New Alu hardcase for XDA

[roko]

Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:

http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63

[Montanna]

If you are looking for a sleeker look check out www.proporta.com, they have a design in development , hence the special offer, but you will have to wait a while for the alu case about a month or so, but hey who's complaing when you get freeby!

[damoncarl]

Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:

http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63

just got one! its really cool and sleek design... :lol:

[roko]

I ordered the Proporta about 6 or 7 weeks ago. I received nothing since then (apart from the useless neoprene wallet). Looks like it's going to be a long time before it is finnished. I think the Inno looks far better too. I'm thinking about ordering one instead of the Proporta.

Damoncarl, could you please tell if the beltclip could be removed without to much damage?

[Montanna]

Does the case have enough room for the extended battery?? 8) thinking of getting one if the proporta case doesn't have room, by the end of the design reveiws... :D and it looks like you have to keep removing from the case just to charge or use it.

[roko]

It looks that neither have room for the XDA+battery.

Both the Inno and the Proporta have their pro's and con's. I think the Proporta is better for daily use, you don't need to remove the XDA from the case before usage. The Inno on the other hand gives far better protection since it completely encloses the XDA.

[Montanna]

roko,
judging from the design I can't see how the xda can be used/charged from the case, asking cause that's the way I use mine, and everybody uses their case differently...the Inno case looks to provide better protection, (I have four cases I use depending on my daily use, guys tend to stick to one case, women tend to co-ordinate the cases with their outfits and bags!!) and your right in the respect that the Inno looks good, but as always, looks don't mean a thing if it aint practical (men inclusive in my opinion :twisted: ) and as you already have the case I'd rather pick your brains on it than have a sales person deliberatley trying to sell me something based on looks....

[roko]

The Proporta has an opening at the bottom so I guess you can sync/charge and replace the smartcard without having to take it out of the case. Here's a better view...

http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=XDAcase1.jpg

But still, it is in developement, images of the final product are not online yet (I asked for them but no response so far). The final product could differ. Wait and see

[Montanna]

And so my choice is confirmed, da girl goes proporta! :D :D spoke to them today they say no to the batttery space but I guess I can't have all :(

[roko]

Hopefully you won't get bored waiting for it (like me) :wink:

Did you by any change asked them when the case should be ready for shipping? I keep hearing "probably the next week" :?

[Montanna]

roko
Yep, I did ask and was told not for ages as they just rejected the proto-type last week, apparently because you would have to remove the xda from the case for charging etc and that's not what was agreed to design wise....the guy I spoke to was so annoyed he told me not to bother ordering it yet!!! to wait a month but I will... just to have yet another case to co-ordinate.
(as women do :wink: )

[roko]

Another month :(

I'll order the Inno so I'll have atleast one case (for the time being) :wink:

[derekcfoley]

I've got one (the innopocket case) and I'm very Impressed with it. Although like anything its not perfect.

Here goes an honest review.
If you think the xda is already too big, dont buy this. If you want to protect your machine while carrying it - its like having an armoured tank protecting it! Imagine your dads old tobacco tin in brushed aluminium with a neoprene 1.5mm lining and there it is.

Its very well built - it does have a serious "no messing about belt clip" that you'd have to have serious impacts hit by a car for it to fall off. I'm a cyclist (during the week ; ) - so you'll have to excuse my practical thinking!

I think the only serious damage you could do would be to the antenna, which is the only potruding part, and even then, if it was on your belt that would never happen.

I did however make one major "mod" when I got it, I got out an electric drill and file and made a headphone socket hole straight away!
Being made of aluminium its very easy to do this, in theory you could do the same for the charger connector.

Street Cred
Although its very practical, to be frank I'm embarrased to carry it in "open view" on my belt, because it is ridiculously large. Under your jumper or jacket it acceptable. Or in your baggy Jeans pocket is another fine alternative.

In use
I even answered a few calls while listening to Mp3s in slough town centre last week, obviously the nice thing is that with the standard handsfree headset you can answer the call with the button on the mic pod, and not have to get the damn thing out of the case. Obviously in normal phone use its a pain to "unholster"

I think the main oversight is a lack of a charging hole, I think a pda on a desk with a charger lead hanging out of it is asking for trouble, one slip and your "preciousss" will go swinging to a clattering smash onto the floor, so I'd love to encase it with the innopocket during charging. (I'm getting the drill & file out now!)

Opening it Up
It did seem too much hassle to change tracks on media player by "getting it out of my pocket, opening it up, changing tracks, and closing it etc. So I just listened to my mp3s on "shuffle mode" it would be great if one was designed with buttons integrated into it, perhaps so it slots into the bottom edge connector in the same way as the clip on keyboard.
At times like that I was glad of the volume control on the headphone kit!

