New Case Option: Flexiskin For hw6500 Series

[Jon Westfall]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.boxwave.com/products/flexiskin/flexiskin-hp-ipaq-hw6500-series_608.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.boxwave.com/products/fle...-series_608.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"FlexiSkinT for HP iPAQ hw6500 Series is a soft, low-profile case that allows complete usability of your handheld while it's protected! It's durable, soft to the touch, and can stretch and flex to help cushion your iPod Video from bumps, hard knocks, and everyday wear and tear. Enhanced with our new SmoothTextureT , FlexiSkinT for HP iPAQ hw6500 Series is remarkably softer to the touch and reduces surface dust!"</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-20051222-flexi.jpg" /> <br /><br />Not exactly your regular case, the flexiskin from Boxwave looks pretty interesting. While it's soft and non-imposing, it claims to cushion your devices from iPAQs to iPods from damage. Anyone using one or interested?

[tendomentis]

When I bought my hw6515, that was the first accessory I ordered for it.

So here's my mini-review. Yes, it did seem to cushion the ppc decently, but the covering wasn't a tight fit in some places and had the "loose-condom" effect going on a lot. The flip cover for the LCD that comes with the ppc also didn't fit perfectly while I had the flexiskin on. It kept coming out of the little grooves it opens on (as it turns out, this was because the flexiskin kept pushing the fliptop up when I would open it).

The plus side, it was very easy to use the keyboard and hold the ppc at the same time with the flexiskin, but the stylus was a little hard to extract since the flexiskin didn't fit perfectly and kept trying to cover up the stylus silo. The flexiskin also does NOT protect the keyboard or joystick in the slightest.

Despite my good experiences with it, the bad outweighed the good. Now I'm using the Proporta Alu-Leather flip case for my handheld, and so far no complaints. It is still well padded against accidental bumps or knocks and the keyboard and screen are now both protected when it's in my pocket.

When the next generation of better fitted silicon coverings come out for the hw6500 series, I may take another look, but for now it still seems that the better made aluminum or leather cases may be the better way to go.

Just my $.02.

[kevhead]

I have been using this skin for 2 months now.

I found the some of the same issues as the above post. This skin fits the 6515 like a mitten - not a glove. Dont get me wrong, it fits, just not tight enough. The material is very thin and more often then not gets caught up on the flip screen cover.

Without the option to fit the OEM holster or after market holster, this case misses on to many points for me to stop looking for a replacement. If they made a belt clip - I wouldn't mind the other shortcomings.


The Good:
1. Protects against scratch's (Corners, sides, and back)
2. Doesn't affect usability of device.
3. Nice grip and feel

The Bad:
1. Doesnt protect front of device at all
2. fits to loosely
3. cut outs for buttons and other inputs are not well designed (Jagged edges)
4. Very thin, offers little to NO protection on a drop
5. Material collects dust - no matter what they say...
6. No belt clip or holster options
7. Price point should be around $19.95

Overall, this is not the best they could do. im sure we may see a better version in the future from them or other skin manufactures. Till then... this does seem to be the best skin for the hw6515.

Zcover.com makes some great cases for ipods and blackberries. Would love to see them work up a nice case for the 6515. Drop them a line...

[BoxWave]

Just a friendly tip and reminder:

The FlexiSkin for the HP iPAQ hw6500 Series has now been redesigned!
It now offers protection for the keyboard, which will also improve the fitment of the FlexiSkin.

The FlexiSkin is designed to protect against scratches, bumps, and hard knocks. If you want a tougher case that may protect your handheld from drops, the ActiveCase (http://www.boxwave.com/products/activecase/active-case-hp-ipaq-hw6500-series_608.htm) is one for you!

Cheers, ;)

Cho

[jem]

I've had one for my hx4700 for about a month now. For the most part, I like it. The drawbacks:
1 - the magnetic clasp of the plastic screen protector doesn't touch the metal case, so it doesn't hold closed
2 - the soft plastic of the case picks up link like crazy
3 - it won't fit in the docking station with the case on.

Otherwise, I feel comfortable that my iPaq will survive most falls it might take from my clumsy hands

[kevhead]

Redesigned? I will have to take a look... Hmmm I dont seem to see a redesigned case available yet. :(

Does it have a belt clip or holster is can fit?

[pocketpcadmirer]

My friend who has 6515 was looking for **xy case like this..guess what ?? I've found one for him(coz he's so fationable)

SUnny