Attack of the Energy Leaf Aluminum Cases for h2200 [Archive]

View Full Version : Attack of the Energy Leaf Aluminum Cases for h2200

Jonathon Watkins

03-30-2004, 12:00 AM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ipaqcases.com/store/h22hot.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.ipaqcases.com/store/h22hot.htm</a><br /><br /></div>iPAQcases are offering a new set of funky cases for the HP h2200. “This elegant and functional aluminum case is specially designed to custom fit your iPaq and to protect your handheld from the dents and the dings of every day life. Made of light weight aluminum.” Oh I don’t know, nothing wrong with a good old fashioned ding every now and again. :wink: <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Energy Leaf.gif" /> <br /><br />The features include: “Dedicated iPaq model fit, Access to all side controls, Full screen visibility, Exposed control keys, Soft lining prevents from scratches, Available in Silver, Black, Golden and Rosiness”<br /><br />Rosiness? I have got to get me one of these! :lol: Yours for only $25 from iPAQcases.

Peorth

03-30-2004, 12:43 AM

Just ordered a black one :)

Now, where are those side controls...

Jonathon Watkins

03-30-2004, 12:50 AM

No clue mate, I just work here. :lol:

Welcome Peorth. 8) Nice Avatar BTW.

Zack Mahdavi

03-30-2004, 01:14 AM

Wow, those cases look awesome, especially the Black/Graphite one.

I hope those come out for the 41xx one day.

felixdd

03-30-2004, 01:36 AM

I already have a proporta, but this is seriously tempting me.

IMHO, flipping cases are better than book-opening ones because the lid on the latter somewhat impedes your grip on the device.

Mitch D

03-30-2004, 01:42 AM

Why oh why can't someone make a case like this for my X3i? I would give anything for a nice metal top flipper like this!!
:|

pootp

03-30-2004, 01:57 AM

My english isn't too good. Could someone help me understand these terms?

-Access to all side controls
-Exposed control keys

Also, does the cover flip over and rest directly on the back of the pda? or does it stick out with an angle?

Thanks...

dorelse

03-30-2004, 02:21 AM

Sweet!!!

Com'on 4300 series...com'on!

<Gets Credit Card out>
<Navigates to 4300 cases>
No 4300 Energy Leaf...hits refresh...still no 4300 Energy Leaf...hits refresh...

This is the case I've been waiting for....please add some additional models!!!!

ctmagnus

03-30-2004, 02:22 AM

Rosiness? I have got to get me one of these! :lol:

No! Go for a Golden one! :mrgreen:

JustinGTP

03-30-2004, 03:42 AM

Hello,

Justin from iPaqCases.com here. (Same Justin from PPCThoughts here too :D)

- Access to the sync and recharge serial port is available
- And you can access the buttons on the front

pootp, the two things you pointed out don't really make sense I know. :D

Jonathon, thanks for posting this up, and with Pocket PC Tools posting this up yesterday, we hope to sell lots of these units.

By the way, iPaqCases.com is the only distributor of these cases! And as far as we know, there have been no plans to manufacture these cases for other models. (We can look into it however, we have to talk to the supplier.)

As for details, it is lined with a soft material, not neoprene, but something similar. Quality build of course, similar to that of the Innopocket. Don't you love the wild colours and names, and the cool name we dubbed them.

Anyone else have any more questions? I have to find out about how the top panel works, not too sure. I have to get a hold on one of these myself.

-Justin.
iPaqcases.com
PPCTools.com

Duddy

03-30-2004, 04:06 AM

Well, I already have a Rhino-Skin but I do not like opening up the case like a book either.

As nice as the Black one is, I'm gonna wait and see how PPCTechs come along with there Metal Grip/Flip Cover combo. 0X

Also, a bit off topic, but I just recieved new grips from HP and have to say that these are not the same ones that came with my h2210. They are stickier and there is quite an audible (and satisfing) click when attaching them. Great job HP! :D

JustinGTP

03-30-2004, 04:14 AM

Well, I already have a Rhino-Skin....

Hell! I have 8 cases for my iPaq! :D

rmasinag

03-30-2004, 05:33 AM

I'm like Honda Civic si

too much darn cases. If i hadn't invested in a titanuim case, I would have already bought one :grumble:

This is the type of case I was looking forward on having too :| not the stupid book ones

Jon Westfall

03-30-2004, 05:33 AM

Justin - any chance you will get in a wider variety than strictly ipaqcases (yea yea, you'd have to change your domain name.. ;) ) - I'd love to have something like that for my xda ii.

ctmagnus

03-30-2004, 06:26 AM

I'm like Honda Civic si

too much darn cases. If i hadn't invested in a titanuim case, I would have already bought one :grumble:

I'm in the same boat. Only I expect that the aluminum flip cases won't be available for the 5000 series, which I :ppclove:. But if anyone wanted to make a reasonably-priced (under $100USD, preferably under $75) titanium flip case for this line, I'd be all over that.

