Comments on: Palm Introduces New m500 Series Cases

As rumored, Palm has introduced several new cases for the m500 series, the most significant of which is the Hard Case that some have been waiting for since last spring. At this point, it appears to have been with the wait. It is an aluminum case with a very stylish look. The front cover, which opens to the side like a book, can swivel all the way around to the back. Inside is padding to protect the handheld and a rail to hold it in. There is also a slot to hold business cards. It even comes with its own matching stylus.It is available now for $40.
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About time...

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 7:53:34 AM #
It's about time.

I used the Rhinoskin and was dissatisfied with their products. For instance, I had the aluminum Rhinoskin for the Vx and the damn thing is sharp. I cut myself a couple of times because the clowns didn't sand the aluminum. I had to go to Home Depot and get fine sandpaper to try to smooth the razor sharp edges.
It's ridiculous.

Let's hope

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:15:38 AM #
Rhinoskin's reputation seems to be built solely on the Slider series of hardcases. Their other stuff is pure crap - some interesting ideas, but a glaring lack of attention to detail. Their belt clip cases are the two-piece variety, which is very popular. But getting the case onto and off of the clip is an exercise in frustration because of poor design. Their non-metal cases are notorious for leaving behind glue residue and other hard-to-identify gunk on your handheld. They should bundle a bottle of "Goo Gone" with each case.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:41:58 AM #
How about a little perspective. I have used my Rhino Aluminum hardcase for the Vx for two years now. At the time of its purchase, Palm's idea of a "hard case" meant plastic, not metal.

I appreciated Rhinoskin's craftsmanship the day I dropped my Vx in a cement fire stairwell. It fell down about 15 steps and was none the worse for wear.

THAT is the reason I bought the case.

Why don't the two of you wait until you can use the new Palm case... so you can rip on that one too.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 9:07:19 AM #
Waaaaa (sniffle) waaaaa.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 9:49:10 AM #
>>"Why don't the two of you wait until you can use the new Palm case... so you can rip on that one too."<<

Who's ripping whom/what here?

Those two posts refer to things other than durability. I think it's perfectly acceptable for you to like Rhinoskin's case because it's durable, but it's also acceptable for someone to dislike it because of detail issues. You're just pissed because they don't like the case that you own. Get over it.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:31:38 AM #
Yeah!

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 12:25:50 PM #
My Rhinoskin Alumimun molded is brand new. What sharp edges? Not on mine. Hope your not to badly wounded.

My boss has the Titanium case and it's way cool. I think I could drive my Ford Exploder over it, but I'd hate to hurt the tires.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 12:27:49 PM #
Let's just put it this way. RhinoSkin cases are THE premiere protection device for handhelds...PERIOD. Try dropping you case on concrete in almost any other case brand, and you'll soon be reminded why. Rhino Skin has made the hard cases longer and better than any of it's competitors, and still do!

Just because Palm cam release a case to fit their handhelds at the time of introduction on the market, doesn't mean they didn't just rip off a design from a GOOD companies long standing form design.

Take it from someone who knows!

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 12:33:35 PM #
Damb, some sensitive Rhinoskin'ers.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 1:55:27 PM #
I am amazed by those who prefer the old Palm Hardcase (for the Palm V) over the Rhinoskin molded case. The quality of the old Palm case is pure crap and that's me being objective. Hope the new one for the m500 series is at least all metal. I'm out.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 5:39:17 PM #
Some of you idiots must have permanent PMS.

Can't people have different opinions from you?
Obviously, half the people that frequent this board belong to the MY OPINION IS THE ONLY OPINION school of thought.

The original poster was making a comment about the sharp edges, which has been commented about by many reviewers. If you have callous-thick hands and like to rub your fingers on razor blades, then fine. But the original poster is entitled to his/her opinion.

You people who always cry about WHINERS are the true whiners. Your self-righteousness and smugness displays your little minds and thoughts. I bet most of these people are nasty racists as well.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 5:49:52 PM #
At least I'm not racist against idiots w/ permanent PMS.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 5:55:44 PM #
> At least I'm not racist against idiots w/ permanent PMS.

Are you a moron? What race does someone with PMS belong to? You are a brilliant example of edu-ma-cation.

