The Most Luxurious Axim X5 Case Ever?

[Jason Dunn]

Vaja sent me one of their Dell Axim X5 cases about a month ago for evaluation, and I've been using it as my full-time case since then. The case that comes with the Axim is incredibly bulky, making an already big device even bigger. The moment I laid eyes on the Dell case, I knew I would need a new case for the device. For several months I used the Axim X5 without a case, but I usually prefer to have one for my Pocket PC to protect its screen and keep it from getting scratched up. Here's a review of the latest Axim X5 case from Vaja. Like all Vaja cases, you have a choice of an incredible array of colours, but I inevitably end up choosing black. Maybe next time I'll get sassy and pick a bright yellow case! ;-)<!><br /><br /><span><b>Beautiful Design, Beautiful Leather</b></span><br />Like all Vaja cases, the case is beautifully designed and very precise. Almost all of the access points to the device line up exactly as they should, unlike what I've seen with some cheaper cases where nothing lines up properly. The case is cut away in all the right areas: the speaker is exposed when the lid is open, and the bottom ports for power and synching are exposed (this varies by model), although you can't sync the device in the case while using the Dell sync cradle.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/vaja1.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: The Vaja case offers a clean fit</i><br /><br />I have the snap case, so the AC port is exposed, but not the sync port. This means I have to open the case flap before I can use a sync 'n charge cable. I believe Vaja has a magnetic version of this case, which in retrospect probably would have been a better choice. I don't carry credit cards in my Pocket PC case, which is one of the few reasons why you'd want to use a snap version. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference more than anything else.<br /><br /><span><b>Clean Lines, Clean Cuts</b></span><br />Almost all the cuts on my case line up perfectly, but not the CompactFlash slot. Quite often I have to pull the case over to the right in order to free my CompactFlash slot. Since I normally keep a <a href="http://www.socketcom.com">Socket Bluetooth Card</a> in there, it's not much of an issue, but if you swap CompactFlash cards a lot, you may be wishing Vaja added another millimetre of space around each edge. The holes for the Axim audio record button, the rocker, and the soft reset button are cleanly cut.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/vaja3.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: The Vaja case is sharply designed for the Dell Axim X5</i><br /><br /><span><b>Rich Customization Options</b></span><br />Vaja is one of the few companies to offer options for custom cases, and Vaja's logo customization has evolved from the early stages of etching the leather into a laser-based process that allows for much greater detail. The logo looks amazing, and the text is very crisp. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/vaja2.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye? Such beauty in a logo! :lol:</i><br /><br />Other customization options include SD card slots, the thickness of the front cover (thinner or thicker with more protection), belt clips, and of course the leather types.<br /><br /><span><b>Where To Buy</b></span><br />You can purchase the case online <a href="http://www.vajacases.com/pda_eng.htm">directly from Vaja.</a> Cases start at a base price of $54.90 US, and can cost as much as $132+ USD depending on the options selected.<br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</b></span><br />The only thing that's a little odd is that unlike previous customized cases that I've had created, the logo on this new case is inside the front flap instead of on the front of the flap. I've found that I've had to point out the logo to nearly everyone who has examined the case because it's not obvious to look for it there. I would have preferred seeing an option for having the logo on the front of the case. The logo is also a little dark in colour, making it hard to see. The photo above makes it stand out more that you'd think – it's actually hard to see. I would prefer to have it be lighter in colour if that's technically possible (I'm not sure if it is).<br /><br />I also found that the leather is cut a little too close to the power button on the Axim – sometimes when I press the power button I don't fully connect with it because I'm pressing on the leather instead. I wish it would have been perhaps cut a little wider around the button to allow for easier access.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />Vaja makes the best cases on the market – period. I have yet to see a case from another company that matches them in sheer quality of workmanship, and the quality of their leather is equally impressive. With their latest addition of laser-based customization, Vaja cases have reached an even higher level of quality and uniqueness. That quality comes at a price though, so you have to be willing to pay for that quality. If you're up for it, your search ends with Vaja cases.

[egads]

I had a chance to see the case you reviewed and I saw one Vaja's universial cases (slip case). Both were great looking and could hardly find a fault with either of them besides the cost. I have a Vaja case for my Casio EM500 and after almost three years it still looks great.

I just bought a Covertec case and its very nice, but not as nice as the Vaja's. If ya got the bucks buy a Vaja :ppclove:

[Noel]

I just got the exact same case.
It is so lovely.
I look at it.
I pick it up just because.
I have caught myself feeling it up.
It is the perfect match for X5 with two forgivable exceptions...
1. flap opening with headphones plugged is awkward and all but prevents
stylus access.
2. storage is really only specific to SD cards(2) while I need easily accessible pockets for 2 CF cards (Bluetooth and Socket WLAN)
My local shoe repair guy should be able to fix that... and this case is definitely worh the extra effort!

Noel

[leximaea]

I, too, picked up a vaja snap case and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. The leather scent is so appealing :) My coworkers here have axim envy, and I think the sleek sexy case appeals to them.

I do wish I could use the cradle with the case on, but Dell leaves little wiggle room for a case in their cradle, and I hate the sync cable flopping around my desk.

Highly recommend the vaja case. My next one will have the CF cutout and will be apple green instead of basic black.

[Iznot Gold]

Now where's the affiliate link for buying those custom Pocket PC Thoughts cases??? :idea:
& Yes you should have gone for the yellow case! 8O
David

[MonkeyGrass]

I'm currently on my 3rd Vaja case, for my 3rd PDA.

