03-19-2003, 11:00 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Coverless Cases
I'm starting to notice a new trend in cases: a solution that doesn't actually cover the screen. Here's a new case that Vaja just announced for the iPaq 5450 series units: the Vader, which is now available for purchase as a custom unit.
Before you stop, scratch your head, and think "what's the use of a coverless case", read on. I've been playing with one, and I have some thoughts about it.
Most of these cases have come out for the Pocket PC Phone Edition, where there is a very tangible problem with classic cases: you often want to be able to hold the phone up to your ear, and would rather not have a cover flap around while doing so. Just as importantly, you'd like to be able to use the device with just one-hand. Vaja's T-Buron II case fits this bill perfectly: the screen and buttons are accessible as soon as you retrieve the unit from your pocket, so you can pull it out, hit the Dial button, and dial the number by tapping the screen with your free thumb.
The big concern, of course, is dealing with the fact that there's no hard protective cover over the screen. I was worried about this as well, until I got my T-Buron II case. It turns out the padding on the sides actually serves as decent impact and pressure protection: the screen is recessed more because the front is specially padded, which prevents the screen from impacting the ground and cracking in the case of a fall. It also prevents the screen from touching my leg when I put it into a pocket. It's not foolproof and it's not for everyone, but the relatively small tradeoff in protection is worth it to me. Additionally, the padding in the front eliminates contact between your face and the screen, eliminating the dreaded "face grease" problem.
Of course, a custom Vaja case is not going to be a cheap option. It's therefore worth mentioning that other manufacturers have started to latch onto this idea as well: both Krussell and a smaller maker, Batari, have produced coverless cases for the HTC Pocket PC Phone. And in an interesting twist, Proporta is planning on making a case that is covers the screen, but not the earpiece (thereby giving additional protection but losing the one-handedness of the other products).
What do you think about this idea? Interesting, or utterly insane?
(I'll eventually write up a detailed review of the T-Buron II, so if you want detailed pictures, wait a couple of weeks.  )
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03-19-2003, 11:07 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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$130.00 USD??..... :byebye:
That's $200.00 CDN plus $30.00 taxes, $25.00 brokerage fee. Plus shipping....that's over $250.00 CDN. To be honest I didn't pay that much for my first car.......and it had a roof on it. 8O
Dave
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03-19-2003, 11:12 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 384
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duhh
Yes,
I did read the article ...
AND ...
A POCKET PC CASE WITHOUT A COVER IS USELESS !!!!!!!!
I order to protect the screen, you have to cover it when it's not in use. Some may have to wait till they scratch or crack their screen to figure this out. However, I think that most people get this to begin with.
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03-19-2003, 11:31 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 128
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It looks nice and I can understand the reasoning for no cover for PDA phone usage but for $130, wow.
The three things that will keep me from buying this case:
1) No hole for the reset button (unless it just isn't labeled)
2) PRICE
3) Inability to use expansion sleeve. I love having an SD card in its slot and a CF card also, hey it's just me I guess.
rberry88 :microwave:
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03-19-2003, 11:48 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 383
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Is it just me or does that iPAQ in the case on look a bit kinky? :lol:
/jizmo
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03-19-2003, 11:53 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 224
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For me, the main purpose for having the case is to protect the screen, and I don't really see any way around this than to have a cover over it. Sure, it may make the case slightly thicker, but a PPC is no good to me with a damaged screen. I do like those push-through buttons....very sleek.
...and that is quite pricey for a case, at least for my taste....
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03-20-2003, 12:28 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 633
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by jizmo
Is it just me or does that iPAQ in the case on look a bit kinky? :lol:
/jizmo
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Perv :grinning devil:
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03-20-2003, 12:50 AM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 533
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At first, I was thinking similar thoughts, that a case with no screen protection is of little value. However, your comments made sense, and while I agree its not for everyone, I'd at least consider it after your article where I wouldn't of before hand.
HOWEVER, I just recently purchased (and just recieved via UPS today) a Vaja i-Volution Morpheus III case for my new iPaq 5455 (which, of course has a big flip cover), so I won't be considering another case for a long time (given the cost was around $150), but I don't need to......the case I recieved is soooooo sweet.
Yea, its a lot to pay for a case, but when you think about it, next to the actual PDA itself, you fidgit with the case on an everyday basis (attaching to belt, inserting PDA, syncing, removing PDA, opening lid [if you have screen protection]).....how many other accessories or software can you say that about? Believe me, I've used less expensive (and therefore less custom fitting and lower quality) cases for years on my previous iPaqs (3630 and 3835).......with the 5455, I decided its time for luxury (i.e. absolute custom fit, syncable in the case, etc. etc.), and now that I have the case, I don't regret the decission one bit.
-Brian
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03-20-2003, 01:13 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 633
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Congrats on your purchase. Don't feel self conscious sniffing it every now and then. It's rather satisfying, and you won't be alone in your desires :twisted:
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03-20-2003, 02:15 AM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by brianchris
Yea, its a lot to pay for a case, but when you think about it, next to the actual PDA itself, you fidgit with the case on an everyday basis (attaching to belt, inserting PDA, syncing, removing PDA, opening lid [if you have screen protection]).....how many other accessories or software can you say that about?
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Yes, the Vaja i-Volution cases are all that. They are indeed a bit overpriced (or as Paragon might say, a lot overpriced), but they are indeed the best.
The only problem with them is that if you switch PDAs frequently, it's a little expensive.
--janak
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