Stephen Beesley

03-30-2004, 08:36 AM

As I do not have an Ipaq (and until HP comes out with a VGA one I am not likely to :D) this is more a general point but for me I think the proposed flip cover is a neater solution.

While these look like pretty cool cases the only problem I have with all of the various case (aluminum or Leather) is the extra bulk that they add to the device. I think a case like this is the sort of thing I would buy, but not the sort of thing that I would have on my PPC at all times - only when going "in harms way" so to speak.

aximcases

03-30-2004, 08:40 AM

Ok, all black cases are sold out, ETA of new shipment is April 5th. We do have plenty of silver cases in stock.

Let me know if you have any questions about the product.

Regards,
Slava
iPaqCases.com

David Johnston

03-30-2004, 09:08 AM

Now, where are those side controls...

You might have an old device. The newer 2210/2215's have a couple new switches on the sides:

http://www.johnsto.co.uk/i/new2210.jpg

Zensbikeshop

03-30-2004, 09:50 AM

Now, where are those side controls...

You might have an old device. The newer 2210/2215's have a couple new switches on the sides:

http://www.johnsto.co.uk/i/new2210.jpg

:rotfl: LOL :rotfl:

Jonathon Watkins

03-30-2004, 10:41 AM

Now, where are those side controls...

You might have an old device. The newer 2210/2215's have a couple new switches on the sides:

:jester: Excellent work there David! :jester:

fatboy_au

03-30-2004, 01:17 PM

Does anyone think the Checkout on this page looks a little doddgy? :oops: I don't really feel that confident putting my credit card details in a page which has a domain like that for its checkout without HTTPS, along with having no verification links to any of the various e-commence sites.

hollis_f

03-30-2004, 01:21 PM

Hmmm, judging by the lack of an answer to Pootp's question I think I can guess the answer to this -

Does the lip flip over 360º - like the Javo ClearCase (http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/productMtce/productDetail.do?state=init&productId=118&productRef=PCLR-81112-00&category=CLEAR_CASE)? Or does it stick out, making the whole thing twice as big as it needs to be?

If it folds over flat then I'm buying.

dcharles18

03-30-2004, 02:28 PM

Peorth

03-30-2004, 02:50 PM

Now, where are those side controls...

You might have an old device. The newer 2210/2215's have a couple new switches on the sides:

Awesome work David! I can't imagine what your pre-boot checklist must be like!

Anyway, I didn't opt for the Speedy Gonzolez shipping, so I'm sure someone else will get theirs before me. If not, I'll send in some better pics of how the lid opens/closes and what not.

For those wondering how far it opens, if you poke around on their site, you will find more pics [here] (http://www.ipaqcases.com/store/el2200b.htm) that show the lid open and the hinge location. So yes, it does jut out from the back of the device when it's fully opened. No other way to do it really, unless the lid had two hinges.. :| Still, to me it will be easier to hold than this side opening one I have now.

ludzh

03-30-2004, 03:29 PM

:? I really, really want one (being a girl, I'm all over the 'Rosiness' color). If you were an unemployed student (as I am), do you think your SO would think it's okay to buy? I mean, I really would like a new 'summer' case for my 2200. And, it's not like I'm out putting a new COACH purse or something of that ilk on a credit card, right? I'm going to figure out how to justify this purchase by noon- you can count on that!

Zensbikeshop

03-30-2004, 03:43 PM

Idahoski

03-30-2004, 03:53 PM

Over on Brighthand, I have been involved with but not leading getting an order directly from China for the last month ro so. It should be here shortly. Looking forward to the black model.
Andrew

iPAQFanatic

03-30-2004, 04:49 PM

Yes this is the case that I want. Does anybody know if the emblem on the front comes off? Is it glued or is it rivited on? It looks a little hokie to me.

And are you guys planning any sales soon? I'm a cheapskate.

Don't Panic!

03-30-2004, 07:05 PM

I'm getting the Silver one. Does anyone know if this is a smooth or brushed finish?

Don't Panic!
Bobby

aximcases

03-30-2004, 07:12 PM

Here are the answers to some of your questions:

The checkout that we use is secure (https) provided to us by Verisign and Verio. After you get to the screen where you need to input all your information you are on https page.

