Related
I bought the PDAir flip case for the Kaiser last week and got it in yesterday's mail. You can order it from PDAir direct -- there's also a guy on eBay selling them for $18.99.
The case is a very snug fit -- the keyboard slides into a pouch formed by the back of the case and a clear plastic keyboard cover. This works much better than the clear plastic & velcro keyboard cover their Wizard case used -- the Wizard case was pretty loose, and the Velcro doesn't hold up to repeated opening/closing.
The case cutouts (for buttons, USB jack, etc) match up pretty well once you get the Kaiser firmly seated -- that can take a bit of work since the case is so snug. These cutouts make the buttons easy to find -- especially the power button.
The only real problem with this case, IMHO, is the lack of microSD card storage -- previous PDAir cases have had at least one card storage pocket. Overall I'd give this case an 8.5 out of 10.
3waygeek said:
The case is a very snug fit -- the keyboard slides into a pouch formed by the back of the case and a clear plastic keyboard cover. This works much better than the clear plastic & velcro keyboard cover their Wizard case used -- the Wizard case was pretty loose, and the Velcro doesn't hold up to repeated opening/closing.
The case cutouts (for buttons, USB jack, etc) match up pretty well once you get the Kaiser firmly seated -- that can take a bit of work since the case is so snug. These cutouts make the buttons easy to find -- especially the power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice review, I'll probably get one.
The only real problem with this case, IMHO, is the lack of microSD card storage -- previous PDAir cases have had at least one card storage pocket. Overall I'd give this case an 8.5 out of 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find an 8/16GB micro sd card enough, I put the spares in my normal money wallet.
I bought one a while back and it lasted less than a month,I was using the belt clip and the leather on the back became loose and the case became useless.!
PDA Air book type case
Bought this on ebay $15 + postage another $15 to GB
I don't use belt clips, it is a little thick and tight, may wear in. I seem to buy a whole shed load of accessories initially, see what I like, and then re-cycle the rest back onto ebay.
So far i quite like it if I'm walking about, but in the office, I tend to take it out and put it my shirt pocket (why do so many work shirts these days are less a pocket!!?)
I have both PDAir and Krusell case and to be frank, I like the PDAir more. However, beware of the screwed in belt clip as it might get loosen after some time, I dropped mine once but luckily on the carpet.
I Agree that the PDAir is a pretty good case, the belt clip post is the only part I changed. For a case that can stay on and be fully functional, and clip into a car mount, this one is hard to beat.
Here's my review and pics of my "improvements";
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1648005&postcount=136
I have since switched to the Pocket Solutions "Signature Series" flip as it's the best of all worlds for me as I can use the phone as a touch screen type and then very easily slip the phone out of the case to use the keyboard and/or show off the phone with no case. It really has the best swivel post I've ever seen;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1790595&postcount=246
I bought the rectangular one with the free battery and it fits great and works great. The price for the whole thing was less then half the price of a battery from AT&T. Only thing is it took almost 3 wks to get.
I'm thinking about getting another one for my office.
How about this one ? Not sure how bulky it is but it looks nice.
_www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=896
RemE said:
I Agree that the PDAir is a pretty good case, the belt clip post is the only part I changed. For a case that can stay on and be fully functional, and clip into a car mount, this one is hard to beat.
Here's my review and pics of my "improvements";
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1648005&postcount=136
I have since switched to the Pocket Solutions "Signature Series" flip as it's the best of all worlds for me as I can use the phone as a touch screen type and then very easily slip the phone out of the case to use the keyboard and/or show off the phone with no case. It really has the best swivel post I've ever seen;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1790595&postcount=246
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Click to collapse
Where did you bought your vent clip???
thanks
Well there seems to be a lot of views about the best cases out there, just wondered what the most 'pocket friendly' case was?
Don't care about the material as long as it isn't a sock or a stick-on option (ie an actual case)
Definitely no belt loop, preferably a very low profile clasp etc...
Basically just want something that is likely to stop it getting scratched up in a bag or if it was dropped, but don't need full armour!
Any good suggestions?
