Stylish, protective aluminum case [Archive]

Andy Sjostrom

08-31-2002, 07:29 PM

<a href="http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=276&Curr=USD">http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=276&Curr=USD</a> For the last couple of weeks I have been testing Proporta's iPAQ Aluminium Protective Case. As I recently reported, I just switched over to an iPAQ Pocket PC 3970/3975 and I seldom let it leave the safe home of the aluminium case! The case is made of "100% aircraft grade anodised aluminium", and does not add too much weight (48 g, < 1.7 oz) or size to the iPAQ Pocket PC. The lining is thin, soft neoprene. As you can see in the pictures, the case is a good match to the iPAQ Pocket PC's color and style. The case has a nice fit and keeps the iPAQ Pocket PC tightly in place. I recommend this case to all iPAQ Pocket PC owners, except perhaps if you are looking for the most flexible case with the most side pockets. Then this is most likely not for you. Proporta's case definitely adds flair, class and strength to my brand new Pocket PC! <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/proporta_01.jpg" />

Chris Forsberg

08-31-2002, 07:42 PM

OK, now I'm jealous :cry:

But I usually keep my CF jacket on, so if they would add a CF slot to that jacket it would be absolutely awesome!

Although I have one problem with these types of jackets (as with the plastic one that comes with the device): It's not comfortable to hold it with your left hand when it's open.

Dave Conger

08-31-2002, 07:58 PM

It's not comfortable to hold it with your left hand when it's open.

I actually don't see this. Though yes, it is in the style of a handheld to be able to grip around both side, I don't really have a problem using it with this case. (Maybe I just have big hands.)

harry

08-31-2002, 08:05 PM

Hmmm never thought about the holding problem. I like my CF sleeve, but now that Costco is carrying SD cards and I've got a 3950 it may be time to switch from CF to SD :wink: . Any one in the market for a slighty used Vaja CF case...

LozBoston

08-31-2002, 10:08 PM

I would love to see a case like this come out for Toshiba models. I have have an e310 and am not happy with the current case offerings that exist (I feel that the leather cases don't really protect my pda well). If anyone knows of any metal/hard cases like this for the e310 I'd definitely like to hear more.

13X13

08-31-2002, 11:59 PM

Why is no one adding belt clips? I will only buy a case with one.

EricMCarson

09-01-2002, 12:36 AM

Personally, I feel the belt clip to be the ultimate "geek" sign (there is nothing more ridiculous than seeing someone walking around with three gadgets tied to their hips, apologies to Dale Coffing). The most likely reason for these cases not to come with belt clips is that they are trying to appeal those non-geeks among us (eventually there will be more of these people buying ppcs than geeks). The belt clip also inhibits the ability for the case to lay flat in any other instance of use.

Janak Parekh

09-01-2002, 12:47 AM

OK, now I'm jealous :cry:

But I usually keep my CF jacket on, so if they would add a CF slot to that jacket it would be absolutely awesome!
My solution to this was to get the CF+ pack. Battery plus hard cover in something that's the CF jacket's size. My old CF and SS jackets are now gathering dust :)

Although I have one problem with these types of jackets (as with the plastic one that comes with the device): It's not comfortable to hold it with your left hand when it's open.
I had the same problem at first, but it's easy to adapt, and it becomes more comfortable as you use it more: let the cover float freely, with the hinge fitting between your thumb and your forefinger; let the forefinger (or the knuckle, or nothing, should you prefer) "support" the cover; and then let the other fingers wrap around the other side of the unit. It actually works quite well... I am a lefty, so I hold the iPaq in my right hand this way (hinged the cover on the right side, of course), and I don't get bothered anymore by it.

--bdj

szamot

09-01-2002, 05:03 AM

don't know, this looks really nice but what I really like about plain old ipaq case is the fact that without much effort you can slide the ipaq out of the pocket see what just beeped at you and put it back in. This one you have to open - it seems to complicate life instead of making it easier.

Wiggin

09-01-2002, 08:13 AM

Gotta say Andy, that's one fine looking case. The problem is that very fine aluminum case does nothing to protect the top and the bottom of the iPaq. After using the plastic cover case that comes with the 38xx and 39xx for a few months, I've gone back to the Vaja... a bit more bulky, but the leather protects on all sides :lol: ... and for a guy like me who has been known to let the iPaq fall to the ground, the full bodied approach is a must. So after one too many dings on the top of my iPaq case, I'm back to leather.
Enjoy your case...just don't let it take a flight to the ground on ya!
Cheers

Zeddicus

09-01-2002, 10:58 AM

:?:

I don't know where the Bluetooth antenna is located inside the iPAQ, but if you enclose the unit in aluminum doesn't it degrade signal reception?