Now, about the flip cover, it opens up 270 degrees. Just like shown on this photo:

http://www.ipaqcases.com/store/detail/el22001b.jpg

Thank you,
Slava
iPaqCases.com

aximcases

03-30-2004, 07:21 PM

The aluminum is brushed, and will not leave fingerprints. The emblem is glued, I think. Sale? What sale?

More black aluminum cases are on the way....

JustinGTP

03-30-2004, 09:56 PM

Currently, we have http://www.aximcases.com and http://www.ipaqcases.com

That's all we have right now, not too sure if there is a wide variety for other models (like the XDAII for example)

-Justin

iPaqCases.com

Don't Panic!

03-30-2004, 10:15 PM

That was fast! Thanks ipacases, I should be getting it on Friday.

Don't Panic!
Bobby

JustinGTP

03-30-2004, 10:19 PM

Make sure not to panic now!

Don't Panic!

04-02-2004, 04:56 AM

and I'm not happy. The interior edges are not rounded enough for my taste. There is some felt on those edges that probably shouldn't be there. The stylus is hard to get at when the case is opened or closed, and opening the case is very hard for me. On the plus side it does look good and my PDA feels well protected when the case is closed, but it's just not practical for the way I use my 2215.

Don't Panic!
Bobby

Peorth

04-02-2004, 05:47 AM

Well, the case arrived today without any kind of chicanery. (You can relax fatboy_au)

I'm a bit tired, so I'll spare you all the tortures of my rambling and be brief:

Shipping/Packaging Packaged in a nice box with a fair amount of popcorn, so unlikely to be damaged in shipping.
Comes with a nice felt-ish drawstring bag. I have no idea why you'd use it, but it's a nice touch.
Arrived with no dents, dings, blemishes, etc...

Construction Texture is your basic sandblasted aluminum, so no surprises.
The lid opens easily as there is no catch holding it closed. The forward lip of the lid is tucked in fairly closely when closed, so while it is possible that it will get opened if there is sufficient room for that, it is unlikely.
The ends of the hinge just out just enough to give them a nice angle of attack on your desk, table, or any other unsuspecting gadget it gets jostled around with.
The inner lip of the lid, at the corners, has some sharpish angles that are just a tad too sharp. Absolutely not sharp enough to cut, but like the edge of a pointy key on your key ring, these edges could give your other pocket/backpack gadgets some new character marks.
The liner is very thin and evenly applied to all of the inner surfaces such that no metal actually touches the PDA. Feels a bit like felt or crushed velvet, so I wonder how long it will stay attached.
Because of the way the hinge is linked to the lid, a small amount of care should be taken when it is open as a unexpected drop or twist *might* bend the lid or the back plate of the case. Still, looks like it would not be any problem to straighten back out if that happened.

Use It is much lighter than the current generic metal case I was using. This is due to the metal being thinner, but I do not feel that this would be a problem, as it still seems quite strong enough for day to day abuse.
The 2215 fits the case perfectly. It's very snug and does not seem prone to working it's way out. There are even little dents poking out of the back that match the accessory points on the back of the iPaq chassis.
The lid closes and matches the edges of the case perfectly, such that all of the load from the lid rests on the 'wings' of the case. (You can see the crease in the lid liner from this in one of the pics I took)
The bottom most tip of the lid, when being closed, just almost touches the chrome area below the control pad of the iPaq. When the lid is fully closed, the metal bits of the rest of the case prevent it from touching anything. However, if you managed to bang this tip up some and bend it inward a smidge, you would definitely start scratching up that chrome area, so take note.

Good lord, so much for brevity...

Anyway, here are thumbs to the pics. Enjoy!

[edit] Ack, almost forgot to put in: I like it the case. :D

http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010003_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010003.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010004_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010004.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010005_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010005.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010006_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010006.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010007_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010007.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010008_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010008.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010009_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010009.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010010_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010010.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010011_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010011.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010012_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010012.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010013_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010013.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010014_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/M4010014.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010007_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010007.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010008_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010008.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010011_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010011.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010012_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010012.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010015_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010015.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010016_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010016.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010022_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010022.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010024_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010024.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010025_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010025.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010026_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010026.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010030_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010030.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010032_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010032.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010033_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010033.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010034_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010034.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010035_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010035.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010036_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010036.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010037_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010037.jpg)http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010038_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010038.jpg)
http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/p4010043_t.gif (http://www.pittance.net/PDA-case/P4010043.jpg)

Jonathon Watkins

04-02-2004, 11:20 AM

Very nice little review! Good job Peorth! :way to go:

iPAQFanatic

04-02-2004, 02:11 PM

good review. Thanks Peorth. :werenotworthy:

Peorth

04-03-2004, 05:12 AM

Thanks :D I always hate making the leap of faith when buying some new gadget, so any help I can give to others is time well spent to me.