I've been looking for something pocket friendly as well... I'm almost ready to just get a thin sunglass pouch... currently I'm using a case for a Sprint Mogul, but it has a belt clip...
i use an ipod slip case, and have pulled off the belt clip, gives good protection to the screen,
going to order a leater slip case from www.pdair.com to see what thats like
I've got one of these - http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=6561
Doesn't add much to the size at all, and I keep mine in my pocket all the time.
Here is what I'm using, it comes in Black, Brown or Pink:
http://www.wirelessground.com/tiltflipblack.html
It covers the back and front very well, the cut outs are aligned very well, it has a slimmer form factor than the Krussel Orbit I normally use.
Here is the one my spouse uses, it comes in Black or White:
http://www.boxwave.com/products/dlsleeve/at_t-tilt-designio-leather-sleeve_2906.htm
I just ordered one of these yesterday. I will let you know how it is hopefully tomarrow or over the weekend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Smoke-Protector...ryZ15036QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
SpeedRazr said:
I just ordered one of these yesterday. I will let you know how it is hopefully tomarrow or over the weekend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Smoke-Protector...ryZ15036QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would be interested in your opinions and if you could confirm these points for me:
1) Can you still use the touch screen?
2) If the slide up and tilt works fine with the case on
3) The general quality and how bulky it is in a pocket
this looks perfect for me as i wanted a 2 piece armour case where i could still slide open the phone
scharnet said:
Here is what I'm using, it comes in Black, Brown or Pink:
http://www.wirelessground.com/tiltflipblack.html
It covers the back and front very well, the cut outs are aligned very well, it has a slimmer form factor than the Krussel Orbit I normally use.
Here is the one my spouse uses, it comes in Black or White:
http://www.boxwave.com/products/dlsleeve/at_t-tilt-designio-leather-sleeve_2906.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "tiltflipblack" is made by PDair and is available for 1/2 that price. I've had one for several weeks and it still looks new, and I wear it every day. It's the perfect case for me.
The slimest most "pocketable" case I've found yet, is the formfitting Noreve case as seen here:
http://www.pocketpcfreak.com/archive/00006945.htm
It is also one of the very few - true - formfitting cases (using a laminated leather design, w/o the ugly and disturbing plasting cover over the KB. It protects the front and back really well, if not so much the sides. Easy to use and good workmanship.
Actually it IS meant (IMO) for pocket carrying.
Have it for about a month, still looks as new. If however looking for a drawback, then to my daily use pattern there is one. While in the case using the Kaiser/Tilt for navigation (in a cradle) needs taking it out of the case.
======
Saar
I've tried several ...
Tothotspur said:
i would be interested in your opinions and if you could confirm these points for me:
1) Can you still use the touch screen?
2) If the slide up and tilt works fine with the case on
3) The general quality and how bulky it is in a pocket
this looks perfect for me as i wanted a 2 piece armour case where i could still slide open the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to add my comments based on owning 4 different cases for the Tilt/Kaiser ...
The PDAir aluminum cased is good and pocketable. It is a little on the heavy side, but I've carried it arond now for a couple of weeks and it's all right. The downside is that there is a hard plastic protector over the touchscreen of the Tilt. You have to open the case to use the touchscreen or you have to take the hard plastic out. You can either cut out or push it out with some force, but the plastic is glued in and is under the neoprene that cushions the Tilt against the case. Not the smallest feel in the pocket, but no leather covered cardboard bulk feel. The size of this reminds me of a naked 8125 in my pocket (did that without disaster for almost 2 years).
I also tried the PDAir leather flip case. That one is definitely not pocketable unless you have some REALLY big pockets. And I'm not a big flip cover guy. Another strike is the plastic keyboard cover.
I also tried the Noreve and it's a nice leather case. I would consider this one pocketable, it's rather slim. But it has the flip cover. The good thing is that it has no plastic keyboard cover. It's a little loose when you close the cover with the snap. It's not loosely held in ... that's a good fit. But the snap doesn't hold the flip cover down as firmly as I'd like.
