Vaja Sync-able Flip Top Palm V/Vx Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

July 10, 2000

Device:
Palm V/Vx

Vaja, a relatively new Palm PDA case maker has created another high quality leather case for the Palm V/Vx. This new case allows you to sync and charge the Palm V/Vx while it is still inside the case. The case comes in a variety of color combinations including: Dark Green All Weather Leather with Dark Tan Leather, Black All Weather leather with Black leather, Brown All Weather Leather with Brown Leather, Brown Ostrich/Dark Tan Leather, Black Ostrich/Black Leather, Brown Alligator/Brown Leather, Black Alligator/Black Leather, and Dark Tan Leather/Dark Tan Leather. It also comes in a belt clip or a non-belt clip version. The Palm V/Vx Sync-able case is very similar to the Palm V/Vx Flip top and Flip top wallet case that I've already reviewed.

The Palm V/Vx fits securely in this case. You'll not have to worry about it slipping out. The case has 3 pockets in the flip top cover. Two business or credit card slots and one larger slot behind them. The flip cover also has a Graffiti reference chart embossed into it. And, like Vaja's other cases, you can personalize your case with your name or company logo for an nominal charge.

The case has cutouts for the application buttons, power button and stylus silos. Nothing is obstructed. There is even a hole in the back of the case so that you can access the reset switch if your Palm V/Vx crashes.

There are a few significant differences between this new sync-able case and the previous Vaja cases that I have reviewed. This new case uses two long rectangular magnets to hold the flip cover closed. I much prefer this closure method to the use of Velcro. The cover is held closed quite well using this method. The magnets are sewn into the leather and are not really visible. You can see their outline in the picture above. The magnets will not harm your PDA or the data saved on it. 

The main difference with this case is that you can sync and charge the batteries without needing to remove the Palm V from the case. A cutout on the back of the case exposes the hotsync port. As long as you have the Palm V/Vx inserted all the way into the case,  the sync-able case fits into the hotsync cradle really well. Actually, once you stick your Palm V/Vx into this case, you might never have to remove it again. 

The leather used for this case is of extremely good quality. The leather is also thicker than the other play through cases on the market. As a result, this case offers more protection for your PDA in the event of a drop. The flip cover is padded and has a rigid insert to protect the screen. The case is also lined with a soft leather to protect it. The workmanship on this case is top rate. I really can't find anything to complain about with this case except that it is a bit expensive. If you are looking for an excellent leather play through case for your Palm V/Vx that doesn't require you to remove it when you want to sync or charge the batteries, this is the case for you. 

Price: $69.90 with belt clip, $67.90 without belt clip

Pros:
Ability to sync and charge batteries while in the case.
Ability to access the reset switch while in the case.
Magnetic closure.
No Velcro!

Cons:
$20 more expensive that non-sync-able case.