Proporta Aluminum Dell Axim X5 Case

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=406' target='_blank'>http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=406</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/dell_alu01_150.jpg" /><br /><br />I've been a fan of leather Pocket PC cases ever since I saw my first Vaja case, but I have to admit that about a month ago Proporta sent me one of their metal cases, and I was blown away: the workmanship and sheer "wow" factor was off the charts! Everyone I show the case to is very impressed with it - it fits like a glove, and about the only complaint I have is that the left-hand access points for the memory card seems like it's a little too far away from the device. I was initially dismayed to see that the case opened from left to right (the opposite of how I'd normally open a case), but after a few days I got used to it. The case itself adds to the overall weight of the already hefty Axim X5, but it's worth it - the case is just so damn beautiful! :ppclove: The inside of the case is coated in black foamy substance that won't scratch your Pocket PC and makes it fit snugly and securely inside.<br /><br />One of the things you need to be careful of is dropping the case: the slightest bend in the metal frame renders the case useless, because it will no longer close. I dropped the case from a few feet up onto my hardwood floor (ouch!) and while the Axim was protected, the case would no longer close. It took the deft touch of my wife to carefully bend it back into shape - no matter what I tried, I couldn't restore it to it's previous condition. So, as long as you don't drop your Axim while it's in this case from Proporta, this is a great case.<br /><br />It would be excellent to see some sort of custom engraving option, even if it did add to the price. I can't imagine how sexy this case would look with a big Pocket PC Thoughts logo on it! :mrgreen: I often find myself trying out various cases for a few weeks, then ditching them, but the Proporta Aluminum case has a permanent home with my Axim. I give this case my highest recommendation.

[markan]

I'm a big fan as well. I'm getting very adept at bending the case back into shape as well. After all if I didn't drop things I wouldn't need to wrap it in armour. :oops:

[BugDude10]

Ummm, what's the point of a metal case that adds size and weight to a PDA and protects it from only one drop before being irreparably damaged? I'm sure it looks cool, but I don't want to spend $$$ on a case that serves its purpose only one time...

Just my $0.02.

B.D.

[Jason Dunn]

Ummm, what's the point of a metal case that adds size and weight to a PDA and protects it from only one drop before being irreparably damaged? I'm sure it looks cool, but I don't want to spend $$$ on a case that serves its purpose only one time...

Well, my wife was able to bend it back into shape - I just didn't have the patience or skill to do so. Hopefully you're not dropping your Pocket PC so often that this is a problem. :lol:

[Vincent M Ferrari]

I have to agree. This is the sleekest coolest case for anything I've ever owned and I absolutely love it. I ordered it from Innopocket and paid out the butt for it, but man was it worth it! 8)

[R K]

Hey Jason, maybe you should contact Proporta about the case's endurance a little further. It does seem odd that the case would get crippled after one drop, especially since Proporta advertises that their cases are made of aircraft grade alluminum for peace of mind against drops and damage.

[Jason Dunn]

Hey Jason, maybe you should contact Proporta about the case's endurance a little further. It does seem odd that the case would get crippled after one drop, especially since Proporta advertises that their cases are made of aircraft grade alluminum for peace of mind against drops and damage.

Sure, I'll see what they have to say about it. It's really just the hinge joint from what I can see - perhaps they can strengthen the hinge somehow?

[markan]

It certainly protects it for more than one drop. I dropped it 3 times in one meeting on Friday. :oops: It required a re-bend after the third time. The worst damage it took was the CF card being spat out.

If it gets hit hard enough on the catch area then the section alongside the jog dial hole can get pushed in. This stops the catch locking, but takes about 1 second to bend back. Without covering the jog dial I don't think that they could have made this strong enough to resist a direct hit.

[gcherian]

Ummm, what's the point of a metal case that adds size and weight to a PDA and protects it from only one drop before being irreparably damaged? I'm sure it looks cool, but I don't want to spend $$$ on a case that serves its purpose only one time...

Just my $0.02.

B.D.


It is like the motorcycle helmets.... it protects what it needs to protect (PPC), at the same time doing a supreme sacrifice...lol.... in getting bent out of shape. So what if it is not protecting itself - it is protecting costly PPC inside it. Hope you get the idea here....

[MatthewF]

I have been using what I believe is the same case re-badged from Rhino-Skin for over a month and it has taken some abuse. This is the most secure I have felt about not cracking a screen since my Jornada with the metal flip cover. I highly recommend it. :D

[klinux]

Well, my wife was able to bend it back into shape - I just didn't have the patience or skill to do so.