It's the first thing I get for a new PDA, and if Vaja doesn't make a case for it, I don't buy it until they do! J/K :D

But seriously, one thing I haven't seen mentioned in this thread yet, is the superior customer service and extremely fast shipping. These guys are so on the ball, it's amazing. I've never had to wait longer than 72 hours for a case to get to me. I ordered my last one on a Tuesday morning, around 10 am. By 4 pm that afternoon, I had a tracking number, and at 11:30 am Thursday it was sitting on my doorstep (and YES - I took my lunch break to go home and get it!! That.. that... SMELL I cannot resist! Just knowing it was sitting there, waiting for me to open it and get that incomparable whiff of fresh Argentinian Leather... It was too much to bear. And MUCH more important than the burger I had planned to eat anyway ;) )

I get looks and compliments everywhere I go. And, it lasts longer (and often performs better) than the PDA it was bought to protect in the first place!

Just another satisfied Vaja owner...

0X

[drxacto]

I reserched quite a bit before I bought the current case for my 1910. An associate purchased a Vaja case for his 5400 series iPaq and, indeed, it was a beautiful case. I decided, however, to go with Piel Frama. I was not disappointed. The leather is buttery smooth - supple does not begin to describe it. The craftsmanship is flawless and the customer service by Piel Frama was superb (Thanks, Ruben!). The only downside was the wait, but it was well worth it.

The Vaja cases I have seen were very nice, but if you are in the market for a premium case I would recommend careful consideration of Piel Frama. In my considered opinion, Piel Frama cases are without peer.

[yawanag]

For several months I used the Axim X5 without a case, but I usually prefer to have one for my Pocket PC to protect its screen and keep it from getting scratched up.

Am I the only one that remembers when Jason threw a Pity Party and had us all feeling down and out 'cause he cracked a screen? And here hes says I usually prefer to have one for my Pocket PC, etc.

Was this knowledge gained before or after that event? :mrgreen:

[Bearjaw]

I bought a Vaja case when they first came available. I had never bought an expensive case for a pda( my first was a Palm IIIxe, I bought a body glove for that) and I was a little worried when I bought this one. From the site it looked like it was going to be a dark brown wich I was not happy about but I wanted something other than black. So I was very happy when it arrived and it was the nice rich color of my wallet. And that smell was awesome. I love to store it in the leather bag it came in so that smell is refreshed in the morning. I have gotten more than one comment on how great my case looks and smells. Then they start to ask about the Axim and I stand there for about 20 minutes talking like a sales man. So I'm sure Dell owes some thanks To Vaja for the great look that draws em in. What a case... I'm going to go smell mine now..J/K :-) Jeff

[Jason Dunn]

Now where's the affiliate link for buying those custom Pocket PC Thoughts cases??? :idea:

Vaja doesn't have an affiliate program, which is too bad. :wink:

[Jason Dunn]

Am I the only one that remembers when Jason threw a Pity Party and had us all feeling down and out 'cause he cracked a screen? And here hes says I usually prefer to have one for my Pocket PC, etc. Was this knowledge gained before or after that event? :mrgreen:

I really flip-flop around on this issue depending on which Pocket PC I'm using. The XDA, because it was also a phone, was too awkward in the case. When I first started using the Axim, it was already so big that I didn't like any of the cases I saw for it. The Vaja case doesn't add much bulk, so I like that. :mrgreen:

[powder2000]

So did you have them customize a cf "hole" in the top. I actually bought a clearance em-500 case for my eg-800 and did some modifications. I cut a spot for my wireless card to stick out of the top to allow me to close the case without removing the card. I think I will have to talk to my local leather shoe store and see if they can sew the edges of the cut I made. Anyways, these cases are awesome, I received my fair share of compliments.

[TheNewSteve]

That does look purty. I have a tan Piel Frama case coming soon. I like the idea of the CF slot cut out in the top, as I use the Symbol Wifi card and have a billionton bt card coming soon. the PF case has the same idea and looks very similar, although the cutout around screen/buttons is slightly different.

i already have a black sena case, which is nice, but i like the cutout idea a lot and why not have two colors? the sena's leather doesn't look like the vaja's, but it cost like half as much (i preordered).

Looks nice!

-Steve

[Andy Whiteford]

I have the black magnetic Vaja case which I prefer over the snap closures for their convenience. It's a great case and I also think the leather is improved over older Vaja cases although not as soft as Piel Frama. I like the new Vaja styling as well but there was something very distinctive about the older sculpted cases.
One thing regarding the Vaja, the soft reset button is masked so you need to slide the Axim out a little to perform a reset. Otherwise it's a great case and relatively slim. Oh, forgot to mention that there is no cut out for the Stylus so you need to remove/replace this with the cover open. Covertec get round this well by having an oversize cutout that allows access to both headphone socket and stylus which also means you can operate the cover without needing to remove the headphones. I also use a hardware button to power on instead of the normal button due to the close fit of the case in this area which Jason pointed out.

[Marc Zimmermann]

The Vaja cases I have seen were very nice, but if you are in the market for a premium case I would recommend careful consideration of Piel Frama. In my considered opinion, Piel Frama cases are without peer.

100% agreed. In my opinion, nothing that I've seen so far compares to Piel Frama cases.

[shawnc]

I want this case, but if I am reading their website correctly, black is the only color available without paying the customized price? That doesn't seem right but that is the way it appears :evil: !

[TheNewSteve]

The Vaja cases I have seen were very nice, but if you are in the market for a premium case I would recommend careful consideration of Piel Frama. In my considered opinion, Piel Frama cases are without peer.

100% agreed. In my opinion, nothing that I've seen so far compares to Piel Frama cases.

Cool... sounds good to me then. It was part of a bundle and i just went for it. :)

The price is not very different i don't think. $50 used? I've seen them for $60 new i thought.

-Steve