Case Round-Up

[ikaris]

I decided to round up all of the cases for the HTC Universal for reference:

Piel Frama (1 case... also available on Expansys as the "Chairmans Case")
- http://www.pielframa.com/imate_jasjar.htm

PDair (2 cases, both with belt clips)
- http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/7749.htm
- http://www.pdair.com/scripts/main/viewitem.php?itemid=1998&pdaid=190

XaX (2 cases)
- http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=125516
- http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=125869

- Nutshell
http://www.tuff-as-nuts.com/209-210.html#

I have ordered the XaX cases with the intention of sending one back... I will post a full analysis with lots of pics.... it's sad that there are not a lot of pics around of these two !

[ikaris]

BTW, here's a nice review of the Proporta case...

http://www.clieuk.co.uk/execbookcase.htm

[page3]

Thanks for the summary - very useful indeed. I'm looking for something like the Piel Frama or Xax (2) case but the keyboard must NOT be covered - which I believe it is with both of these, although it is hard to tell from the photos.

[page3]

I have found another case by Krusell which looks quite good:

http://www.krusell.se/product.php?s=2&product=2095

Sold here:
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=127398&asource=119353

Anyone got one?

[ikaris]

Mods:

Should this be in accessories ?

Sorry... :(

[ikaris]

@page 3:

Wow... the Krusell one looks pretty good !

Hole for ear... belt clip... window for screen... Hmmmmm.... !

The only thing its missing is elastic stretchy sides to block the SD card from falling out while still being able to open the case.

[simon_darley]

i like the krussel or the xax #1.

am interested in feedback on the xax, as I really just want something simple to make the carrying of it easier. if I need it, i just want to take it out of the case entirely, then when finished put it back. most cases are designed to keep it inside the case. i think the clam design prevents the need for a protective permanent case, so something to make it easier to carry it would be handy.

But yes, the krussel looks good if I felt it needed protection...

So any feedback on the Xax 1 would be good, and if any body does by the krussel, let us know.

[kelford]

...any feedback on the Xax 1 would be good...
I've had the XAX 1 for about a week now and it's just what I was looking for. Like you, Simon, I was also interested in just something to carry the Universal as I prefer to take it out completely to use it. The XAX 1 certainly does the job.

The magnetic closures make it very easy to take it out of the case and put it away. The fit is not too tight to make it difficult to remove and replace but tight enough to feel secure. It's not going anywhere. And it may seem a small thing, but I also like that the magnets make the removal and replacement of the Universal into a silent operation without zipping or velcro or snaps to announce what you're doing. It's not a big deal, but it was a nice little bonus.

The concern I had with this case was the belt clip since it is an actual clip and not anything that locks in place. My previous "belt" cases with other PDAs had the locking type clips. This one just hooks on to the belt, but it feels very secure. There seems to be no question of it slipping off of a belt and I've even used it just hooked on to jeans (without them falling down, despite the Universal's weight!) when not wearing a belt. I can see where there is more of a chance that it could come unhooked when just on jeans like that, but I haven't had that happen yet.

One advantage to the locking clips was the ability to allow the case to swivel which this one does not have. After using it though, I like the horizontal orientation and now prefer that it doesn't swivel actually. I don't have to take the case off or swivel it around every time I sit down.

I'm planning to eventually get the PDAir (most likely) for times when I want the Universal protected even while in use, but I would only use that in certain environments where I was worried that it might get damaged if taken out completely. Most of the time I plan to use the Xax.

[atekant]

I am not sure I get how the Xax 1 works.
Is it like a holtster, where you just slide the JasJar in?
What is the magnetic closure for, is that a tab that closes over the top opening?
How are the sides protected?
Care to post some pictures?

[kelford]

I'm at work, so I can't post any pictures right now (they probably wouldn't be all that happy that I was positng in the first place, but hey, it's lunch!)

