A Case of Cases

[Darius Wey]

Today, we look at protective cases for Pocket PCs. There are a few different styles out there - plastic, metal, leather, silicone and so on, yet amongst all those, which one appeals to you the most? Weigh in with your vote, and perhaps a few words if you have the time. :-)

[SteveHoward999]

Wow - looks like I got the first vote in :-)


I like leather - smart, smells good. Goes with anything. Natural material - no nasty plastic or energy-sapping metal alloy ...

[OSUKid7]

I also went for leather, but the biggest thing I want in a case is for the device to still fit in the cradle when it's in the case. These days, not many cases support that -- none of my cases do.

[Rod3]

I like leather, too, especially if it fits well. The only case I've ever found to fit the cradle is the Sena, which is what I have on my Axim X50V. It's a beautiful, close-fitting case, and I never have to take it out because I can sync through it.

[welmoed]

The case I use depends on which purse I'm carrying. If I've got my "utility purse" then I have a zippered fabric case I bought for five bucks on sale somewhere. If I've got a smaller purse, I slip my 2215 into a fabric sleeve lined with velvet. I make these myself and have a number of them in interesting fabric scraps from my collection.

--Welmoed

[TMann]

I buy leather flip cases (usually Sena) for all of my PDA's. Book style cases are more difficult to hold, IMO.

As a second case, however, I also will buy a metal case for those times when I need maximum protection for my PDA.

TMann

[Phillip Dyson]

I chose leather because both of my current cases are leather.
Sena (with out belt clip attachment)
Belagio (with belt clip attachment)

I like the Sena the best because I can fit the PDA in the cradle and still have the case closed. It also has a smaller profile.

I subsequently bought the Belagio because I like the wrap around snap that keeps the case closed. Unfortunately the case is thicker and the ver snap prevents me from keeping the case closed while in the cradle.

I have been thinking about finding a case that is even more form fitting. Searching for a silicon case for my e830 has yielded no results though.

[stevelam]

Leather pah.. what you need is magnesium alloys!!!

[tut00]

I chose metal, because of protective purposes. But if Vaja made a case for my device, I would definetly get another one of those. I just love there leather cases. They are by far the best ones I have found.

But at almost $100 bucks each, and the fact that I change PDAs way to often, I have gone with a Rhino Skin case. Just love the protection it gives my PDA.

[Camp]

Naked. No screen protectors. No case. I bought the Jam because it was small and I don't want to add unecessary weight and thickness to it with a case. I also don't like looking through the screen protectors, it dulls everything and the screen is not as crisp and clear. I like the way the Jam's aluminum-ish casing feels when it is cold or at room temperature.

[duncanhbrown]

I have a nice leather case for my iPAQ 4150. It's slim and fits my pocket comfortably. But if you aren't careful, it's possible to exert enough pressure on it to crack your screen (which I did). :cry:

Moral of the story: be gentle with your Pocket PC and don't count on a leather case for 100% protection. I'm a little extra aware of it now as I jump in and out of cars, etc.

[wocket]

I went for metal as i've got two. And boy do they show up the dings and scratches. There is quite a large dent on the case for my iPAQ2210 god knows how it got there.

The Tosh E800 lives in Toshiba's own leather walltet ever since I got the extended battery for it.

The Axim x50v still is in Dell's pouch until I can get a decient case for it that can hold the extended battery as well.

Supplies of other pretty cases are very few over here either that or i'm looking in the wrong places.

I've got too many pocket pc's. :roll:

[caubeck]

All this is very slightly erotic.

I was into leather, now it's clear plastic.

It's hard to beat a form of protection that allows you to use the device without actually opening it, and it's more form-fitting than my leather case. It looks and feels almost like the PDA is naked, and I'd probably think twice about buying a new PDA if there are no clear cases available for it.



Go Go gadget ARMs

[tigerhunter]

I carry two cases: My iPaq 4700 in a Rhino Skin magnesium case, with a strap attached for secured handling, AND I carry the encased ipaq in a balistic nylon ipaq case attached to my belt. The best combination ever, I believe.

[Sven Johannsen]

I like leather .... Natural material - no nasty plastic or energy-sapping metal alloy ...
Just have to kill things for their skin :wink: Sorry, I'm a leather guy too. Just struck me as amusing that metal and plastic, which the PPC itself is made of, cause you issues.

[n1ck]

Leather normally - but a plastic Aquapac (with room for the GPS CF) when sailing

[saznpins]

Leather for me :D And most leather is a by-product... they're killing those critters anyway so why not use everything?

I'm currently using a Bellagio for my SX66 but have used Vaja, Piel Frama, EB and others in the past. I did try an aluminum case on my Ipaq 2210 last year and didn't like it at all. It was back to the leather in just a couple of days.

[rhelwig]

I'm currently using leather, but would rather not.

