Extreme Limit Zaurus Limited Edition Metal & Leather Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

September 12, 2002

Product Requirements:
Device:
Sharp Zaurus SL5500

I've always liked Extreme Limit cases, but I'll admit that after writing reviews of what must be a dozen or more, I wasn't all that excited when they said they were going to send me yet another one to review. This time it was a case for the Sharp Zaurus which made things a little more interesting since there aren't that many cases available for that particular PDA. But still, I wasn't chomping at the bit to write about it since I had written one for them previously. I thought it was just going to be a slightly updated case. Boy was I wrong!

The case they sent me is the Limited Edition Metal & Leather Suit for the Zaurus. Yes, you read that correctly, Metal & Leather. Extreme Limit has outdone themselves this time. This case is just too cool! It is made of smooth grained black Italian leather with 0.4mm thick aluminum panels sewn into the front and back. You can buy a case with either black, gold, silver or red aluminum panels. I was sent the silver version for review.

The panels are rigid and really add to the style as well as the stability of the case. The word Zaurus is embossed on the front cover. I would rather it wasn't there, but that's not a big deal. It would be great if you could have your initials or name embossed instead.

This is a book style case with several extra touches.  First of all, the cover opens left to right instead of the other way around. Some people may find this awkward, but it hasn't bothered me. The cover is held closed securely with a long leather tab that fits into a leather loop.

The Zaurus is held in the case with a holster of sorts. This holster fits around the screen portion of the PDA. It is a snug fit, so you won't have to worry about the PDA falling out accidentally. Actually it is a little bit of a pain to get the Zaurus out of the holster. And unless you have a cable, you'll have to remove the PDA from the case in order to sync and charge with a cradle. Two L shaped metal brackets keep the PDA from sliding out of the case. They also help support the PDA when you use the slide out keyboard.

The holster has cutouts for every feature that the Zaurus has. The top is completely open, allowing access to the CF card, earphone jack and stylus silo. The left side has cutouts for the IR port, and SD card slot. The front of the holster even has a cutout for the status LEDs. The only features you can't access while the Zaurus is in this case are the battery compartment and reset switch.

The left side of the case also has a loop that can hold a pen or pencil. An extra stylus holder is available in the middle (spine) area of the case. A thin leather flap covers the stylus to protect it and the leather holster. Nice touch.

The right side of the case which is also the cover, has tons of storage for cards, and media. There are two nice sized credit card slots, two SD card slots and one CF card slot. Behind all of the slots is one large vertical slot for folded papers or folded bills. The great thing about the media card slots is the half-moon cutouts on the bottom. They make it really easy to remove the cards if you push them all the way into the slots.

This is a quality case made with quality materials. I couldn't find any defects or anything to complain about as far as workmanship. I guess the only thing that some people might see as a CON is that the case is not slim. It does add bulk to your PDA. Even so, I just love the look of it. It has an almost retro feel to it. I like this case so much, that it almost makes me want to switch to the Zaurus as my main PDA just so I can use the case! Is that nuts or what? :o) I hope Extreme Limit starts making more PDA cases in this metal & leather combo style.

 

Price: 8650 JPY = ~ $72.00

Pros:
Stylish
Protective
Lots of storage

Cons:
Can't access reset switch and battery compartment while in the case
Can't sync / charge with cradle while in the case
Bulky