It is like a holster and the JJ just slides in. As you suspected there is a leather tab that goes over the top to help protect and hold it in (though the fit is tight enough that I don't think holding the JJ in is really all that necessary.) It doesn't go completely across the top, but leaves room on one end so that you can use the headphone jack while it's in the case (as long as you put the JJ in it with the camera facing out.) Beyond that, the top is protected. There is leather on both sides, so they are protected as well. On the bottom, there's a large cut out in the middle that allows you to push up on the JJ to take it out more easily as well as two other small cut outs for the speakers.

I'll try to see if I can get some pics together later tonight.

[ikaris]

Hi everyone,

I got the XaX #2 case today (the magnetic snap one, NOT the belt clip) and well... it's not that great.

First of all, the Jasjar won't fully close when it's inside... the leather strip that holds down the keyboard gets in the way of the screen. I've tried a bunch of different positions, and no dice.

Also, the camera hole is uncovered, but the earpiece is not so you can't use the phone when the case is closed.

The magnetic snap is nice and strong though, and the leather is of good quality.

However, in terms of functionality, it's not that great. I'll post pics later.

[kelford]

...the Jasjar won't fully close when it's inside...

So I guess XaX may have a hit and a miss with their two cases. Thanks for passing that along because I think that is a concern.

I've wondered if the Piel Frama case will have the same "closing" issue. In some of the pictures on their website it looked like the JJ may not have been all the way closed. I had one of their cases for a Dell Axim 5 and it was of very high quality but the "closing" question concerns me.

I'd love to hear from anyone who gets a Piel Frama.

[exchguy]

Same here. I am interested in the Piel Frama case or the Krusell. Both look pretty nice and seem to have the proper cut outs for all buttons and such. Just wondering which one seems to fit the device better.

[ev9d9]

I am currently using the case that came with the iPaq 5500 series. This fits the XDA Exec perfectly and is ideal if you want to use the case for storing the Exec and taking it out of the case for use.

Simon

[simba]

So I guess XaX may have a hit and a miss with their two cases. Thanks for passing that along because I think that is a concern.

I've wondered if the Piel Frama case will have the same "closing" issue. In some of the pictures on their website it looked like the JJ may not have been all the way closed. I had one of their cases for a Dell Axim 5 and it was of very high quality but the "closing" question concerns me.

I'd love to hear from anyone who gets a Piel Frama.

I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.

[page3]

I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.Just want to confirm 100% before ordering the Pielframa case - you are saying that the keyboard is NOT covered by any plastic? It isn't clear from the photo. Thanks.

[kelford]

I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.
Thanks for giving an update! That's good news that the Piel Frama doesn't have the closing issues that was found with the XaX 2 case. I know how well PF cases are made, so I may have to get one of these (or at least put it on a gift wish list!) since I find I like to use different cases depending on circumstances.

How does it feel in terms of added bulk? It seems designed to be on the device most if not all of the time, so I wondered how it really feels when used every day?

[Codiac]

Take a look at this one: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/7866.htm

seems reasonalbly priced :D

One thing though..........

Click on larger image.

first pic you see is the belt clip side

click the next pic and where you would expect to see the closing flap thingy, you see a plain flat side!?!?

Am I missing something?

[kelford]

Am I missing something?
I don't understand that either. Where did the flap go?

I'm supposed to be getting pictures together (having regular PC issues at home) so I can show the XaX 1 in use, but the general construction looks similar to the one in the link, but the XaX has a bigger flap. And it doesn't hide anywhere either!

[simba]

Just want to confirm 100% before ordering the Pielframa case - you are saying that the keyboard is NOT covered by any plastic? It isn't clear from the photo. Thanks.

Yes, it is not covered by any plastic.

The case does make it feel more 'bulky'. In the daily usage you could leave the it in case without the need of taking it out. I can answer the phone by not having to open the case. Of course you do need to open it to be able to make a phone call.

[DaleReeck]

I ordered the Proporta one a few weeks ago. Of course it's on back order, big surprise there :roll:

For me, I liked that the clear plastic covering the keyboard covers it from end to end. There's no piece of leather getting in the way of fully closing it like other models. At the same time, there are little leather "tabs" on the curved parts of the JarJar to keep the case's keyboard area rigid, a great design.