Flip cases are better IMHO than book cases. Who needs book cases anymore with e-books anyway? :lol:

The main thing is it needs a place for my government mandated ID card, as well as other cards that are actually useful. That way it can replace a wallet. Nothing like putting all your eggs in one basket!

[foebea]

I am surprised at all the leather responses :)

I had always assumed that everyone in the world owned a rhinoskin, everyone I know has one. some have 2!

The second one I cut the lid off and riveted the case to the arm of a suction cup mount for the car. ya know, gps. Im not putting velcro on the back of my ppc :lol:

The case (as mentioned before) really shows how usefull it is when you see the marks on it. Easy to take out of the case if needed, and is not loose, no bouncing around at all.

Also it adds maybe 3mm to the dimensions of the case, nothing to worry about for me.

rhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhinorhino!
Rah rah rah!
0X

[SofaTater]

I used a leather case for my old HP iPaq 1910 and liked it a lot. When I got my new Dell Axim x50, I switched to an aluminum RhinoSkin case -- mainly because I got a great deal from Dell.

I like the extra protection of the metal case, but sometimes I miss the "classier" look of leather flip cases. If good quality leather cases weren't so darned expensive, maybe I'd have both...

[foebea]

I like the extra protection of the metal case, but sometimes I miss the "classier" look of leather flip cases. If good quality leather cases weren't so darned expensive, maybe I'd have both...

hmmm... i know the rhino for x50v has black plastic trimming in areas. maybe you could find a .. um.. leatherworker i guess. in your area and see if they can modify the case for you. metal case with leather bits in all the right places. could be good.

[PDANEWBIE]

I picked other because I actually have a small handheld camera bag (straps to the belt) as my PPC holder. This allows me to bring my PPC with all my desirred essentials in one package (CF Wifi card, Extra SD cards, Microkeyboard, and even my gaming controller. Also on top of that I solved my problem for finding a case that fits with my extended life battery.

I think I may get back int my leatherworking so I can design my own case for my next PDA but for now I'll stick with this.

[Jason Lee]

I use the Brando WorkShop O2xda IIs Leather Hard Case for my sx66.
http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwxdaIIsleatherhardcase.php

It has to be the most functional, best thought out case I have ever owned. The coolest part is that i can use the phone with the case closed! :)

Though i was just looking at the bellagio vertical pouch case. Something like that would be nice too.
http://www.bellagiodesigns.com/showcategory3.php/70

I had a rhino skin metal case for my 2215 and would really like one for my sx66 but am afraid that it would hurt my signal strength. Some people i talk to say it does others say it doesn't... :roll:
http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwmetalcase_details.php?i=25

I also had a clear plastic case for my 2215. I really liked that too. Wouldn't mind one of those for my sx66 either. :)

I don't think i like that whole silicon case thing.. I'd have to see one to make final judgement. :)

So over all i like leather cases. I splurged for a vaja back in my ipaq 3800 days.. very nice case.. very expensive.

I like to have multiple cases for different situations.

[griph]

Today, we look at protective cases for Pocket PCs. There are a few different styles out there - plastic, metal, leather, silicone and so on, yet amongst all those, which one appeals to you the most? Weigh in with your vote, and perhaps a few words if you have the time. :-)

Other (Please Specify) - That Would be Vaja iVolution - IF they made one for the MDA Compact! :evil: I have had iVo's for all my previous PPC's - and despite the cost they are second to none (even have one for my iPod). So Vaja - if you are listening - get on with a Jam version!!!!!!

[CTSLICK]

The exterior of my Rhinoskin Ti is a testament to the reasons I use a metal case for my X5

[i_spock]

I've had quite a few different cases for my PDA's over the years but I keep going back to Vaja leather cases. I've tried silicone, aluminum, clear plastic, nylon fabric, a bunch of other leather brands and probably a few other kinds that I can't think of right now. :)

Silicone- attracts lint and too stretchy to put on a belt clip. Aluminum- great protection but too slippery. Plastic- looks cool but not much protection and again too slippery. Also they scratch up like crazy and pieces tend to fall off and the joints come apart easily. Nylon- tend to fray and get fuzzies with use.

Leather is my favorite because it feels good to the touch, looks nice, offers good protection, and isn't slippery.

[dochall]

If vaja did an ivolution for the 4700 I would buy it like a shot unfortunately they seem to have abandoned those kind of cases for PDAs altogether and really seem to be concentrating on MP3 players.

I have a magnesium case atm. It's not ideal by any stretch of the imagination. It's scratched to heck with peeling paint (which I don't mind) and the catch is pretty useless (which I do). It does, however, have the excellent feature of being able to fold the cover back all the way so it sits flush with the back of the case and stays there. Which I find excellcent for using the ipaq in the case.

[ctmagnus]

Vaja iVolution all the way! :rock on dude!:

I also have a titanium that I stick in my hip pocket when out with the dog.

And five others, all for the same unit... And I am unable to get rid of any of them as they are all supremely useful in their own ways... :worried: :helpme:

[Don't Panic!]