Lastly, I JUST snapped on one of the plastic snap-on kind. Good fit, but not sure how much the plastic will help in a fall. It snapped on tightly ... so tightly it took 15 minutes to get it off! I did not like that at all. If something goes wrong and you need to drop the battery quickly ... 'quickly' won't happen with this case. You can still use the touchscreen and it's a very tight snap on fit. Doesn't add much bulk or weight for pocket storage. NOTE: if you pick one of these up, be careful and check whether the belt clip button on the case is screw on or permanent. The permanent ones won't be pocketable.
The best feel in the pocket is the plane Tilt/Kaiser with no case. But I know I'm pushing my luck if I continue to do that. Still switching up to see what I end up liking most. Hope this info helps folks.
Tothotspur said:
i would be interested in your opinions and if you could confirm these points for me:
1) Can you still use the touch screen?
YES!
The openings for the keypad and LCD are tappered to provide the best access to the edges but they become alittle harder to get at due to the thickness of the plastic.
2) If the slide up and tilt works fine with the case on
Yes the screen slides out and up to the normal position. The upper softkeys are silightly harder to get at when tilted due to the tickness of the plastic.
3) The general quality and how bulky it is in a pocket
Fit was tight, and snapped into place. I do not plan to use the clip as it is optional, but I will follow up with a proper review and test it out. I will get exact mesuraments later but it is not a big change and well worth the extra size.
this looks perfect for me as i wanted a 2 piece armour case where i could still slide open the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! Cheap Too!
I will follow up with a better review tonight.
What I do not understand about using the transparent plastic snap, is why the hack would one need a case at all when all the really "pocket sensitive" components (Touch screen, Camera lens) are not covered at all... IMO if one is indiferent to this, they may not need a case at all.
I guess that all cases are kind of trade offs. Whatever protects adds bulk in the zones protected, light protection protects less than heavy armor but presents snappier use and so on.
The potentially best solution I've seen yet is actually not offered for the Tilt/Kaiser. It is made by EB Cases and called the eNovo. It is made of sturdy yet thin laminated leather, offering a form fitting case with an optional leather flip.
http://www.ebcases.com/-strse-3333/eNOVO-PAQ-6500/Detail.bok
I'm trying for some time to convince EB, Noreve and BoxWave (the ones apparently having the technology) to think about it...
Cheers,
======
Saar
thanks kahibbi and SpeedRazr for your input, i look forward to your review
SpeedRazr said:
I just ordered one of these yesterday. I will let you know how it is hopefully tomarrow or over the weekend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Smoke-Protector...ryZ15036QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I picked this up from DayDeal.com and it didnt' fit my ATT tilt. the back does but the front will not stay on
i picked up the alum. case for travel and biking it is perfect. also from DayDeal
Hi,
I am one of the unlucky few to have dropped my Kaiser's and thereby damaged its LCD. I am about to replace the LCD.
At the same time, I want to prevent future damage and wondering what case might best protect the Kaiser, even it it is accidentally dropped.
I have reviewed the lengthy thread on "what is the best case for the Kaiser", but the verdict is not clear. I want a case that:
* gives me easy access to the device and most functionality like keyboard, without having to take it out (hence the pouches are out)
* allows me to use the screen
* I can put in my pocket and with an optional belt clip (I hardly use it)
* most importantly, protects the body of the device and the screen.
* does not add too much bulk
* should be able to sit in a vehicle mount
I am inclined toward the Seidio Slim rubberized case or the PDair aluminion metal case. Both of them seem to protect the body of the device, but don't seem to protect the screen.
Alternatively, I am thinking of the leather case (flip-type preferred) such as:
* Proporta Alu-Leather Case
* PDair Leather case (I like the crokodile pattern)
* Noreve case
* Krussel's Orbit with Multiadapt
What would you recommend ?
Thanks - Manny
I have the Krussel. Like it alot and have the multidapt car holder as well. Extremely well made and very protective. I know I can drop it and it will be fine. Haven't tried, but it's that well constructed. Easy to use the belt clip and to take it off and put it in a pocket.
