11-11-2003, 06:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Dell Axim� X5 Titanium Hardcase: Ultimate Protection
The folks at Saunders (Rhinoskin) sent me one of their Titanium cases about a month ago, and I thought I'd share a few comments on the case. The case comes in a simple but attractive plastic package, and for once, opening it was quite simple (many plastic packages are a pain to get open). The case itself, made of Titanium, is simply gorgeous. I've always liked metal cases, and this is by far the nicest metal case I've yet seen for a Pocket PC. The colour is a dark grey, sometimes described as "gunmetal". Here's a photo from the Rhinoskin Web site:
Here's the feature list from the Rhinoskin site:
� 100% Titanium for superior strength with scratch-resistant finish
� Custom molded to the contours of the Dell Axim X5
� Neoprene interior for snug fit and impact protection
� Easy access to stylus, IR port and function buttons
� Internal SD card storage for 2 cards
� CF card slot cutout for WiFi/GPS/Bar code reader
� EVA padding protects screen and function buttons
� Rhinoclip� removable post and belt clip system
� StuffBak� Loss Protection label included
Being built of Titanium, this case is tough. I took the empty case and tried to crush it from both hands, and it barely moved. Don't try this at home kids! :wink: Other notable features of this case are the dual SD card slots on the inside - I think it's great that the designers realized there was enough space for two and give the user the option. Every other case I've seen on the market only has one slot. I'll never understand why they force you to load the SD card backwards though, with the metal contacts facing outwards. The Socket SD WiFi card also fits in the slot nicely, even though it's much taller than a regular SD slot. Not that you could use an SDIO card with your Axim X5, but I digress...
The other feature that I really have to applaud Saunders for is the inclusion of a belt clip that is completely removable, including the nub that the clip would attaach to. This means that if you don't like belt clips (like me), you can remove the nub, and the hump on the back that remains is perhaps only 2 mm tall. This sort of flexibility is useful, just in case one day you decide you DO want to attach it to you belt clip.
At $99 USD MSRP, this case isn't for everyone, but if you want to give your Axim X5 the ultimate in protection, there's nothing better on the market than this case. My only regret is that I'm not actively using the X5 as my primary Pocket PC, so I don't get to carry this impressive case with me on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing Saunders create the same quality of case for the Dell X3 and iPAQ lines. According to this Pricegrabber search, you can get the case for $64.14, although they don't list it as available right now.
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11-11-2003, 06:13 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 252
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Interesting but I am a titanium fan (glasses, watch and pans) but I'm surprised they have released it for the X5 first I would have thought a more obivious choice would have been the IPaq.
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11-11-2003, 06:38 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 153
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Where is my Saphire coated Platinum case for Dell X5? (wow imagine the cost making that hah!)
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11-11-2003, 07:03 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2
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I'd love to have one but for one deal-breaker: no CF WiFi storage. What am I expected to do with my WiFi card when not in use?
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11-11-2003, 07:16 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 524
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Re: Dell Axim� X5 Titanium Hardcase: Ultimate Protection
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
The folks at Saunders (Rhinoskin) sent me one of their Titanium cases .
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I have the Proporta Aluminium hardcase for my iPaq 2210 - identical construction to the Rhinoskin version. I have to say that if they brought out a Titanium case I would probably buy that too! The aluminium is just a tad on the bright side - wish that a black anodised version had been available.
__________________
Regards
Griph
iPhone 4 32GB Jailbroken and iPad 3G 64GB .
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11-11-2003, 07:33 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 267
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I agree with griph about Proporta 2200 case, I have 2. where's the love man, how bout one for the ipaq in the shape of the ones they alread have. I dropped my ipaq while walking one day in the case 8O. Its dented like crazy but sacrificed dets for my ppc, which escaped with a dimple. Go aluminum cases!
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11-11-2003, 07:37 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 38
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I've had one of their aluminum cases (bought through Dell with my Axim) and recently picked up one of the Titanium versions (mailorder). I have noted that my Axim can move inside the titanium case, from side to side, by around 1/8". In the aluminum cas there was very little movement.
Has anyone else noted this?
I called the 800 number on the package to ask about the fit. I really didn't get a nice feeling about their customer service -- they wanted a copy of the sales receipt faxed to them so that they could send an RMA number. Then I would have to ship my case to them for inspection. Then they would send a replacement if it was "defective". They wouldn't ship me a replacement case so I could compare the two, even if I gave my credit card, and couldn't tell me if the two case designs had a different fit. I'm hesitant to invest more into shipping without first knowing if it's a design issue.
I like the case overall, but sure wished it fit my Axim better. I can fix the problem with some shims or silicon sealer, but that seems sort of absurd on a $99 product.
At this point, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they have the opportunity to try it before buying.
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11-12-2003, 06:54 AM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by JimDantin
I have noted that my Axim can move inside the titanium case, from side to side, by around 1/8". In the aluminum cas there was very little movement.
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I just tested this out, and while there was some movement on at the base of the unit (perhaps a few mm), but on the top it didn't move at all. No complaints here!
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