Sena Dell Axim Cases: A Worthy Choice

[Jason Dunn]

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/sena-case.jpg" /><br /><br />Although the name “Sena” might not pop to the top of the list when you think of Pocket PC cases, it should. Sena cases might not have all the extravagant touches of Vaja cases, but they’re very well made and quite affordable. Sena sent me a few of their Dell Axim X5 cases for review, and I chose the black/red combo case to take a closer look at. The case itself is very smartly designed – I really like the cut of the leather and the colouring (the red is bold). The stitches are perfect, and the case has no visual flaws. The leather is fairly plain, but sturdy – I haven’t carried the case around too much day to day, but it doesn’t seem to scuff or scratch easily. Your mileage may vary.<!><br /><br />The Sena case fit my Dell Axim snugly, but it was easy enough to remove the Axim from it. The case is cut away in all the right places – at the top for the headphone jack, the left side (SD card slot, rocker bar, record, soft reset), and the bottom (power and sync port). There are two slots for credit or business cards at the top of the inside cover, and two slots for SD cards at the bottom. The cover is slightly stiff, but has no plastic layer to protect the screen from damage. The result is that the case doesn’t add much to the width of the Axim, but don’t expect this cover to protect your Axim screen from a serious blow. The case has a snap closure that attaches easily (unlike some other cases I’ve tried where it’s a struggle to close it).<br /><br />The only complaint I have with the Sena case is that they all seem to have a mirror in them. At the risk of sounding sexist, I think that far more women than men would find this addition useful – and based on the breakdown of male to female Pocket PC owners I see here at Pocket PC Thoughts, I have my doubts as to how useful most buyers will find the mirror. It’s removable, but then you’re left with a space that can’t be used for much of anything. A credit card would fit, but then there's a big hole so you know it's not supposed to go there, which makes the interior of the case look a little funny. I would prefer to see Sena offer this as an option for those that want it, and give back some usable space for those that don't.<br /><br />All in all, Sena's Axim cases are very well made, and resonably priced. They don't have exquisiteness of a Vaja case, but they're not supposed to - they're priced in a different category, and for the money, Sena cases represent a solid value. You can purchase the case <a href="http://www.senacases.com/axim/home.htm">directly from Sena</a> starting at $39.99 USD. They also have a <a href="http://www.senacases.com/faq.htm">useful FAQ</a> that should address any lingering questions.

[Paragon]

Hey , Jason,

I think you will find that spot left blank when you remove the sexist mirror :) is a great spot to store a WiFi card.

The Sena Axim case also makes a great pouch case for the XDA if you cut a small notch in the lid for the antenna. It is loose enough to easily pull the XDA out, yet small enough that it can't fall out.

Dave

[Jason Dunn]

I think you will find that spot left blank when you remove the sexist mirror :) is a great spot to store a WiFi card.

Hrm - doesn't that get awfully close to hitting the scree then with the top of the WiFi card? 8O

[drop]

The mirror has to go :D . Really, slightly insulting there. If we care how we look, are we still geeks?

Seriously, I am happy with my black and red Sena case. I had it since the Axim case first came out way back then 8) . The stitches still hold. I only have slight wear at the back of the case.

I am happy with this vendor.

[Xyress]

Mirrors are actually very handy for seeing if you have boogers hanging out of your nose or that odd unsightly pimple. I bought myself a small, discrete mirror just for that purpose at work.

[Pat Logsdon]

I looked at the Sena cases prior to ordering a Vaja case for my Axim. My impression was that the mirror was meant to do double duty - first as a mirror, and second as an analog to the layer of ABS plastic present in the cover of the Vaja cases.

Per the Sena website: "It is light, shatter-proof, impact resistant, and has an excellent reflection."

If you don't like the mirror, it seems like you can always just turn it around...? That way you wouldn't be tempted to primp ( :mrgreen: ) and you could still have the advantage of the extra protection and stiffness afforded by the mirror.

[Paragon]

I think you will find that spot left blank when you remove the sexist mirror :) is a great spot to store a WiFi card.

Hrm - doesn't that get awfully close to hitting the scree then with the top of the WiFi card? 8O

Yes, but after a few months of using it it has never caused a problem. Many cases allow credit cards to sit on the screen anyway, and I have seen some people cram their lifes posessions into the lid of a case and force it shut. Your point is well taken though. You do want to be a bit careful

........wait a second....this coming from a guy who has twice busted his XDA screen because he put it in his pocket without and screen protection.! :D
Dave

[dh]

With a mug like mine, the last thing I want to do is keep looking in a mirror. I do keep mine in my Senna case though just because I like the extra layer of protection for my screen.

I've had my Senna case for nearly six months and it is as good as new, despite tons of use. I like the way this case fits so snuggly, it really does not make the Axim too much bigger.

The price is really good as well, it's a good buy as far as I am concerned.

[marlof]

With my Sena Axim case, I'm my gf's hero. She wears contacts, and managed to find one that went AWOL in one of her eyes with that mirror. It was one of the few times she had something nice to say about my Pocket PC. Well, its case actually. ;)

[jlong4]

I have the exact case from Sena and love it...I had always thought the "mirror" was for screen protection if dropped when the case is closed. If that is the "case", then it works because that has happened to me a few times...I love this case.

[Gator5000e]

It's a great case but I wish they made a version that you can use with the extended battery.

[Bichcake]

their page says "comming soon" for a 2210 model. looks like what i'm looking for, for the price. hope i don't have to wait too long.

anyone know if they are in the US?

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Question: can you synch the Axim in the cradle with the case on?

Thanks!
KCT