Doug Raeburn

04-03-2004, 01:16 PM

Nice job! Although this almost makes my upcoming review of the case redundant. But I guess 2 different viewpoints will be useful. :)

Peorth

04-03-2004, 01:34 PM

Kevin Remhof

04-03-2004, 03:55 PM

Nice review Peorth. I hope you're considering applying to write reviews for the site. I think it would be right up your alley. If you haven't, see this thread (http://pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26355).

powder2000

04-03-2004, 05:14 PM

Just a question: What is the paint job like? How does it hold up? It doesn't really look like it would last.

Doug Raeburn

04-03-2004, 07:21 PM

Doug Raeburn

04-03-2004, 07:24 PM

Just a question: What is the paint job like? How does it hold up? It doesn't really look like it would last.

Well, I guess I can speak to this... I'm working on the images for my review. I had my camera connected to my PC, and I disconnected the USB cable when I was done. The cable had been slightly twisted and it flipped in such a way that the connector hit the case. Not really hard, mind you. And it did leave a little gack in the case.

I think it'll be OK for normal use, but be prepared for some nicks.

Doug Raeburn

04-03-2004, 07:25 PM

Ack, sorry Doug. :oops: I didn't realize you had a news piece in the works.

You're right though, two POV's will be good. Everything I wrote about the case was deduced from having had it out of the box for all of 30 minutes, so a more thoughtful review would be a good thing. :)

No problem... I'm certainly not going to discourage a member from posting opinions just because they might overlap with one of my reviews. The members are certainly better served by seeing your comments and extensive photographs now than waiting a couple of weeks for mine... especially those who are interested in getting one of these cases right away.

A thoughtful review... hmmm... that'll require that I change my normal approach, but I suppose I could give it a try... :wink:

dcharles18

04-04-2004, 07:18 PM

I've had mine for three days now, I got the silver. The metal is a bit on the flimsy side, nothing like my proporta aluminum case. The lid folds back enough that I can use my Symbol WiFi CF card with no problem. My biggest gripe is that the black 'felt' type stuff that lines the case is shedding. Not to the point that there are any barespots on the case mind you, but everytime I open the lid I have to wipe away a layer of black 'dust'. I don't think it's a horrible case, but it's not spectacular either. I think the design is innovative, and if someone like proporta were to pick up on it and make a better quality version it would be a great case. I'll be using it in the meantime, but I'm still anxiously waiting for PPCTechs flip cover.

Don't Panic!

04-05-2004, 04:20 PM

Jonathon Watkins

04-06-2004, 02:10 AM

Has everyone set my post to be ignored? I see all these posts about two points of view and it's like mine doesn't count or something? I wasn't making it up or anything. It doesn't work for me. isn't that a POV?

Bobby, just because people are not commenting on your post does not mean it is being ignored. It is good to get a variety of opinions in a thread like this. There are many lurkers who will never post to ask you a question, but who appreciate your input. Dcharles18 posted a slightly more negative view as well and all your views together can help to make up people's minds about this case, if it's right for them. :way to go:

Don't Panic!

04-06-2004, 03:04 PM

Thank you for the warm fuzzy Jonathon. :oops:

Don't Panic!
Bobby

aximcases

04-08-2004, 06:22 PM

We just received Black Energy Leaf cases. So, at this time everything is in stock including Silver, Black, Golden, and Rosiness.

http://www.ipaqcases.com/store/h22hot.htm

MyquiH

04-14-2004, 11:28 PM

I also picked up one of these. The review is spot-on, but here are some more negative addendums:

1) I ordered the silver case, and it looks pretty rough. It's basically silver metallic spray paint hastily applied to the black case. As such, there are little black fringes peeking out here and there. Looks very bleah. (The black one, I would guess, probably looks OK.)
2) The material being SO thin is both good and bad. As mentioned, my case is spray painted, and that combined with the very thin aluminum likely means my case will look vary beat-up in no time. :? But again, it's maybe a nice thing because the case is SUPER thin and adds almost nothing to the profile of your iPaq.
3) That plastic logo glued on the front is a bit much. I would've preferred some kind of stencilled-on logo. But hey, I'm nit picking now. :wink:

Anyway, I can't say I'd recommend this case, though maybe a black one could be a good choice?

Cheers,
Mike