Hard Case for Sony N Series Coming Soon

Posted By: Ed Friday, December 7, 2001 10:14:55 AM

DS International will soon be offering a Pocket Armor hard case for the Sony N series Clié. It features a very unusual design that protects the handheld while still allowing the user to access the Memory Stick slot, the Jog Wheel, stylus, and even the HotSync port without removing the handheld from the case. The cover open to the right, rather than to the left as on most cases. This leaves room on the left for openings in the case for the Jog Wheel and Back button. The company is taking preorders now. It will begin shipping December 15 for $30.

The case is 3.62 by 5.01 by 0.96 inches when closed and weighs 2.75 ounces. It comes in either Gold, Titanium, Silver, and Black colors. Despite the names, all of these are made of aluminum.

The Clié is held in place with two clips on the top and one on the bottom.

DS International also offers a version for the Palm m500 series, Palm V series, and Handspring Visor that also cost $30 and will be available December 15. Unlike the Clié version, these are similar to other cases already on the market.

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Hey, what about the N760c?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 10:35:29 AM #
There's an opening for the jog wheel, but what about the music? How about an opening for the headphone/remote jack to go with it?

Peng Lord

RE: Hey, what about the N760c?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 10:38:27 AM #
http://www.dsi-usa.com/faq.htm#3

Q.
I have a Sony Clie, can I use the head phones while the case is closed?

A. Yes, Pocket Armor is designed in such a way that all the functions on the Sony Clie are useable with the case closed.

RE: Hey, what about the N760c?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 10:38:53 AM #
I think it's there. Check out the pic:

http://www.dsi-usa.com/images/pda/case/sony/left.jpg

Cheers,
Andrew

RE: Hey, what about the N760c?
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 5:53:20 PM #
Guess that's what I get for taking the article as my only source of information.

-Peng Lord

Sony T415

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 11:18:33 AM #
Ed,

When will Part II of the Sony T415 review be posted?

Eagerly awaiting...

RE: Sony T415
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 2:52:44 PM #
yeh, I really want this unit, but i am waiting for your seccond half of your review (and a price of 250) before i buy it.

please include lots of detailed information on the screen.

thnx

Hot Sync

scouter075 @ 12/7/2001 11:25:09 AM #
One thing I'm not clear on from their web site...For the M505 model case, can you hotsync in the cradel when a M505 is still in the case?

scouter075@mindspring.com

Finally!

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 11:48:42 AM #
Finally! I was wondering if a hard case was ever going to be made for the N-760C. The lack of a hard case was what was keeping me from upgrading from my Palm Vx with a Rhinoskin molded case because I'm afraid of breaking the Clie when I sit down (I prefer to keep it in my back pocket ;) ).

I hope

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 1:39:50 PM #
I hope this isnt a piece of crap. It seems awfully cheap in price.

RE: I hope
Ed @ 12/7/2001 1:50:44 PM #
$30 is an introductory price. It is going up to $40 on December 15, if that makes you feel any better.

---
News Editor
RE: I hope
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 2:13:26 PM #
I'm more concerned at how awkward it will be to use, considering the thing hinges on the right side.

Guess I'll just have to order one to find out. :)

RE: I hope
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 2:15:51 PM #
just a thought....why don't they make it open to the "top"....? just like the orginal clie leather case....that would be quite cool....and fits in hand much better.....

RE: I hope
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 5:10:00 PM #
The original Clie case was the BEST. Too bad Sony skimped on the N-Series and T-Series...

RE: I hope
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 6:10:42 PM #
What are you talking about?

Anyway, in comparison, the GOOD aluminum cases as well as leather cases are more than 50 bucks. In some cases, more than $100.00. $30.00 for a good case just seems to good to be true.

From the previous post about opening the case left to right, you will love it once you get used to it. Im using the Extreme-Limit case an it opens in such a manner and is great for access the jog dial.

Case width accurate?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 2:59:59 PM #
I'm wondering if the case width is correct. The size is important to me and the specs show the case would over .8 inches to what I have to carry. Then I checked out their web site and I think all of the cases are listed with the same dimensions even though the pictures show very different cases.

Inside US only.

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 3:46:36 PM #
I guess I shouldn't have expected otherwise...

BUGGER!

RE: Inside US only.
fireman54 @ 12/7/2001 7:07:16 PM #
Not true. They will be sold in the UK as well.

Check here:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q5EC2163

Clie N series Armor Case

tom_handheld @ 12/7/2001 4:46:18 PM #
Yes, finally, it arrives! This is what many Clie owners have been waiting for after we have been left behind other Palm devices for some time in terms of accessories. Good Job by the manufacturer!

WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 6:31:37 PM #
Total Purchases 29.00

Warning: World Wide Freight is not a valid UPS shipping method.