Second, the Proporta has a flap between the outer covering that has the SD card holders and such and the screen/top cover of the JasJar. This way, any SD cards in the case's holders won't scratch the screen or the top cover when you close the case. I did not see that on the other designs.

[heidy]

Hi everyone,

I got the XaX #2 case today (the magnetic snap one, NOT the belt clip) and well... it's not that great.

First of all, the Jasjar won't fully close when it's inside... the leather strip that holds down the keyboard gets in the way of the screen. I've tried a bunch of different positions, and no dice.

Also, the camera hole is uncovered, but the earpiece is not so you can't use the phone when the case is closed.

The magnetic snap is nice and strong though, and the leather is of good quality.

However, in terms of functionality, it's not that great. I'll post pics later.

Get an exchange or a refund, you bought a unit that's defective by design. If you look at eXpansys' website's photo, you will notice that the picture shows that the 'leather strip' has since been replaced by a clear plastic strip, which allows you to close the case properly. Don't even try to close it with the case you have, you'll just wreck the swivel/screen.

I bought this case with the Qtek lastweek, and had the exact same problem as you. Emailed them, and they gave me an exchange.

Mind you though -- the case you're holding is 'leather'; the new and 'improved' case is PVC (leatherette), which is comparably thinner in material.

I was debating this XaX case over the "Chairman"/"PF" case, which generally has the same functions:

PRO:
- This case is less expensive
- All side buttons, ports, jacks, speakers are easily accessible (except IrDA)
- Strong enough magnetic closure. "Chairman"/"PF" case uses button snap -- the BIG reason why I stayed away from it. I had a Sena leather case for my previous PDA, which was really nicely made; except the button snap is now broken/loose due to excessive use. I'm waiting to see if Vaja/Sena would come out with something similar to PF, with magnetic closure.

CONS:
- PF case is full leather, this is PVC sprayed with leather smell. This case won't last long with sweat and scratches
- Case covers IrDA port
- Cutting is too 'generous', which left a lot of the phone uncovered (ie: sides/corner of phone; cutting is not specific to hole/button), this is a problem for scratches and acid/sweat from hands. I already notice my 1 week old Qtek's front panel (speaker/button side) where it is covered by a dark-purple translucent plastic, is now slowly fading to a lighter hue due to how I hold it in landscape mode.
- Camera hole is not as meticulously cut as the 'old' XaX2. Would have been nice if there was a mechanism to close hole; or at least a clear piece of plastic for protection. Finger could easily slip into hole and smudge lens. For now, I just put a piece of paper in between lens and case to prevent finger pokes.
- Would have preferred a clear plastic covering the keyboard... I see a few specks of dusts in between keys already, and oil/acid from hand would eventually 'shine' the keyboard's surface.

Overall, I would give this case a rating of 6.5/10 -- a slightly above average case that does what it's suppose to do; but could be greatly improved by better material and paying attention to design details.

/EOF

[jah]

Anyone tried the new Brando cases yet?

See here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Leather-Case-Belt-Clip-XDA-EXEC-I-mate-JASJAR-MDA-Pro_W0QQitemZ5830532116QQcategoryZ57253QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

[Flubster]

Warning - Another Ebay link:

I reckon this is the best one i've seen yet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Deluxe-Leather-Case-XDA-EXEC-I-mate-JASJAR-MDA-Pro_W0QQitemZ5830431728QQcategoryZ57253QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Flubster

[jah]

There are three new Brando cases but I am not sure that the design they have used, like the XaX case, will allow the cam shell to close properly. I may buy one to see how they fit.

