01-30-2004, 06:00 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 813
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HP h1900 Series Case Round-Up
Okay so the h1900 series from HP is small and beautiful but the size gives it an almost fragile appearance which belies the actual solid construction. To that effect, you will want to find somewhere safe to store your pocket friend during the course of the day. I decided to pull together seven popular case options and give an overview of the merits of each product to give you an idea of which will suit your needs best. Packaging, though nice, doesn�t contribute to the actual use of a product so I will focus on the case only. It�s also worth stating up front that only one of these cases will allow use in a cradle, although that isn�t too much of a consideration given that the cradle is an optional extra with the h1900 series. And so without further ado, onto our star cast....
Sena Cases Leather Case
The leather case from Sena is a very impressive product. The quality of leather is good and the fit and finish of this case is simply perfect. All holes match up exactly with their related components and provide you with easy access to all areas of the device with holes for soft reset, headphone socket and microphone. Internally there is one large credit sized pocket and two smaller slots to hold SD cards. Protection on offer is good although the bottom corners are exposed; most likely to ensure a snug fit around the curved section of the device. The tight fit of this case and magnetic closure keep this as possibly the smallest leather flip case for the h1900 series. The attractively finished leather flip just adds to the overall impression of this case and I highly recommend it. There is a choice of colours and whether you'd like it with or without a belt clip.
Figure 1: The Sena sports an attractive two tone finish.
Figure 2: An excellent fit all-round.
This case can be bought from the Sena Cases Web site for $39.99.
Covertec Leather Case
Finding the right words to describe this case may prove a little tricky. While the main reason for a case is to protect your device, Covertec has taken a minimalist approach meaning a lot of your device is exposed with nearly the whole of the front of the unit displayed with the flip open. You don�t fully appreciate the design of this style until you hold the device in your hand and realise that the small h1900 series is a beautiful looking Pocket PC and Covertec is allowing you to show it off. With the flip closed, the protection on offer is not as high as some due to the sides of the PDA showing through but this does allow good access to all but the soft reset hole. The flip cover, which houses two credit card and two SD pockets, closes magnetically on the back. A well-implemented belt clip connection keeps a slim profile when not in use and the handy kit even includes a spare screw and mini screwdriver. Kudos to Covertec for making things easier for the user. If you don�t mind the exposed sides, this case offers a good quality all round package. A limited choice of colours is on offer for this case.
Figure 3: The Covertec case offers a change from the norm.
Figure 4: Easy access is offered to the device.
This case can be bought from the Covertec Web site for �31.27 / $39.95.
EB Cases Leather Case
The EB case is plain but elegant in its styling and soft leather finish. The flip is magnetically closed which helps to keep the size of this case down, however, the fit is not quite as good as the Vaja or Sena. Holes match up quite well but not perfectly and there is no access to the soft reset button or the microphone. Inside the flip are three large credit card sized pockets. Overall protection is very good with very little of the device exposed when closed. Although not quite as snug a fit as some, this case is worthy of your attention. Only available in black, you have the choice of it with or without belt clip.
Figure 5: A simple design keeps things clean and stylish.
Figure 6: The magnetic flip provides effortless access.
This case can be bought from the EB Cases Web site for $36.95.
Proporta Aluminium Case
For the ultimate in protection, there really is only one stop - the metal case made by Proporta, among others; the same case can be found under the Innopocket and Rhinoskin brands. Made from precision moulded aluminium, this is one case that will offer the same perfect fit forever provided you don�t subject it to dent inducing heavy knocks. With the swing door closed, I�m confident this case will keep your device safe from all but the severest of treatment. You have easy access to all parts of the device, although some people may find accessing the recessed record button a little tricky. The lack of soft reset hole is a minus point but that is a small caveat given the quality and price point of this case. The biggest issue I have seen with this case are the complaints of the metal door opening to the right due to the infrared and record button access on the left. Many people find this a hindrance when actually using the device in hand. In my experience you quickly adjust to working with this case and it helps to keep the size of the case down as opposed to the alternative option of a doubled-hinged door that opens at the top of the device. This case looks attractive with its silvery finish although small ridges are required to aid grip � something of a necessity due to the smooth, hard surface. The protect to price ratio is second to none in this company.
Figure 7: The Aluminium case looks every bit the fortress for your Pocket PC.
Figure 8: Neoprene lining offers internal protection.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for �24.95 / $34.95.
