RhinoSkin Releases m500 Series Molded Hardcase

Posted By: Ed Wednesday, September 19, 2001 8:08:06 AM

RhinoSkin has released a new molded hardcase for the Palm m500 series. It is made of anodized aluminum with a scratch-resistant finish. It has a Neoprene lining for protection during drops. The case also has a rail that slides into the left channel on the Palm and an infrared port. It is available now from RhinoSkin for $50 and will be in stores by mid-October.

It is 4.7 by 3.3 by 0.6 inches and weighs about 2.5 oz. The m505, the largest of the m500 series, is 4.5 by 3.1 by 0.5 inches, so the case is just slightly bigger on all sides.

Later this fall a Titanium version of the RhinoSkin case for the Palm m500 and m505 will be available exclusively on RhinoSkin's website for $100.

Rhinoskin has also released a chrome m500 and m505 stylus that has a hexagonal-shaped top and a low-profile black tip. It comes with a free tip repair warranty. It is available now for $17.

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RhinoSkin Hardcase - variations, build and price

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 8:58:39 AM #

At last the next hardcase emerges! And that in metal! I don't know why Palm doesn't follow through on this stuff. Very discouraging. I've yet to even just see their new Series m5xx case, much less be able to buy it somewhere...
At least RhinoSkin now makes a payable version for those who don't need a tank in their pockets.
Hopefully they will have read various reviews (on the other models) people have written and will not let us cut ourselves on their jagged edges and have faulty inner neporene...as in older models.
Good move on RhinoSkin's part. Just hope it is as good and functional as it looks. Hoping for a review!

Ta4N,
Cornelis Steinitz
Switzerland

RE: RhinoSkin Hardcase - variations, build and price

pdajunkie @ 9/19/2001 9:30:55 AM #

I had the Vx version and loved it. This completes my transition to the M505 and the "Universal" connector. Yipee!

Great case!

Jeff G

RE: RhinoSkin Hardcase - variations, build and price

PFloyd @ 9/19/2001 11:37:04 PM #

I had the Vx version too and although I was crazy about it and it did a super job of protecting the unit it did damage the stylus slot to the point that nothing but the case would work in the slot. When I sold the Vx I included the case with the unit and the guy who bought it was ok with that.

No place to put SD Cards

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 9:22:59 AM #

Too bad it doesn't have slots to put SD cards into.

Stylus PDA Panache?

Wilson @ 9/19/2001 9:40:13 AM #

I have looked at the pics of the stylus and they sure do resemble (a lot!!) the PDA Panache stylus, rubber grommet, hex head and all!

Any idea if this *is* the PDA Panache or not?

Glad this is finally here, looking forward to the Ti version.

and I second the comment that I had hoped for a small pocket for SD cards.

Dwayne Wilson

Already have 2 hard cases

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 10:20:03 AM #

I bought the aluminum slider case they made and it totaly unusable for putting in you pocket.

I got the scribblepda.com case that is plastic and it is really good and VERY VERY protective but kinda too big.

Maybe I am going to have to buy a third and try out the Al or Ti because it looks like the right balance of protection and size for me. (Kind of like the hard case for the V that palm makes) As I am pretty satisfied with my scribble case I will wait untill I see a head to head comparison or wait untill a friend buys one so I can compare myself.

By the way, I was hassling Palm to make the V case for the m50X and they said that it was not even in their plans for the time being. This was about 2 months ago so that may have changed but I doubt it.

RE: Already have 2 hard cases

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 1:04:54 AM #

Nope, Actually "Already have 3 hard cases"

Another one is came from franklin covey - franklincovey.com

SK-
Webmaster Thai Palm Users' Group
www.TPUG.org

Looks Like they Ran Out

DAK @ 9/19/2001 11:18:29 AM #

Just ordered the hardcase. It was backordered. No ship date yet.

RE: Looks Like they Ran Out

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 1:34:23 PM #

Please send a phone# at which you can be reached and we will call you to place an order. I assure you that we have them in stock.

jmmathews@rhinoskin.com

RE: Looks Like they Ran Out

DAK @ 9/19/2001 8:10:03 PM #

I've sent you an email with my order information.

The order was accepted, however it states that it is backordered. Could it be because I ordered the bundle with the stylus?

I am looking forward to receiving the hardcase, just was hoping I had beat any of the rush for orders.

RE: Looks Like they Ran Out

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 9:16:49 AM #

I just ordered one online, and it was shipped the same day, with the stylus bundle.

RhinoSkin Vs. FrankinCovey

timeknight @ 9/19/2001 11:22:17 AM #

Does anyone know how this case campairs to the FranklinCovey Metal Case?
The FC case is 5" x 4" x 0.7".
The RS case is 4.7" x 3.3" X 0.6"

So it seams alot smaller

Also will you be able to HotSync without taking it out of the case?

RE: RhinoSkin Vs. FrankinCovey

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 12:18:14 PM #

i'm able to hotsync my vx by opening the case all the way and sliding it onto the cradle. . . no problem. . . i'd assume the same can be said for the new case.