[Flubster]

very large images on the brando website http://shop.brando.com.hk/o2xda.php

Flubster

[nikbedwell]

I have the Proporta metal case... fits well, protects the edges while allowing access to all buttons and SD card. Can use keyboard and screen without removing Universal from case. Cannot recommend this case highly enough!

http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=1355&t_mode=des

Ordered online and received within 5 working days :) Use "GODDESS" promotion code for free delivery :wink:

[fcaeiro]

This case is very well built and has good material...
BUT have huge BUG...
When you close the case the lather is to tick and the case don’t close well and put a enormous force on the screen hinge....
I Wont risk having the screen always doing a lot of pressure….
I will try to cut it but is pitty because the case is very well finish (as usual from piel frama)
I bought via expansys as chairman case…

[simba]

This case is very well built and has good material...
BUT have huge BUG...
When you close the case the lather is to tick and the case don’t close well and put a enormous force on the screen hinge....
I Wont risk having the screen always doing a lot of pressure….
I will try to cut it but is pitty because the case is very well finish (as usual from piel frama)
I bought via expansys as chairman case…

You should contact Pielframa. I have the black Pielframa case for my MDA Pro, and I do not have to put force to close the case. Also it does not feel as if the case put a enormous force on the screen hinge when it is closed.

[fcaeiro]

This case is very well built and has good material...
BUT have huge BUG...
When you close the case the lather is to tick and the case don’t close well and put a enormous force on the screen hinge....
I Wont risk having the screen always doing a lot of pressure….
I will try to cut it but is pitty because the case is very well finish (as usual from piel frama)
I bought via expansys as chairman case…

You should contact Pielframa. I have the black Pielframa case for my MDA Pro, and I do not have to put force to close the case. Also it does not feel as if the case put a enormous force on the screen hinge when it is closed.



I have 2 of them here in the office mine and other from a coleague and they have exactly the same problem...

Its not huge pressure but if you leave like that will end up cracking or gaps betwen the screen and the rest....
this problem can be seen on the animated gif on the this message of this post ...
If you look close when you full close the case will bring the screen down a bit... I can post pictures later ...

[simba]

I have 2 of them here in the office mine and other from a coleague and they have exactly the same problem...

Its not huge pressure but if you leave like that will end up cracking or gaps betwen the screen and the rest....
this problem can be seen on the animated gif on the this message of this post ...
If you look close when you full close the case will bring the screen down a bit... I can post pictures later ...

Do not hesitate to contact Pielframa, in the past i had problems with their first batch of ipaq h6340 case. they have exchanged this case even when i bought it at www.doml.net . Let them know this problem exists so they can work on it.

[fcaeiro]

here is the the problem

I use Piel frama cases for years and i like it a lot, but this should be solved...


http://FC.smugmug.com/photos/44924912-M.jpg

http://FC.smugmug.com/photos/44924919-M.jpg

http://FC.smugmug.com/photos/44924923-M.jpg

http://FC.smugmug.com/photos/44924930-M.jpg

[simba]

Did you report it to Pielframa using the pictures? There service is good. So unless customers report this issues, it will not be fixed.

[fcaeiro]

yes i send them an email with the pictures...
Lets hope they solve it...

[exchguy]

I am also having the same issue with the case closing. Not that its a huge problem, but still a bit annoying. I emailed Piel Frama to see what they say.

[fcaeiro]

Great great great service from Piel Frama as always...
This is part of the answer i receive from piel frama:


"....Piel Frama guarantees you a full satisfaction service, from what upon the reception of your information we will replace a new case to you. Please, test it and if you still find you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.
"

"
Please, be informed that our workshop is working on your revised case and we will ship it to you as soon as possible. I guess you will receive it next week, though I cannot confirm you an exact date now.
"


" Please, be informed that I checked the status of your case and it seems that it will be ready for shipment on Monday next week.

At the case, you will also see that we have made another hole for the infrared rays’ reader, which we didn’t make before.

"

[simba]

Great great great service from Piel Frama as always...
This is part of the answer i receive from piel frama:


"....Piel Frama guarantees you a full satisfaction service, from what upon the reception of your information we will replace a new case to you. Please, test it and if you still find you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.
"

"
Please, be informed that our workshop is working on your revised case and we will ship it to you as soon as possible. I guess you will receive it next week, though I cannot confirm you an exact date now.
"


" Please, be informed that I checked the status of your case and it seems that it will be ready for shipment on Monday next week.

