Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Warren, OH, USA
Posts: 57

I just received my RhinoSkin RhinoPak 1100 for the HandSpring Visor. I ordered it directly from them and received it in 2 days! It is very well made, no defects anywhere and hold & protects my Visor like a charm. I'm using the elastic in the case to hold the hard cover of the Visor and then letting the cover hold the unit in the case. works very well. The case does, of course, add some bulk to the unit and I will not use it when wearing a suit, but I will use it every day and feel it is both functional and attractive. Way to go RhinoSkin!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mililani, HI, USA
Posts: 256

I also own the 1100, and I would agree that it's a very nice case. However, I have one warning about this case: securing the Visor in the manner that Rhinoskin suggests (i.e., with the cover reversed, secured to the case by the straps, and snapped onto the Visor) could damage your Visor. The elastic straps are too thick and cause the cover to put significant pressure on the slot that holds the cover in place. Others on this discussion board have reported that their slots broke with very little to no "abuse." If the Rhinoskin-suggested method is used on a sustained basis, the possibility of breaking that slot seems pretty good, at least to me. I keep my Visor in the case without the cover, with the straps wrapping around the front.

If Rhinoskin really wanted to make this case great, they'd get a supply of covers and sew them into their cases, just like Handspring does with theirs.

Aside from this issue, the RhinoPak 1100 is the best in its class.

[This message has been edited by ragamuffinn (edited 01-06-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 20

I ordered the Rhinoskin 1100 and received it weeks before the BVdx ever arrived in December. After 2 weeks usage with the hard cover under the straps, I indeed noticed a 1/8 inch crack in the clear backing where the hard case slot is. I called Handspring, and they are sending me a new Visor, hopefully this week (the phone guy was very cordial and helpful). I have continued over the last 2 weeks to use the 1100 with the hard cover and the crack is unchanged, and really, other than the cosmetic defect is not a problem with either the springboard slot or the cover slot. When the new Visor gets here, I may use only the elastic to hold Visor in place. I, too, really like the rhinoskin case and use it as my wallet every day. I also got a "seconds" black rhinoskin 2000. I see no manufacturing problems with it. I will use it with springboard modules, when I get them (8 mb module ordered thus far). While the 1100 is certainly well-made, functional, and seems protective, it would be more highly recommended if the price were $15.00 rather than $25 or so, which is the price of the 2000 "seconds."
I note that when the visor is in the 1100 with only the elastic and no hard cover, it is more difficult to remove the stylus. That's why I continue to use the hard cover to hold it in place.

Jon Bekenstein

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 19

Jon,

Between the Rhinopak 1100 & 2000, which do you like better? I've got the RhinoPak 2000 (also "seconds") and right now, w/o any Springboards, my BVD fits rather loosely. I thought about getting the 1100, but I liked the extras on the 2000, such as extra battery storage and pockets. Open to any comments you may have.

Does the 1100's elastic straps really put that much extra stress on you Visor than the 2000 straps? Is the 1100 a "snugger" fit than the 2000?

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mililani, HI, USA
Posts: 256

Aren't the straps the same? To clarify, in my earlier post I was talking about what might happen when the straps are kept sandwiched between the cover and the back of the Visor.

I don't own the 2000, but if I did, I'd use it more as a carrying pouch rather than a case. Then I'd use the cover and maybe even the standard slip case (that came with the Visor) to shield the Visor while it's inside the 2000. So the 1100 is, IMO, a better case, while the 2000 is a great handheld pouch. Finding the latter is NOT an easy thing to do!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 20

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ragamuffinn:
[B]Aren't the straps the same? To clarify, in my earlier post I was talking about what might happen when the straps are kept sandwiched between the cover and the back of the Visor.

The thickness of the straps in the 1100 and the 2000 is the same. But because the 2000 is longer and wider, the straps are thus longer. When the Visor is in it without the hard cover it sort of slides around. With the hard cover snapped on the back it "sticks" in place but the straps can sort of move side to side, though the Visor is secure. I really like the 1100 for everyday use. My 8 MB flash module still hasn't arrived, though the USB travel cable and extra styli have. I will certainly keep my modules (2 days ago I also ordered a backup module after an infinite reset loop left me with a useless RS1100 in the middle of a busy day)in the 2000 and keep it handy at work somewhere locked up for emergencies and certainly for traveling. So, RS1100 is my
favorite as a wallet and everyday use at the hospital, at the grocery store, etc. RS2000 for bigger trips and for SB module storage. Actually the 1100 fits in the 2000 (snugly). Both are extremely functional. The "seconds" 2000 is a better deal, but the 1100 fits in my pants pocket.

Jon

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mililani, HI, USA
Posts: 256

jwbekens,

Did you see anything on your "seconds" 2000 that made it part of the "seconds" batch? I'm deciding whether or not to buy one.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 117

will the rhinoskin 2000 fit in a front pants pocket so it can do double duty as a wallet? I typoicaly wear khaki's with loose front pockets and I getting tired of carrying the visor in one pocket and my wallet in the other.

------------------
Life is to short for boring food

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 20

For the life of me, I can't find anything at all wrong with the "seconds" RS2000. It's sturdily built. I see no stitching problems, no problems with the nylon fabric, and nothing wrong with the soft interior or with all the hardware and attachment gizmos.

With only the Visor in it and a few credit cards and money, yeah it will fit in the pockets of my baggy khaki slacks, but only 'cause the 2000 is squishable. Add some batteries and a module or two and it gets hung up on removal, as all the cords and the zippers and the carrying handle get in the way. On the other hand, the 1100 is easily removed from the pant pocket and doesn't look at all like the minisuitcase that the 2000 is. Heck, do what I did, get a "seconds" 2000 and a 1100 and either keep em both or send one back. The customer service is superb. It's only money and good for the economy, or something like that.

Jon