Fellowes iPAQ PDA Hard Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

March 18, 2003

Product Requirements:
Device:
iPAQ 36,37,38,and 3900 series Pocket PCs
Sony CLIE T615C
Palm V and m500 series

Here we have yet another aluminum hard case for the iPAQ. The Fellowes PDA Hard Case is similar in look and feel to the Kensington PDA Protector hard case that I've reviewed in the past. It has the same slightly rubberized coating on the exterior with a velvet material on the interior. Available for the various iPAQ models as well as the Sony CLIE T615C and Palm V, m500 series, I reviewed the iPAQ version of the case with my 3800 series.

From the start, I wasn't very impressed with this case. My 3800 was held in the case with a very loose fit. Turning the case upside down would have allowed the PDA to fall out with very little effort. I next noticed that the magnetic cover had a very weak hold. Lifting the case off the table by grasping the cover would always result in the bottom of the case dropping open.

Inside the cover is a thin nylon holster that can hold 4 SD cards and several business cards. This holster is pretty cheesy and is easily stretched. I don't think it would take much to tear it.

There is also a hole in the cover. Why, I have absolutely no idea.

Using the PDA while in the case is fine. All features are easily accessible and not obstructed. Of course you will not be able to sync/charge with the cradle while the PDA is in this case. Doing so with a cable will work fine though.

About the only thing I would use this case for would be during travel. The aluminum would protect the PDA from crushing if you needed to pack the PDA in another bag.

Price: $35.99 ($19.99 from StylusCentral)

Pros:
Access to earphone jack while case is closed
Good crushproof protection

Cons:
Loose fit
Magnetic cover not very secure
Cheap SD, business card slot holster
Can't sync with cradle while in case