Contact Info: Rhinoskin www.handheld-cases.com PalmInfoCenter.com Bottom Line: The Price:
The Cons:
PalmInfoCenter.com Ratings*:
*Maximum Rating is FIVE (5) InfoPalms |
Rhinoskin Aluminum Slider Cases Review By Ed Hardy 7/5/2001 Overview The Rhinoskin aluminum slider cases are designed to hold a handheld almost all the time. Their covers slide around to the back when open so the handheld can still be easily used without having to completely remove it from the case.
Aluminum Palm V/m500/m505 Slider It has an opening at the top for the infrared port so you can still beam without taking the Palm out of the case. There is also one on the side to remove the stylus. For the nitty gritty details, this case is 4.875 by 3.375 by 0.625 inches and weighs only 2.9 ounces. Inside is some neoprene padding to hold the Palm in place and give a measure of protection in case of accident. I'm not sure exactly how much protection this case would give if, for example, you dropped it down the stairs. But it's rigid frame certainly will protect your Palm if someone stepped or sat on it. As for appearance, both of these cases are rigidly functional. They are unadorned brushed aluminum rectangles without a curve to be found and just a small Rhinoskin logo on the front. If you like the simple look, you'll like them. Actually, my only complaint in reference to this case isn't really with the case at all. In order for my m505 to fit properly into it, the leather flip cover that came with it must be removed. This turned out to be a job about as tough as Hercules cleaning out the Augean stables. The damn cover was in there so tight I almost had to rip the thing apart in order to remove it. Before you buy one of these, I suggest you try removing your flip cover. If can't, you won't be able to use this hard case.
Aluminum Sony Clié Slider According to Rhinoskin, this case is only supposed to fit the S320. However, I was able to use it with the N710C I have on loan with only one problem. In order to be put into the case, the N710C needs to have its flip cover removed. Once this is off, a MemoryStick in its slot actually protrudes slightly above the top of the handheld. This means the padding inside the case pushes down on the MemoryStick constantly. To make a long story short, in order to put the N710C into this case, you have to take out the MemoryStick. There isn't a way to use the handheld and MemoryStick together inside the case. If you are just going to use this case occasionally, perhaps while travelling, this isn't any big deal. But for everyday use, this is a deal killer. I don't know whether to qualify this as a big drawback or not. This case isn't designed to be used the way I'm trying to use it so I probably shouldn't complain too much. Unfortunately, I don't have a Sony PEG-S320 to test it with so I can't tell you whether it will have the same issue with its MemoryStick. Because the clasp is on the top, it doesn't have an infrared slot. It does have one to allow access to the stylus. There is also an opening that allows use of the Jog Dial on the S320. On the N710C the Jog Dial is blocked but the earphones can be plugged in. For an extra $13, you can buy a add-on for these cases that will allow you to clip them onto your belt. I didn't get one of these so I can't comment on how secure it is.
Conclusion Both of these cases do have the same drawback that all hardcases do: they increase the size of the handheld you are carrying around. But if you take a look at the Palm Graveyard, you'll see that bad things happen to good Palms. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented by a good case. So perhaps for you the tradeoff is worth it. |
Article Comments
(29 comments)
The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.
Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.
RE: A few questions....
I went out to the Palm Store and didn't see a hard case listed for the m500 series. Could you post a URL for the case you are referring to? In any case, unless the cover of the one you have ordered can fold around the the back, odds are I'll recommend the Slider case.
---
News Editor
Palm Infocenter
RE: Any Other Hard Cases?
i am looking towards the molded cases... does anyone know or can recommend a case else where other then rhinoskin.com?
any help would be much appreciated.
~e
RE: A few questions....
I have one, don't you get one.
I think this case is strickly for those inclined to carry a purse, or who would keep it in thier backpack. (But then if thats where you keep your PDA, buy a pocketpc or something because, for my money, the reason why you buy a m505 is because you can keep it in your pocket.)
I would pay big bucks to get a molded palm made hardcase like I had for for my Vx. I really really miss my hardcase for the Vx. Almost enough to make me go back. (I got a guy in the office who won't buy a 500 series untill they start selling a decent hardcase for the 500.)
RE: I have one, don't you get one.
But if they bring out a moulded hardcase then I'll be near the front of the queue.
My only complaint is that I could never find a decent beltcase to carry it around, the Rhinoskin belt case was a bit naff and started looking tatty very quickly, also as it was the saem case as for the slider it was bit too big.
RE: I have one, don't you get one.
According to a rhinosking representative, the slider is the option for "desk - suitcase - purse" and the molded case is for pocket carring that's why I change to a slim leather when not using a backpack!!
RE: I have one, don't you get one.
m505 Molded Aluminum Hardshell Case
Had mine 12 hours
RE: Had mine 12 hours
PalmPix for m500
---
News Editor
Palm Infocenter
RE: PalmPix for m500
Solo
RE: PalmPix for m500
Solo
Rhodiana...
was disappointed by the slider case I purchased for my m505;
The fit was poor and it's much bulkier than my old molded case.
I ended up returning it the next day.
While I wait for Rhinoskin to produce a molded m505 case, I've
switched to the Rhodiana case; I've been using the Palm V
version as that was all that was available when I got my m505.
I see now that Rhodiana has added an m505 case to their website.
Ed, any chance of getting one of those in for a review? I'm curious
about the difference between the m505 and V versions.
Molded Hardshell Case for m505
Go to www.galenworldwide.com and check out their m505 molded solid aluminum hardshell case. It's the best on the market and comes in two colors (black and titanium).
Plus, if you mention you're a PIC member, they'll give you a 10% rebate on your order. They also carry other great gear for the Palm as well.
Molded Hardcase ETA
www.mobileplanet.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=3704&pf%5Fid=MP950270
ETA is listed as 7/13
RE: Molded Hardcase ETA
RE: Molded Hardcase ETA
RE: Molded Hardcase ETA
Zero-Halliburton?
RE: Zero-Halliburton?
Re: No REAL Hardcases For The m500 Series
i've emailed the folks who make the zero-halliburton, bodyglove (because i'd be interested to what they come up with in a case), rhinoskin, E&B, swiss, and a few others... and they all seem to have the same answer.
their current case selection doesn't fit and their researchers are working on it. my question is how much research do you need to do to just change the stylus rod to fit the new m500 series. geeze! and to top it off they give a date of mid-september for a release date.
SOMEONE.... PLEASE help me. i want... i need a nice meatal case to protect it. any suggestions?? of other sites to keep an eye on?
thanks
~e
RE: Re: No REAL Hardcases For The m500 Series
I for one would like for Rhinoskin and others to take their time AND DO IT RIGHT the first time.
RE: Re: No REAL Hardcases For The m500 Series
need one for my N710C
I haven't been able to find a nice case for it. No aluminum, titanium or anything close. Does any one knows about one and can point to their website...thanks.
Last comment: the cover that came with my color Clié is the worst and cheapest thing that Sony could do, it get loose and detachs most of the time.
CLIE 320
Latest Comments
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
- My comments -katana
A few questions....