Comments on: Review: Palm cases for the Tungsten T

Guest Reviewer, Steve Gingras brings us an entertaining review on his journey for a suitible case for the Palm Tungsten T. Steve tries out the three cases offered by Palm Inc in retail and online at the PalmStore and gives us his impressions on each.
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:-)

sgingras @ 4/11/2003 1:57:11 PM #
First!

;-)

RE: :-)
Lucky Bob @ 4/11/2003 2:03:01 PM #
How nice

(Why do some people say you can kill two birds with one stone when it's hard enough killing one bird with two stones?)
RE: :-)
TDS Computer @ 4/12/2003 1:37:53 AM #
Eighteenth!
(I feel special, now...)

I bought the leather flip case for my Treo 90, and after a few weeks of using it, it just felt to "Bulky" in my pocket. I went back to using the built in flip cover. That sure comes in handy!
I will hopefully be getting the Tunngsten C at the end of the month, and It sure would be nice to have the built in flip cover on it! I don't think it does, though...
Funny review, BTW...

Visit us at www.tdscomputer.com

RE: :-)
adamrichman @ 4/14/2003 4:33:05 PM #
Great reviews here as always, though i would liked to seen some more on the Innopocket solution, as it's my favorite :).

Also checkout this review of the 6 top cases for the TT. More pictures here of each case too.

http://www.foxpop.ndirect.co.uk/Palm/ttcases_01.htm

RE: :-)
sgingras @ 4/15/2003 12:03:16 AM #
Thanks for the comments. Look forward to a complete Innopocket review, which will include a detailed comparison of this case with the Palm hard case.

cheers,
Steve


Palm Scuba Sleeve Thingy

Louis Berk @ 4/11/2003 3:01:00 PM #
I completely agree with the review of the scuba case. I bought the Tungsten the day it was announced and was anxious from the get go to get a case. The only early option were the Palm cases and in fact I'd always been pleased with the Palm belt-clip case for my Pilot 500 which then worked quite well with my Palm IIIc. So, what they hey, I got the scuba sleeve. To describe it as dross is unfair to real dross which at least knows its place in the world as dross and not masquerading as something other than dross, which this case is. Not that I'd want to put you off, or anything. The flap does not really open far enough in my opinion to make it comfortable to use the Tungsten while in it. It is bulky. There is no belt clip. The flap does not even lock in place. There is no easy way to extend the palm, I'm forever getting thumb marks on my screen when pulling down the extension. I doubt this case was designed by Palm but whoever the subscontracted it to: you was robbed. The case is very solid but then the top and the bottom of the Tugsten are exposed. Am I complaining - yes. Did I do anything about it? Well, I'm such a wimp that I just put up with it - but as soon as I come across a case which I like then I'll unload this one into my rubbish bin.

RE: Palm Scuba Sleeve Thingy
posterboy @ 4/11/2003 10:41:49 PM #
I own a Palm Scuba Sleeve Case and I happen to love it! :) The inabillty to open the case 180 degrees might be a flaw, but the others listed (I totally disagree).

How to "easily" slide the slider when the T is attached on the case? You use your thumb, place it on the horizontal center, directly on top of the 5-way navigator and gently slide it down. Magic? Not!

Thumb marks all over the screen? Have you ever heard about screen protectors?! The screen protectors from Brando Workshop are smudge proof and washable (not disposable). http://shop.brando.com.hk/

Belt clip? Get a Body Glove PDA belt clip and attach it on your Sleeve case. Works for me! ;)

Got Palm? Don't keep it, flaunt it!

RE: Palm Scuba Sleeve Thingy
Louis Berk @ 4/12/2003 6:18:13 AM #
Posterboy, look, I agree - these things are very subjective and I'm sure it works for you - as you can tell by my opinions I'm not delighted with the case but on the other hand I've yet to be taken with any of the alternatives. I'll check out the Rhino case you recommend, thanks for the response.