The opening up catch is nice and firm, so its very difficult for it to open accidentally, and as it opens "upwards" in theory as long as you are standing or sitting, it wouldnt fall out.

One of my friends did force it open because he didnt understand the way it opens, but in actual fact its made the case easier to use, because the stress exerted on the aluminium hinges if you do this enable you to open it further, to about a 80 degree angle from the closed position. This means that if opened on your belt the xda delivers at 45degrees or so.

Build Quality
I think in terms of build quality it is excellent, and certainly does protect the machine All edges were finished off smoothly, all neoprene stuck down well, definately a quality product.

Capacity
Havent tried it with the extended battery, as it hasnt arrived yet, I'll let you know if it fits, or if it can be modified.

Advantages
1) serious protection
2) serious beltclip that wont fall off in usage
3) Aluminium, lightweight, tough, and easy to mod!
4) Website order to Delivery time (under a week) and thats delivering it by airmail from suppliers in Hong Kong.

Disadvantages
1) Overall Size (too big and roomy - I'd prefer a snugger fit!)
2) Beltclip: My only criticism is that the belt clip cannot be removed, its riveted on, and being aluminium, if you removed it I guess you'd never get it back on. Otherwise its the best engineered beltclip I've ever used, I wish my old Cooltrax mp3 player's case had such a good one.
3) the only downside of course is removing it from the holder. to use it, its not exactly "quick release"
4) usual packaging problem though, when it arrived it looked like it had been opened a dozen times en route, cardboard box was creased and torn "open", but the product was intact and undamaged - I guess customs at several points opened it up to see what it was. You'd hope they'd stick tape back over it. I'd hate to send anything of a greater value that distance!


Opinions
Buy two. One for "on your belt" (modding it for headphone hole)
The other for in a bag or pocket, with the belt clip removed! and mod it for charging/mp3 playback.

The one thing I like about it is that it doesent spoil the look of the thing itself when you're actually using it. The standard O2 case sucks in that regard, and looks disgusting in my opinion. And lets face it the most dangerous aspect of using a phone/pda is putting it down. e.g. falling asleep with it on your lap or chest, or even charging it up.

When its in your hand you hang on to it for grim death. Putting it into the case is the riskiest part, especially cycling along, but hey, even doing that on a pavement is a big risk! And as I mentioned this was a doddle!

Walking along and holstering it is more of an embarrassment risk than a risk of dropping it because as I mentioned, it opens very sensibly.

Possible Improvements...
1) add a hole for charger
2) add a headphone hole
3) make the belt clip removable
4) make it less "thick" (width wise)
5) slots for memory cards inside the case, although there's plenty of room to just have them "floating around" - that said, would you risk an £80 memory card dropping out while you're walking.
6) add a button for skip track for when in mp3 usage

Conclusions
Protection 98%
Practicality 40%
Style 30%

It does "what it says on the tin" :lol:
"protect your investment"

[Anonymous]

Can you please provide a cost for the aloy case for the xda & approximate delivery cost to Australia
Thanks Peter

[climber]

Follow the previous mentioned link http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63 and you will see the price.

I fully agree with Derek's review but like to add a couple of disadvantages:

1) The spring mechanism started to wear out in the case I had. I had to bend them back into shape.
2) Although perfectly padded on the inside there is the possibility of having the metal on the inside come into contact with your screen. Maybe it is just me being clumsy but I was nervous every time the XDA went into or out of the case.

I stopped using it and it is lying around somewhere here.

Robert[/list]

[derekcfoley]

Mine's now laying around as well... climber!
Unfortunetely it wont accommodate the extended battery :(

[roko]

Update on the Proporta hardcase:

It seems that the first 1000 will be shippped early July. Hopefully I will be one of the lucky bastards because I'm waiting for it since last January.

http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=Alu_XDA.jpg

[Anonymous]

Hmm... Re the Proporta case, it looks like someone else had my idea about holes for connectors!

It looks a bit slimmer than the innopocket. I'm hoping it has a cutout in the back to allow for the extended battery to poke out as well...

Somehow I dont think they will think of that one, otherwise it looks a much better design. Do let us know with a full on review when you get it Roko.... :D

[Peter T]

Hi I got the ali case, the thing is almost twice the width, but I really needed to stop the XDA from crashing out of my pocket, so I tried it for a few days, its like an ejector seat, My xda has hit the ground 6 times in one day, I lost my pen & a big card I had in it. Sorry it has gone in the draw. :(

[dangel]

:D Hi, i got my proporta ali case this morning - seems quite nice :) Very light and doesn't bulk up the device too much! Very strong too, no way i'll loose the screen with this baby on. All connectors/buttons can be got to with the case closed.

Will test it over the next few days!

[dangel]

Oh and the whole of the inside is padded, no poss of scratches with this one!

