Cingular 8125 case issues

[GliTCH82]

I got the monaco leather case for the 8125 from Extreme PDA:

http://www.extremepda.com/page/XPDA/PROD/cingular_8125_accessories/CING8125FLIPCASE

Even though a lot of people said they liked it and it seemed to be the most ideal for constant use, the bottom line is after a week I can't stand having it on my 8125. Here's what I realized:

- Even though it allows the keyboard to slide out, actually holding the device with the case flip behind it makes it tough to type comfortably.

- Folding back the flip every time I get a phone call and securing it in place is not practical.

- The cover inadvertantly causes the phone to either ignore or answer calls by applying pressure on the dial/hangup buttons. While this isn't an issue if the device is in standy, on an incoming call it is. Locking the device is useless because on an incoming call, the phone buttons are unlocked even if the device itself is locked.

After a week of this I finally gave up and took the 8125 out of the leather case. I am worried about it getting dropped/scratched but I just can't find a solution that's practical enough. How are the rest of you dealing with these issues?

[devGOD]

yeah most people forget that it's a phone too and not just a pda. so having it in a case like that just makes it more work to answer calls and use the device.

I'm using the Mobile Glove Executice Black Tie Series holder. its a better design than the free case that comes with the 8125. The flap has a magnet in it so it closes really good. I bought it at a mall stand for $30 http://www.mobileglove.com/mobileglove.html it's design for the Treo 650 and similar handheld devices. it fits perfect

[gmaugham]

I purchased this case and am very happy with it. I don't experience any of the issues described by devGOD. http://cgi.ebay.com/Deluxe-Leather-Case-for-Cingular-8125-PDA-Phone-Clip_W0QQitemZ9722366411QQcategoryZ15036QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I've bought items from this person for other PDAs and highly recommend him. He also has some other cases for the 8125 available.

Geoffrey

[jdbell63]

Hi there. The case listed above was my third case for the 8125. So far I like it the most. This is why I am still looking for a case. Taking it off and putting it on the belt clip is somewhat of a hassle because of the placement of the snap that keeps the thing closed. It gets in the way and it's making it hard to grab the phone in time to answer the ring. Also, using the keyboard is a little akward while it's in the case. Just take it out when at home but when out and about it gets a little tedious.

My next purchase might be the holster but at $30 it's a bit pricy.

[scharnet]

Here is what fit the bill for me.
http://sfplanet.com/product/87182

Use the phone/screen without any flaps. If you need to use the keyboard, it slides out easily. However, you can shake it upside down and it will stay put.

Krusell offers many choices for additional adaptors to fit your lifestyle. I bought and use their: Carabiner & Swivel Lanyard. I do like the belt clip one it came with - it is the easiest to remove that I've tried, but I don't like extra baggage around the waist.

Here is a link to a website that reviewed 8 cases.

http://www.4winmobile.com/htc-wizard-7-case-shootout-review-conclusion-vt1707.html

[Bitgod]

I'll look at one of those "deluxe leather cases" on ebay next. Just got a black metal PDAair case off ebay, trying it out. It's ok so far, not sure if it's a keeper. I'm used to having a metal case on my PDA, but I don't usually carry my PDA on my belt, so I'm not sure if I'll stick with it or go leather. I actually started to like the OEM pouch while I used it, but I want constant protection.

[xdame]

Has anyone tried the following case?

http://cgi.ebay.com/T-Mobile-MDA-PDA-CELL-PHONE-LEATHER-CASE-POUCH-TMobile_W0QQitemZ250011542338QQihZ015QQcategoryZ15 036QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[alexknutson]

out of my research, i'm beginning to believe that the case that offers the most protection, AND easy usage without much dabbling every time the phone rings seems to be:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Deluxe-Leather-Case-for-Cingular-8125-PDA-Phone_W0QQitemZ200012713544QQihZ010QQcategoryZ1503 6QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

can anybody post saying otherwise? I'm curious to see if anybody has tried it.

[Bitgod]

I wish those had black stitching, but that case is most likely my next canidate if I try another one.

