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View Full Version : Vaja Custom iPAQ 4150 Case: Same Quality Case, New Look


Jason Dunn
01-13-2004, 06:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.vajacases.com/affiliate&ID=100' target='_blank'>http://www.vajacases.com/affiliate&ID=100</a><br /><br /></div>Vaja has re-branded, and their new look includes a significant change in the packaging and presentation of their cases. First generation Vaja cases came in a classy black box, and the case was inside a leather pouch. When Vaja released their i-Volution line of hard cases, they were delivered in a slick form-fitting box. Now Vaja is delivering the cases in a new box, with a new look, and I've taken a series of images to show both the case I was sent and the new packaging that goes along with it. Let's take a closer look at the Vaja 935 iPAQ 4150 case...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-01.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: The new box with new branding from Vaja. It's a slick-looking box, although it doesn't have the elegance of the first generation i-Volution cases.</i><!><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-02.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: Inside the new box you'll be presented first with a plastic card. On this card you'll find a statement of quality, where Vaja explains their standards of excellence. Impressive!</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-03.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: The case is hidden under the cardboard, but as soon as I opened the main flap, the wafting scent of leather greeted me. Mmm. :-)</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-04.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 4: A wide shot of the Vaja 935 case and my iPAQ 4150 nestled in it.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-05.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 5: The Vaja case, as you would expect, fits like a leather glove.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-06.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 6: There's a cut away on the leather to expose the power button, although I wish it was a touch thinner - I tend to press the power button from the bottom rather than the top, and sometimes I hit the leather rather than the button.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-07.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 7: The standard two SD card slots, deep enough for two standard SD memory cards, but not an SDIO WiFi card. Then again, why would you need one if you have an iPAQ 4150? ;-) There's also slot for business cards.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-08.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 8: A full frontal shot of the Vaja 935 case. I love the texture of the leather - it has a lot of character.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-09.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 9: A close-up that shows the metal Vaja logo and the leather texture I was talking about.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-10.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 10: A slightly off-centre hole for the 3.5mm headphone connection, but not off-centre enough to cause problems with cables.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jdunn-vajacase-ipaq4150-11.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 11: The left side of the case - now that the iPAQ 4150 has given users back the record button, Vaja has made it easy to access by leaving a wide area of space open. I prefer this approach rather than trying to craft a small hole the side of the button - pressure access is always more of a hassle when the leather is anywhere near the button. There's also a small hole for performing soft resets with the stylus - the 4150 is amazingly stable, so it's rare that I have to perform a soft reset, but it's handy to have that hole if and when I need access to that button.</i><br /><br />Vaja has one again produced an excellent case that's both stylish and intelligently designed. Sometimes I wish Vaja would send me a sub-par case so I could actually have something critical to say about them! My only criticism of this case is that they don't have a magnetic closure option - I prefer to have cases as slim as possible, and the snap adds a little to the overall bulk of the case.<br /><br />If you want a classy, attractive leather case for your iPAQ 4150, Vaja delivers in spades - you can <a href="http://www.vajacases.com/affiliate&ID=100">order from their Web site</a>, and if you're a <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/subscribe.php">full subscriber</a> you can save $20 off the price of the case by using the discount coupon.

jeasher
01-13-2004, 06:12 PM
Now where's the case for my h4355? Build it Vaja and I will buy!

Mike Temporale
01-13-2004, 06:16 PM
My only criticism of this case is that they don't have a magnetic closure option - I prefer to have cases as slim as possible, and the snap adds a little to the overall bulk of the case.

I liked the magnetic closure on my 3650's case, but truth be told, it never really lined up 100%. The magnets always wanted to sit a little off center of each other.

I think I prefer the snap closure now. My wife's 1910 case is a snap, and it's great. I've been meaning to order a Vaja for my 4150, just have to get off my bum, and do it!

mcdj
01-13-2004, 06:20 PM
I love Vaja's quality, but, no offense, that is the butt ugliest Planet Of The Apes lookin leather I've ever seen.

mc

Janak Parekh
01-13-2004, 06:29 PM
I liked the magnetic closure on my 3650's case, but truth be told, it never really lined up 100%. The magnets always wanted to sit a little off center of each other.
My sentiments exactly - I had the same experience with my Vaja 3650 case. I prefer the snaps as well. I suspect Vaja has improved their magnet placement over the years, but they're still going to cause small bulges at the bottom.