Big. Does not fit conveniently in jeans pocket. Swore I'd never use a belt clip, but I do now unless I'm wearing shorts or pants with a bigger pocket. However, the size is a tradeoff with protection. Most of the other cases I've used did not protect the screen much or at all. This has two layers of screen protection. Again, I think you'd have to try to break it if it's in the case.
A bit of a pain to use the camera. Everything else is very accessible, but you have to fold the protective layer over to use the camera. Not awful, but not super convenient.
If you don't mind the size, I'd highly recommend.
thanks very much for your quick reply.
The size does not bother me very much because, most often, i keep the device in my brief case, and then use my bluetooth headset (Sony DS980) to make and receive calls. I rarely interact with the device directly (e.g., when I need to use the calender, GPS, etc). Hence i might sacrifice weight over protection.
thanks again - MN
I got one of those metal cases for mine it has a glass pice over the screen to protect it. its got a hinge at the back so you can open it to use the touch screen I got it off of ebay for like $20 only thing is its realy slick and hard to hold onto sometimes.
about forgot here's a link
http://cgi.ebay.com/MONACO-BLACK-ME...ryZ15036QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
mech_supernova said:
I got one of those metal cases for mine it has a glass pice over the screen to protect it. its got a hinge at the back so you can open it to use the touch screen I got it off of ebay for like $20 only thing is its realy slick and hard to hold onto sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much. can you please send the URL of the place you got it from on Ebay, if you still have it. does the device sit firmly in the case? I like the idea of a hinge...
thanks - Manny
yea I updated my privious post and yes it sets firm it has this black foam pading inside the case to keep from scraching it too it comes in 2 colores black and grey
mech_supernova said:
yea I updated my privious post and yes it sets firm it has this black foam pading inside the case to keep from scraching it too it comes in 2 colores black and grey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much. How different is this Mocaco case from the PDair alminium case -- they look very similar. Any thoughts ?
thanks Manny
I have looked in a dozen places I cant find a difference they both look like the exact same thing I got the Monaco Aluminum Case
I've got the PDair aluminium case. There's hard plastic over the screen, and it's fits quite well (better than a similar case I got for my old Hermes).
I have the monaco case. Hard Plastic covering the screen. Its saved my phone many times over already.
Unlike most here, I want to be able to put my Kaiser in a case, and put in my pocket. No swiveling, no clipping, and no holstering. I know the Kaiser doesn't have the most pocket-friendly form-factor, but hell, I have to make do with what I've got.
The slimmer and lighter the case, the more pocket-friendly it is.
Any recommendations?
I'm considering:
PDAir's Vertical Leather Pouch http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=6590
& Seido's super slim rubberized case http://www.htcforums.com/kaiser-tilt-tytn-p4550-f13/seido-slim-case-t11.html
& PDAir's Aluminum case http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=6561
Be very careful of the screen in your pocket. Two of your choices will not protect the screen. Good luck.
I've tried several different cases, and I too have opted to just keep the phone in my pocket. And I don't use any protective covers, but I do so with some rules.
1. NOTHING in the same pocket with it.
2. Always screen facing toward me.
3. ALWAYS be aware it is in my pocket. (IE, no bumping into anything, no leaning on anything, and no squating down and putting my phone in a bind)
I have to say after 10 months of use, it still looks almost new.
GWelker62 said:
I've tried several different cases, and I too have opted to just keep the phone in my pocket. And I don't use any protective covers, but I do so with some rules.
1. NOTHING in the same pocket with it.
2. Always screen facing toward me.
3. ALWAYS be aware it is in my pocket. (IE, no bumping into anything, no leaning on anything, and no squating down and putting my phone in a bind)
I have to say after 10 months of use, it still looks almost new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your mind reading skills are awesome!