Louis

Best Case . . . so far

nakolo @ 4/11/2003 4:10:34 PM #
I bought my T|T back on 10/28 and spent weeks trying to find a suitable case (I was using an EB case for my IIIc). I *really* wanted to check out the Palm hardcase (I like the fold-around feature found on the case for the m515), but they were nowhere to be found. After reading an article in The Gadgeteer (http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/comdex-2002-article.html), I checked the Rhinoskin website and ordered one like in the pictures. I was planning to give it a one week "test," but still absolutely love it! While it adds a little bulk to the T|T, it fits nicely in my pocket, protects from the accidental falls (less than four feet), and has access to all the controls (including the earphone jack). I don't use the belt-clip thingy (just too nerdy), and the "through the case" syncing leaves a lot to be desired, but the "over the top" flap enables one-handed operation and and with the snap closure, I don't have to worry about problems with my credit cards.

So . . . I went back to the Saunders/Rhinoskin site today . . . and they've replaced it with a side opening version! Why? Can't say, but the replacement looks *really* cheesy compared to mine. You can order a comparable one from Brando in Hong Kong (http://shop.brando.com.hk/detungstentcasef.php) -- just make sure to have it quarantined for SARS first (ooh, bad joke).

----------------
TT First Adopter, Purchased 10/29/2002
Palm III, IIIc, T|T

RE: Best Case . . . so far
Wollombi @ 4/11/2003 5:23:52 PM #
I looked at the RhinoSkin flip case, but opted for E&B's Slipper Tungsten instead, as I've owned other models of this case and have always been pleased. This time is no exception; I'm very happy with it. The only advantage I could see with the RhinoSkin case is that it offered a little more side protection than the Slipper. However, the Slipper is quite nice and offers adequate protection as long as I'm not mountain biking or anything, at which point I will buy a hard case for those "special occasions".

Additionally, E&B's new "Techlock" clip is about the sturdiest clip I've ever owned. I'm hard on belt clips, even breaking an Ultra clip at one time. I have yet to even strain this thing. It's great. The design makes the PDA secure on your belt while still being easy to remove when desired. When I first saw it I thought it was cheesy, but now I'm sold.

So if you're looking for a good flip/play though case that you *don't* have to quarantine (based in San Diego, CA), go with E&B.

_________________
Sean

It is not very comfortable to have the gift of being amused at one's own absurdity.
-Somerset Maugham-

RE: Best Case . . . so far
Wollombi @ 4/11/2003 5:29:57 PM #
I forgot to mentiong that it is a syncable case. You can place the PDA in the cradle with still in the case.

_________________
Sean

It is not very comfortable to have the gift of being amused at one's own absurdity.
-Somerset Maugham-

RE: Best Case . . . so far
Ben S @ 4/14/2003 10:17:14 AM #
I like the old RhinoSkin leather case too (I posted a few pictures on Brighthand if you care to search for them) -- my favorite "feature" is that you can flip the cover back and use it in a "tripod" mode -- coupled with an autoscrolling book reader (like PalmReader), it's very handy.

It is a bit bulky so I've ordered a Palm hard case (based mostly on this review) for use this summer -- we'll see how it goes. Maybe one of my cases will end up on eBay! :)

Great review

NR_Alien @ 4/11/2003 4:48:18 PM #
What a great read/review! Very entertaining. Had me lol a number of times. PIC should post more reviews like this.

RE: Great review
Altema @ 4/11/2003 8:16:20 PM #
Agreed, this one is a keeper. Informative and entertaining. Well done Stephen!

RE: Great review
niolonra @ 4/12/2003 8:39:06 PM #
I too loved the review. The only thing I would add is that in my experience the hard case from Palm has two additional flaws:
1) the memory card storage slots in the flip lid require you to store the card with the metal connectors facing out, and you almost can't help but touch them when you slide a card out
2) the open top means that when you drop the Tungsten into your backpack or jacket pocket upside down, when it lands the memory card or stylus can be pressed and pop out. It's only happened a few times, but it's a few times more than I like.

OTHEr than that, I am very satisfied with its durability, access to the voice memo button (remapped to play OGG files) and headphone jack
Richard

RE: Great review
Ling @ 4/12/2003 10:24:30 PM #
A really funny and comprehensive review! :)

I own the Tungsten T Hard Case and am am concerned abt the inadeqancy of the memory storage card slots. As rightly pointed out, the metal connectors are pointing facing out. Would that spoil my memory cards esp. with frequent usage?