I love Vaja's quality, but, no offense, that is the butt ugliest Planet Of The Apes lookin leather I've ever seen.
Everyone has different tastes. :) That's why Vaja has the variety...

--janak

ojleblanc
01-13-2004, 06:43 PM
I have the exact same leather and color for my Tungsten C Vaja case. Its fantastic! :wink:

bbarker
01-13-2004, 06:48 PM
I just want the absolute thinnest case I can get that will provide screen protection. This doesn't appear to be it, although I haven't seen it in person.

Barak
01-13-2004, 07:44 PM
I keep waiting for Vaja to announce a 435x case, but the last time I
e-mailed them, they indicated they had no "current plans" for such a case.

Why does it seem like the 435x gets the short end of the stick with accessories?? :cry:

jeasher
01-13-2004, 07:48 PM
I keep waiting for Vaja to announce a 435x case, but the last time I
e-mailed them, they indicated they had no "current plans" for such a case.

Why does it seem like the 435x gets the short end of the stick with accessories?? :cry:

No worries dude, it was the same way when the h1910 first came out. There are a few cases available on the market now, and more are on the way. Proporta has a metal case coming and Vaja told me a leather case is in the works. I just heard back from them the other day, I don't know why they told you differently. I have a feeling Vaja will also come out with an I-Volution case but that's just a hunch. It would seem a perfect fit for this model.

Pat Logsdon
01-13-2004, 08:18 PM
It's a bit odd that they sent you a unit with the old logo on it - most of the pics on their site show cases with the new (cooler looking) "v" logo...

Master
01-13-2004, 08:24 PM
Can somebody tell me what kind of leather it is in the pictures? I really cannot find it on their Homepage.

jeasher
01-13-2004, 08:25 PM
It's a bit odd that they sent you a unit with the old logo on it - most of the pics on their site show cases with the new (cooler looking) "v" logo...

Only a few of their cases have the "V" logo. I like the old logo just the same. Damn they make nice cases.

Pat Logsdon
01-13-2004, 08:38 PM
Can somebody tell me what kind of leather it is in the pictures? I really cannot find it on their Homepage.
It looks like Vitelino to me. Click "Info", then click "Leather Info" to get more information. I think the Vitelino finish is only available if you select an "embossed" model.

Pat Logsdon
01-13-2004, 08:40 PM
Only a few of their cases have the "V" logo. I like the old logo just the same. Damn they make nice cases.
Well, I hope the "Small Universal Pouch" that I ordered for my 4150 has the new logo. :mrgreen: Maybe I'll post pics and a little mini review when I get it...

yannickvillegas
01-13-2004, 08:44 PM
I keep waiting for Vaja to announce a 435x case, but the last time I
e-mailed them, they indicated they had no "current plans" for such a case.

Why does it seem like the 435x gets the short end of the stick with accessories?? :cry:

Looks like I am not the only one waiting for a case for my 4350.
I live vaja, but if they not bould it. I will have to get one from Piel Frama.

:(

Jason Dunn
01-13-2004, 09:11 PM
Can somebody tell me what kind of leather it is in the pictures? I really cannot find it on their Homepage.

It's Vitelino Chocolate, but they're sold out at the moment which is why you don't see it there. :-) They tell me in a few days they should be able to offer it again...

ctmagnus
01-13-2004, 11:47 PM
How does Vaja ship? If by UPS, does the $25USD charge UPS dings you with when you recieve something from the states apply to shipping from Argentina?

JohnJohn
01-14-2004, 01:19 AM
I want a WALLET version....

I agree with the Planet of The Apes comment. I think my baby boomer dad had some 70's sandles made out of that leather. Could you stuff a light blue dress sock in the case and take a picture...that would bring back so many memories.. :lol:

Jason Dunn
01-14-2004, 01:30 AM
I agree with the Planet of The Apes comment. I think my baby boomer dad had some 70's sandles made out of that leather. Could you stuff a light blue dress sock in the case and take a picture...that would bring back so many memories.. :lol:

To each his own, but IMO, the case looks NICE - the leather has a lot more character than the "jet black" cases that most people have. I like my Planet of the Apes leather very much, thank you. 8)

jeasher
01-14-2004, 04:55 AM
Y'all have no class. That happens to be VERY high quality leather. It's very stylish and projects class. I for one think it's a very cool leather for a PDA case. I personally would not buy it, but I can appreciate those that do.