Here's a lesson school boy: since women have PMS then you mean a misognyist. Go look that up in your super-duper multimedia encyclopedia... uber dictionary whatever.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:08:39 PM #
> What race does someone with PMS belong to?

The Inca. If you were educated, you would have known this. Moron.

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 11:35:08 AM #
Are you racist against Morons also?

RE: About time...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 11:35:50 AM #
Is it just me or does it seem like this I.M. Anonymous person has multiple personalities who are in conflict w/ each other?

RE: About time...
Sofia @ 1/24/2002 10:34:40 PM #
I just wanted to agree about Rhinoskin cases. I bought one and returned it right away. Although the size was nice and the fact it was aluminum, the edges were very sharp and the closing mechanism was really cheap/badly designed. Every time I tried to open the case, the sharp tab scraped my stylus. And it was hard to open and close because of the bad design. I loved the look, size, and protection of the metal, but it's a shame they didn't take time on the details.

Love my InnoPocket

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:05:13 AM #
I've been using the InnoPocket hardcase ($30) for about a month now and love it. It is increadibly light and slim. Only drawback is that it doesn't open 360 degrees. I'd like to see more photos of the Palm hardcase in this regard.

RE: Love my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:04:20 AM #
Innopocket's great, and it's less expensive than the Palm version (especially if you order from Brando!) and it comes in several colors. Way cool.

This new case though looks very Apple Powerbook/iPod, n'est pas? I like it!

RE: Love my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 12:20:34 PM #
I'll stick with my Rhinoskin. Titanium is bulletproff, and the finish is sweet.

RE: Love my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:01:18 PM #
I was ready to lay down the big bucks for a rhinoskin titanium case when I came accross an aluminum case for my Vx by Ibiz at CompUSA. It was $9.99. I couldn't pass it up. I've used it for several months and it works terrific, well protects the palm, and I could replace it 10 times for the price of a titanium case.

RE: Love my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 9:30:43 AM #
How much to replace your palm's screen when it's destroyed in your 9.99 case?

RE: Love my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 6:30:27 PM #
My $9.99 case is solid aluminum (no plastic), padded on the inside, and solidly closes. When shopping for a case, I looked at and handled at least a dozen cases costing $40 to $130 and this case is as solid and protective (and in some cases more so) than any I looked at (with the exception of the titanium cases). It includes a business card holder. I had the Palm "hard case" with my palm V previously and it was not nearly as solid as this $10 case. That Palm was crushed in a unique situation in that case. This case would probably have withstood that accident. I have dropped my palm Vx twice in the case from about 3-4 feet in height to solid floors with no problems and am confident it would survive much tougher falls.

Hate my InnoPocket
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 7:46:13 PM #
flimsy. paint chips off. yuck. sent it back.

Coach case

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:15:58 AM #
I own one of these cases, and it's great! You can usually get these from a Coach Factory Store for $60-$70. I got mine for around $70.

Grinder Gear

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:45:51 AM #
I've had my Grinder Gear Basecamp for several months now, and I've gotta say it was the best $50 (including shipping) I've spent on my Palm VIIx. I highly encourage people to buy this product. It is great!

Size?

timeknight @ 12/6/2001 9:30:41 AM #
Does anyone know the dimensions of the new Palm Hard Case?

RE: Size?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:32:06 AM #
I don't know.

no room for SD cards?!?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 9:44:51 AM #
There is no mention of a place to store SD/MMC cards. I can not imagine that, if it is there, that they would have failed to mention it.

Who was the genius that decided this? Screw the business cards, if I have to carry 3 or 4 SD cards around separately, this is not going to work for me.

Reason 2: That case looks like it would scratch up like a bastard. Have to buy a case to put the case in to keep it looking good.

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:18:46 AM #
Who cares what the case looks like? It's there to take the abuse so the expensive part (the PDA) doesn't.

Adding room to store SD cards would bulk up the case size which defeats the m50x's chief advantage - size.

I just want a case that protects my Palm so that I can wear it in my back pocket and sit down without worrying about it. If it's any thicker than my wallet (in the other back pocket) then forget it.


RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:20:55 AM #
The case looks good. I want some thing thinner than my leather one. As for get scratches, it is anodized aluminum, so it is very hard. The auto companies use anodized aluminum in automatic transmissions that last for a 100,000 miles, so I think a Palm case will be able to avoid scratches.
Just My 2 cents.

