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Proporta has
only been around for a couple months (created after a merge of
PalmTech and Scribble) but are already making a
slash in the PDA case market with their aluminum cases for various
PDA's. After releasing various Palm OS device cases, Proporta
has finally begun shipping their first Pocket PC aluminum case.
The case fits all 3000 series iPAQ devices and provides added
protection over the included iPAQ case. Modeled after the Compaq plastic sleeve/cover
introduced with the 3800 series iPAQ's, the Proporta iPAQ Aluminum
Case
provides added production at an incredibly reasonable
price.
The design of this case leaves openings where they are needed, and
protection everywhere else. The first thing that is most notable
about the cases design is that the top portion of the device is left
uncovered. The case design works well with the iPAQ design to
feature the two LED lights are used for various notification functions
by the Pocket PC operating system. Even more benefits are incurred when this case is
used with a 3800 or 3900 series iPAQ because of the placement of the
speaker at the top of the device.
The case fits onto the iPAQ just the way it should, like a
glove. There are two things you really do not want in a case,
the first being the case fitting to loosely. Proporta added a
lining inside the case for added grip between the aluminum case and
the shell of the iPAQ. The second thing you do not want is a lack
of accessibility to your device. This case does not impede accessibility
as almost every port is left available and all buttons can be easily
accessed (after opening the front). Only the expansion sleeve
port, the front buttons and joy pad are covered. Proporta has also
accounted for the recorder button on the side and has allowed access
to it without the case being open. Why is this important?
The Pocket PC recoding software is one program you do not need to see
the screen for to use. Since the microphone is on the top of the
iPAQ, can you see how the design of this case can really work to your advantage?
Someone noted on a message board that they were not fond of a case like
this because it does not allow for expansion sleeves to be used with the
iPAQ. Though it does not, I see this case as a product to just
protect my iPAQ in day to day uses. I do not use my expansion
sleeves everyday and I do not bring them with my when I go somewhere
because I have little need for them in day to day tasks. What
makes this case great as opposed to something like the included iPAQ
case is that you do not have to take it out of the protection to be
used. Just pop open the cover, add the contact, make a note,
play a game, close the over, put it back in your pocket.
Though really I like this case, there are two negative aspects that I
found based on how I use my device. First of all, after fitting
my device in the case it took me a little while to figure out how to
easily get it out. The reason it is difficult to get out is
because the case is not only molded to be only a hair bigger then the
device, but it also has the padding and latch on the expansion
connector to hold it in place. I would never worry about the
product slipping out of this case, which is good, though it is
sometimes a little tricky to get the iPAQ out. The best way I
have found to get it out is to only the case in one hand and push with
one finger on the power adapter plug-in and another finger over the
soft reset button (3600 iPAQ). Another drawback is that though
the sync port is not covered by the case, you cannot fit it in the
sync cradle. If you have a USB Sync cable this is not a problem,
but I would like to be able to plug in my device to sync while it is
in the case.
I
have little fear of my device being damaged when using this
case. Since I have received it, this case has been on my iPAQ for daily
use just about everywhere. The powerful design of this product
has given my rather "out of date" 3640 iPAQ a new
style. Even better then that, the added style and protection benefits
will only set you back $39 US (?25.49 in the UK). This case is
really an inventive design from a company that seems not only aware of
what a case needs to do, but also how case can actually fit correctly
with your device to increase productivity.
Dave's Score - 9.0
This means, this product is about as close to
"the best" as you can get. This product embodies
quality in its design and application, and is something I would use.
Though you still should consider it for yourself, most would probably
be happy with this product even if they were unable to try it prior to
purchase.
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