Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

I think people looking for a case for their Visors should take a close look at the custom case pictures (more like sketches) in Step 1 of the Custom Case Builder section of Handspring's website.

If you look closely, you'll see that they've designed the cases to work VERY nicely without needing to use Velcro. Instead, at the top and the bottom of the case where the device attaches, you'll find pegs exactly like those on the hard plastic cover that comes with the Visor. This means the Visor is held securely in the case without any need for glue, straps, or any other modification to your device.

This is not unlike the design approach used for the Palm V where a rail slid into the left-hand slot on the device to attach it securely to the case.

What it means however is that you could not keep your device in the case with the hard cover attached also. Not a big deal since few people keep a cover on the device once they use a case.

I couldn't figure out how to get my image to show up with the case sketch, but if someone can, it will probably help folks see the advantages to these cases.

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-06-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 179

The custom cases are pretty cool but won't they get in the way with some of the springboards? Plus, they add so much size. I know cases are necessary for some but I kinda like the minimal approach of the belt clip holster. Protects the screen and has relief for any attached springboards.





While Handspring is down the images above won't be available.


[This message has been edited by handsprung (edited 10-08-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

Hey Handsprung, I agree with you totally on the intrusive nature of the case. Personally, I've tried out most of the cases out there and I've stuck with just my Palm III and the flip cover. I do carry a case for slipping the Palm into when I travel, but that's it. I like being able to throw the Palm into my pants or shirt pocket and with the IIII, few cases make that really possible.

It's just the concept of the design that I find fascinating. Hawkins took a totally different approach this time and it's REALLY cool. Though I think I still like the rail approach with the V better.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Modesto, CA USA
Posts: 599

Taste it is varied thing by individual hence the reason for so many variety of cases and covers etc.

I did have one complaint-suggestion that I left in the feedback section at Hanspring...dimensions and better explaination on how the Visor is held in place. Is it Velcro or what...the pics look like maybe there is a rail or somthing.

Ordered one of the deluxe units anyway. I almost use this type of case as a handheld wallet and for those rare occasions a note pad comes in handy.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

RSGMOOSE: Did you even read my first post? Here's the link to the case that I'm talking about :
http://www.handspring.com/cgi-bin/H...59/cc_type_tab1

It's quite obivous that the peg holes on the top and bottom of the device are clipped into by the pegs at the top and bottom of the case on the right hand side. In fact if you've examined the pics of the "plastic hard cover" (available elsewhere on this site) you'll see that these pegs are identical. The case attaches to the device just like the hard cover would if you placed it on the back of the device.

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-06-1999).]


[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-06-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Modesto, CA USA
Posts: 599

Excuuuuuuse me Jackal, I didn't mean to make it sound like I hadn't read the original post. I was stating that I'd left the complaint with the Feedback Section stating "how is the unit held in place". Handspring could have done a better job with a description and or as you say "if you look closely" the pics show the rail like mechanism similar to Palm V in attempt. The pics are not very clear. I also posted to feedback a suggestion of making the pictures enlarge with better detail when clicking on them.

Humble apologies about the confusion but I did read your post.If we only complain on this site how will the website at Handspring get better?

[This message has been edited by RSGMOOSE (edited 10-06-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

I agree totally man, constructive requests are a good thing for all of us. Didn't mean to sound harsh.

I've never REALLY understood why companies who sell cases don't display tons of pictures of the things inside and out and from multiple angles. Doing so would make it much easier for an e-customer to make an intelligent purchase. Just showing me the outside or simple sketches really isn't enough to determine what the thing looks like or how it functions. If I pick it up in a brick and mortar, all my questions are answered by handling the product. This is one of the major obstacles that needs to be overcome in e-commerce. E-tailers need to think more about what the customer wants to see and know so as to simplify the purchase decision.

I guess we'll have to wait until reviewers like the Gadgeteer get their hands on cases and start doing REAL reviews.

BTW, I didn't mean to confuse the issue by mentioning the V and its rail. The Visor will attach to the case from the pegs at the bottom and top of the case on the right hand side of the flap.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 179

This brings up the growing dilemma of buying products over the Internet compared to being at a store with product in hand. Will the Internet ever be able to jump this hurdle? How about a "VR" type machine at your desk, something small with a headset. You go to a site, pick your item and a 3d image is sent to your computer where you can examine the item in VR before purchasing. Hey, that could be a billion dollar idea...

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Modesto, CA USA
Posts: 599

Handsprung,
I like the idea of the VR display. Could be something there but the bandwidth will have to greatly increase over the web in order for it to work.

Jackal,
I was with you on the V rail. It's nice to see manufactureres using something besides the "sticky" stuff to anchor their units. It'll be interesting when I get the unit and case to see how complex or easy it will be to remove for synching etc.

------------------
Richard

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Bellevue, Wa, USA
Posts: 72

They already have some 3D model ability out there to the effect everyone here is looking for(unfortunately not of the cases). My roomate was looking for a cell phone. He went to one of the websites (Qualcom?) and they had 3D images to rotate any way, so you could see the whole phone, at any angle. That would work i think. All it took was some quicktime software that most of us have. Also, doesn't anyone think most of the covers offered look like the paper dayplaners that most of us are looking to get away from?

[This message has been edited by irewolf (edited 10-07-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Schaumburg, IL
Posts: 151

Yeah, I've seen some of this technology where on devices like cell phones they even allow you to "try out" the features on the phone. Of course it's a Shockwave or Flash enabled demo that is pre-scripted, but it really helps to get a "feel" for the device.

I also seem to recall Steve Wozniak (I think it was him, it could have been the other Apple guru Jobs), had a concept of where you could browse through a store on the internet much like you do today in a brick & mortar. Very VR like, where you can pick products up and turn them around, examine them, etc. Like Handsprung mentioned earlier, it really is a question of the bandwidth. The technology is out there to do this sort of thing, I've seen similar concepts in action in the DOE's Argonne Laboratory's high-tech labs where they have "holo-deck" type proto-types in development and use. It just needs to be made inexpensively! Some day we'll see it. But in the meantime, e-tailers should really focus on giving multiple pictures/angles for complex products sold exclusively on the web.

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-07-1999).]