Do you use Protection? The Proporta Aluminum Case for the iPAQ 2210

[Anthony Caruana]

Well, you've spent weeks or even months agonizing over which Pocket PC you'll buy. You've spent hours pouring over benchmarks and reviews and interrogated every sales person within 100 kilometres of your home. Finally you choose your new Pocket PC. For me, it was the iPAQ 2210. You get the box open and all is good. Then, you see the pitiful slip case HP provides and the glow of your new iPAQ is tarnished a little. But, luckily Proporta comes to the rescue with one of the nicest cases around; its aluminium hard case.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Caruana-Sep03-ProportaAlCase-0.jpg" /> <br /><br /><!><br /><br /><i>The Proporta Aluminium Case not only looks great but provides your iPAQ 2210/5 with some serious protection. The case adds very little to overall weight and size of the 2210 and looks very slick. This is the second Proporta Aluminium case I've had and I've been very impressed.</i><br /><br /><span><b>Mmmm... It's Shiny</b></span><br />When I first got my case I was struck by how good it looked and by its solid feel. This case is a real head turner. It feels pretty good in the hand and doesn't make the device any more difficult to use. All of the cutouts are well placed and line up correctly. You can even access the reset button on the back of the iPAQ with the stylus if you need to.<br /><br />The iPAQ sits snugly in the case and I don't believe there is any danger of it becoming accidentally dislodged. It passed my "turn it upside down and give it a shake test" without any problems.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Caruana-Sep03-ProportaAlCase-2.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: My 2210 in the Proporta Aluminium Case.</i><br /><br /><span><b>Using the Case</b></span><br />Once the iPAQ is in the case you'll find that you still have access to all of the iPAQ's ports and slots - as you can see in the figures below.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Caruana-Sep03-ProportaAlCase-3.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: The back of the case showing the stylus and speaker cutouts.</i><br /><br />One of the things I especially liked about this case was that I could easily connect my charge and sync cable without having to open the case.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Caruana-Sep03-ProportaAlCase-4.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: The underside of the case showing the sync port cutaway.</i><br /><br />As you can see, it you use a CF or SD card that protrudes from the iPAQ you can leave it in place even if the case is closed. This is one of my favourite features of this case. It means I can keep my device protected and still leave my WiFi card in my Pocket PC.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Caruana-Sep03-ProportaAlCase-5.JPG" /> <br /><i>Figure 4: A top view of my iPAQ in the case showing the easy access to the SD and CF slots.</i><br /><br /><b><span>Gotchas</span></b><br />Well, there has to be something wrong doesn't there? My only issues with this case are :<ul><li>The front cover doesn't flip all the way around to the back. This means that it looks like an open book when I'm holding it<li>There's an SD/MMC card holder in the case but you leave the card with the connectors on the outside I'd prefer the connectors facing inwards so that they are more protected.<li>Unlike many of the leather cases on the market there is nowhere in this case to stow a credit card or business cards securely<li>No belt clip<li>Blutooth range is severely impeded when the case is closed</ul><span><b>Where To Buy</b></span><br />You can buy the Proporta Aluminium case directly from <a href="http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=492&Curr=USD">Proporta</a> for $39.95 USD. I've bought a few things from Proporta and their service is great. From order to delivery only takes a few days (from the UK to Australia). As this case is not yet available, if you pre-order Proporta will ship you a Neoprene case until the aluminum case is available.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusions</span></b><br />There's a lot to like about this case. It looks great and offers plenty of protection for your iPAQ. Would I buy one? You betcha!

[Boxster S]

Blutooth range is severely impeded when the case is closed
Umm, what could you possibly be using Bluetooth for if the case is closed? That's like saying "I can't adjust the volume on my car's radio b/c I'm standing outside the car with the door closed and the windows up."

If the case is closed, you can't use the device period unless you're listening to some music or something. I don't understand your complaint

[bjornkeizers]

I bought a Proporta case for my 1915 two weeks ago. I totally agree, they're great cases. Now I don't need to worry about my ipaq so much. I used to carry my PPC's around in a Game Boy Color case 8O Of course, this one is a tad smaller then that; but with the proporta case on and tucked into my Game Boy case [which does have a belt clip] I can carry it around without anything to worry about. 8) Plus, I can sync and charge with the case on, always a plus.

The only real complaint is they're not as easy to hold. You can't hold it on one hand comfortably for long periods, and since the cover flip back around the case, it looks a bit silly.