RE: Great review
peitron @ 4/13/2003 12:27:27 AM #
Kudos! Great Job!

________________________________________
"Why should I care about posterity? What's posterity ever done for me?" - Groucho Marx

Rating icons?

alanh @ 4/11/2003 4:57:15 PM #
Is it just me, or is it almost impossible to tell the difference between a full and a half icon for the ratings? I have pretty good vision, and there's just not enough contrast.... It's even worse when I try to read the review on my T|T instead of my CRT.

-alan
RE: Rating icons?
sgingras @ 4/11/2003 5:21:41 PM #
No...it's not just you. I struggled with these myself and I wrote the darned thing. ;-)

If you are using IE, you can hover your cursor over the icon and the actual rating number will show up. Perhaps PIC will change the icons at some point to provide better contrast. I'll pass your comments on to Ryan. Thanks.


cheers,
Steve


RE: Rating icons?
abosco @ 4/11/2003 6:01:04 PM #
Actually, I suggested this myself a few weeks ago. I agree, it's hard to make see.

Wow, I just had an epiphany. I very well may be the laziest person in America.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
Members: abosco and ImpReza M3
Now accepting new applications

RE: Rating icons?
abosco @ 4/11/2003 6:04:50 PM #
And I just proved it with my text editing skills on that second sentence.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
Members: abosco and ImpReza M3
Now accepting new applications

The case I have!

Gage @ 4/11/2003 5:17:09 PM #
I strongly suggest getting what I have, and that is the Slipper tungsten case!

http://www.ebcases.com/StoreFront.bok

It's just COOL.... I use the one that has a belt clip!

The E&B slipper case
robman @ 4/11/2003 8:47:37 PM #
I've got the slipper, (but I made the mistake of buying the one with the belt clip, and I'm not a belt clip guy). It's WAAAAAY better than any of the cases Palm offers.

The E&B case does have problems though. One, while the buttons on the front of the Palm can't be turned on accidentally while the case is closed, the POWER button on the top and the voice memo button on the side can be easily turn the Palm on accidentally. I also often find my SD card half ejected (which really scares me, because it could potentially fall out unnoticed.)

Two, out of the box you can't really open your Tungsten T without sort of half pulling it out of the case. This is easily fixed with a piece of double sided mounting tape (a well documented and effective solution) but E&B still ought to include a piece of the tape in the box.

Three, the case almost completely hides the indicator LED on the front of the Palm. So, you can't see the silent alarms, and when you put your Palm in the cradle you have to crane your neck around to the side to see if you seated it properly and the charging light is on. I'm expecting this problem to become more
frustrating when I upgrade to OS 5.xxx that actually turns the light off when the Palm is fully charged.

Four, the case primarly exists for screen protection, not shock absorbtion. The left and right side of the Palm are almost completly exposed, and the leather covering the bottom and back is thin and flush with the Tungsten's body. If you're looking for a case that would protect your Tungsten on even a few inches drop to a concrete floor, this case would only save you on the front side. This means that for rugged use it's not much better than the included plastic Tungsten doohickey we all love to hate.

Five, it's $35.00 plus shipping. I think we're paying for fine leather with these products (finer still in Vaja-land) and I personally could not care less. It's not worth $35.00, but it's the best case in it's price class, if that makes any sense.

Hope that helps.


Palm Researcher at the University of Texas at Austin
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/petrosino/pda

I'll miss my slide connector

palmgator @ 4/11/2003 9:04:43 PM #
In a classic palm engineering screw up I think they totally missed the boat when they got rid of the slide connector on either side, as in the V series.

this is a piece of design mastery, a slick way to place your stylus in either side and a way to solidly connect a slim case without any extra gizmos (mine even stays in my hard case every day when I drop it! . what the heck were they thinking, give me a 5.2 os V series pleaaase!

the only two things keeping from a tungsten are 1. inadequate cse selection and 2. Im waiting for them to ship with graffiti 2


Training sales and real estate professionals on effective palm use!

