Monday, April 28, 2003
The Most Luxurious Axim X5 Case Ever?
Posted by Jason Dunn in "HARDWARE" @ 01:00 PM
Vaja sent me one of their Dell Axim X5 cases about a month ago for evaluation, and I've been using it as my full-time case since then. The case that comes with the Axim is incredibly bulky, making an already big device even bigger. The moment I laid eyes on the Dell case, I knew I would need a new case for the device. For several months I used the Axim X5 without a case, but I usually prefer to have one for my Pocket PC to protect its screen and keep it from getting scratched up. Here's a review of the latest Axim X5 case from Vaja. Like all Vaja cases, you have a choice of an incredible array of colours, but I inevitably end up choosing black. Maybe next time I'll get sassy and pick a bright yellow case! ;-)
Beautiful Design, Beautiful Leather
Like all Vaja cases, the case is beautifully designed and very precise. Almost all of the access points to the device line up exactly as they should, unlike what I've seen with some cheaper cases where nothing lines up properly. The case is cut away in all the right areas: the speaker is exposed when the lid is open, and the bottom ports for power and synching are exposed (this varies by model), although you can't sync the device in the case while using the Dell sync cradle.
Figure 1: The Vaja case offers a clean fit
I have the snap case, so the AC port is exposed, but not the sync port. This means I have to open the case flap before I can use a sync 'n charge cable. I believe Vaja has a magnetic version of this case, which in retrospect probably would have been a better choice. I don't carry credit cards in my Pocket PC case, which is one of the few reasons why you'd want to use a snap version. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference more than anything else.
Clean Lines, Clean Cuts
Almost all the cuts on my case line up perfectly, but not the CompactFlash slot. Quite often I have to pull the case over to the right in order to free my CompactFlash slot. Since I normally keep a Socket Bluetooth Card in there, it's not much of an issue, but if you swap CompactFlash cards a lot, you may be wishing Vaja added another millimetre of space around each edge. The holes for the Axim audio record button, the rocker, and the soft reset button are cleanly cut.
Figure 2: The Vaja case is sharply designed for the Dell Axim X5
Rich Customization Options
Vaja is one of the few companies to offer options for custom cases, and Vaja's logo customization has evolved from the early stages of etching the leather into a laser-based process that allows for much greater detail. The logo looks amazing, and the text is very crisp.
Figure 3: Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye? Such beauty in a logo! :lol:
Other customization options include SD card slots, the thickness of the front cover (thinner or thicker with more protection), belt clips, and of course the leather types.
Where To Buy
You can purchase the case online directly from Vaja. Cases start at a base price of $54.90 US, and can cost as much as $132+ USD depending on the options selected.
Gotchas
The only thing that's a little odd is that unlike previous customized cases that I've had created, the logo on this new case is inside the front flap instead of on the front of the flap. I've found that I've had to point out the logo to nearly everyone who has examined the case because it's not obvious to look for it there. I would have preferred seeing an option for having the logo on the front of the case. The logo is also a little dark in colour, making it hard to see. The photo above makes it stand out more that you'd think – it's actually hard to see. I would prefer to have it be lighter in colour if that's technically possible (I'm not sure if it is).
I also found that the leather is cut a little too close to the power button on the Axim – sometimes when I press the power button I don't fully connect with it because I'm pressing on the leather instead. I wish it would have been perhaps cut a little wider around the button to allow for easier access.
Conclusion
Vaja makes the best cases on the market – period. I have yet to see a case from another company that matches them in sheer quality of workmanship, and the quality of their leather is equally impressive. With their latest addition of laser-based customization, Vaja cases have reached an even higher level of quality and uniqueness. That quality comes at a price though, so you have to be willing to pay for that quality. If you're up for it, your search ends with Vaja cases.
Beautiful Design, Beautiful Leather
Like all Vaja cases, the case is beautifully designed and very precise. Almost all of the access points to the device line up exactly as they should, unlike what I've seen with some cheaper cases where nothing lines up properly. The case is cut away in all the right areas: the speaker is exposed when the lid is open, and the bottom ports for power and synching are exposed (this varies by model), although you can't sync the device in the case while using the Dell sync cradle.
Figure 1: The Vaja case offers a clean fit
I have the snap case, so the AC port is exposed, but not the sync port. This means I have to open the case flap before I can use a sync 'n charge cable. I believe Vaja has a magnetic version of this case, which in retrospect probably would have been a better choice. I don't carry credit cards in my Pocket PC case, which is one of the few reasons why you'd want to use a snap version. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference more than anything else.
Clean Lines, Clean Cuts
Almost all the cuts on my case line up perfectly, but not the CompactFlash slot. Quite often I have to pull the case over to the right in order to free my CompactFlash slot. Since I normally keep a Socket Bluetooth Card in there, it's not much of an issue, but if you swap CompactFlash cards a lot, you may be wishing Vaja added another millimetre of space around each edge. The holes for the Axim audio record button, the rocker, and the soft reset button are cleanly cut.
Figure 2: The Vaja case is sharply designed for the Dell Axim X5
Rich Customization Options
Vaja is one of the few companies to offer options for custom cases, and Vaja's logo customization has evolved from the early stages of etching the leather into a laser-based process that allows for much greater detail. The logo looks amazing, and the text is very crisp.
Figure 3: Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye? Such beauty in a logo! :lol:
Other customization options include SD card slots, the thickness of the front cover (thinner or thicker with more protection), belt clips, and of course the leather types.
Where To Buy
You can purchase the case online directly from Vaja. Cases start at a base price of $54.90 US, and can cost as much as $132+ USD depending on the options selected.
Gotchas
The only thing that's a little odd is that unlike previous customized cases that I've had created, the logo on this new case is inside the front flap instead of on the front of the flap. I've found that I've had to point out the logo to nearly everyone who has examined the case because it's not obvious to look for it there. I would have preferred seeing an option for having the logo on the front of the case. The logo is also a little dark in colour, making it hard to see. The photo above makes it stand out more that you'd think – it's actually hard to see. I would prefer to have it be lighter in colour if that's technically possible (I'm not sure if it is).
I also found that the leather is cut a little too close to the power button on the Axim – sometimes when I press the power button I don't fully connect with it because I'm pressing on the leather instead. I wish it would have been perhaps cut a little wider around the button to allow for easier access.
Conclusion
Vaja makes the best cases on the market – period. I have yet to see a case from another company that matches them in sheer quality of workmanship, and the quality of their leather is equally impressive. With their latest addition of laser-based customization, Vaja cases have reached an even higher level of quality and uniqueness. That quality comes at a price though, so you have to be willing to pay for that quality. If you're up for it, your search ends with Vaja cases.