//Jonas

Andy Sjostrom

09-01-2002, 12:27 PM

I'll tell you when I get a hold of a Bluetooth phone to test with! :)

Boxster S

09-01-2002, 03:32 PM

I don't know about you guys, but I have always been inclined to the "stock" cases that come with my PDAs. Hell, they're FREE and they get the job done (like the case for my Toshiba e550g). To me, cases like this aluminum number for the 3800/3900 seem rather gimmicky and overpriced for what they actually provide.

It does look rather nice though.

Master O'Mayhem

09-01-2002, 04:45 PM

I'll tell you when I get a hold of a Bluetooth phone to test with! :)

Wait a minute... i thought you are from the land of Bluetooth :) i have a BT module for a non BT ericsson phone if you want...

Mona Harmon

09-01-2002, 07:47 PM

It looks like you can, but just to make sure, can you sync in the cradle with this case on?

Dave Conger

09-01-2002, 08:48 PM

can you sync in the cradle with this case on?

No.

Chad

09-02-2002, 12:38 AM

It looks like you can, but just to make sure, can you sync in the cradle with this case on?

Actually, you can't sync in the cradle. Original reviewers suggested that it is because of the thickness of the aluminum, but I don't think it is the case. When I have tried with my case, it seems that the problem is that the bottom of the case that has the "dummy" clip that slides into the 100 pin connector of the IPAQ is slightly longer than the cover pack and the aluminum is bent-up at a sharper angle. This combination plus a small amount of extra width keep the case from dropping all of the way into the cradle and syncing up.

I'm going to try and devise a solution for this.

Hope this helps. It is still an awesome case, just not quite perfect. Actually, I emailed them about the problem and their suggestion was to
buy a proporta USB sync cable.

Not the answer I was looking for :cry:

ThomasC22

09-02-2002, 03:12 AM

I don't know about you guys, but I have always been inclined to the "stock" cases that come with my PDAs. Hell, they're FREE and they get the job done

Well, not exactly. I used to be just like you until my iPaq screen got cracked. The cases that come with the PDAs simply don't provide adequete Screen protection in most cases (actually in all cases I've seen).

Personally, I feel the belt clip to be the ultimate "geek" sign (there is nothing more ridiculous than seeing someone walking around with three gadgets tied to their hips, apologies to Dale Coffing).

Its true. I remember being so proud of my Casio E-125 with my little holster belt clip (the one with the button release so you can spin the PDA all the way around without it falling out). Until I saw that stupid Saturday Night Live skit and the romance was ruined.

From that point on all my Cell. Phones, Pagers, PDAs, etc... stay in my pockets (and if I ever need to fix a computer I'm sure to be very polite when I tell people to move out of their chairs :wink:)

Jonathan1

09-02-2002, 03:52 AM

Why couldn't the flip be on the top side with a double hinge that would flip below the IR port? That way you could flip it under the iPaq like you would on a pad of paper. So close.....yet so far. :?

Dave Conger

09-02-2002, 07:05 AM

can you sync in the cradle with this case on?

OK, everyone could be wrong (including me). You can sync with this case on. And yes, in the sync cradle. It is a snug fit, but it works. Here is what I think is happing. A standard cradle has two guides that hold a naked ipaq in the cradle. When a PCMCIA or CF sleeve is on the device, there guides get pushed down. When I pushed (and then locked) the guides down, I was able to the sync with my proporta case on my iPAQ. Though it does not sit completly flush with the bottom, my was able to get a connection.

Time to change the review.

Garry [WMA]

09-02-2002, 03:03 PM

I've been testing one of these as well for potential resale on our site. Really nice case but not for everyone.

Plusses

Lightweight
stylish
good protection
Great if you don't use a sleeve

Negatives
Side wing out is not good for left-handers
Hinge prevents use with iHolster
Struggle to Sync with it on - see Daves post
Not usable with a sleeve.

Oh and to answer another question - I haven't seen a degradation in Bluetooth signal

GrayWulff

09-03-2002, 03:14 AM

Terry

09-26-2002, 06:54 AM

Dave Conger

09-27-2002, 01:06 AM

Just got one of these today. It's a nice case, but I cannot get it to sync in the cradle (even after pushing down the sleeve tabs). My case has the Proporta logo stamped in the front cover (which I don't like).

They put their name on the cover now? Hopefully it isn't very big. I couldn't get it to sync at first, but then one day I tried it and it worked...maybe I just scrected the holders by trying it so much.

Terry

09-28-2002, 05:08 AM

Dave,

They relief stamped their logo in the lower right of the lid when the formed in on a press. It's about 3/4" x 3/4" and looks like something we would see on a cosmetic case :eek: (you can see the logo on their site, but it looks better on their site than it does on the case).

It also has "PROPORTA.COM" silkscreened on the back near the screws in a light gray (which seems OK to me).

I'm thinking of modifying the cradle so the plug is a bit looser (dremel its hole a bit) so it can wiggle into the case.

deruch

09-28-2002, 02:20 PM