Tax or shipping may be added to your order.
Or you may choose a different shipping method
Shipping 71.00

Total for DS International, Inc. - Your Custom Input Device Manufacturer 100.00

RE: WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 6:42:16 PM #
Do not use World Wide Freight! use UPS ground and type "preorder" in coupon field to get free shipping in States before Dec 15!

RE: WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 7:15:46 PM #
But I'm in UK!
If they dont ship internationally why isn't there some mechanism to reject international addresses.

Or did I miss a BIG RED NOTICE SIGN?

RE: WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!
fireman54 @ 12/7/2001 7:23:11 PM #
Mr. UK,

Check my post above

RE: WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 7:29:24 PM #
Ah thanks!

Hey that pic makes me think again about the piece.
I thought it was a snug fit around the clie!

RE: WHY SHIPPING SO MUCH?!
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 7:33:32 PM #
http://www.pda-armor.com/loadbimage.asp?id=41&level=1

The clips, what about the clips?!?

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/7/2001 10:48:19 PM #
Exactly how do the clips hold the Clie in the case? Can't tell by the pics. Could they possibly scuff the Clie case?

RE: The clips, what about the clips?!?
fireman54 @ 12/9/2001 12:16:32 PM #
You could scuff the back of a Clie with a wet noodle. But anyways, it looks like the "clips" fit into the existing holes in the Clie. I guess we won't find out until we get one. I have given up about worrying about scratches and scuffs.

Got One! But its not all good news...

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/17/2001 7:39:35 PM #
I recieved my PocketArmor case for my clie 710c today... its very form fitting, proves that you can make a clie hard case that holds the clie as securely as rhinoskin holds m50x units. Its very sleak and form fitting... but there are problems...

1. Its not really an aluminum hard case... it has an aluminum front but the back is PLASTIC so i wouldnt dare sit on it or put it in my back pocket.

2. The stylus is recessed a bit too far... its nearly impossible to remove it without mechanical aid.

3. The latch is a friction latch of sorts but with one end plastic and the other end aluminum it doesnt work all that well... and the latch release button on the plastic side of the case rattles.

Its not bad as a case, but as a hard case rhinoskin is in no worry.... but hey rhinoskin take a look at this... a case like this can be made... would you guys do one right?

Alchemist42
http://www.pocket-gizmos.com


RE: Got One! But its not all good news...
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/18/2001 7:52:45 PM #
Well, here was Rhinoskin's response when asked that very question:

Kyle,

Unfortunately we have discontinued manufacturing the hardcase for the Clie. I have not heard of anything new coming out in the near future. You might want to look at the new EVA Sportcase. This is the closest thing to a hardcase that we have to offer for the Clie
users. Thank you for your inquiry.

www.rhinoskin.com


Laura Boswell
Rhinoskin,Inc.
970 W. Broadway #495
Jackson, WY 83001
307-734-8833 ext 10
lboswell@r...


ED UPDATE

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/18/2001 7:49:27 PM #
The case is only aluminum on the cover. The rest is ABS plastic. I confirmed this with DS International. Their website specifically says that it is aluminum.

I think you should comment about the false advertising on their part.

RE: ED UPDATE
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/19/2001 1:59:02 AM #
Right with you man. The website clearly states "aluminum housing." It can't be housed in aluminum if half of it is ABS plastic.

Clie Armor case

I.M. Anonymous @ 12/19/2001 1:45:08 AM #
Just received the case. Overall appearance is nice. The lid is aluminum with the back portion made of plastic, something important when considering this $40 purchase. The left view on the website shows differently than the actual case received. It appears the crossbars on the case shown the website have been removed on the production case. You are left with a large opening for access to the jog and other buttons. I figure the bars may have obstructed access to them. The clip system is ingeniously clever. It secures the Clie well. As for the lid, a minor tweak here and there are needed to get it aligned just right when closed. Feels good in the hand when closed, but getting to the stylus is difficult due tight specifications of case, something very important when considering cost.

RE: Clie Armor case
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/19/2001 9:55:06 AM #
That is unbelievable. The cross bars are MISSING? I may send mine back when I get it friday. This is false advertising at its worst.

RE: Clie Armor case
I.M. Anonymous @ 12/19/2001 10:32:13 PM #
I emailed them regarding the sylus access issue and I am not alone. They have received several complaints and was told in the email reply that new shipments of a improved case would be AUTOMATICALLY shipped to Clie customers. Email them and see how they respond. Response was almost immediate to my concerns. The case is a good start but some smart manufacturer may have to borrow some of their ideas and built a great case. Good luck.

Belts

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 1:55:22 AM #
Is there going to be a belt clip option for your case? I am a contractor and give my PDA a rough time. I made a leather case for it, but your would be perfect with a sturdy belt clip. James artvark@pacifier.com

RE: Belts
I.M. Anonymous @ 5/17/2002 2:00:50 PM #
I too am a contractor. I bought an OtterProducts case. Love it so far. Rain, snow. A bit bulky,
but usefull. No need to open the case.

take a look

http://www.armorbyotter.com/armor2000.htm

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