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-- Rhodiana case for handspring is in! (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3734)

Well, I just ordered a case from Rhodiana for my Visor. The lady told me I could return it within two weeks if I am not satisifed. I was debating between this case and the Rhinoskin Shocksuit but hope that this will offer the same amount of protection. One nice feature I think might be new with the Rhodiana is it too, like the Rhinoskin has a swivel clip. I wonder if this is new because I never saw anything about the swivel aspect on the other Rhodiana Palm cases. Also I ordered the stiff insert to go in the front to protect my screen. I am just hoping that it will be tough enough to protect from falls. The Gadgeteer forum had mostly good things to say about the case, more so than compared with the Rhinoskin. Will just wait and see I reckon. By the way, this case seems to be slimmer than the Shocksuit and also has no velcro which can wear.
Jeremy

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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

Arnall...Please provide a review when its rec'd.

I am working on a review of the case right now. I really like the case. The only problems I have had is that it is a little tricky removing the Visor from the case.

Look for the review by Thu/Fri.

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James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

[This message has been edited by JHromadka (edited 01-12-2000).]

The review should be up tonight or Thu morning.

[This message has been edited by JHromadka (edited 01-12-2000).]

How does the Visor stay attached to the case?

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Peter

Gee, that's great news! I have been waiting for the Rhodiana case to come out for about two weeks now. In the meantime I have lived in terror of dropping my Visor and breaking the screen.

I have just got off the phone ordering my case. I'll let you all know how I like it.

So far I am enjoying the Landware Burropak I use to carry my Visor. It keeps it protected under my arm, and easily accessable. It does look better with a black T-shirt, though. Blends right in.

I just ordered one too. The rep said there is a narrow plastic strip that slips over the top of the visor to hold it into the case.

Well, I got my case in today. It is a great case and looks very well made. Very good craftsmanship. The only complaint I guess I have is that it is hard to get the visor in and out. What makes it a little hard to get out is a little clear piece of plastic that holds the visor in wants to catch on the visor as it comes out. I think I may be able to get used to squeezing the case in a little and thus keep that from happening. WHen putting it in, it goes in pretty good but you have to snap it to in the back and that is fairly hard. the snaps don't want to quite reach. Again, with use it may become easier. I like the swivel clip. Has a quick release on it that is nice. The IR Port hole is a perfect fit exposing only the IR port. I have the stylus that came with my visor and use vinyl screen protectors, but getting hte pen out of it's slot isn't to hard. If you have chubby fingers it might but it isn't too bad though it could be easier.
As far as protection, I think it is reasonable. NOticed at the bottom there are slits made for the bottom corners. I guess so it can fit best. The corners of the visor don't stick out but you can see them. My concern is if you dropped it from high up and it landed on one of those corners, would it contact the case itself. The reinforcements around the slits might be big enough to protect it. The insert I got makes the front rather stiff. I think I will stick with this case. It is rather small and not bulky. This is my first time to buy a case and thus don't have lots of experience with them. But it seems alright.
To sum it up:
- quality is excellent.
- protection is reasonable but you wouldn't want to put this case to the test. You could jostle the thing around and it should be fine though.
- belt clip has nice quick release and is a swivel type.
- case hangs upside down making it a little akward when you take it off to use because you have to turn it around. (Not a big deal) You can't tell by looking that the case is upside down.
- Case fits very snug making it a little difficult to pull out due to the fact that the plastic strip that holds the visor in wants to catch on the visor some when pulling it out.
- somewhat hard to snap in the back when putting visor back in but maybe will become easier with time.
- I like the fastener for holding the flap down. Think it will last a long time.
Hope this review is helpful. Just got it and will let you know if I think of anything else. Going on a retreat this weekend so will see if it holds up nicely. I have two weeks to return it if I were to change my mind but don't think I will.
Jeremy

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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

[This message has been edited by arnall (edited 01-14-2000).]

I just got my case. It took me severall minutes to force my visor into the case. It is difficult to reach the power button and the stylus.

I did not have any trouble getting my visor out of the case, and will not even bother trying to get it back in again.

In my opinion, a nice idea and a poor execution.

c

Got mine today. I really like it!
I didn't get the belt clip option, because I will be carrying it in a Landware BurroPak (which it fits quite nicely). This is good because it allows you to more comfortably use the finger straps on the back.
You insert your fingers through the elastic straps, and the visor in its case adheres to your hand.