At the case, you will also see that we have made another hole for the infrared rays’ reader, which we didn’t make before.

"

That is certainly good news. The extra hole for the infared sounds great. Currently whenever I want to sync my MDA Pro with my laptop using infared I have to take it out of the case.

[Urban Strata]

Are the problems described above in every Piel Frama case for the Universal? -- Or was this unique to the poster's case?

On a related note, will Piel Frama put the updated case with the infrared port cut-out into mass production?

And by the way, this is my first post here. Hello. :)

[simba]

Are the problems described above in every Piel Frama case for the Universal? -- Or was this unique to the poster's case?

On a related note, will Piel Frama put the updated case with the infrared port cut-out into mass production?

And by the way, this is my first post here. Hello. :)

Welcome,

I think the problems are nearly in every Pielframa first batch of Universal cases. I hope they do put the cut out for the infared port into mass production. It would be very odd if they only do it for a couple of customers.

[halljames]

I have the Proporta metal case... fits well, protects the edges while allowing access to all buttons and SD card. Can use keyboard and screen without removing Universal from case. Cannot recommend this case highly enough!

http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=1355&t_mode=des

Ordered online and received within 5 working days :) Use "GODDESS" promotion code for free delivery :wink:

Cheers nikbedwell, I have just orderd my Metal Case, and thanks for the Free delivery code. I owe you a beer :)

[greatestkelvin]

I just got my Piel Frama case, I don't seem to like it as the leather strip above the keyboard causes my machine not to close properly. I would sell it if i could. Its black in colour. I am now using my old cheap case for my ipaq.

[exchguy]

Have the same problem. The case still closes and there does not seem to be a big issue, but I would have thought they would have seen that it does not close completely due to the thicker leather pieces toward the back of the keyboard and fixed it earlier.

I emailed Piel Frama to see what or if they could do anything about it, and they offered to 'fix' it if I would ship it back to them but that is going to take too long in shipping from the USA and waiting for it to come back, so I'll end it living with it.

[Urban Strata]

Have the same problem. The case still closes and there does not seem to be a big issue, but I would have thought they would have seen that it does not close completely due to the thicker leather pieces toward the back of the keyboard and fixed it earlier.

I emailed Piel Frama to see what or if they could do anything about it, and they offered to 'fix' it if I would ship it back to them but that is going to take too long in shipping from the USA and waiting for it to come back, so I'll end it living with it.

Is it that the case doesn't close all the way, or that it just doesn't close flat? I don't imagine a millimeters or two would make much difference so long as it's protected and the button snaps... right?

[exchguy]

Its just a couple of millimeters gap that prevents the Jasjar from closing all the way, due to the leather strip at the back of the keyboard. I've even thought of cutting it myself. But, the case does close with the snap fine so its not like it is not closing or anything..just that the Jasjar does not completely close, but like I said its only a matter of a few millimeters. Plus, I have notice that after some use, the leather strip at the back of the case has actually worn in a little bit making it easier to close that it first did.

As I said, I am still very happy with the case and although they have offered to 'fix' it by shipping it back, I don't want to go through the hassel of a 2-3 week turnaround for that. I still think it is probably the best quality case for the Jasjar after having looked at the pictures of the others. Not to mention, I was able to get the Piel Frama case from Cases.com which is located in my same state and the shipping was very quick.

[alex66]

I reported the same problem to pielframa about 10 days ago. They answered to ship it back.
I think that they might have received lots of complaints about this case and thta they will review it. By that time, I will send it back. For the time being, I am not using it.
Bye

[dcloutier]

I've got the Brado flip-top with belt clip. It works great. Just my 2 cents worth.

[simba]

The Pielframa case issue is also mentioned on another thread. See
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=184008#184008