RE: I'll miss my slide connector
ggeoffre @ 4/12/2003 9:39:46 PM #
I will agree that I did enjoy the slide connector of my Palm V, and I really liked the Palm Hard Case for my Palm V that used this slide connector (as well as the Franklin binder clip). But one design opportunity would have been not to use plastic on the inside rim of the slide connector. I had the top edge chip off making the locking mechanism useless. I would have to say that the stress on the edged of the plastic rim of the slide connector may warrant some re-engineering from my point of view.

I am happy to see Palm continue the innovation and try out the side clasps of the T|T that the cases seem to all be utilizing. My T|T snaps right into my Scuba Sleeve Case. I would hate to have to go to a velcro based solution.

RE: I'll miss my slide connector
JBonds007 @ 4/13/2003 7:27:44 AM #
I have to admit, I miss the quality of the better hard cases offered for the Palm V series compared to the TT cases. I fell in love with the alumninum Palm Vx Hard case (and I'm talking about the original shiny aluminum hard case and not the cheaper aluminum cases now being offered for the V series). However, as much as the slide connector was effective in keeping my Vx connected to the case, it was a pain to remove the Vx from the case for syncing. I now use the Palm hard case which is a breeze to remove the TT for syncing. Prior to my purchase of the TT Palm hard case, I did inquire with RhinoSkin whether they had plans for a hard case for the TT, but the salesperson was either unaware of future product offerings (this was in Nov. 02) or could not discuss about their case. I probably would have waited for the RhinoSkin TT hard case, but given its restrictions agaisnt allowiing extention of the TT while headphones are connected to the audio jack, I probably would have sold the case by now anyway. I also appreciate the dual SD card slot of the Palm hard case. I'll probably end up buying the Covertec case given its ability to sync while covered and better quality of leather finish compared to other leather cases.

Just a few other comments about my TT hard case...first, I wish it had the softer neoprene padding of my Vx RhinoSkin hard case, second, I agree with the others about the stupidity of having to insert the SD cards with the metal tabs exposed. This design flaw also doesn't allow you to see the cover of the SD cards in the event you want to label them or if you use different memory size cards or brands of SD cards to differentiate the data content. Third, I wish the Palm hard case had a locking clasp to prevent the cover from opening on its own (a la RhinoSkin hard case). Lastly, because I needed the ability to carry my TT on my belt (which the Palm hard case doesn't have an option to provide), I ended up buying a $10 Targus black nylon case with a velcro belt loop at my local Fry's to slide my TT with the hard case into. This Targus case has worked well as an added shock absorber on at least one occassion when my Palm flew out of my hands while exiting a co-worker's van (as I got bumped by another person) and also protects the hard case against further scratches. I know this is overkill to use the Targus case as a cover for my hard case, but its been very helpful for accomodating my need to be able to carry my TT on my belt. As I mention above, I'll probably buy the Covertec case since it provides a quality finish and allows easy syncing while in the case.

Tungsten Cases

NAHuber @ 4/11/2003 9:06:05 PM #
I own all 3 of the Palm branded cases (leather, hard and scuba)Ok, I am a case junkie. I really liked the hardcase the best too..at least initially. However, after several months of use, the 2 ribs just above the card slots on the front cover left wear marks on the front of my Tungsten.

I switched back to the scuba case for a few weeks..and even being a lefty found it to be not too bad. The cover opens more as you use it. I am currently using the leather case, but would really like to get a flip up leather case (ala Slipper, Vaja) but have been disapponted with the quality of the Slipper case..seems kind of unfinished. I have been totally mystified by the attitude of Vaja and their funky marketing techniques..like what is the difference between the 54, 85 and 100 dollar cases..other than the fact that the 54 dollar cases are "sold out" and I can't get the leather combination I want in the more expensive cases (so what makes it custom???? and worth the extra $$$))

Well..I guess I will continue to wait!!!!

RE: Tungsten Cases
peitron @ 4/12/2003 2:52:58 PM #
I totally agree. I own both the Palm hardcase and leather case. I HATE the wear marks that the hard case leaves on the Palm. Makes it look dirty. I do, however, think that the hardcase is the best Palm branded case out there. The leather case is sleek and I love that I can recharge without removing the TT, but it's kind of afeminate and I just hate that I can't plug my headphones in when it's closed.