[seatec]

I just picked one up at Fry's for $29.95. I reaally like it but still miss the ease the flip lid of my now second string Jornada 568. would like to see them make on in titanium like they do for some of the Palms, but with a flip up cover and no padding just a skin for protection. The case is strong but weighs almost as much as the 2215 itself. And I do agree that the SD card should be turned the opposite way also.
Overall I like the case for safety since I have broken screens on my first Casio E-10, jornadaa 548 and Jornada 568. but it maakes the HP 2215 lose its sweet pockatable size and weight.

[ttyrell]

As this case is not yet available, if you pre-order Proporta will ship you a Neoprene case until the aluminum case is available.


The case is now available from the proporta web site!

[jet8810]

I was very seriously looking into this case (currently using a sleeve case from casesonline.com) but I simply cannot sacrifice my rubber grips! They help me grip the 2215 so much that I am no tsillin to use a slippery aluminum case...did that bother you at all Mr. Caruana? ;).

[rmasinag]

I have this case and I alternate between this and a Bellagio slipper case. I would tolerate this this more(*soo pretty, gets many ooohss and aaahhhs!) if I can sync it with cradle. I have a travelsync cable but its at work, and I agree it should have 2 hinges so it can fold way back. I might tolerate all that for a titanuim version.
:)

just $.50 from a case owner

[Paragon]

I just received one from Proporta. It is a great case. If you are worried about the Sd card being stored with the contacts facing out, you can turn it over. It doesn't seat quite the same but it is secure, and doesn't protrude enough to touch the screen. In fact I keep my SD WiFi card there. It works great! As for a belt clip, I epoxied the knob part of a belt clip to the back of the case which works perfect. It's an excellent case, and surprisingly it doesn't add a huge amount of bulk.

Dave

[dma1965]

I bought one of these aluminum cases (actually an innopocket, same case, different brand) through ebay about a month ago, and also bought a Vaja case for my 2210 as well. I got the aluminum case first, and I use it when I am in the field (I do IT for a retail operation with stores that have lots of things to bump into), but I far prefer the Vaja case for day to day use. I can store my business cards and Symbol CF WiFi card in the Vaja case, as well as 2 spare SD or MMC cards, and it is so slim you do not even notice you have a case on it. The Vaja case is EXTREMELY well built and designed, with lots of attention to detail, and is made from a superb leather (with that "great leather" smell :wink: ). The aluminum case is definitely better if you want more protection (you can easily sit on the aluminum case without a worry), but for a classier look and feel, Vaja is the way to go. The Vaja case also offers a better grip, with the leather being easy to hold onto, and it also exposes some of the rubber sides as well.

[Anthony Caruana]

Blutooth range is severely impeded when the case is closed
Umm, what could you possibly be using Bluetooth for if the case is closed? That's like saying "I can't adjust the volume on my car's radio b/c I'm standing outside the car with the door closed and the windows up."

If the case is closed, you can't use the device period unless you're listening to some music or something. I don't understand your complaint

It's not a big deal. It was something I noticed while I was using the case. Ocassionally I'll have a BT connection and just close the case for a few minutes and find that the BT connection was dropped.

[Anthony Caruana]

A couple of people have commented on not being able to hold the case comfortably

To be honest I didn't find it a big deal. There are some ridges on the sides to reduce the "slipperyness" of Re case.

I just got back from a 2 week vacation and the Aluminium case was the only case I took. Both my wife and I used the device with no discomfort.

I maintain that if the case lid could fully flip around it would be even better.

[Anthony Caruana]

The case is strong but weighs almost as much as the 2215 itself.

My Al case weighs 67 grams and the ipaq (with an sd card in) weighs 140 grams

My leather case weighs slightly more at about 80 grams

[blusparkles]

Interesting that while the RhinoSkin case (http://www.saunders-usa.com/rhinoskin/prod.cfm?cat_id=5072&prod_id=5152)looks exactly the same, it offers a beltclip with it.

[Anthony Caruana]

Interesting that while the RhinoSkin case (http://www.saunders-usa.com/rhinoskin/prod.cfm?cat_id=5072&prod_id=5152)looks exactly the same, it offers a beltclip with it.

I asked the people at Proporta specifically about belt clips and their view was that it was not a feature that their clients were really after.

My opinion is that it would be a nice option. Having said that, I don't carry my 2210 on my belt or really have any great desire to do so. One belt clip device (cellphone) is enough for me.

[Shadowcat]

I did some research in the Rhinoskin case awhile ago when I was thinking of buying it. Their customer service didn't strike me as very good, as I believe it took them three days to reply and their answer wasn't useful at all. In addition, I recall reading somewhere (sorry, didn't keep the source) that on a pre-production unit the metal knob falls off too easily. Perhaps they fixed that problem in the shipping version but I decided to steer clear of the Rhinoskin.