That is exactly the way i carry mine ... With the execption of when I am at work I slip it into a leather eyeglass case I found, to keep dust and grime off it.
otheruser said:
PDAir's Vertical Leather Pouch http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=6590
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used this case for a long time (had a similar one for my Wizard) and really like it:
http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=6562
Only downside is the top and bottom do add thickness to the phone overall, but during the summer when I'm wearing cargo shorts, it goes into my pocket nicely. Biggest downside is the case fits tight so if you are on the phone the slightest bump will tend to hang up the call (or other buttons get pressed). So now I'm looking at a new case they offer:
http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=7423#thumb
This leaves the buttons exposed, gives you a cover over the screen, and then with a simple unsnap you can get to the keyboard (and it appears no plastic cover over the keys like the one I have now.
I really like the Seidio Slim, but I really need a flap to cover the screen for protection (whether its in my pocket or on my belt, I just don't like the screen being unprotected). I wish the Seidio holster had a removable clip as that could be workable then...
depending on the size of your pocket, the krusell orbit works quite well
I use the seido rubberized one with a screen protector
psionandy said:
depending on the size of your pocket, the krusell orbit works quite well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here, Here!! Another vote for the Orbit, it takes a few to get used to, but after dropping it twice, and not a dent.. i like it!
if im up to something where it might get bashed by accident then i use my PDAir's Vertical Leather Pouch, as it covers the screen nicely
mfrazzz said:
So now I'm looking at a new case they offer:
http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000164&products_id=7423#thumb
This leaves the buttons exposed, gives you a cover over the screen, and then with a simple unsnap you can get to the keyboard (and it appears no plastic cover over the keys like the one I have now.
I really like the Seidio Slim, but I really need a flap to cover the screen for protection (whether its in my pocket or on my belt, I just don't like the screen being unprotected). I wish the Seidio holster had a removable clip as that could be workable then...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought one just like the new PDAir, but it was a cheap ebay case. Best $15 I've spent - has saved the phone from a number of drops, fits really well, and still fits in my pocket (it does add bulk, but an acceptable amount and I really wanted something to cover the screen).
Everything is easily accessible, and using the keyboard is a breeze.
The only drawback is if you're slipping between a car and your pocket. I've got a metal case for it in silver (It's actually the Hermes case) that i use but most the time I don't bother. It's not been too bad. But then, I am covered by Insurance
Would anyone actaully be interested in reading a user generated review of cases for the TP? I'm a case freak; always trying to find the best one. Now I have cases from the following:
Proporta ALU-Leather
Krussell Orbit Multidapt
PDair Aluminum
PDair Leather
Noreve is on the way.
If I get a couple of positive replys I'll do it and if negative then why bother?
I would be interested in reading a user generated review of cases for the TP
I believe most, if not all, of the present Touch Pro user would like to hear a "first hand" review of these cases mentioned.
Case Review
I would certainly love to read case reviews. I've already blown £20. on a Krusell Flex case for my TP which is not only unusable, but damaging to the slide mechanism. Please review away...
I myself also love to hear what you gotta say about the one from Noreve.
The Noreve Case is in mine opinion the best. I did not tested the hardcase (waiting for DHL). Some pics of the Noreve :
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More Pics : Flickr
I would also like to see a case review! I will link to it on my website:
http://www.fuzemobility.com
I am going to take some pictures this weekend and try and make up a word file that I can upload. But let me just say this. Today I recieved the Noreve case for the TP. I am impressed. In a nutshell, (no pun intended) I'd say the following:
1. Noreve: The case holds the device via tabs that snap around the edges of the front of the case, but allow easy sliding of the front off the keyboard. With the TP OPEN, the pressure of the tabs on the keyboard area keeps the back of the device securely agains the back of the case. In addition on the Krussell, the PDair and the Proporta, the keyboard is held in place by a plastic sleeve that the keyboard slides into. The plastic sleeve may hold the thing quite securely, but the shiny plastic makes seeing the keys more difficult in my opinon. The case is smart looking with 2 tabs for microSD cards in the front cover. I imagine with a little imagination one could put a little cut between these and it would then hold a seperate SIM card. The flap that holds the case shut has a strudy snap that snaps over the BACK of the case so if the device is ON, you are not hitting the screen and possibly activating some program or dialing some phone number when you snap it shut. The ONLY drawback to the Noreve case and I feel this is easily worked around is that the snap closure and the button that goes on the belt clip are in front of each other so when you go to remove the device from the clip there is risk of unsnapping the snap...not a big deal really. You can easily turn the device to one side to remove it from the belt clip and not have the snap come open. The Noreve case feels like real leather. It smells like real leather and it is nicely padded. I opened it up just now and holding onto the flap that covers the device, shook the thing back and forth(over some pillows I might add) and the device makes no attempt to come out of the little tabs holding it to the back of the case. While the Noreve case does not have a seperate opening for the speaker on the back of the device, the speaker is VERY close to the camera area for which there IS an exact cut out that matches the diamond shaped area on the back of the TP. I cannot really hear a difference in ring sound quality in the case or out of the case. Thre is a small hole on one of the bottom tabs that holds the device so it is easy to do a soft reset. In addition, the leather tab that sepertes the front cover from the back cover is very soft and pliable so you can simply turn the thing to the back and hold the phone comfortably during a call. The Noeve case makes accessing the stylus quite easy.