Has anyone tried the Convertec TT case yet? It looks like it's the best of all possible worlds, you can recharge without removing the PDA and listen to MP3 when it's closed. (http://www.mobileplanet.com/private/covertec/Default.asp)

_______________________________________________
"Why should I care about posterity? What's posterity ever done for me?" - Groucho Marx

RE: Tungsten Cases
sgingras @ 4/12/2003 9:28:35 PM #
The Covertec case does look very nice. I am attempting to get access to one for a forthoming review.

cheers,
Steve

RE: Tungsten Cases
bringer @ 4/14/2003 1:42:39 PM #
I dont' know if you guys are pressing the cover harder into the Palm while it's in your pocket or something because I've had the hard case for a couple of months now and I don't see any marks on my Palm. Just looking at it, it doesn't look these ridges even touch the Palm normally (unless I press down on the case at that point).

RE: Tungsten Cases
ptc @ 4/14/2003 2:25:00 PM #
Palm hard-case marks on my Tungsten are very subtle - and not permanent. Just dirt smudges. If I take a damp cloth to it, they disappear...

_________
Paul C.

Sena Tungsten Case

SuperUser @ 4/12/2003 2:47:16 AM #
Sena Tungsten case also looks cool :
http://www.senacases.com/tungstent

tim

Palm Slim Leather Case

tsinvest @ 4/12/2003 2:10:04 PM #
I bought this case and must say I like it quite fine. I would consider myself somewhat particular and waited a while before I bought a case, but this one seemed to have the least annoying features of all. It also has storage space for 2 cards. You can hotsync with the palm in it (which was a big consideration of mine) and the palm comes out easily if you wish to change over to the original plastic cover for occasional suit pocket use. All in all I would rate this one higher than the review.

Regards, Tom S.

The Best Case...

informationrules @ 4/13/2003 5:22:24 AM #
The best case for the leather friends is the one made by covertec. I guess it is not widely spread in the USA because it is made in France. But i can asure you that this is by far the best leather case that i have seen for the T|T. It uses the clip mechanism that also the original plastic cover uses.
When it comes to ultimate protection i use the InnoPocket alu case, which is just great...

RE: The Best Case...
scopes @ 4/13/2003 10:13:31 AM #
I agree, I first thought the Covertec looked best also.
I am personnally looking for the best leather flip case I can find, but have none as of yet.
If you look closely though, you'll see that since there is no slot by the universal connector, you must sync only after extending the slide-out portion of the Tungsten. I try to slide out as little as possible and when walking in to work in the morning do not want to use two hands to slide out and fasten to cradle when sitting down to my desk. I also liked the idea of using the side slots for attachment, but if you tinker with your clear supplied cover you'd see it is actually quite loose, which would be magnified in a case of this sort.
I am seriously considering the Vaja, EB Slipper and Sena cases, price no object, but want the best leather, smallest size, easiest use flip case.
I might use a belt clip occasionally, but will not get a permanent belt clip, since it would be in the way most times.
Any suggestions ?
RE: The Best Case...
scopes @ 4/13/2003 10:20:02 AM #
I've also decided that the extra latching strap that takes an extra step to latch is, not in my best interest, even though more secure. I would prefer the simple flap with magnet.
RE: The Best Case...
informationrules @ 4/13/2003 11:25:19 AM #
i hot sync via a usb cable, so it fits into the palm even in the covertec or the innopocket case. i ordered a bluetooth adapter for my pc, so hopefully soon i will sync without any cable...

RE: The Best Case...
peitron @ 4/14/2003 4:55:49 PM #
Bluetooth syncs are useful, but USB is still much faster. I wouldn't throw out the craddle when you get your adapter.

A good solid, but at the same time slim, case that allows you to sync with the craddle without removing the Palm is still my utopia.

