Innopocket Magnum HP hx4700 iPAQ Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

February 08, 2005

Product Requirements:
Device:
HP hx4700 / hx4705 iPAQ Pocket PC
 

Used to be, when you'd think of metal PDA cases, the first company that came to mind would be RhinoSkin with their Titanium tank like cases. Unfortunately, they quit making the Ti cases awhile ago and now sell leather and aluminum PDA protection instead. Even though they moved on to aluminum, the first company that I think of now when I think of metal PDA cases, is Innopocket. They've been around since 2000 and produce aircraft grade aluminum cases for PDAs, digital audio players, mobile phones and digital cameras. Well guess what? Innopocket is now going to be known as the first company to produce a PDA case made of injection molded Magnesium with the Magnum case made specifically for the HP hx4700 iPAQ Pocket PC.

Magnesium is a metal that is both stronger and lighter in weight than aluminum. It's also much easier to work with than the more expensive Titanium. Innopocket's Magnum case weighs in at 3 oz., while their metal deluxe aluminum case weighs in at 2.8 oz. It's probably not fair to compare the two since they are different designs. The metal deluxe case has their standard book style cover design. The new Magnum case has a flip up cover style design and can be used with or without the included belt clip.

The main part of the case houses the hx4700 which slides in from the top into a neoprene lined cavity. When fully inserted, all main features are easily accessible. Cutouts for the stylus, IR port, reset switch, voice recorder, and sync port make this case almost 100% play through. The only operation that you can't do while your hx4700 is in this case is sync / charge with the cradle. You'll need to use a sync / charge cable for this task.

The cover portion of the case has 2 SD card slots for convenient media storage. Cutouts for the status LEDs are located at the top of the cover and a plastic latch is located at the bottom. The plastic latch has a small peg on either side that is supposed to snap into the matching slots in the bottom of the Magnum. I'm a little concerned about the durability of this type of latch. The way in which the cover fits into place, doesn't give me as much confidence as I'd like. I wish there was a significant snap when you press the cover into the latch. As is, I'm afraid that the plastic latch pegs may wear down after repeated openings and closings. This is only speculation though, as I've only had this case for 3 days.

The great thing about this flip cover design is the fact that the cover can fold completely back behind the back of the PDA. In my opinion, it makes using the PDA more comfortable and natural. The hinge also doubles as a low profile stand for the PDA while it is on your desk.

The finish on the Magnum matches the color of the hx4700 perfectly. I'm unsure how well the finish will hold up as far as scratches and scuffs. It's important to note that the Magnesium material doesn't seem to be a fingerprint/smudge magnet which is a real plus as far as I'm concerned. The case is smooth to the touch without being overly slippery.

I really like the Magnum. The color makes it a little less flashy then the bright aluminum finish on Innopocket's other cases. To be truthful though, the main thing I like about this case is the flip cover. Give me the hx4700 metal deluxe case with this style of cover and I'd be just as happy. In any event, the price is right for this case if you are looking for something a little different to protect your HP hx4700 Pocket PC.

 

Price: $39.90

Pros:
Flip cover design
Unique Magnesium construction

Cons:
Latch doesn't seem very robust
Can't sync with cradle