Surplus PDA Cases for the Palm Tungsten|T

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

July 14, 2003

Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm Tungsten|T

If you are still looking for a slim quality case for your Tungsten|T, then you should to take a look at the offerings of Hong Kong based Surplus PDA. I'll be honest, the name "Surplus" is unfortunate. It brings up visions of Army/Navy stores, or even worse - flea market vendors. The word "Surplus" just doesn't give me the warm fuzzy feeling that other case's brand names evoke. With that in mind, it might be tempting to dismiss Surplus PDA as a sub-rate brand. However, to do so would be a shame. Surplus PDA offers some of the best made and most affordable cases I have seen to date; I guess the name just loses something once it crosses the Pacific Ocean.

Each of the Surplus PDA cases you will read about utilizes a very strong plastic clip system that is uniquely for the Tungsten|T, thus there is no dreaded Velcro. The cases that have a flap-closure system all use extremely strong magnets instead of snaps, and each case is made to hold ID or business cards. Because of the magnets, I don't recommend carrying credit cards or other any other cards that have a magnetized strip, as they will most likely be deactivated. In my opinion, each case is an excellent value for the money. All of the cases I will mention today are exceptional values for the money - in fact, you might be inclined to think they poorly made because of their low prices; I assure you that they are not.

With that said, let's take a look at some of the styles available...

Flip Top Open Leather Case with Plastic Rack

If you prefer a flip-case, then Surplus has a simple style that offers excellent screen protection.

   

Composed of smooth black leather with matching stitching, and with no branding on the outside of the case, the look is subdued and professional. This case is held closed with a wide flap featuring one of those extremely strong magnets I mentioned previously.

Opening the case reveals two ID or business card slots in the leather-lined flip lid. "Surplus" is embossed along with their logo. The other side of the case is lined in an artificial suede, which caresses the back of your T as it rests in the plastic holster.

As with most flip style cases, at least two sides of the PDA are left exposed at all times; when the case is open, the bottom of the T is also left exposed. If you are inclined to be a klutz, this may not be the case for you. But if you want a case that offers excellent screen protection when shut, this might be the one for you.

Price: $22.90

Pros:
Plastic clip holds T|T securely
Holds two ID cards
Excellent craftsmanship

Cons:
Magnetized flap is not safe for credit cards
Must remove T|T to sync or charge - unless using cable

Side Open Blue PU Leather Case with Plastic Rack and Side Open Hard Leather Case with Plastic Rack

If you prefer Vegan products, then you will want to take a look at the blue poly-urethane book style case, which except for materials used is the same exact item as the side open leather case. The vegan version is a beautiful, slightly iridescent blue. The poly-urethane is soft to the touch and doesn't feel cheap or cheesy in the least. The leather version is black with matching stitching, and once again - both are held closed with an extremely strong magnet.

   

Neither case has exterior branding, and both are extremely well made with quality materials. Of course, the black on black case is ultra-conservative, but unless you work in an office where only black accessories are encouraged, you should be able to get away with the blue.

The interiors of each case have synthetic suede on the left side behind their plastic clip. A hole in each cases' spine can accommodate an extra stock sized stylus. The right side features two ID or business card slots as well as a small pocket that can hold an extra memory card. The embossed Surplus name and logo are also present.

As with all book style cases, the bottom and top of the PDA are always left exposed. When the case is closed, there is excellent protection for the screen.

Price: $22.90

Pros:
Plastic clip holds T|T securely
Holds two ID cards
Excellent craftsmanship
Offered in a Vegan version

Cons:
Magnetized flap is not safe for credit cards
Must remove T|T to sync or charge - unless using cable

Side Open Hard Leather Case with Decorative White Line

Of all the Surplus cases I received, this was my favorite. While this case is essentially the same as the book-style cases we just covered, there are two differences. This case is composed of smooth black leather with a decorative white stitching that gives it a very stylish edge.

   

The interior would be exactly the same as those previously mentioned, except for the addition of stitching through the middle of the bottom memory card pocket - essentially turning the pocket into a dual memory card holder. Otherwise, the interior and exterior of this case and the two previously mention are exactly the same.

If you like a book-style case and want something that looks a little more expensive and stylish, then this is the one for you..

Price: $22.90

Pros:
Plastic clip holds T|T securely
Holds two ID cards
Black leather with white stitching is eye catching and stylish
Excellent craftsmanship

Cons:
Magnetized flap is not safe for credit cards
Must remove T|T to sync or charge - unless using cable

Zipper Side Open hard Leather Case with Plastic Rack

If you prefer the enclosed protection of a zippered case, then you will want to take a look at this model.

Comprised once again, of ultra-conservative smooth black leather with matching stitching, this case will be welcome in any business setting. As with the previously mentioned cases, there is no external branding. Quality is evident in the perfectly lined stitching and in the feel of the case when in your hand; there is even a leather fob on the end of the zipper.

Unzipping this case reveals a very similar interior to the book-style cases we just covered, with the notable difference of the length. Since the T is completely enclosed while in this case (with no open area for the slider to conveniently go when opened), a little bit of length was added to accommodate either a closed or opened PDA.

    

Perhaps because of the additional length, there are three ID or credit card slots as well as a single memory card slot pocket and a roomy slash pocket behind. Since this is the one case without a magnet closure, this case would be perfect to use as a wallet of sorts.

Price: $22.90

Pros:
Plastic clip holds T|T securely
Holds three ID cards

Cons:
Must remove T|T to sync or charge - unless using cable