Vaja Leather Case
Vaja Cases are highly regarded in the community and this case just exemplifies why with a high quality fit and finish in quality leather. This case is one of the smallest leather flips beaten only by the Sena in terms of size. All holes match up perfectly and only the microphone is hidden away without access. The flip has one credit sized pocket and two of the SD variety. Overall protection is very good, although like the Sena, the bottom corners are exposed. If you are a Vaja fan you will love this case and I would recommend it to anyone. The clip closure, however, does mean this case is larger than it could be and a magnetic closure option would be desirable. A vast choice of colour and styling combinations are on offer as well as the usual with or without belt clip.
Figure 9: That Vaja badge is a sign of a quality case.
Figure 10: The fit is exactly what you would hope for.
This case can be bought from the Vaja Web site starting at $54.90.
Piel Frama Leather Case
If anyone out there has owned a leather case from Piel Frama before, you will know just how luxurious these cases feel. Sumptuous is not a word I would often associate with a PDA case but it�s the perfect term to describe the quality of leather used. Workmanship, as to be expected, is top notch with everything stitched together perfectly to provide an excellent fit. The protection on offer is very good too with the soft padded leather sure to cushion the majority of knocks. The downside to this, however, is a case that is slightly larger than some of the others on display here. Access is good with a magnetic flip that closes on the rear however the lack of a soft reset hole upsets things a little. Piel Frama does, however, employ a clever belt clip system that, thanks to the cushioned leather, is recessed mostly out of harm's way when not in use and doesn�t provide much of an obstacle. Three large pockets and two smaller SD slots provide the storage options on the inside of the flip. The understated looks can�t hide the fact that this is a luxury case and if this is something you look for in your case, Piel Frama is most definitely worth a look. The Piel Frama case comes in a choice from three colour combinations.
Figure 11: With no logo on show you can still tell it is made by Piel Frama.
Figure 12: Fine handmade craftmanship all-round.
This case can be bought from the Piel Frama Web site for 60 Euros.
Proporta Leather Case
Proporta�s leather flip case takes a similar stylistic approach as the Covertec case with the majority of Pocket PC being put on display when the case is open. Made from soft leather, the finish of this case is very good and, thanks to the firm but protected clips for holding the device in place, you have easy access to all components. This case also offers excellent storage options with four credit card sized pockets and two SD slots. In addition to this is a removable cushioned insert that offers extra protection to your device in conjunction with a further see-through pocket at the expense of some added thickness to the overall case. If you love the styling of your h1900, this is a good alternative to the Covertec although the protection on offer here is not quite as high. This is also the only case that can be used in the cradle with a bit of adjustment.
Figure 13: The Proporta is outwardly similar to the Covertec.
Figure 14: Definitely the case if you like to show off your Pocket PC.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for �24.95 / $34.95.
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01-30-2004, 06:21 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 309
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I have that piel frama case... that same color also. It�s really bigger than my old krussell case, but is the nicest case i ever had. It so nice that everyone want�s to touch it and smell it... 8O  :mrgreen:
__________________
This site should go the way of msmobiles.com. Forget WM and start talking android. Androidthoughts.com
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01-30-2004, 06:23 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 489
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That's great! Thanks Andy... :mrgreen:
But now - what am I going to do??????
It looks like I have to buy ALL OF THEM!!! 8O They all look so great!
:cry:
K.
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01-30-2004, 07:12 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 489
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Ok. I really do still need some help.
I like using my Ipaq without a case. Nothing can change that, not even the nicest of the Vaja cases. I will need to put it in my purse though, so I need some protection. Therefore I need a case that I can take the Ipaq out of quite easily. I used to have an aluminum hard case for my h1910, but I didn't like that it openend to the side. So yes, I will use it inside the case, when being outside or standing up or something like that, so a flip top would be best.
Considering all of these points, I am really tending to like the Proporta leather case best. But I am afraid it is very thick, even without the extra insert. Is there any way you can take a picture comparing the overall thickness of the Proporta and the Covertec? And as I already mentioned to you, I'd also really like to know how room there is on the bottom of the device with the strap closed. Is there any space in between? Does the strap fit closely?
Thank you very much in advance!!! :werenotworthy:
K.
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01-30-2004, 07:14 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
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Someone please explain this to me...The sena cases look great....BUT how can any case company who is serious about getting alot of business NOT make a case for one of the most popular pda's...the Ipaq 5000 series, or even the 3000 series?!?!?!
I just don't understand.
Thanks
Thanos
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01-30-2004, 07:33 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
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Thanks Andy for this roundup!
I still can't believe no one has come up with a flip cover for the 1900/4100 series (I used to have the Pocket Solutions cover for my 1900 but last I checked I didn't see it available on their site).