I like the leather fliptops. They're so Star Trek... 0X

[Jonathon Watkins]

I like leather, too, especially if it fits well. The only case I've ever found to fit the cradle is the Sena, which is what I have on my Axim X50V. It's a beautiful, close-fitting case, and I never have to take it out because I can sync through it.

That's also why I got my leather Sena case. :)

(Thought I do lean toward Don't Panic!s reason as well) :wink:

[TopDog]

I usually carry my PDA bare in a soft pocket (always make sure it's alone in the pocket), but when I don't have a pocket, like in the summer time, I use my metal jacket.

[jwquinlan]

Metal gives great protection, but, being made of an aluminum, its hinges get loose and bent and it requires regular adjustment. Still, with so much invested in the PPC, solid protiection is worth the trouble.

[k1darkknight]

I said "Other" for one simple reason - I don't care so much what my case is made OF, as long as it offers decent protection from a casual drop (from 3-4 feet or so), and actually protects the CORNERS. I currently have a Piel-Frama leather case (w/extended battery) for my Axim X50v, and I find that it protects the corners FAR better than ANY other leather case I've seen yet. I had debated getting a metal case (as most sources tell me they offer better shock protection), but I HATE the fact that they virtually ALL open from the side, rather than flipping open, hinged at the top like most leather cases. (I had a Rhinoskin aluminum case for my iPAQ h2215, and that bugged the $h!t outta me!)
True, it'd be nice to be able to put it in the cradle without removing it from the case, but as soon as I find a good sync/charger cable, that won't be a concern at all. (Any help with that would be appreciated, as there seems to be a ton of confusion in various boards as to what works & what doesn't, with the X50v's...) All in all, though, I'm VERY satisfied with my current case. It has space for 2 SD cards, 3 credit (/debit/library/blockbuster) cards, and even a little pocket for business cards. My only gripe is that, in order to accomodate the larger battery, there is a significant gap between the back of my Axim and the case, above the battery. I know there's not much that could be done, due to the design of the extended battery, but this gap can cause the leather to scoot around a little. Not a big issue, though, as I rarely use the buttons on the side, and even with the little bit of slack, they managed to cut the holes for those buttons big enough that they're still almost always usable. Between the overall design, and the quality of the leather and stitching, I can't imagine anyone being dissatisfied with ANY case Piel-Frama makes. VERY highly recommended, in my book!

K1DarkKnight, aka 'case conniseur' (sorta)

[flyashi]

True, it'd be nice to be able to put it in the cradle without removing it from the case, but as soon as I find a good sync/charger cable, that won't be a concern at all. (Any help with that would be appreciated, as there seems to be a ton of confusion in various boards as to what works & what doesn't, with the X50v's...)

I have an X30. I've tried three different cases: the one it comes with is a "slide-in" case, leather, i think, but if it drops on the top, the PDA would slide out and hit the antenna (the x30 has a stick-out BT/WiFi antenna). I also got a leather case with hard plastic insert that the PDA slides into, again from the top, and the leather cover would fold from the side. That was better, except again, from a 3-4 foot drop, the PDA would slide out and hit the antenna. I then got a rhinoskin case. That thing is pretty good - holes for the side buttons, scroll wheel, power connector, and (most important) the reset button :wink: ! The only problem is.. the antenna is ENTIRELY EXPOSED!!! I mean WTF guys.. you can't add an extra half inch on the back that folds up? That's all it takes... but NOOO... you WANT me to ruin my wireless? OK, whatever. I'm going to look into the case that k1darkknight recommends.

Regarding the cable, I got a 3rd party car charger for it, so my PDA doesn't lose power when using it for GPS. The system I got was actually a USB cable for the PDA, and a 12v to USB unit. So I can sync the PDA and charge it... from any PC! Wherever I go, I just plug it in for a bit and charge the battery! I froogled for mine. Got it for about $11 or so.

- flyashi

[asuspocketpcw]

I'm more into function of the case than material. I want one that lets me carry my PC sideways and close on my belt, and allows me to slide the PC in and out of it with one hand. Also must allow headphones to be plugged in. The factory ASUS case does all of this (material is a leather/nylon combo with soft liner) but I wish it also had a pocket for headphone and extra SD/CF card.

[Kadegboye]

I choose the leather case which is what I have ever used with my pocket PCs. They are classic, easy to handle and do not give any problems. The leather case that came with my XDA II remains its house. If I eventually decide to buy the HTC Universal, I probably will not use a case as the screen would have been protected by the clamshell design.
Kay.

[Kermit]

For my money...it's still Bellagio Designs.

I've had 4 different models so far and still LOVE my Bellagio. 8O

[k1darkknight]

Another point:
Why can't someone come out with STURDIER BELT CLIPS????

[ctmagnus]

The belt clip on my Vaja iVolution case is plenty sturdy ;)