Vaja i-Volution Natu Tungsten T Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

February 10, 2003

Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm Tungsten T

I've had my Tungsten T for several months now, and have been waiting impatiently for a perfect case to use with it. At the moment, I'm using a Digital Express flip case. It is a nice case, but I've been looking forward to receiving a Vaja case. I'll admit it, I prefer Vaja cases for my PDAs. They are the ultimate in style and craftsmanship. When Vaja told me they would be sending samples of their new i-Volution molded case, I was excited! Although I'm not as in love with the i-Volution line as Judie is, it's still a Vaja and I wanted to check it out!

The Vaja i-Volution Natu case for the Tungsten T is a custom made leather case available in seven colors: Caterina Maiz, Caterina Cognac, Caterina Pistil, Caterina Red, Caterina Sapphire, Caterina Moro and Caterina Black. I was sent the black leather case for review. These cases are also available with or without a belt clip and with optional name personalization on the back.

The i-Volution line differs from Vaja's regular offerings in that they are cases that do not require snaps or magnetic clasps to hold the covers closed. Instead, the cases are molded in such a way that the covers snap in place by themselves.

This particular case is unusual as it does not have cutouts for the navigation pad and application buttons. A solid molded piece of leather (except for the opening in the bottom) holds the Tungsten securely in place. Graphical representations of the application buttons are printed on the leather that covers them. To activate the buttons, you press the leather as if it wasn't there. It actually works pretty well. The only time I would sometimes have trouble, would be while reading e-books. Pressing the navigation pad thru the leather would occasionally result in double key presses. Personally, I prefer the buttons to be exposed instead of covered. 

As mentioned, the bottom of the case is partially exposed. The area around the hotsync connector is open so that you can use a cable to sync and charge. Unfortunately, you can not sync / charge with the cradle while the PDA is in this case.

The interior of the case is lined with a satin like material. There are no business card slots or SD card slots available. The cover which lifts up like a note pad, is sufficiently stiffened to protect the screen from everyday abuse. The cover does not completely fold back behind the PDA. However, it does open enough to allow for unobstructed use. When the cover is closed, the earphone jack and voice recorder button are not covered. This allows you to listen to MP3s and make recordings at anytime.

The back of the case has the metal belt clip post, and a reset hole cutout. The Tungsten has to be extended for the reset hole to match with the switch on the back of the PDA.

The Natu is a very nice case. It adds virtually no bulk to the already small Tungsten T. It is very stylish while also being protective. I just wish it was cradle sync-able and that the buttons were not covered in leather.

Price: $119.90

Pros:
Stylish
Great protection

Cons:
Can't charge / sync with cradle
No card or SD storage