My black pdair metal case is doing ok, though I had my first drop today, the stupid stud unscrewed from the back of the case. I was kind of worried about that when I got it, the screw was awfully shallow.

[Halfhoff]

Hi there:

I read the 8 case review and, after doing so, I purchased the Noreve model. It is a beautiful case. The problem is, for me, that I use my 8125 primarily as a phone, and then as a PDA. I also use it a fair amount with a GPS device. For the phone, I find it most useful OUT of the case. Or, sometimes, when it is in my car holder, it is also out of the case. When using GPS, it is out of the case (but secure).

The Noreve is beautifully made, but the 8125 inside of it is like a brick. I find it 'geeky' to use the case with the phone. In fairness, what I like about the Noreve is that the case folds BEHIND the unit when you are talking and therefore does not hang down like a big dog's tongue. You can also use the keyboard in the Noreve, but the device is not that securely inside of it.

The case I use almost everyday is a case I found on eBay. I prefer the horizontal case, although I believe there is a vertical model. It covers the device well enough, has holes for you to push the device out of the case while on your belt when the phone rings, and then allows you to easily slide the phone back in. The belt is secure, and it is fairly light weight. I used to carry my old iPaq in my suit pocket. The 8125 is just too heavy; it works much better on the waist.

It is cheap but durable and it works!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Cingular-8125-PocketPC-Cell-Phone-Leather-Case-Pouch_W0QQitemZ330012766581QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1503 6QQcmdZViewItem

[Bitgod]

Oh, BTW, that deluxe case is the same case Brando has.

http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwdopod838leathercase.php

[alexknutson]

i ordered mine tonight. Given the insane amount of research ive done, i'm definitely sure this one is going to be the one with the least amount of risk to try. I'll let you guys know when all is said and done.

[iclick]

Lex, I know what you mean about spending insanely long hours researching cases, as I just went through it. In a fashion uncharacteric of the way I usually work, I ended up buying four cases: Sena Form-fit, Krusell Cabriolet, Krusell Handit, and Piel Frama. The latter is the model with the strap that allows using the keyboard without removal from the case.

I read the 8-case review over and over, and still couldn't decide. The Krusells were cheap, so I bought two on Ebay for a total of $40. I found the Piel Frama on Ebay for $50. I decided to keep the Piel Frama and Handit. Here are some observations:

Sena Form-fit: Very well-made, but has one big flaw: The magnetic closure, which otherwise I like very much, causes the device to fall out if the case is inverted on the clip. In the first week the MDA fell out twice with no damage, so I sold the case. Also, the belt clip was backordered for a month, and I don't know if that has been rectified.

Krusell Cabriolet: Okay, but leaves screen pointing outward and unprotected; same for top. With the swivel clip I was worried it would fall out like with the Sena issue above. I was nervous using it, so I returned it.

Krusell Handit: Nice, inexpensive, well-designed, and no big flaws. I'm keeping it. I would recommend this one for an expensive case that works very well and looks good, but the keyboard is not accessible without removing the device. The swivel belt clip sticks out a bit and flops around on your belt, which is a minor irritant.

Piel Frama: Well-made, very nice looking and stylish, and another keeper. This will be my main case, but it has some flaws, too:

1. The card slots are directly over the screen (no problems so far). A moderate blow might cause the cards to touch the screen, but I'm not sure if that's a real concern.

2. The flip tends to trip the top-front buttons, but I usually put my device in standby before closing the flip, so this isn't usually a problem.

3. Earpiece connector is difficult to negotiate. The hole doesn't line up precisely and the flip is hard to snap when it is inserted. This isn't a major problem.

Virtues include accessibility to the keyboard by just removing a small strap. Best looking case I've seen.

I've decided there is no perfect case, and the only way to determine which is best for you is spend two weeks researching like I did. The 8-case review previously cited is a good start, and if you want a Krusell or Piel Frama keep an eye out on Ebay. The Piel Framas are hard to find, and from the manufacturers site in Europe they are $75, but show up on Ebay from time to time. I was emailed last week with an offer for one like mine from an Ebay seller for only $46 shipped, so if anyone wants a Piel Frama with the strap, let me know. It may still be available.[/b]