Gun Fight at the X3 Case Corral

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/Dell_Axim_X3_cases.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/...im_X3_cases.htm</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040504_x3cases.gif" /><br /><br />"I love PDA accessories. And, among my favorite accessories, are PDA cases. If you've found this article, you know all about the incredible variety and choices offered from a number of different case manufacturers. In this article I will review four cases designed for the Dell Axim X3/X3i series Pocket PC. All of the cases reviewed in this article will work with either the X3 or the X3i. Some manufacturers make a separate model for the X3 (which won't accommodate the antenna of the X3i). You should consider that when choosing your case. I have referred to both models as the X3i for the purposes of this article. <br /><br />Like ice cream, no one case "flavor" is best for everybody. Since we all have unique tastes, styles and needs, this review is only one person's opinion. This roundup will include brief descriptions of notable features of each case, along with a numeric rating of each case on five different factors: 1) Quality; 2) Value; 3) Functionality; 4) Style; and 5) Overall Rating. The rating is on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being ideal."<br /><br />Ok, so there aren't any bullets involved (unless they're in Pocket Word, ha ha), and there's no corral, but PDA Buyer's Guide HAS put together a great shootout between most of the major players in the PDA case game. If you're looking for a good case for your X3, this review is an excellent place to start.

[Jon Westfall]

Awesome hat on that case... now if they were selling the hats, I just might have to get an x3 to get one of them...

[xdalaw]

Thanks for posting the link to my review. I hope people like it.

One minor clarification: I reviewed 7 cases, not 4, so don't forget to check out page 2 of the review!

Thanks again!

-- xdalaw :wink:

[Ripper014]

Well I have to disagree with your review... and I don't quite understand how you came up with the final numbers... As far as the magnetic clasp it is the most appealing function to me... the last thing I personally wanted was a locking clasp.

Anyway.. we are all allowed our own opinions... and I appreciate the work you did in putting together you review... but how do you get an average score of 9.5 for a Piel Frama case that you gave ratings of 9.5 9.0 9.5 6.0 to me that averages to 8.5

And you give the Sena case an average of 8.5 with ratings of 8.5 8.0 9.0 7.0 which to me averages to 8.125, well actually closer than the number that you gave to the Piel Frama...

[xdalaw]

Ripper014-

First of all, I certainly don't mind your disagreeing with the review. It was clearly my subjective opinion. (Especially with regards to the magnetic versus snap-closure.)

Regarding the numbers. I was not as clear as I should have been. The final/overall number was not an average of the other numbers. (Obviously, you've realized this.) The different items are distinct. The overall is really just the "overall opinion" of the case. I'm not sure I'm making any more sense now. My final overall number for each case included particular qualities that I didn't (or perhaps couldn't) separate or itemize.

Bottom line, your comment is very sensible, and I should have clarified how the numbers related to one another. I think that part of the reason for this confusion is attributable to the fact that this was the first review of anything that I've ever written. So, I'm trying to learn from the experience and to improve before I take on another project.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Pat Logsdon]

I think that part of the reason for this confusion is attributable to the fact that this was the first review of anything that I've ever written. So, I'm trying to learn from the experience and to improve before I take on another project.
I think you did a great job. Keep going - that's the best way to learn! :way to go:

[xdalaw]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm trying.

[dh]

I was interested to see a case by PDair in the review. I've just ordered one for my Zaurus and this case was also reviewed at PDA Buyers Guide. (actually the only one in that particular review that seems to be available in the US).

Thirty dollars for a high quality leather case seems to be a good deal these days, although I must admit a Vaja case would have been tempting had they made a Zaurus one, especially with the PPCT discount.

I've also used a Black/Red Sena case for my Axim X5 for over a year. It's as good as the day I got it, an excellent case.

[Gator5000e]

I bought a red/black Sena-case about 10 months ago. Great case but the stitching on the case holding the male round clip to the case has totally ripped away and wont clip into the belt holder.- i have found no way to sent it in for repairs from what's on the web site. If you buy one; beware ofthe same possible problem 8O

[Zack Mahdavi]

Great review! When I read it, I thought you were a "review writer" veteran! Hope this starts a new hobby for you! :)

[normaldude]

The cradle syncable case from bellagiodesigns.com looks like a great idea.

More case makers should try designs like that. I don't want to have to keep moving a PDA in & out of a case whenever I want to cradle sync.

While a removable flip cover would be perfect for me, a cradle syncable case would be my second choice.

[Mitch D]

I just recieved my Rhino Hard Case for my X3i today and so far it's one of the best cases I have come across for my Ax. I do agree with the comments about the antenna not being we enough protected but that is a minor (unless I drop it) complaint about the case.

Good review though, the points made just re-enforced my choice of case.

Just a comment on the price, Rhino wanted $32 US (as indicated in the review) but I was able to get it NIB off of ebay for $23 US + S&H so anyone interested might want to check there first.