Speed

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
NoBackup @ 12/6/2001 10:28:07 AM #
What is hard-anodized?

Hard-Anodized is aluminum put through an electrochemical process. This changes the molecular structure of the surface, turning it into a dark gray color and making it hard, stain resistant and non-reactive.It gives all of the benefits of plain aluminum like ideal weight while eliminating the negatives of staining, scratching.

This how ever is only a SURFACE treatment so bending ect can still happen. It also looks nasty if scratched and can still due to contact with sweat oxidize....

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:33:16 AM #
Your back pocket????? You SIT on a palm?!?!? Yeah- good luck finding a case that you can SIT on without crushing your palm, and that isn't bigger than a wallet.

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 12:00:45 PM #
Maybe its a reflection of your stature...I sit on my in a soft case and it doesnt hurt it other than turn the thing on, which I see as one of the advantages of the hard case.

One annoying thing about storing the SD cards in the soft case is that they scratch up against the face of the Palm. Hopefully the hard case provides some additional protection.

One more thing, this comment area if full of WHINERS!

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 2:15:40 PM #
I sit on my Molded aluminum rhinoskin all the time. but im 160 lbs and i your weight is a factor or course.


i love my rhinoskin, ive had the Vx hardcase from palm before,,,i only like the size.

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 2:17:27 PM #
Yeah - my back pocket. I'm 6'3" - 225lbs. Wear jeans every day.

I carried a Palm V in Palm's hard plastic case for nearly two years. Went through two cases, but only one Palm. Passed it down to my assistant and it's still going strong.

Have carried a 505 w/ the stock leather flap in my back pocket since May. I usually take it out if I have to sit on the floor (say to hook up a computer). No damage yet, but I'll feel safer when I get a decent case. This new one from Palm looks great. Been thinking about the Kensington also. We'll see what the reviews say.

RE: no room for SD cards?!?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 3:20:16 PM #
there is a place for SD cards in the back where there is a "buisness card" plastic flap just like on the hard case from Franklin Covey

Kensington Hard Case
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/28/2001 7:20:16 PM #
I have the Kensington hard case for the 505 however am looking for a new hard case. This one uses a magnet as a close which doesn't work too well with credit cards. Also the finish on it wears off easily. Anyone interested in a used case?

am I the only one?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 10:56:34 AM #
I still use the old flip cover that comes with the palm. I personally think it is the most slim and useful one that fits in my pocket along with my m500! I love it, anyone here like me? Or am I THE ONLY ONE?!
PDANature - http://pdan.has.it - hourly refreshed pda news, discussions, review, commentarys, features, software update notices, and whatnot?

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:35:29 AM #
I use the flip cover on my CLie.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:36:54 AM #
I liked the cover that comes with the Palm until I dropped it one day and broke my Palm. Never again.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:39:58 AM #
I used it for about 3 days, but got sick of it pressing the hardware buttons and turning my palm on. Since I have the palm backlight patch installed, having the palm turn on when it's in my purse is a fairly massive drain on the batteries, since the backlight's automatically on when it happens. So, I got the (new and improved) "slim" (if by "slim" they mean "fat") case, which has bumpers to prevent the buttons from getting pressed. Still, if this hardcase turns out to have room for SD cards (how thin could that slot for business cards be, anyway? i bet i could cram an SD card or two in there) and if it's comfortable opened 360 degrees, i'm getting it,no question.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 3:00:06 PM #
Stay Off Hack may help. It may or may not work with OS 4. I'm sure there is something similar for the 500 series.

http://www.ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au/~dunc/palm/

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 5:00:44 PM #
re: stay off hack
that'd be nice, except it's the datebook and notepad buttons that are getting hit, not the up arrow button.
the flip cover has a tendency to slant a bit, so one corner either hits the notepad button (if slanting downward) or the datebook button (if slanting upward). but maybe i just got a crappy flip cover.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 6:51:25 PM #
I use it and love it - you're not alone - I think makes using the M505 so easy.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 8:20:38 PM #
I've used my leather flip cover in front pants pocket and shirt pocket since August....no problems at all.

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 12:46:27 AM #
stayoffhack 2.5 works for application buttons as well:

Check out palmgear, they need the business now...