[bbarker]

We wouldn't need this case at all if HP or someone else would release a screen cover that's designed for this model. I don't like the added bulk of a case and I carry my PPC in my front pants pocket. HP has confirmed that they put little holes on the back of the 2200 series to accommodate screen covers. Now they needs to sell some!

[griph]

We wouldn't need this case at all if HP or someone else would release a screen cover that's designed for this model. I don't like the added bulk of a case and I carry my PPC in my front pants pocket. HP has confirmed that they put little holes on the back of the 2200 series to accommodate screen covers. Now they needs to sell some!

We? Speak for your self ;-) I want to keep all sides of my 2210 scratch free - not just protect the front/screen. Thats why I have a Proporta hardcase and a writeshield screen protector - I always practice Safe Organising! :-)

[seatec]

Interesting that while the RhinoSkin case looks exactly the same, it offers a beltclip with it.

I did not realize it until I reread this forum that I have the RinoSkin one and not the proporta. They have to be made by the same manufacture since they are identical down to the sticker in the SD holding slot, except that the front has "RinoSkin" embossed in it and the back has a slight bulge for the screw on Belt clip (that I don't use) And it was $29.95 at Frys and no shipping or waiting
http://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2010.jpghttp://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2014.jpghttp://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2015.jpg

[mr_Ray]

Interesting that while the RhinoSkin case looks exactly the same, it offers a beltclip with it.

I did not realize it until I reread this forum that I have the RinoSkin one and not the proporta. They have to be made by the same manufacture since they are identical down to the sticker in the SD holding slot, except that the front has "RinoSkin" embossed in it and the back has a slight bulge for the screw on Belt clip (that I don't use) And it was $29.95 at Frys and no shipping or waiting
http://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2010.jpghttp://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2014.jpghttp://www.seatechnical.com/images/IMG_2015.jpg

It has "RinoSkin" embossed on the front and you didn't realise it was a RinoSkin?? 8O

:wink:

Anyway, I have it for my 2210 and all I can say is that it's the best spent money in a long time (after the 2210 itself, of course).

[PetiteFlower]

Rhinoskin and Proporta and also Innopocket all seem to carry the same aluminum cases in different packaging.

[bbarker]

We wouldn't need this case at all if HP or someone else would release a screen cover that's designed for this model. I don't like the added bulk of a case and I carry my PPC in my front pants pocket. HP has confirmed that they put little holes on the back of the 2200 series to accommodate screen covers. Now they needs to sell some!

We? Speak for your self ;-) I want to keep all sides of my 2210 scratch free - not just protect the front/screen. Thats why I have a Proporta hardcase and a writeshield screen protector - I always practice Safe Organising! :-)
I've always carried my Jornada 568 with its flip-up cover in my pocket. There are few scratches or other mars. The benefit is a more compact device. Think how compact the 1900 and 2200 iPaqs would be if you didn't use a case. Of course, these screen covers come off for those who do prefer a case, so nobody would be disadvantaged by having the covers available. In fact, if they're add-on accessories you wouldn't even be paying for a cover you didn't use and HP would make a little money in the deal from those of us who do want a cover. If they price them fairly everyone wins. So why don't they have any?

[kwerner]

It seems like the ipaq would be kind of awkward to hold with the case open to the side like a book. I usually wrap my fingers around to get a good grip, the back of the ipaq is against my palm (not Palm :-). Do you have to hold it with your fingertips, since you can't wrap fingers around it?

Any idea if they are planning a flip up version?

Any idea when the HP flip up version is supposed to be available?

[Anthony Caruana]

It seems like the ipaq would be kind of awkward to hold with the case open to the side like a book. I usually wrap my fingers around to get a good grip, the back of the ipaq is against my palm (not Palm :-). Do you have to hold it with your fingertips, since you can't wrap fingers around it?

I thought that would be the case when I got my first aluminium case but, once I had used the case for a day or so, I didn't have any problem holding the unit comfortably. That said, I only use the flip case when I am traveling and ant to give the device extra protection. Most of the time I use a leather case (also from from Proporta)

[Von]

This might be of interest to someone that carries around the Pocket PC case.

As you know there is no way to clip this case any place, but other than that the case is excellent for sure. So my solution was this. I took apart an old Cell Phone case/holder with a still belt clip on it. Then I used some "J-B weld" that you can find in any hardware store. I mixed it and glued the clip onto the back of the Pocket PC case and now it’s really great !!

I clip it on my belt and I am on my way.

Hope this helps.

Aloha from Hawaii.

Von

[seattle98112]

I have a T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition and a new Proporta Case for it; the case has a place for an optional belt clip on the back; perhaps they have added the feature.