Sena Case for the Toshiba e830… Looking Even Better in Leather. [Archive]

Phillip Dyson

04-05-2006, 05:00 PM

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case Logo.JPG" /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case Toshiba e830.JPG" /> Product Category: PDA Case Manufacturer: <a href="http://www.senacases.com/cart/home.php?cat=290">Sena Cases</a> Where to Buy: <a href="http://www.senacases.com/cart/home.php?cat=290">Sena Cases</a> Price: $44.99 USD System Requirements: Sena makes leather cases for devices of all shapes and sizes, from PDAs to iPods. The case featured in this review is built specifically for the Toshiba 800 series. Pros:<li>Classy design; <li>Quality leather; <li>Device fits in its cradle without removing case; <li>Comes with that new leather smell; <li>Minimal added bulk.Cons:<ul><li>Cover flap not flush with the bottom of the case.</ul>Summary: Sena has been providing quality leather cases for portable devices for years. They have built a reputation that places them on a short list of high quality, premium cases. This is the second time that I turned to Sena Cases for my PDA protection needs. The first time I was looking to fit a brand new HP Ipaq 2215 nearly a year ago. I was very impressed with the product then, so when I decided to upgrade to a VGA device, I again turned to Sena. Was Sena able to meet my towering expectations once again? The answer may surprise you. Read on for the full review!<!> <PAGEBREAK> Overview Once again Sena has provided a product that provides both an attractive appearance and solid protection for your valuable electronics. In a world where high-tech still carries a geeky stigma, Sena gives both style and class. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case Out of the box.JPG" /> Figure 1: Out of the Box. The case was delivered in a red box and pouch. I immediately felt like I made a quality purchase. Briefly my mind wandered to my girlfriend and how her Coach purses came packaged the same way. It was apparent to me that Sena took similar pride in the products that they made. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case Left side.JPG" /> Figure 2: Left Side. The cutouts on the left side of the case were fairly accurate, allowing access to the Voice Note button, Jog Wheel, Hardware lock and IR port. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case right side.JPG" /> Figure 3: Right Side. The right side also allowed access to the soft reset button. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case bottom.JPG" /> Figure 4: The Bottom. The bottom material is significantly thinner than the rest of the case giving it a flimsy appearance. This, however, is the price for being able to set the PDA into the cradle without removing the case, so I can live with it. <PAGEBREAK> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case bottom edge.JPG" /> Figure 5: Bottom Edge. The one thing that disappointed me about this case was the fact that the flap did not lay flush with the PDA. I always have a bit of anxiety about some object slipping underneath the flap and damaging my screen. Only the presence of my screen protector serves to provide me with a bit of comfort. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case inside front.JPG" /> Figure 6: Inside Front. The inside of the case gives you access to the 4 standard hardware buttons and the D-Pad. While I found the case to be a tight fit, I did, on occasion, encounter a little interference when I need to touch the screen somewhere along the edges. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case inside flap.JPG" /> Figure 7: Inside Flap. The Inside flap provides a total of 5 insert pockets, including 2 for SD cards and one that runs the whole length of the flap. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Dyson_Sena Case in the cradle.JPG" /> Figure 8: In the Cradle. The most convenient attribute of the Sena case is the ability to sync my PDA without removing the case. I did have to move the cradle’s back support to its second position, but it fit perfectly. Conclusions The Sena Case for the Toshiba 800 series is a quality product that provides both style and function. The design is very accurate providing unobstructed access to all of the devices controls. While there is some bulk added to an already large device, it is kept to a minimum. The downside to the case is that the flap is not flush to the PDA. I've been using the this case for well over a year now and can honestly say that it has held together wonderfully. No frayed edges. No unravelling seams. Overall I'd say that its well worth the $44.99. Phillip is a Software Engineering Team Lead for a well known auto insurance company. When he's not dedicating his soul to the company store, he enjoys music, Sci-fi/Fantasy novels, and of course... Gadgets. And yes, there will be gadgets!