2. PDair aluminum case. In the past I have liked these kinds of cases. However for the TP the aluminum case is the absolute pits. First it does not do anything when open to secure the TP device. The TP simply fits in the enclosure without any means of keeping the device secure. It is hard to use with the cover open. I think my pictures will make the review more meaningful, but I do not like the PDair aluminum case. With the case snapped closed the device is fairly secure, but since there is nothing to keep the device from falling out, if dropped I suspect the device would go flying. In addition I would stronly advice AGAINST this case since I am pretty sure it damaged the side of the device and now it is hard to pull the stylus out. I generally carry and PEN/Stylus combo so it is not a big deal to me and the TP stylus is too small for my liking anyway, but still, what a drag.
3. PDair leather flip type case. The snap is too weak to be functional. The flap the snap is on is too short to really comfortably go around the end of the device so it is hard to close it without having something on the touch screen activated.
4. Krussell Orbit Multidapt. I was VERY excited to see a Krussell case available for the TP. The snap has an intelligent location in that it goes over the top of the case and snaps in the back so theoretically one would not activate a program by pulling it over. There is plenty of "give" in the way the case fits over the device also, but the PROBLEM is that the snap is totally WORTHLESS since it is TOO weak to keep closed. I thought I had a great case in the Krussell, but anytime you MOVE the thing comes unsnapped and you have your screen potentially bumping into whatvever you come in contact with. Again, I think some pictures will help to illustrate this much better.
The Krussell does have 2 nice features, but they do not make up for the problem of the snap. One is that there is a small mesh window over the speaker and the other is that the front of the case does slide off via a little plastic male/female connector so theoretically you could mount it on a dashboard for instance without the case flapping in the breeze.
5. Proporta flip type case. A nice case and one that is useful, but the snap in this case comes around from behind at the bottom of the TP and snaps in the front. It therefore thends to get caught on whatever you are sitting near or walking past and comes unsnapped. It does not have a hole for the soft reset switch so you have to partially take it out of the case to do a soft reset.
In summary, while I think my review with pictures will be more useful, if you got to order a case for the Touch Pro, go with the Noreve case. They ship from California so I ordered mine on a Monday and got it in Houston on a Friday. Of the 6 cases I have got, the Noreve is the only one that seems to have been designed with the TP in mind. All the others were poorly executed in their design.
Why listen to me? No special reason really. I am not affiliated with any of the above case makers. My first PDA was a Casio E200 and then I have had IPAQ 6315, QTEK TyTn type, ETEN g500+ and most recently ETEN x500+. Curiously the Noreve case for the x500 was also a grand and useful case.
Thanks a lot for your review, I was about to order the Proporta but changed my mind for Norêve after reading this.
Where did you buy it from?
Thanks for the reveiws. Ido appreciate the info, so I hope you don't mind if I add a bit. I've always used and swore by Krusell cases, but the one for the TP is poorly designed. The Flex cover is loose fitting and the plastic over the keyboard is horrible. One of the things I love on the TP is the smooth open and close of the keyboard. Not only is that gone with the Krusell case, but I'm sure that in time it would loosen the mechanism.