I don't have any trouble getting the stylus out of its silo, and the IR port is just in the right place.

The only drawback I see is that you cannot hotsynch it while in the case, so you have to put it in and out fairly regularly if you subscribe to AvantGo.

The case is a little elastic, so it stretches around the Visor. It was a little difficult putting it on at first, I actually thought that the case was too small! But it suddenly slipped in and fit real snug.

We'll see if my opinion changes, but so far I like this case. Do be sure to get the optional Lexan insert to protect the screen.

I missed where you can view and order this case. Please help. Thanks.

You have to order through the phone but you can view it at http://www.rhodiana.com , click on the Palm button.

You can find more comments by Rhodiana users at http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/ubb/Fo...TML/000001.html

This case seems to be exactly what I've been looking for. A few questions:

1. What is the "Lexan" insert?

2. Does the case block the power button?

3. Would you have to take the Visor out of the case to insert a Springboard module?

4. Is there access to the battery compartment without removing the case?

It's good to know the the IR port on the Visor is not blocked by the case. This is great because I Hotsync via the IR port.

Thanx,
David

The lexan insert is a stiff plastic card that slips into the front cover to stiffen it and add protection for the screen.

The case has an elastic strip around the edge that holds the visor in place it covers about half of the power button.

Since I haven't seen any springboard modules yet, it is hard to say. But, if the module sticks out above the visor or is much thicker, I don't see how it could fit. The visor is held pretty snuggly against the back of the case by the plastic strip across the top.

No, you cannot get to the battery compartment with the visor in the case.

If anyone is in the Silicon Valley and wants to see one of these, I can hold of sending my back and show it to you.

I don't see the power button as being covered. It is a little hard to push I guess but not bad. You can use the stylus to push it if you like. Makes it easy. Also, I think the scroll buttons are easy to use when reading. Yes, it is troublesome to get it out to hotsync when you use Avant go alot but that is a sacrifice I guess for protection. I comtemplated this weekend as to whether or not I wanted to take this back or not but think I will keep it. I don't want to bother with shipping stuff back. Again, the craftsmanship on this is good. Curious, anyone that owns this by now, do you not have trouble with the thing being difficult to snap shut? Also in pulling it out, does that clear plastic not catch on the visors window at the bottom? Curious?
The insert is a hard clear plastic that slides into the inside pocket that makes the cover more durable. I would HIGHLY recommend it. Also, I would recommend the beltclip.
There is no way to replace batteries without taking the device out.
Hope this is helpful.
Jeremy

Ok, here is what I think to be a very helpful comparison between the Shocksuit and Rhodiana's case. I have not seen the shocksuit but this post answered alot of my questions about protection. It is found at the following link: http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/ubb/Fo...L/000001-2.html

With time I think I may get better at inserting and taking out my visor from this Rhodiana case. It is a good case. Think I will keep it.
jeremy



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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

On the 4th, I e-mailed Rhodiana Re: availability of the visor case. I received a reply the same day from Tan, letting me know that they would ship in a week or so. (Customer Service was very impressive) I called at the end of the week, (the 8th) and was told the product was in the process of being released and I was the first phone order. The Receptionist was not sure at the time about the price or order cost. The product was hot off the presses. ;-) So she had me speak with Tan. He explained that they were awaiting the new swivel clips from the supplier and should have them in a week.
True to their word my case shipped on the 10th, and was in my hands the 12th.

I love the case, it is true that the visor can be a little tricky to remove; I prefer this to Velcro, or straps that hinder. The case is truly tailored to the unit. I also like the elastic straps on the back that allow you to insert fingers through for a firm hold on the case. I feel that the quality is top notch and like the fact that since it is tailored, the size stays small. I do tend to hot sync 3 or 4 times a day, so removing the visor may take it�s toll on the plastic but over all I am as impressed with the design, functionality and quality of this case as I am with the company.
My hats off to Tan and the folks at Rhodiana.

The review of the Rhodiana case is up: http://www.visorcentral.com/vcrevie...?id=15&pv=1



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James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

Is it possible to attach a notepad to the Rhodiana case? I love the idea of the case but must have paper to make quick notes on
handy.