I'm tempted to go with the Sena case since it sounds like it adds the least amount to the overall size and it looks pretty cool. Am I assuming correctly that all these cases work with the 4100 also?
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01-30-2004, 08:14 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 476
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by karinatwork
Ok. I really do still need some help....
Considering all of these points, I am really tending to like the Proporta leather case best. But I am afraid it is very thick, even without the extra insert. Is there any way you can take a picture comparing the overall thickness of the Proporta and the Covertec? And as I already mentioned to you, I'd also really like to know how room there is on the bottom of the device with the strap closed. Is there any space in between? Does the strap fit closely?
Thank you very much in advance!!! :werenotworthy:
K.
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Perhaps I can help. I have two cases currently for my 1935. An aluminum case for everyday use aroud the house (I have two kids age 2 and 4 - if either one of them ever gets ahold of my iPAQ, it will need as much protection as possible!) and the Proporta leather flip case for client appointments and travelling.
Between the two cases, I prefer the aluminum case. It's quite a bit smaller then the Proporta and I just like the feel of it - very solid. My only gripe with the aluminum case is that it only has storage for one SD card and zero storage for credit cards. I have two memory cards plus a Bluetooth SDIO and and WiFi SDIO card (for a total of four cards) that I need to take when I travel.
Thus the reason why I bought the Proporta leather case. It has the most storage out of all the leather cases that I could find. 2 SD cards slots and 4 credit card slots. Add the protective insert and you get yet another credit card slot (it can actually hold 2 or 3 credit cards!). BTW - the credit card slots work great for the longer SDIO cards (Bluetooth and WiFi).
The Proporta really is a nice case. Two gripes though 1) it's thicker than my aluminum case (I guess the compactness of the aluminum case has spoiled me) and 2) I find that my 1935 tends to slip down a bit when I insert and extract SD cards. This second point is probably nit picking - all I have to do it reposition my 1935 in the two holding 'clamps' - but I am a bit afraid that one day, I will push my 1935 right out the bottom and onto the floor (or... shudder... the pavement  ).
To answer some of your questions:
Thickness - The Proporta case is about 50% thicker than the aluminim case with the extra protective insert in. Without the extra protective sleeve, it's about 30% thicker
Room on the bottom of the device with the strap closed. Is there any space in between? Does the strap fit closely? That depends on whether or not the extra protective insert in installed. With the insert installed with a couple of credit cards and a couple of SD cards, the strap is a tight fit - not too tight - but tight. Without the insert, but with a couple of SD cards, the strap is loose-ish - but not too loose. Either way, the clasp is secure as it is magnetic
Need a case that I can take the Ipaq out of quite easily - the Proporta is the winner here hands down - although neigher case is really difficult to remove.
I hope this helps!
EDIT:
One comment I forgot to mention. I was not impressed by the $15 of duties, taxes and fees I incurred with the Proporta case from Canadian customs. Just a heads-up
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01-30-2004, 08:17 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 476
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by T-Will
I still can't believe no one has come up with a flip cover for the 1900/4100 series (I used to have the Pocket Solutions cover for my 1900 but last I checked I didn't see it available on their site).
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Check out Javoedge:
http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/prod...ory=CLEAR_CASE
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01-30-2004, 08:39 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 489
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Thanks Zippper!
That really helped already. If I now could just find out how much thicker than the COVERTEC case it is... But I guess I'm going to buy the Proporta. If I have to use it in the case, I would rather have good access to ALL the buttons, but I will always have my hand closed around the device when carrying it open. I don't think it will slip out. Maybe I AM going to buy both of them and just try it out.
I did like the Proporta Aluminum case, but I just can't handle the side opening anymore, it drove me nuts. But those are for sure small cases. Only the Sena case was another alternative, but I am afraid that it is too difficult to move the Ipaq out of it. They ARE taking pre-orders for the h41XX model, btw.
And about this:
Quote:
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I was not impressed by the $15 of duties, taxes and fees I incurred with the Proporta case from Canadian customs.
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I am very used to be robbed when it comes to delivery from outside Canada. :evil: I remember me buying a watch on Ebay for US $ 35, and the fees to pay at the post office were CAN $ 113!!!! 8O Of course they had made a mistake at customs, and when I sent it back for reassessment I only had to pay $ 12. But what a hassle!!! :?
K.
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01-30-2004, 08:49 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 713
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This was a great roundup of cases. I actually have a 2215 that I'm looking for a case for, but this has helped in my search. My biggest problem is that I want a leather, flip-top case with a cut out for the CF slot (so I can leave my WiFi card sticking out if I need to) but only Vaja seems to do that, and then only in their custom configurations. That bumps the price up a bit too high.
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