dma1965
01-14-2004, 09:00 PM
Being that my grandfather was a leather craftsman from Sicily, I have grown to love leather, and I have to say that having both a Vaja and Bellagio case for my 4155, the Vaja leather, fit, and finish is, no doubt, the finest I have ever seen. It is exceptionally well made with the highest quality leather I have ever seen on a case. If you want a very slim form fitting and elegant case, the Vaja is the way to go. I have to say, however, that I find myself using my Bellagio case much more frequently. Although the leather is not quite as good, and it is a bit thicker, and not quite as form fitting, it is quite acceptable in all these areas, and if you never saw it next to the Vaja case, you would think it was superb as well. The Bellagio case has 2 great features that I just love, however. One of these is the flip out back which makes it possible to sync without removing from the case. The other is that this same flip out back can be attached to the lid when folded back and makes an excellent stand for your iPaq, as well as a VERY comfortable way to hold the iPaq when reading or surfing in bed or in my Lazy Boy recliner. Since WiFi and useability on my 4155 is so great, I find myself using it for longer and longer periods of time, and holding it in my hand for too long causes hand cramps. The Bellagio case allows me to just rest it on my chest in standup mode, or slip it over my hand. You have to try it to see how comfortable it is. Though I like the look and smell of my Vaja case much more, it ultimately comes down to comfort and useability for me, and the Bellagio wins me over with that!

Daddyfix
05-14-2004, 04:22 PM
I have been looking at the Vaja Cases since I bought my iPAQ 4150 over a month ago. And I have a few questions before I buy.

Question 1
I am not too excited about the style for the 4000 series. I was considering ordering the 1900 series model since I like the style of the 'V' Pattern. From what I heard this case will fit the 4150, right?

Question 2
Does anyone have the Classic Custioned Cover? Do you think this is neccessary?

Question 3
Even though I use the link from this site I don't seem to see the $20 rebate off price.

Zack Mahdavi
05-14-2004, 04:50 PM
Question 1
I am not too excited about the style for the 4000 series. I was considering ordering the 1900 series model since I like the style of the 'V' Pattern. From what I heard this case will fit the 4150, right?

I believe the current 4150 cases made by Vaja have the "V" logo.


Question 2
Does anyone have the Classic Custioned Cover? Do you think this is neccessary?

Sorry, I can't answer this one... I don't own a Vaja case! I ended up buying a Sena case for my 4150. :)


Question 3
Even though I use the link from this site I don't seem to see the $20 rebate off price.

You need to be a subscriber to get the $20 off. Click on the "Subscribe" link on the left bar, and take a look at the $36 a year subscription.

dyeman12
08-16-2004, 03:59 PM
Daddyfix,

Just received a Vaja Classic in all black. Great piece of gear! Don’t know if you have already got a case for you 4155, but if you can part with the $$$, this is one sweet case.

Question 1
I am not too excited about the style for the 4000 series. I was considering ordering the 1900 series model since I like the style of the 'V' Pattern. From what I heard this case will fit the 4150, right?
Answer: It has the cool 2-part V logo.

Question 2
Does anyone have the Classic Cushioned Cover? Do you think this is necessary?
Answer: I did not get the cushion cover & like the slim form much better. Slim lid should give plenty of protection. If you are Really rough on them (like a buddy of mine who picked up a 4155 a few weeks before me, had it in his back pocket & fell against the edge of his desk- well get insurance & a huge ruggedized case!) But for the rest of us caring gadget guys, the standard cover is great.

Details:
- Ordered case on 05Aug, Arrived 16Aug. Their $17 FedEx shipping is the ticket!
- I got the standard Black on Black, no personalizing, and no belt clip.
- Outer cover "floater" had a nice crinkle finish & the rest is smooth.
- Fit is outstanding. Leather quality is right up there with a Monte Blanc wallet.
- Excellent balance of small form & good protection. Case makes 4155 noticeably narrower in all dimensions from the original nylon case.
- Access holes line up very well. Comments about the earphone jack lining up a bit off is due to the jack being so close to the edge that it would create too narrow of a wear spot to punch the hole any closer to the edge of the flip top. Good call Vaja.
- Snap closure is apparently the better option than the magnetic- I have read several comments that the snap aligns the lid better over time.
- My unit did not come with the "Vaja Story" stamped in the back, kinda wanted to read it, but didn't really want it there after that- I'll call that a good thing.

Like I said, the case just came in this morning, so I can't say how it will wear over the life of my 4155, but on first inspection, it looks, feels & even smells great!