Wives are wonderful! Mine is much more patient and resourceful than I am- except when it comes to little insects around the house e.g spiders then she is complete helpless and dependent. :mrgreen:

So, as long as you don't drop your Axim &lt;snip>
If I do not drop my Axim, I wouldn't need a case! :) Actually, I see where you are coming from. I want to be able to toss the Axim without its bulky original stock case into a bag or pocket without worrying it getting scratched up. Good review, thanks. Can we see some more pictures of it with Axim?

[crispeto]

I too have this case and it's now the only one I will own. I love it. Great looks and protection.

[Fzara]

I also have this case from Rhino Skin, but I am not as fond of it as you all are.

1. The case is way too slippery. Its almost impossible to get a good grip. Luckily, for the 3 weeks i've had iti, I havent dropped it yet.

2. The hinged door does not slide into the back. Instead, when I play some roms from PocketNES holding the bloody thing becomes a task. I would have definitely preferred if the case's door/hing was ablt to slide back all the way.

3. When the lid is closed, the locking is not very powerful. Therefore, any couple of jolts on this case can open up the hinged door and can also lead the PPC to slide out of its casing.

4. Buttons are almost useless to use. In fact, it makes the jog dial on the left and the record button inaccessible. I dont know what they were thinking, but it is very hard to use anything on the side except for the soft reset button.

5. Obviously this happens with everything, but the other day I put in my keys into the same pocket by mistake (DOH!) and I found out how "tough" the case is. I have some pretty big black and big scratches on the front of the case, which really decrease the look of the case.

6. I would have appreciated if this damn case let me charge and put it into my cradle at the same time. Highly unconvenient I Must say.

7. Probably my biggest thing with this case is the top edge's corners of the case. Try putting it into your pocket, and then reaching in to get it again a couple minutes later. The case attempts to stab you and your fingerswith its sharp aluminum edges. I'll make an attempt to put it into my pocket the other way this time, but i'll probably have to accept the number of holes that the case will put into my expensive pairs of jeans.

Contrary to what you all believe, I think the case is good for the looks, but has the lowest usablity in terms of practicality.

Just my 0.02.

[mbeatle]

I bought the h1910 version of this case and returned it. When the case is open its difficult to hold because your fingers can't gain purchase on the right side of the case, where the hinge is. This is made worse by the slippery surface of the case.

I definitely liked the way it looked and the sturdy protection it would provide, but the ergonomics were a failure.

[Will T Smith]

Cases that protect from moderate falls need to be resilient and elastic.

Aluminum fails for in these applications because it is SO bendable. Maybe if they can get a hold of the material used in "flexon" eye-glass frames, they could make a resilient metal case.

Ultimately, I think metal is overkill for this application. A rubberized plastic an ideal candidate material. It's fairly rigid and will snap back into place. It also allows the device to "bounce" which is an ideal way to disperse the energy in an impact.

Crushing is great for large energy impacts. Example, the afore mentioned motorcycle helmet or car safety cages. The energies involved in 50mph impact are tremendous and "bouncing" is pretty impractical.

Obviously, the best cases out their are the "I-Volution" cases. They're obviously expensive, but I suspect that this is the way cases are going. The I-Volution cases are machine pressed from a mold. This eliminates the stitching which is hand-intensive work (expensive). If they can get their production up to scale (think licensing), I suspect that the I-Volution style pressed cases could become cheaper than stitched cases.

Ultimately, if they just put a clambshell plastic lid on the front and rubber bumpers on the sides (Jornada) you would elimate most of your needs for a case.

[Tim Allen]

I just got one of these Proporta cases for my new Axim, and after having dropped my iPAQ (and destroyed it) protection is my biggest concern with it. I love the looks and don't have a problem with the usability, but the padding looks very thin indeed. So I'm glad Jason that your Axim survived a fall in it.

[jlp]

I bought the h1910 version of this case and returned it.

[snip]

I definitely liked the way it looked and the sturdy protection it would provide, but the ergonomics were a failure.

Somebody (Jason or one with more credential than Joe Blow) tell them that one holds a PDA firmly in hand with fingers pretty much wrapping around the sides, SO IT IS MANDATORY TO PUT THE HINGE ON TOP!!!!

Just about all leather cases (those made by people who think practically rather than just create a nice design) have a flip top design.

There is at leat one metal cover that has a flip top hinge, so I'm sure it can be done with a full metal case.

[Anthony Caruana]

Hi

I have been using one of these on my iPAQ and have found that after 8 months of using it with my iPAQ that

1 - Everyone who sees my IPAQ in its case thinks it is the coolest handhelp they've ever seen :clap:
2- my iPAQ still looks like it is brand new
3 - even after a couple of little falls, the case is OK and the device is still in mint condition.

I just sold my iPAQ and when I get my new Dell I will be getting one of these cases with it (the Dell site in the US has these cases listed as an accessorie (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0098810).