Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 14

Hi - has anyone purchased one of the expensive "bulld your own" custom cases from Handspring? I'm seriously considering one, but I have been pretty disappointed in the quality of the cheaper Handspring cases that I've seen.

Any comments???

Thanks.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 239

Handspring custom case

I got one of the Handspring custom cases long ago (Nov 1999) and have been happy with it so far. I am currently waiting for a Rhinopak 3000 to be delivered from Amazon.com (4 weeks into "ships in 1-2 weeks" and no shipment yet) <sigh>, but that is only because I know have a Stowaway keyboard, extra memory, backup module, modem, and external charger, and was looking for a laptop replacement. The Handspring case has served me well for almost a year and a half.

I got the Mocha Belting leather case, and although I can't speak to the quality of the other cases you have seen, this one is nice. It is well put together, and the leather matched well with the corporate environment I was in. Having my initials stamped on the front was also a nice touch. I liked the leather strap closure on the Mocha Belting much better than either a snap or Velcro. It is silent, classy, and holds the case closed surprisingly well. OK, I was surprised anyway. I have dropped my Visor (gasp) several times and the case stays closed more often than not. I suppose this is as good a time as any to talk about protection. Obviously, leather is not going to provide the shock-absorbtion of neoprene, but there have been no problems so far. It always seems to land on a corner. Most of the drops have been on carpet, but one was from the roof of my S-10 onto asphalt, about 6 feet. My Visor was dislodged from the hard case at the top about 1/8th of an inch, but snapped easily back into place with a mild push. It hit the ground on the lower right corner, opposite the power button. There is a gouge in the Visor body about the size of two grains of rice, and the corner of the leather case is bent over and scratched, but that was the extent of the damage. You can't imagine my joy when a push of the power button displayed the app launcher.

Starting in the back, the Visor is held by the Handspring standard hard case sewn into the leather. This holds the Visor snugly and securely.

There is a middle flap in the case. The side facing the Visor has a slot for a pad of paper. Two pads with little Handspring logos across the bottom were included. There are a couple of loops to hold pens here, and I have an ink pen and my Cross(tm) stylus. The other side of the flap has a slot with a clear plastic window that I keep my driver's license in.

Inside what would be the front cover (so to go through in reverse on you) are 4 credit card slots. I average about 3 cards per slot (no, not all credit cards; there are credit cards, Blockbuster card, health/auto insurance, NAUI, etc.). The flap in the middle attaches to the front cover with a snap, so when you open the case, the Visor is ready to go. The snap holds well even with the over-burdened card holders.

As I said before, this case has served me well, and I like it. About the only thing it is missing (in my opinion) is a slot for cash. Of course, I would probably jam all sort of notes and cash in there and have a mess, so it's just as well. I have had some luck with storing emergency money BEHIND the Visor when it's snapped into the hard case, but you can't do that with more than two bills.

Sorry about the novel, but it seems I have a lot to say on the subject. It is a good, solid case, and I am very happy with it.

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Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 14

Wow - thanks for the detailed reply. Funny that you're waiting on the 3000. I just ordered a 2000 from directcase. I figured with their generous return policy I can see how I like it.

From what I have seen online I have really liked the looks of the Handspring custom cases. Plus, I have a Prism, and it's really hard finding cases that fit properly. They're just so danged expensive - with shipping you're looking at at least $70! Whew.

We'll see how the rhinoskin works out. I like it's size, but I'm not sure if it's going to be "professional looking" enough for me.....if it doesn't work I'll send it back and spend the extra $$$ for the Handspring.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 239

The custom case is good for the business environment. It went a long way to dispell the "gameboy" image in meetings (OK, odds were I was playing Freecell, but still). The move to the Rhinopak is based solely on my choice to carry all my accessories with me and ditch the laptop.

__________________
Soul Raven - "Sm� hjerne, stor gl�de"
Wherever you go, there you are.