[LumpiStefan]

:D Hi, i got my proporta ali case this morning - seems quite nice :) Very light and doesn't bulk up the device too much! Very strong too, no way i'll loose the screen with this baby on. All connectors/buttons can be got to with the case closed.

Will test it over the next few days!

When did you order it?
Im still waiting for my case.... :-(

Regards

Stefan

[dangel]

:D Hi, i got my proporta ali case this morning - seems quite nice :) Very light and doesn't bulk up the device too much! Very strong too, no way i'll loose the screen with this baby on. All connectors/buttons can be got to with the case closed.

Will test it over the next few days!

When did you order it?
Im still waiting for my case.... :-(

Regards

Stefan

Ummm about a week ago - can't think why mines arrived first? Perhaps it's on the way - you are in Germany so might take a day or two longer?

[jerome]

dangel

Can you post some pictures please since you have yours . :o :lol:

[mattwilkinson]

I bought the innopocket alu case about four weeks ago. I ripped off the belt clip as soon as I got it because this thing is BIG and with the clip it is really big.

I have had problems hearing the phone ring when it is in my pocket because the speaker is encased in two layers of alu!

It is now showing quite a lot of wear and the case doesn't quite fit together properly.

I am ordering the proporta case today it looks like what I wanted in the first place!

some going on eBay for 19.50 buy it now plus 2 quid postage:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2744707326

[dangel]

dangel

Can you post some pictures please since you have yours . :o :lol:

Would love to but i have no ftp access here at work (firewalled) - will try and put some up at home when i get a chance!
The case fits quite snugly, so it doesn't add much to the size of the unit IMHO. Reasonable finish (i.e. doesn't look nasty) - hinge on outside of case on one side is only critism (for looks). Easily (from what i can see) the best thing going case wise for the XDA right now. Length and width same as XDA itself (minus ariel which sticks out of the top), with just a small gain in depth for the unit. Interior has very thin foam rubber on *all* of the inside (no metal exposed) and a small spring clip at the bottom (you slide the XDA in from the top of the unit)
Simple, reasonable classy looking and very strong.
Result! :D

Hope that lot helps some, again apols for no pics due to evil network admins!

[dangel]

XDA arrived today so i'll do some pictures over the weekend and put them up on monday. :D

[jerome]

Hi dangel got my case today and i'm happy with this protective case for the XDA :lol: . Only one thing i notice the cover lid sometime pops out ..dangel do you expereice this too :?: . Overall i'm still happy with this functional and protective case with cutouts giving full access to IR, docking & all buttons with a slick design.Wroth every penny :lol: :wink: :) .I was going to take and post clsoe up pictures but dangel it going to this.

P.s
Let me know if any one is anxious to see pictures

[dangel]

Not had it pop open on me as yet, although i'm guessing it might be it's only flaw longer term!

Very happy with it too - job well done!

[jerome]

Dangel do you get a tight fit with the XDA while inserting and removing from the Alu case. :?:

[Lionel]

I just read through all comments on this topic and still have some questions.

1. I'd like to carry the xda with the proporta case on my belt. Does anyone know of a system with beltclip?

2. Is it possible to put the xda with the proporta case in the original cradle, so as to be able to recharge and connect with the USB to the desktop?

:roll:

[jerome]

Yes you can use a belt Clip i.e. http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=78 but at this moment only available for (Palm Series) .

One is not available for the XDA model case at yet (at the back of the case their is a screw hole available for the clip maybe the Plam version could be used they should all have the same screw hole) .

About the cradle, you can not recharge and connect with the USB to the desktop or sync. You have to use a USB cable ... this is the only disadvantage so far with the Alu case if you do not own a sync cable ...Dangel correct me if I right on this one :D :cry: :cry: :D

[Lionel]

Yes you can use a belt Clip i.e. http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=78 but at this moment only available for (Palm Series) .

One is not available for the XDA model case at yet (at the back of the case their is a screw hole available for the clip maybe the Plam version could be used they should all have the same screw hole) .

About the cradle, you can not recharge and connect with the USB to the desktop or sync. You have to use a USB cable ... this is the only disadvantage so far with the Alu case ...Dangel correct me if I right on this one :D :cry: :cry: :D

thanks for your fast reply! I'm not sure if I understand this right. :oops: I don't have much experience with belt clips. The leather case I received with my xda had a beltclip with it but the notch broke off after 1 month, so I'm looking for someting more robust. I'll try to email proporta about the fablock belt clip you mentioned.

Any idea where to get the kind of USB cable to replace the cradle. Ideally also making it possible to recharge in one go?

[mattwilkinson]

I hope you have better luck e-mailing proporta then me - I am still waiting for a reply from last week!

You can buy a USB sync and charge cable from eBay (no I am not on commission) for about 7 GBP plus P&P (assuming you are in the UK).