_____________________________________________
"Why should I care about posterity? What's posterity ever done for me?" - Groucho Marx

Palm-branded TT cases and SD cards

Navamske @ 4/13/2003 3:13:45 PM #
I tried the Slim Leather Case and found I couldn't remove the SD cards from their slots unless I carried a tweezer with me.

I tried the Aluminum case and was appalled to see that the default way to place the SD cards in their slots is with the front side facing in. This makes it rather difficult to tell which card is which. Also, the SD cards are easier to remove from the Aluminum case, but sometimes they remove themselves -- I've found them at the bottom of my backpack.

I've settled on the Vaja i-Vod case.

Anyone in the market for a slightly used Slim Leather Case and/or a slightly used Aluminum case?

I don't understnad the adulation for the hard case

ckrupsha @ 4/13/2003 3:26:42 PM #
I have purchased the palm branded hard case on the basis of this review, and I have to say that although the review is probably spot-on in regards to the other cases -- the hard case is inadequate at rugged environment protection. My previous hard case is the palm branded model for the m500 series. That thing could take a bullet.

First off, if you drop the TT in the case, I GUARANTEE that the TT will jump out of the case after the first bounce. Not a Big deal on carpet or maybe wood surfaces, but how about asphalt and concrete? Furthermore, the case has no substantial method of staying closed -- anything pressing against the joint will push it open. This case also uses a significantly thinner gauge aluminum than the m500 palm hard case. As a result, the shell is quite flexible.

I work as a plant manager in a manufacturing setting, and have concerns that this case will live up to the reptuation of its older brother. Don't get me wrong, this case is decently designed for what it is. But what it is NOT, is $40 worth of accident protection for your TT -- based upon Palm's own prior hard case achievements. I'd say the value is more around $25. and good protection from average -- but not serious abuse.

RE: I don't understnad the adulation for the hard case
ankers @ 4/14/2003 2:44:32 AM #
I am two months into a relationship with a Tungsten T and a Palm hard shell case. I choose the hard case because I wanted better protection than my previous Vx/leather combination. So far it's OK but I will buy a leather case when I find the "right" one.

Plus points:
- I can extend the Palm when in the case, tricky at first but easy once I got the knack
- I can even close the case with the Palm extended which is useful when jumping on/off a train in the morning
- the SD storage slots (but ...)

Negative:
- the way the SD slots hold the cards with their contacts out
- must remove from case to recharge, sync, etc
- I miss a pocket for a couple of business cards, etc in the case
- the cheap apperance/feel of the case (if it was cheap I wouldn't mind)

Dave

RE: I don't understnad the adulation for the hard case
Ben S @ 4/14/2003 10:22:13 AM #
I can't speak for the Tungsten case (yet), but I don't share your views of the m500 hard case: mine would pop open at the drop of a hat, and so far has done every time I've dropped it.

So far the only case I've ever owned that I think *could* stop a bullet is the RhinoSkin Titanium case I had for my IIIx. It weighs almost as much as my Tungsten, but if I really want my PDA to be protected from *anything* I know it will be if I put it in there. The Tungsten fits the case with room to spare: if I had some extra neoprene, I could make the fit perfect for those "high risk" situations :-)

RE: I don't understnad the adulation for the hard case
peitron @ 4/14/2003 10:22:26 AM #
I agree in so much that my M515 hard case was much stronger. I dented it a couple of times dropping it on the ground and the PDA didn't even scratch. That case would not open if dropped. I bought the hard case for the TT expecting similar protection. While it's a good case, I would love it if at least had some sort of lock.

______________________________________________
"Why should I care about posterity? What's posterity ever done for me?" - Groucho Marx

Palm Cases

javylsu @ 4/13/2003 11:44:48 PM #
Two comments - I've owned all three cases and have a couple of concerns to alert potential buyers about.

Palm Hard Case - It is impossible to extend the slider when in the case. However, this was not the deal-breaker for me. The thing I ABLOLUTELY could not live with is the fact that if the Tungsten is dropped from more that five inches, the Tungsten will fly out of the case. Try it for your self and see, although I wouldn't recommend it. VERY UNACCEPTALBLE. I don't know about you, but I don't want my TT flying ANYWHERE.

