Wednesday, April 23, 2003
InnoPocket's Metal Deluxe case for Axim reviewed
Posted by Andy Whiteford in "HARDWARE" @ 09:00 AM
With the Dell Axim being sold like the proverbial hot cake, it’s no surprise that many case manufacturers are releasing their solutions to offer protection over a naked device. While the list of leather cases on the market is already quite extensive, InnoPocket has released its all-metal case as an alternative to the masses. Read on to find out how this case shapes up.
The Metal Deluxe case by InnoPocket is a precision moulded solution fashioned from Anodised aluminium. First impressions are favourable, as construction looks very solid with a good design.
The inside of the case is lined with thin neoprene that not only cushions the Axim but also holds it firmly in place. On the inside rear of the case towards the bottom are two prongs that offer added grip to the PDA once fully inserted into the case. At this point it’s possible to hold the case upside down and shake it without the Axim showing any sign of give. Closing the cover of the case locks the device in place with a thin lip at the top of this door covering a little of the top of the unit and making it impossible for the device to slip out.
Look and feel
The finish of the case is shiny, slightly textured aluminium with some small bumps either side to aid grip. While these bumps do help a little, I think I would have preferred a smoother finish to the case as the slight texture seems to make the case a little more slippery in the hand. Otherwise the finish is excellent and the precision moulding is evident with all cut outs lining up absolutely perfectly. As well as offering great protection, another benefit of the aluminium over a leather case is that there is no give. Everything lines up correctly and always will.
Figure 1: A clean and tidy finish
Figure 2: The neoprene lining and prongs
Access all areas
The front cover is hinged to the right of the case and flips over and closes on the left-hand side with a small clasp. This cover is easy to open and close and yet does not seem like it will flip open accidentally. Fully open, the cover swings through approximately 210 degrees but still allows the case to be held easily to work with. Cut outs offer access to all areas of your Axim including card slots, jog dial, record button and soft reset switch. At the bottom you have full access to the power jack and data connector however you will need to remove the case if you wish to use your cradle. There is a cut out on the cover that exposes the speaker and the only component that is masked with the cover closed apart from the screen and front buttons is the microphone. I can’t see any reason why you would need to access this with the cover closed but thought it best to mention. At the top, you have access to the headphone jack, IR port, CF slot and the stylus with small cut out sections in the casing making the latter two easier.
Figure 3: A side view shows full access
Figure 4: The bottom view
Figure 5: Easy access to change CF cards
One word of the caution, the jog dial and SD slot are both recessed and so a little trickier than normal to access. They are still easy to operate and should pose no real issues, however, if you are used to operating your device naked, there is a slight trade off with the SD card in particular requiring a little extra fingertip work to remove. Because this case fully encapsulates the Axim, it does feel more substantial in your hands, however, I do think the level of protection offered is unparalleled in day to day use. There is no additional storage in the case itself but this does held to keep the size smaller and is probably as small as you could expect with only a little added to the size of the Axim. It is worth noting the dimensions in the specification section as I have noted the Axim dimensions in brackets afterwards for comparison.
Figure 6: The case is easier to hold that expected
Figure 7: The front cover fully opened
Gotchas
The inside top lip of the cover is not lined with neoprene and while this does not actually contact the Axim when inserted correctly, it would be nice for completeness if this was also lined. Some people may also be put off by the fear of the case sliding from their grasp although I never once came close to dropping the unit during testing. Otherwise, I could find nothing to warrant concern.
Where to buy
The Metal Deluxe case can be ordered online at the InnoPocket Web site for $34.90.
Specifications
If you are looking for an alternative to the relative plethora of leather cases or for something that can almost be described as bullet proof yet practical, the InnoPocket metal deluxe case pops its head up high for consideration. A lack of storage may be an issue for some but otherwise, this product does all you could hope a case would. Some people may prefer the softer feel of leather to the slippery and substantial feel of a metal case but this solution remains practical and reassuringly protective of your Pocket PC.
The Metal Deluxe case by InnoPocket is a precision moulded solution fashioned from Anodised aluminium. First impressions are favourable, as construction looks very solid with a good design.
The inside of the case is lined with thin neoprene that not only cushions the Axim but also holds it firmly in place. On the inside rear of the case towards the bottom are two prongs that offer added grip to the PDA once fully inserted into the case. At this point it’s possible to hold the case upside down and shake it without the Axim showing any sign of give. Closing the cover of the case locks the device in place with a thin lip at the top of this door covering a little of the top of the unit and making it impossible for the device to slip out.
Look and feel
The finish of the case is shiny, slightly textured aluminium with some small bumps either side to aid grip. While these bumps do help a little, I think I would have preferred a smoother finish to the case as the slight texture seems to make the case a little more slippery in the hand. Otherwise the finish is excellent and the precision moulding is evident with all cut outs lining up absolutely perfectly. As well as offering great protection, another benefit of the aluminium over a leather case is that there is no give. Everything lines up correctly and always will.
Figure 1: A clean and tidy finish
Figure 2: The neoprene lining and prongs
Access all areas
The front cover is hinged to the right of the case and flips over and closes on the left-hand side with a small clasp. This cover is easy to open and close and yet does not seem like it will flip open accidentally. Fully open, the cover swings through approximately 210 degrees but still allows the case to be held easily to work with. Cut outs offer access to all areas of your Axim including card slots, jog dial, record button and soft reset switch. At the bottom you have full access to the power jack and data connector however you will need to remove the case if you wish to use your cradle. There is a cut out on the cover that exposes the speaker and the only component that is masked with the cover closed apart from the screen and front buttons is the microphone. I can’t see any reason why you would need to access this with the cover closed but thought it best to mention. At the top, you have access to the headphone jack, IR port, CF slot and the stylus with small cut out sections in the casing making the latter two easier.
Figure 3: A side view shows full access
Figure 4: The bottom view
Figure 5: Easy access to change CF cards
One word of the caution, the jog dial and SD slot are both recessed and so a little trickier than normal to access. They are still easy to operate and should pose no real issues, however, if you are used to operating your device naked, there is a slight trade off with the SD card in particular requiring a little extra fingertip work to remove. Because this case fully encapsulates the Axim, it does feel more substantial in your hands, however, I do think the level of protection offered is unparalleled in day to day use. There is no additional storage in the case itself but this does held to keep the size smaller and is probably as small as you could expect with only a little added to the size of the Axim. It is worth noting the dimensions in the specification section as I have noted the Axim dimensions in brackets afterwards for comparison.
Figure 6: The case is easier to hold that expected
Figure 7: The front cover fully opened
Gotchas
The inside top lip of the cover is not lined with neoprene and while this does not actually contact the Axim when inserted correctly, it would be nice for completeness if this was also lined. Some people may also be put off by the fear of the case sliding from their grasp although I never once came close to dropping the unit during testing. Otherwise, I could find nothing to warrant concern.
Where to buy
The Metal Deluxe case can be ordered online at the InnoPocket Web site for $34.90.
Specifications
- Dimensions 130 x 90 x 24 mm (Axim 128 x 81.5 x 18 mm)
- Weight 90g
If you are looking for an alternative to the relative plethora of leather cases or for something that can almost be described as bullet proof yet practical, the InnoPocket metal deluxe case pops its head up high for consideration. A lack of storage may be an issue for some but otherwise, this product does all you could hope a case would. Some people may prefer the softer feel of leather to the slippery and substantial feel of a metal case but this solution remains practical and reassuringly protective of your Pocket PC.