I bought one for 12.99 that included an adapter so it can be charge from the car cigar lighter as well.

The charging time increases when charging from the USB port as it only supplies 0.5A which is lower than the mains charger supplied with the phone.

[Lionel]

I just called Proporta on the subject of the beltclip going with their alu-case. It should be on their site in one or two days.
:D :D :D

[jerome]

Lionel

try this cable http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=366 I think it might work with the XDA it seem to have the same connectors e-mail them for confirmation (because I might consider purchase one)

and also I'm think of purchase Proporta 3 in 1 Stylus (XDA)

http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=485 if i purchase both it will save me on delivery cost order than purchasing from another vendor separately.

This link is guarantee http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=XDA-DC but not cost effective.

[Lionel]

Jerome,

I took a look at the cable at proporta, but the one at ebay proposed by Matt at ebay is only 7.99£. The one at expansys is still more expensive.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3338689301&category=3312

By the way, does that kind of cables recharge the xda just by plugging it into the USB-port of a desktop Pc, or am I getting something wrong?

I didn't find proporta's e-mail, just did a short phone call to GB.

[jerome]

Lionel

you can SYNC your XDA with your Desktop or Notebook computer and CHARGE the battery at the same time, with the same cable! No more bulky AC adapters or cradles to carry around!

Any Sync-N-Charge Cable That's compatible for the XDA will operate to above statement .hope that helps. Proporta email address is on this link scroll to the bottom if needed http://www.proporta.com/Default.asp?id=pp_faq .

[dangel]

Yes you can use a belt Clip i.e. http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=78 but at this moment only available for (Palm Series) .

One is not available for the XDA model case at yet (at the back of the case their is a screw hole available for the clip maybe the Plam version could be used they should all have the same screw hole) .

About the cradle, you can not recharge and connect with the USB to the desktop or sync. You have to use a USB cable ... this is the only disadvantage so far with the Alu case if you do not own a sync cable ...Dangel correct me if I right on this one :D :cry: :cry: :D

Yup only 'downside' as such. Doesn't bother me too much although i might pick up a synch and charge cable for the office :)

[jerome]

hi Dangle

purchase the cable with extras at this link http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=MOBPAKXDA for the Alu case .This is best charger kit at a great price i just placed an order can not wait. Everything you need for your XDA on the road. :wink: :wink: :wink:

[dangel]

hi Dangle

purchase the cable with extras at this link http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=MOBPAKXDA for the Alu case .This is best charger kit at a great price i just placed an order can not wait. Everything you need for your XDA on the road.

Thanks for the link - good value. I've got a car charger already (well, sort of - my GPS cable also charges the phone!) and the transformer that came with the unit already covers 110-250v, with multiplug. So it's cheaper for me to just get the usb cable. Should get it today :)
Still thinking about modding my cradle to charge as well tho - it's a bit pointless plugging in a transformer when the power is available over the usb cable!

[jerome]

I was going to post some pictures to day but someone posted it on pocketpcthoughts.com so take a look but the Picture quality is poor considering the case is Silver.:idea:

Proporta aluminum case PICTURES
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15842

[Rudegar]

it looks pretty damm nice :)

[LumpiStefan]

Mine alu case already come to me.
Quality is quite good, but there are two things that dissapears me....

1. I can´t connect the xda to my pc with the USB-cradle, without removing the case.
2. Same problem for the car kit.....

Speaking quality is quite good. But i think, the Buttons for answer a phone call and to end it, are not very good reachable. (Or my fingers are too big). :-)

Regards

Stefan

[jerome]

1.LumpiStefan purchase the cable with extras at this link http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=MOBPAKXDA for the Alu case .This is best charger kit at a great price . Everything you need for your XDA on the road. :lol: :lol: :lol:


2.The car kit problem I guess this a issue relates to all cases available for the O2 XDA. :oops:

[onion]

bought proporta from ebay £19.50 and got it the next day! :shock: its slim, sleek, tough. neoprene lined and looks real good. my advice is GET ONE :!:

[Lionel]

:D :D :D

I also bought the proporta case. Previously I used the standard leather case with belt-clip. The pin broke off twice. The proporta with beltclip is much more robuster. There was only a minor error when they sent me the stuff, they forgot to include the screw-butten to attach to the case and to hold on the clip. After contacting proporta they sent it immediately and I got it 3 days later

[dangel]

:D :D :D

I also bought the proporta case. Previously I used the standard leather case with belt-clip. The pin broke off twice. The proporta with beltclip is much more robuster. There was only a minor error when they sent me the stuff, they forgot to include the screw-butten to attach to the case and to hold on the clip. After contacting proporta they sent it immediately and I got it 3 days later


Ha! I had the same problem - no screws!!! Again, they sent the screws under seperate cover within a couple of days.