Krusell Handit Sony CLIÉ NZ90 Case with Multidapt

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

November 19, 2003

Product Requirements:
Sony CLIÉ NZ90

Can you believe that I have never once reviewed a Krusell case? It's really quite amazing when you think of all the different ones that have passed though my hands over the years. I can remember hearing the Krusell name when Whitney LuBean started using them to create his CF Sleeve cases for the (then) Compaq iPAQ. Obviously, for Whitney to use them, I figured they must be a quality product. Now that I actually have my first Krusell in hand, I can understand their appeal.

I received the case for the Sony CLIÉ NZ90, but there are versions avaiable for just about every popular PDA.

Comprised of small grained black leather with matching stitching, the Krusell uses a deceptively simple flip-case style. The only branding on the exterior of the case is the tasteful metal logo badge on the bottom front.

The case is kept closed with a snapping tab, which can be used in either of two snaps on the rear. Adding the second snap was clever, because once there are a couple of memory sticks, ID or credit cards added into the flap's interior pockets, it would be easy for this case to suffer from the same problem that plagues many of this design - the inability to close. Obviously, this is not the situation, here.

An added benefit to the snap and tab design is that by folding the flip lid backwards and snapping from that direction, a much more secure method for handling the PDA is created.

The leather used in this case is a softer Napa style which feels great to the touch. It has been reinforced in the screen area with corrugated cardboard and foam, which makes it a little puffier than I ordinarily like, but there is no denying the added protection to the screen. The back of the case fells like it is comprised of several layers of leather, giving it a more rigid, stiffer feel.

Whereas other NZ90 cases I have reviewed seemed to gap over the PDA's hump-back, the Krusell manages to hug every curve.

Opening the flip-lid reveals a leather wallet area built into the lid. There is room for two memory sticks and up to three ID or credit cards. A black tag with the Krusell logo in red is sewn into the edge.

The area that lines the holster is finished in a fuzzy nylon, similar to the material used in eyeglass cases. This should protect the NZ from unnecessary wear. The holster itself is comprised of leather sides with a clear vinyl that covers the keyboard area.

I don't generally use the keyboard on my NZ90, and I prefer to keep my PDA in portrait mode, so the vinyl holster is not a bother to me. If I did use the keyboard, I would not approve of it because it lands in the upper 1/4 of the second line of keys. It would make typing (or should I say "thumbing") on the keyboard feel weird and slightly clammy - with the added bonus of an extra ridge of plastic on that line of keys...no thanks.

There are sufficient cutouts all around the bottom of the case to allow for using the various buttons and features...

The right side allows easy access to the jog-dial, back button and voice recorder. There is a reset button hole, but on my case it was not quite lined up right. The case is quite tight-fitting when new, so it is possible that with more use it would loosen up enough to properly allow access.

The bottom of the Krusell has a cutout to allow access to the WiFi/CF slot...

The right side has cutouts for the power slider, hold button, memory Stick slot, head-phone jack and camera-capture button.

The flip-lid of the case wraps back far enough to allow unfettered use of the camera. It does not fold back far enough to allow syncing or charging, even with a cable, so you will have to remove the CLIÉ from this case every time you need to sync or charge.

The rear of the case has cutouts for the CLIÉ's speaker, as well as the female receiver for their Multidapt Clip system (sold separately). You can watch a presentation on this system here.

The Krusell case is refreshing in that it is an excellent quality case for a surprisingly low price. If you have been on the fence, trying to find a belt-clip case that did a lot without breaking the bank, then you might want to take a look at the Krusell.

Krusell cases are not available directly from the manufacturer, they must be purchased from either online or brick and mortar stores. Here are some vendors to start with.

Price: $29.99

Pros:
Great price
Extremely well made
Padded screen protection
Easy access to memory stick

Cons:
Reset button hole is not centered
Case must loosen a bit before it is easy to insert and remove PDA
Must remove PDA for syncing and charging
Vinyl holster covers keys