I just received the PDair aluminium case and I'm afraid I disagree, I like it. It fits snugly into the neoprene inside and the cover closes tightly. Using the keyboard is a pleasure as there is no plastic over it. It protects almost all of the phone, yet I can answer a call and see (and hear)whose calling me without unsnapping anything. I was even able to order a windscreen mount for my car, so I can use the gps and view the screen without removing it from the case or having a flap hanging down. It only makes the device slightly larger, and it looks good.
11 13 2008 Update: Well, as I said, I am a case freak. The Great Escape came on last weekend late one night where the dude at the end escapes those nasty nazi's and finds himself in "Espana" so I thought well, feeling kindly towards Espana, I will go ahead and get the Piel Frama case for the Pro.....
Well no habla espanol...yeah yeah, that's Mexico not Spain, but my new fave case is the Piel Frama case. I got the tan leather one.
First of all the packaging is a pleausre to start with. PF packages their cases in this nice little tan and brown cardboard box with a nice little instruction paper and extra belt clip button and belt clip.
The device is held in place by virtue of a plastic sleeve the keyboard slides in to. This does potentially offer the same problem that some of the other cases offer in that in a shiny light environment, three is some reflection off the plastic, but it may be a worthwhile trade off. The lower edge includes a cut out for the mini USB port and the reset "button" hole. Because the TP power button is on the top "screen" portion of the device it is easily exposed.
The leather is wonderful quality, soft and supple and smells wonderful.
The cover comes around the right hand side of the device and while I really liked the way the Noreve case did this, the PF case outshines the Noreve case in that there is approximaely 2 mm more leather on the side panel. That 2 or 3 mm makes all the difference in that the covering flap then MUCH more easily covers the front of the TP.
The snap is on the back of the device, is a secure and tight closing snap. The screen on the TP is quite sensitive and I do not think there is any way to cover it while the device is on without potentially hitting the device and having something "come on" like the program tab on TF3D, but that is, I guess one of the trade offs for having a TP. (As an aside, I'm not quite as happy with my TP anymore in part because the GPS just does not work very well, but I do like the memory it contains and apart from the GPS it is a great pocket pc)
The "button" that slides into the belt clip is of a standard size and if you lose or break the PF belt clip, I am absolutely certain the generic belt clips you can pick up at some mom and pop cell phone kiosk at the mall will be an adequate replacement.
On the back of the case there is a "pill" shaped opening that reveals the camera lens and that stupid and woefully inadequate flash light. See elsewhere on this forum for the "torchbutton" application that allows you to use your device as your most expensvie flashlight...great for not waking up your wife at night when you go to bed...hahaha. Beside the camera opening is a mesh covered opening for the speaker.
On the front flap of the cover is a nicly stiched extra peice of leather that makes it look a bit like the pocket on a nice man's shirt. That is a nice touch. The PF case is the most expensive of the lot, but the quality of craftsmanship does stand out. In addition I suspect it is the only one of the lot that is truly made by hand by the manufacturer.
Overall I am inclined to think the Piel Frama case is an excellent case for the Touch Pro.
So in summary I would rate these cases in the following fashion:
1. Piel Frama: Only "minor" drawback is the shiny plastic covering the keyboard...perhaps a small tradeoff as it may also help protect against moisture. I don't think of my case freakiness as a fashion thing, but the PF cases are, well, quite fashionable. For fit and finish PF gets an A +++. For quality of construction PF gets and A+++ and for I suspect long term satisfaction I'd also give PF high marks. There is also just a tiny bit more leather all the way around which I think would offer a bit more protection if the thing were to take a tumble. The PF is the most expensive of the lot and for this reviewer I'd say truly worth it. They also ship world wide UPS. I ordered it late Monday evening and did not ask for any special shipping and I had it Thursday so they include good quality shipping in the price. Not a bad deal really.
