq team couldn't care less that the Jornada had a flip cover. But here again, you can't assume marketing organizations are precision, almost mechanical in their objectivity. There's no question a fierce rivalry existed between the iPaq and Jornada teams before the HP-Compaq merger. I had some insight into this at the time. The iPaq team won and the Jornada team was eliminated. I continue to believe key iPaq people are emotionally invested in the longstanding decision to not provide flip covers.

I don't know about the later models, but the h2200 has little holes on the back that HP said were for after-market covers. They haven't produced such a cover that I've seen. Based on the holes' location, I suspect the holes were positioned so the device could be attached inside a case rather than for a flip cover.
I'm willing to bet that an overwhelming majority of 2215 users would appreciate a detachable flip cover. Those that could care less, like the carrying case crowd, could simply detach and discard like I did with the carrying case. It wouldn't cost the manufacturer much to make and they could use the money they save by not including a carrying case. Certainly they would hear many more praises from the flip-top lovers than complaints from the carrying-case crowd.
Absolutely.

Paula

12-20-2003, 03:47 AM

I just have to add my .02 here. I can't warm up to the idea of a hard plastic flip-cover. With a flip-cover, after it has been flipped, you are holding the cover in your hand or it keeps hitting the back of your hand if you don't hold it. Gripping a hard plastic cover that adds more bulk and is not flexible just doesn't make the grade for me. The only flip-cover that I have ever liked is on the entry level palm. It is a soft, thick, rubbery cover that is nice to the touch and still protects the screen. The thickest part is in the center where the screen is. This kind of flip case I wouldn't mind having.

Paula

bbarker

12-20-2003, 05:05 AM

hhong

04-19-2004, 07:25 AM

I know this thread is kind of old and maybe I'm a little too late to the party, but I just got this clear case and I love it. (actually I got a $10 version which doesn't have the Javoedge logo and comes from a different site)

I'm a recent Jornada refugee. I just moved from the 568 to the ipaq 2215. I always loved the jornada's flip cover. I always kept it on and slipped the whole package into a slip case with a belt clip for added protection and to carry it around.

This clear case is very durable and according to a review on another site, it is made of a material related to lexan making it very sturdy. Yes it does scuff, so hold it in the righ angle and you will see scratches. However, many clear cell phone replacement casings are the same and it hasn't stopped many people from modding their phones. Fact is, unless your holding and looking for the imperfections, the case looks great.

True, it's not perfect, and I can list some of it's faults, but I can also list many strengths. I don't feel like getting into it now though.

As for the included slip case, it's perfect for holding the 2215 with the clear case on. I just stitched a swivle clip to the back and it makes a great solution for protecting and transporting the whole package.

It just seems unfair that this product (the clear case) got blasted here by so many people who didn't bother to try it out. I always prefer the first hand reviews to the ones from people who just looked at a picture.

I agree a built in flip cover would be nice, but the paint on my 568 did start to where off eventually. At least this clear cover solution protects the entire device from contact wear.

hollis_f

04-19-2004, 07:53 AM

I know this thread is kind of old and maybe I'm a little too late to the party, but I just got this clear case and I love it. (actually I got a $10 version which doesn't have the Javoedge logo and comes from a different site).
I've been using one of these for three weeks now - and it's the best case I've found. It adds very little bulk to the 2210 and I think it looks pretty good - retaining the good looks of the iPAQ.

The best thing about it is the flip design. All the other non-leather cases I've seen have a lid that flips over 180º. If it flips to the side that makes it impossible to hold. If it flips to the top it sticks out, knocking against anything in front of me. With this case the lid flips 360º - so it lies flat against the back of the 2210. That makes it easy for me to hold in one hand (YMMV - might not be so easy for somebody with very small hands).

The next best thing is being able to switch on/off and see the screen without opening the case. So I can press the 'Contacts' button, use the right/left joypad to scroll to the correct letter of the alphabet in PI, use up/down to find the right entry and press the joypad to open it. All with one hand, without a stylus, without opening the case.