Scuba case - Great case, except for the fact that is an absolute DUST MAGNET. Not a big deal, but to irritating to keep nonetheless.

Slim Leather Case - This is the case I kept. It has a very secure fit, and is actually USABLE while in the case. For those of you who want access to the earphone while still in the case, attach the TT upside-down. This will let you close the case and still listen to your MP3's.

RE: Palm Cases
sgingras @ 4/14/2003 12:56:51 PM #
While I'll admit that case reviews and opinions are subjective, I cannot agree that the only flaw with the Scuba case is that it is a dust magnet and that the Palm hard case is "impossible to extend the slider when in the case." The hard case has a cut out on the rear that allows one to grip both the front and rear faces of the top section simultaneously to extend the TT. The scuba lacks any such cut out. I find extending the hard case to be a breeze and extending the scuba to be a major hassle. Oh well, different strokes. :-)

I agree, however, that the hard case is not designed to protect the TT to withstand significant drops. Frankly, the only case that I have ever used that allowed me to literally toss my Palm without fear (which I used to do to harass my Pocket PC friends) is the referenced Rubber Bumper model from Fellowes. Of course, case size tends to grow with protection level and that case was rather large. The hard case really just provides decent protection while floating around in a backpack, briefcase, or purse. I am not tempted to toss my TT across the room while it is in this case. I am still waiting for such a portable and bullet proof case to hit the market. Of course, I would also like it to have a built in espresso machine and widescreen HDTV. ;-)

Thanks for the comments.

cheers,
Steve


RE: Palm Cases
bringer @ 4/14/2003 1:48:51 PM #
What do you mean when you say "It is impossible to extend the slider when in the case." with the hard case? It's very easy to open it. There is even a little cutout at the back to allow you to do this. Just put your thumb on the "Palm" symbol on the top of the TT, put your index finger on the back (where the cutout is) and pull up. Could not be any easier.

RE: Palm Cases
ptc @ 4/14/2003 2:33:14 PM #
Yep - you DEFINITELY can open the slider while in the hard-case. I do it all the time...

_________
Paul C.

Scuba Case vs Aluminum Case

PalmPowered @ 4/13/2003 11:42:00 PM #
The review of these three cases was very well written and apparently very thoroughly researched. However, I must disagree with the reviewer's assessment of the scuba case. My reason for needing a case was simple...unlike previous units I have owned (IIIxe, Vx, m5x series)the lack of external silos on the Tungsten make it a very slippery unit. I have never dropped a single unit until this one and I have lost a grip on it three times since I bought it! The aluminum case was my first choice. It wasn't long however before I found the major flaw in it's design, that being the spring loaded bottom/rear clip connectors. Push the power button to turn on the unit while in the case and you disengage the unit from the locking clamps on the back. This happend numerous times and the unit fell out when this would happen. I finally ordered the scuba case from Palm and I have used it ever since. You can always get a grip on this unit while in the rubberized scuba case and it stays in the unit until you remove. The lid does open as the reviewer stated but you can bend it back further and it will "get used to it" after a few times and stay out of the way. Those in my department love the scuba case and I have ordered several since then. My advice...give this case a second try. If you have slippery fingers and have dropped your expensive Tungsten, you will appreciate the grippy feel of it. The aluminum case is just as slippery as the handheld and doesn't secure the unit enough. I would strongly reconsider!