RE: RhinoSkin Vs. FrankinCovey

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 12:25:16 PM #

I have the scribble pda case and what I did to hot sync without taking the case off is I put the cradle on top of the box my business cards came in. I open the case up like it were wings and just slide it in like normal and the case hangs down alongside the box using the extra height.

You will have to do the same thing with any of these other hard cases I imagine.

RE: RhinoSkin Vs. FrankinCovey

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 2:34:27 PM #

I just ordered the hardcase with free beltclip pouch.
i hope its as smooth as the Vx palm hardcase . im glad it has neoprene but i hope its nicely made. Ive been waiting for this for a looong time. hope i wont be disappointed

about hotsyncing with it. What i did b4 was elevate the cradle with lets say a book and placed the left side on the edge. so wht u do is open both sides of the case then backflip cover shouldnot now not reach the table.

Justin

RE: RhinoSkin Vs. FrankinCovey

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 6:09:30 PM #

I should have the Franklin Covey tomorrow and the Rhinoskin sometime early next week (I ordered the FC when I thought RhinoSkin was never going to come out with this). So, I'll post to tell the actual differences between them.

Palm m500 Series Hardcase

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 8:27:33 AM #

Does anyone have a release date for the m500 series Palm hardcase (the one similar to that of the Vx series)?

Has anyone if Palm will even release one?

Review: I love it.

aviduser @ 9/20/2001 12:36:22 PM #

I have been waiting for this case to come out. I have the aluminum molded hardcase for my Palm V & have loved it. The m500 series case is even better, with tighter hinges, a different latching configuration and a good fit when closed. There is a cut-out in the foam rubber for the up/down buttons, as this was a problem with the V case. Also included are adapters to make the silo pin thicker for use with Palm V. The closure flap is on the inside instead of the outside, so there are no protrusions to catch on clothing, etc, in your pocket, briefcase, etc.

I think its a bit more expensive than the Palm V case, but the improvements in overall quality are worth it. And, answering one user's concerns, all edges are nice and smooth. This is a great case for what it is: slim profile, hard case (real solid protection) in an attractive (and distinctive) package.

Good Job Rhinoskin!

--Avid User.

RE: Review: I love it.

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/21/2001 12:40:24 PM #

Can you give comments on the neoprene lining? i saw a Vx molded aluminum at compusa and neoprene had greyish scratch.. is it durable neoprene that doesnt get scratched easily? does it squeek when you close or open it?

and also. did you get the free clippack? what do you think aboutit?

RE: Review: I love it.

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/22/2001 12:30:56 AM #

I just received the new m500 hardcase. I also previously had the Vx model and loved it.

The m500 case is better designed than the Vx mainly due to the tighter hinges, and the closure being on the inside.

Yes the IR port is available when the case is open, and you can hotsynch without removing the case.

It is slightly thicker than the Vx version, and slightly wider, but not much.

My only concern is the same that was mentioned earlier - the Vx version ended up enlarging the Palm's silo, so that nothing stays in it except the Rhinoskin. I'm expecting the same problem because the m500 case's rail fitting is also VERY tight. Maybe the Palm's silo is stronger on the m500...

Nice case ...

My review/comment on the rhinoskin

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2001 10:13:12 AM #

I just received rhinoskin m505 hardcase. a bit upset why they had to include the Vx with it. i mean Vx already has a lot of accessories. i had to run candle on the silo so that itll slide easily in the case. I wish they placed an anti-slip rubber at the bottom back so that it wont slip on tables and wont make a metallic Spat! whenever you forget to carefully and slowly place on the table. and also.. space inside is really enough for them to place a slot for SD cards,but they didnt, and its causing it to shake inside the case (youll hear it when youre walking).

the hindge egde is sharp too..but can easily be polished. i like the way it locks tho. i might buy chamelion stylus for Vx since it has enough space for it inside and wont fall out. i settled the m505 in the center of the case so that it wont have much impact when it falls vertically. i have no prob with additional high on top..but they couldve really made it flatter (or thicker neoprene)

i think this case is worth $30 and not $50. if it hadnt for the "Free" clipack it would have really been a total ripoff. but im pretty much secure with my m505 now. just wished it didnt cost that much considering that people who have bought this already have bought the first batch of cases (palms slim leather case). total value of my palm is now $700, other people my be more.

I'm probably 70% satisfied with this comparing to the 30% on the slim leather case i used to have.

For those who already have the innopocket, can you make more reviews and maybe comparison for it?

Graphite

RE: My review/comment on the rhinoskin

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2001 10:49:57 AM #

I don't like the Innopocket case as well as the Rhino. It "feels" so much cheaper; thinner guage aluminum. It appears to be a cheap knock-off. I always loved my Palm Vx case, no problems whatsoever. I ended up sending back the Innopocket case and have ordered the Rhinoskin case for my Palm 505. There simply is no comparison; well worth the extra $20.00 to protect your device properly.

RE: My review/comment on the rhinoskin

aleclee @ 9/25/2001 8:56:57 PM #

My 505 is safely tucked away in its Rhinoskin molded case. All is well--except the battery's dead! Upon further examination, the are button-shaped indentations on the neoprene liner. The memopad button gets pushed when the case is closed so my Palm never turned off. Disappointing but easily remedied.