RE: am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/23/2002 4:54:38 AM #
After looking for days for something to keep my m500 from switching on in my pocket in its slim leather case, I just found and installed stayoffhack 2.5 available at

http://makeashorterlink.com/?E2945237

It allows you to deactivate any and all of the application buttons and seems to be just the thing (together with X-Hack), except it's a Hack: now if Palm would just add this to its next OS (I'm not very lucky with Hacks) update...

Re: Other Hard Case Options

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/6/2001 11:26:07 PM #
the new hard case by palm looks nice... but as someone that isn't too happy with palm. and projecting my future pda buys from sony, handspring or someone other then palm. i would encourage fellow palm m500/505 owners to consider the new hard case by kensington. its got a nice feel and opens from the top.

i heard someone mention placing their palm in their backpocket. well i've tired this in my backpocket and i feel that it is secure and stable enough.

check it out at www.kensington.com

~later!

RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/9/2001 2:27:02 AM #
I'd like to ask a few questions about the Kensington case you mentioned.

Does this case open up more than the photos on Kensington's site show? How do you remove the stylus or gain access to the Ir port without removing the Palm from the case? Also, how secure does the Palm feel in the case and is it padded at all? From the photos, it looks like it would rattle around inside the case if there's no padding.

Sorry for the questions, but I've been unable to find a review of this case, Kensington's site is less than helpful when it comes to details, and I haven't received a reply to the message I sent them asking these same questions. Thanks for your help!

Dave

Kensington PDA Protector Review
Ed @ 12/9/2001 11:00:03 AM #
Funny, there's a review of the Kensington PDA Protector case right here on this site:
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2415

---
News Editor
RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/9/2001 1:40:13 PM #
Um... I knew that. My nose must look kind funny by now with all the stuff I've "lost" that was actually right under it. Thanks for the link!

Dave

RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/28/2001 7:26:45 PM #
I purchased the Kensington Hard case and can help to clarify some of the earlier questions. The top flips open to lay flat on a desk, but not to the back. The case is very sturdy and protective, but the finish is not very durable. With the magnetic closer, I have ruined a couple of gift cards magnetic strip, though was able to use them manually. Personally I'm in the market for another case.

RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 2:32:18 AM #
i have a kensington and the rubberized coating wears off at the corners in your pocket and the hinge on mine is loosening and soon to separate i'm sure... i'm in the market for a new case too.. and as for using no case... i've had a Vx die in my pocket from a glancing impact walking by furniture (yeah, it probably woulda hurt my leg without the palm) and i don't like all the dust and lint using just the flip-pad cover that comes with it

RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/28/2002 1:37:29 PM #
The Kensington was tested along with several other hardshell cases. The chief complaint seemed to be that many of them open upon impact. For further information see the following site:

http://www.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/reviews/accessories/hardcases.html

RE: Re: Other Hard Case Options
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/28/2002 1:49:20 PM #
There is also an extensive, albeit somewhat offbeat test of the Scribble Hardshell Case at the following website URL. You might appreciate this.

http://www.foxpop.ndirect.co.uk/eclectica/ScribblePalm03.htm

Nice case, looks like apple design

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 3:44:19 AM #
I really do like this case

But doesn't it look like something from Apple. JUst add the logo and it would so fit in with there current product line

Case with colors?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/8/2001 7:06:01 PM #
Any chance of a Patriotic Blue or Cranberry Red case coming out to match the LE Palms?

RE: Case with colors?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/17/2002 2:42:21 PM #
To match your PT cruiser?

Vx maybe fit in m500 hard case???

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/3/2002 3:05:31 PM #
Does anyone know if you could squeeze the Palm Vx into one of those classy new m500 hard cases?? They look soooo much better than the standard Vx cases.

wow

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 5:29:00 PM #
i'm hungry

Just got mine last week...

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/2/2002 6:22:16 PM #
... and it's great. The best feature is that the cover folds entirely away underneath the m505. Not to mention the heads it turns! Very cool!

m500 Series HARD Case

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2002 10:30:48 AM #
Anybody know where I can find a good real-world, hands-on review on this puppy?

THANKS

RE: m500 Series HARD Case
Ed @ 3/23/2002 12:53:21 PM #
Yes, right here:
www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=2879

---
News Editor
RE: m500 Series HARD Case
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2002 1:02:16 PM #
Thanks. Your "Google" search is net very good sometimes. I knew I saw this review but just could not find it.

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