Great review

bringer @ 4/14/2003 1:51:49 PM #
I really like the review. Very complete and amusing.
I also ran to the store to buy a case right after buying my TT and using that absolutely useless item they ship as a cover. Being Canadian, I don't have as many options in buying cases here. I can buy them online but usually when you add exchange, duty, taxes and shipping, even a great deal ends up being 2 to 3 times more expensive than just buying something here.
So I went to a local store and looked at the options and I first chose the leather case because the hard case looked more bulky. I used the leather case for about a month and while I thought that it looked really nice and the business card slots were useful (although I found that I could only put a few cards in there without them pressing on my screen), the fact that the case kept hitting my hard buttons and turning the Palm on was a deal breaker for me. I tried software solutions but none worked as well as I'd liked. The final straw was when I went on a business trip. I took my Palm (at about 85% charge) and put it into my pants pocket as usual and went to the customer's office. I did a training all morning, never looking at my Palm and then went to lunch with a couple of people there. When I got back to the office, I took the Palm out of my pocket to find the message that I should put my Palm in the cradle immediately. It was down to under 10% charge. I had, of course, left my travel charger in the hotel. Luckily, there was somebody in the office who had an M130 and I was able to use their cradle to juice up my Palm.
When I got back home, I immediately went back to the store and purchased the hard case. I have been using it for a couple of months now and I really like it a lot. It looks much nicer than the leather case (people even comment on how cool it looks), it allows me access to the voice memo button and best of all, it does not touch the hard buttons. I agree, that the storeage for the SD cards was designed strangely by putting the cards in with the contacts in front. I think they probably did it so that frequent removals of the cards wouldn't damage the contacts. It's not that big a deal for me because I can easily tell which card is which.
Although it may not be the most secure case, I think it's definitely the best solution for me.

Bob

Functionality for Lefties

neilski @ 4/15/2003 3:11:47 PM #
Steve's comments on the perceived difficulties a left handed person might have when using any of the three reviewed Palm cases were appreciated, however, as a southpaw power user of a Handspring Visor coupled with a Body Glove zippered case, I have a different experience. Until I read Steve's article, I hadn't payed much attention to the ergomomical advantage/disadvantage of where my handheld rested in its case. I too have tried positioning my Visor upside down so as to have the device positioned on the left side of the case. Seems logical enough. However, I quickly realized that placing it in it's originally intended position creates a highly useful place to rest one's left hand when using the stylus. Especially helpful when using graffiti for long winded, run on sentenced memos (like this one). Leftys rejoice! Side opening cases are one of the few products designed for the right handed majority that have a real and practical benefit for us leftys. RIGHT ON!

Rhinoskin Case

Stratman25 @ 4/16/2003 10:29:36 AM #
I have the Rhinoskin aluminum case for my TT and generaly like it. However, the reviewer was right to point out that you can't slide the unit with headphones plugged in. I may have to get a hacksaw to fix the problem myself. I wish, though, that Rhinoskin would develop a titanium version of this and not just be a reseller of whoever manufactured the case. They used to be very innovative. Now, sice they've been acquired by Saunders (who?), I feel they aren't being very responsive to the marketplace--and they've probably lost a good bit of marketshare as well.

Unmentioned...

FIC83146 @ 4/24/2003 1:18:03 PM #
The incase "Moya Deluxe" bag is the perfect case for all Palm users. The bag itself has multiple compartments and little accoutrements that provide a high level of convenience and security. Besides, for memebers of the urban digerati, this case provides a level of fashion that will make Prada- and Gucci- wearers inquiring where you got yours.

ergonomics of cover on L or R side, or top

Sven92260 @ 8/4/2003 1:33:29 AM #
My only case has been a Kensington flip aluminum case for a Visor. It is great in these ways: total coverage (I know that's a downside for some); strength of protection (saved my Visor once); smooth; and flips open very easy for immediate access. One of my favorite things about using a PDA is the near instant-on, which helps to keep thought-to-note as transparent as possible. That is one of my top goals in PDAs and cases, and is why I'm leaning toward the Palm Zire 71 vs. the Tungsten T2 (because the T2 requires another manuever, opening it). But back to the topic. I find the flip top action of the case I have good, because I grip the case and there is nothing in the way on the left or the right. When I tried both the aluminum and scuba cases (for the T2), the cover opening on the left felt like it was getting in the way of my grip of the unit, i.e., if I got a good grip on it, I was pushing the case closed. Then there is is the cover-on-the right unit, which I was not able to try, but thought it might interfere a bit with writing with the pen. For people who have used cases that have covers flipping to the L or R, does gripping the case/PDA feel a bit awkward, or does it become second-nature after use? thanks

Beware the hard case

timbo_e @ 8/28/2003 2:51:59 PM #
Yeah, the Palm hard case holds the tungsten t in alright. So much so that I just bent the slider trying to remove the pda from the case. Fortunately, I just bought it yesterday, so it's still under warranty.
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