Prismer2
Member
Registered: Aug 2002
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 108 |
 Handspring Sport Case Review
Well, some things you just buy on impulse. For me, the Handspring Sport Case was one of them.
They only had it in Black, but for $5, I thought, what the heck. When it arrived, at first I did not like it. A Velcro closure (ugh!), neoprene rubber sides and bottom and a soft, suede-like (nu-buck?) front, back, and closure flap. And, compared to the top-loading leather slip case which came with my Prism, it seemed very unrefined and inelegant.
Geez, the front and back were not even the same width! Not to mention the cheesey contrasting grey, molded rubber "handspring" nameplate. And instead of a nice strong clip or sewn on belt-loop, it has an adjustable nylon strap and buckle arrangement that looks like it would serve better as a hand strap than as a belt loop. OK, the D-ring at the top might come in handy to hang it up or clip it to a neck-strap. But that was what attracted me to this case in the first place. Well, that and the price tag!
But, son-of-a-gun, the more I use it, the more it is growing on me. Then it struck me. What I thought were flaws were really quirks which actually gives this case real character and functionality.
The rubber sides are really very grippy and easy to hang onto. The difference in width between front and back (making a kind of trapezoidal cross-section) actually matches the Prism's (and other Visors') form factor very well.
The little grey rubber nameplate is SEWN on and comes complete with a small, three-color Handspring logo and the word "handspring" in black letters, with a yellow-dotted "i"! Man, talk about attention to detail!
And the strap, what I hated most at first glance, is actually quite functional and secure. It allows easy attachment to any width of belt (even those military style pistol/canteen belts popular with outdoorsmen and hunters) by slipping the loose end through, clipping the buckle together, then snugging up for a hip-hugging fit. Or loosen it up to dangle and move out of the way when you sit. And yes, it does make a good hand strap if you want to carrry it that way.
How well does it cushion the blow if you drop it? Well, I cannot afford to do that kind of torture test, but it has to be better than the stock slip case. No, it is not water proof, so don't drop it in the lake or bath tub, but it should be able to repel a little rain, snow, or spray.
Wait, let me check that....(sound of running water).....
OK, the neoprene sides were, of course, impenetrable. The nu-buck however, seemed to soak up water. However, the cloth lining inside still felt dry, until repeated soakings allowed a little dampness to creep in. I would recommend Scotch-guard or other water-repellent treatment if you plan to carry it to, in, or through any wet environments unprotected.
All in all, not a bad little case, espcially for the money, even at Handspring's price. Let's just call it, "The Little Case That Could".
And now I see they have created a version of it for the Visorphone, with a cut-out in the flap for the VP antenna. Let's hope the flap is a little longer, too. Hey, they got it in red and blue, too! Oh, yeah, going after those Neo owners, I'm sure. I think I'll stay with my Basic Black. (I wish I could get a graphite casing for my Prism!)
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08-28-2002 06:59 AM
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