Vaja Palm IIIc Sync-able Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

September 04, 2000

Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm IIIc

The Palm IIIc Sync-able Case from Vaja is a quality all leather, no Velcro case that comes in both a belt clip and non-belt clip version. Like other Vaja cases, they come in a nice variety of color combinations. You can get this case in Black Ostrich, Brown Alligator, Black Alligator, Brown Leather, Black Leather, Green Leather with Dark Tan Leather, Tan Ostrich with Black Leather, and Brown Ostrich. My review is of the Green Leather with Dark Tan Leather version. You can also have the case personalized with your name or logo for an additional charge.

The Palm IIIc Sync-able Case is just that, sync-able. You don't have to remove it from the case in order to dock it in the hotsync cradle to sync to your computer. Unlike some Palm V/Vx sync-able cases that require a break-in period for them to sync easily, this case syncs the first time with absolutely no problems. I think the hotsync connector on the Palm IIIc cradle has a better "grab" to it than the Palm V/Vx cradle connector. 

The leather used on this case is first rate. It's thicker than most similar styled cases: 3.375 x 5.375 x 1.25in (8.57 x 13.65 x 3.18cm). The case is padded on the front and back. The only part of the case that doesn't have thick leather is the part surrounding the hotsync port. The flip cover is padded and stiffened with an ABS plastic insert. On the inside of the flip cover there are 3 business card slots and one larger slot behind them. The cover is held closed with magnets instead of Velcro. I really like this method of closure. No more "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrip!" noise every time you open your case to use your PDA.  The magnets work really well at holding the flip cover closed. I have not had any problems with the cover coming open accidentally. One thing to consider though about the magnets is that you should not put credit cards or other cards with magnetic strips in the card slots. The magnets in the flip cover can ruin these cards. The inside of the flip cover is also embossed with a Graffiti reference chart which can come in handy when you can't remember how to draw a character. 

The Palm IIIc slides into the case and is held firmly without the use of Velcro. The case is lined with soft leather. Not satin or other material. Once you put the Palm IIIc in the case, you really don't need to remove it since you can sync and charge batteries while in the case. There are cutouts for the hardware buttons, charger indicator LED and reset switch. The IR port and stylus are still easily accessed while the Palm IIIc is in the case. The button cutouts are lined up perfectly which allows you to use them without any problems.

The belt clip version of this case uses a metal stud to lock into the belt clip. The stud sticks out of the case less than .25in (.64cm). The belt clip allows the case to swivel 360 degrees on the clip. This makes the case more comfortable to wear while you are sitting because you can turn the case sideways on your belt.

Everything about this case is pretty much perfect. I can't find anything to complain about. The workmanship and materials are excellent. The case is more expensive than other similar cases. But, with the Vaja, you get what you pay for. A quality case that looks great and protects your PDA. Right now, it is my favorite Palm IIIc case.

Price: $69.90

Pros:
No Velcro
Can sync and charge while in the case
Four card slots

Cons:
Can't use credit cards with magnetic strips in the cards slots
Hotsync port not protected