Sena Cases Sony CLIE NR Series Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

November 08, 2002

Product Requirements:
Device:
Sony CLIÉ NR series PDAs

Sony CLIÉ NR60 and 70 owners will be happy to learn that there is a new line of cases available to them. Based in California, Sena Cases brings to market an entire line of Sony CLIÉ specific cases. Today I'll be looking at the NR series.

Made of leather and available in four color combinations including Black/Black, Black/Red, Red/Camel and Black/Blue, these cases are almost identical to the Vaja 731 Flip Top Case.

The Sena case does have a few differences though. Most noticeable is the attractive two tone leather design. I really like this style. I wish there were a few other color combinations available, but the ones that are available are suitable for both male and female buyers.

The NR is held in the case by a small holster. The leather is snug enough to hold the PDA securely.

A unique feature of this case is in the cover. It has a large rectangular cutout with a mirror behind it. Women can use it to check their makeup and men can use it to signal for help if lost on a deserted island ;o) The mirror is acrylic, and can be easily removed to either give you a larger viewing area, or to allow you to use the slot for business cards. Actually the mirror is great for adding quite a bit of rigidity to the cover. In addition to the ample padding, the mirror helps to make this case quite protective. More so than the similar Vaja case. The cover which also has 2 Memory stick slots and another business card slot, is held closed with a snap.

The back of the case has a cutout for the speaker and a hole for reset switch access.

The NR series Sena case is available in both a belt clip and non-belt clip version for the same price. The stud for the clip version is plastic and protrudes out the back side of the case.

In my opinion, the quality of the leather used in this case is just as fine as the leather used in the similar Vaja case. Really, the only thing that gives me any inkling that the Sena case is not a Vaja case, is the burnished edges. The edges on the Sena case are shiny and almost melted in appearance. This is more apparent in the Red/Black case with the red edges. The Vaja's edges do not look shiny at all. I think this gives the Vaja a nicer, more professional look.

Otherwise, the manufacturing of the Sena case is fine. I could find nothing to complain about regarding the materials, construction, and stitching.

If you're looking for a case to protect your NR and liked the looks of the Vaja case but didn't want to pop for $50, the Sena is a quality case and great buy. It's $10 cheaper and comes with a nifty mirror!

 

Price: $39.99

Pros:
Available in interesting colors
Mirror included

Cons:
Finished edges look a little gaudy