2. Noreve: Almost identical to the Piel Frama except that it does not have the plastic at all, and the PF case seems to stay snapped better with taking it on and off one's belt clip. The PF beats it in that there is a bit more leather on the side peice so when you go to close it you don't have to tug it over. I see that the snap on the back of the Noreve is now pulled up taught against the leather which could lead to failure. That is not as likely to happen on the PF case.
3. Proporta: Might be preferred if you like your case to hang vertical v. horizontal on your belt, and includes my complaint that the snap while quite secure, does tend to bump into things and come unsnapped. The Proporta TP screen protector they sell is well worth a look. I've had the stylus up against the thing quite a bit playing solitaire and that silly break out game...can't think of the name and it is not pitted or overly sratched.
4. Krussell: A beautifully finshed case that also hangs vertical, but the snap closure is just almost nonexistant. If it were not for that lousy snap I'd really like the Krussell case. I'm going to try and find a fabric store and see if maybe they carry a snap that could be attached to this devcie. Probably do have such a snap, but I bet the leather would be totally torn up in the process of doing this. Krussell...shame on you for screwing up this way...I love your products, but this one stinks.
5. PDair cases.....The least expensive of the lot and for good reason. Don't waste your bucks, or diners, or pesos, or rubbles or marks or euros.
One final thought. It is the problem of the keyboard that makes any case for the Rafael be a problem. Sliding it into a plastic sleeve is probably the best way to hold the device, but the little tabs on the Noreve case do a fine job of holding it as well.
Dear reader: Your milage may vary. I take no responsibility for your pocket book, your device or your life.
Thanks for the reviews! Question, on the Piel Frama, are you typing on the slide out keyboard through a plastic sleeve? If so, are any of the others you reviewed the same?
I've always used a Pocket Solution case for my Tilt, and was just about to buy one for the Fuze when I came across your reviews.
Well I just got my Noreve case and to be honest, its better than I expected. I've gone against ones that cover the keyboard since of the 4 I've seen, all now have some play between the screen and keyboard, i.e. where the clear plastic goes.
With this case, no worries. Was very surprised at its grip of the phone despite not needing any effort to put it in. I do wish it had more leather round the edges. Belt clip is ok. Solid(ish). I don't like not having the ability to rotate it in the belt clip. My clip will maintain the angle in which you put it in, which is great except I can't put it in parallel to my belt as the case latch gets in the way. Apart from that, it feels good and well worth it. Mines was direct from Noreve. Well I just got my Noreve case and to be honest, its better than I expected. I've gone against ones that cover the keyboard since of the 4 I've seen, all now have some play between the screen and and keyboard, ie. where the clear plastic goes.
With this case, no worries. Was very surprised at its grip of the phone despite not needing any effort to put it in. I do wish it had more leather round the edges. Belt clip is ok. Solid(ish). I don't like not having the ability to rotate it in the belt clip. My clip will maintain the angle in which you put it in, which is great except I can't put it in parallel to my belt as the case latch gets in the way. Apart from that, it feels good and well worth it. Mines was direct from Noreve.
Had the Noreve for a week for the TP...
Hi All,
I was reading reviews and looking for a good case, in the end I went for the Noreve. I am in Australia so bought it from their Australian Website. Ordered on a thursday (late afternoon), received it on the following Tuesday.
I had a Krussell for my DoPoD, didn't like it at all because the leather didn't sit flush and too bulky. Decided not to try again, especially due to all the talk of the plastic over the keyboard.
The Noreve is pretty good. As someone else reported, looks and smells like leather. The belt clip is okay. I accidently used the clip from the old Krussel which was a bit better, but wouldn't lock the phone in place.
The one thing which is hard for me to get used to and is no fault of Noreve, is the way the case opens, from left to right, which is due to the keyboard sliding out to the left. Slowly adjusting...
I was worried a bit after I bought it about the clips that hold it in place, whether they would mark the TP. They don't. they are hard plastic and hold the phone securely.
All in all pretty good case, will report back if I encounter any problems.
I wish Vaja will come up with their touch pro case soon.
If not, do you think their universal case will do?