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-- Handspring Case/Stylus Review (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3307)

I just received my Handspring leather case (the Executive model, in black) and wanted to share my thoughts.

First of all, it uses a sewn-in cover(just like the one that comes with the Visor) to keep the Visor in place. This is very nice. Not only is there no Velcro to deal with, but removing the Visor for Hotsyncs is simply a matter of unsnapping it from the cover. It is also very secure. Perhaps it's because there is a layer of leather between the Visor and the sewn-in cover, but the fit is much tighter than the stock cover.
On the down side, the sewn-in cover adds some extra thickness to the case, but I feel it's definitely worth it.

The case also has a stylus slot in the center and a longitudinal pocket for holding business cards, notes, receipts, etc. (it's actually a long pocket, running the full height of the case.

The overall craftsmanship is excellent. I only see two drawbacks to the case. First, the snap is small, not one of the larger ones that you would expect to see. This is probably not a problem as it seems adequate for its function. Second, the flap that covers the Visor's screen is not stiff, but flexes easily. This means that the strap that holds it closed is only pulling down on the center, leaving the ends to be raised slightly. I also feel that adding a stiffener would also protect the Visor's screen more.

So that's it, overall, I'm extremely satisfied. They even got it to me in 4 weeks and included the 5-pack of stylii that I ordered.

BTW, I haven't seen many thoughts on Handspring replacement stylii, so I might as well add my 2 cents on those too.

They are, far and away, superior to the plastic stick that comes with the Visor. The weight is substantial and not only feels good in your hand, but makes it easier to write with. It has a built-in screwdriver and reset pin. Needless to say, it fits well in the Visor's silo.

That's it for now.

Which replacement stylus (make/model) are you reffering to?

Thanks

Peter:

I'm referring to the 5-pack of stylii they sell on Handspring's website. In case you don't know, it's 1 for each color that the Visor comes in.

Do the replacement styli have different tips than the one that comes with the visor?

rego:

Yes, they have a different tip than the stock stylus. Whether they are better is left to the user, but I think they are an improvement.

rtalain - does the snap closure get in your way when you have the case open and are using the Visor?

Thanks

e v:

The snap closure does not get in the way when the case is open; it lays nicely out of the way.

Does the stylus has the reset pin, like palm?

This makes me kind of nervous. I have just ordered a Handspring case for my Visor, and was wondering how the Visor was held in the case. If you read this thread, you'll see that there is a flaw in many of the Visors out there that causes the notch in the top of the Visor to crack. I'm afraid that this would weaken the case's hold on the Visor, and as you have indicated that the case grips onto it a little tighter, it sounds like there is even more pressure being applied to the delicate portion of the Visor case. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a problem!


[This message has been edited by ChrisB (edited 12-09-1999).]

winnieyi:

Yes, the stylus from the 5-pack has a reset pin and a screwdriver.


ChrisB:

Since reading that thread, I have definitely been more careful when I remove and replace my Visor from the case, using the method that Babylon5 described. You're right, because of the "tighter" grip in the case, there is more strain on that weak area; however, I think that the springboard cover bears much of the strain. Looking at the top of your Visor, you'll see that even if that weak area were to break out completely, the springboard cover would still retain the screen cover. And how many times do you use your case without the springboard cover in place. BTW, my slot is not cracked.

In short, just be careful when you take the Visor in and out of the case and you should be fine. I still think that it is the most convenient and secure method of retaining the visor (it sure beats Velcro!)

Re: attaching a visor to a case

I like the idea of a sewn-in clip attaching like the cover, but I am also concerned about the strength of the plastic groove at the top.

Anybody know of a good case that zips completely around the unit but opens up like a book/Bible cover, and holds onto a visor/palm unit via fabric elastic cups/bands around the top and bottom? (Does that description make any sense?)

Thanks!

bigcow:

This may be what your looking for.
http://www.fossil.com/retail/Produc...%5FID=ML2001001