Friday, January 30, 2004
HP h1900 Series Case Round-Up
Posted by Andy Whiteford in "HARDWARE" @ 10:00 AM
Okay so the h1900 series from HP is small and beautiful but the size gives it an almost fragile appearance which belies the actual solid construction. To that effect, you will want to find somewhere safe to store your pocket friend during the course of the day. I decided to pull together seven popular case options and give an overview of the merits of each product to give you an idea of which will suit your needs best. Packaging, though nice, doesn’t contribute to the actual use of a product so I will focus on the case only. It’s also worth stating up front that only one of these cases will allow use in a cradle, although that isn’t too much of a consideration given that the cradle is an optional extra with the h1900 series. And so without further ado, onto our star cast....
Sena Cases Leather Case
The leather case from Sena is a very impressive product. The quality of leather is good and the fit and finish of this case is simply perfect. All holes match up exactly with their related components and provide you with easy access to all areas of the device with holes for soft reset, headphone socket and microphone. Internally there is one large credit sized pocket and two smaller slots to hold SD cards. Protection on offer is good although the bottom corners are exposed; most likely to ensure a snug fit around the curved section of the device. The tight fit of this case and magnetic closure keep this as possibly the smallest leather flip case for the h1900 series. The attractively finished leather flip just adds to the overall impression of this case and I highly recommend it. There is a choice of colours and whether you'd like it with or without a belt clip.
Figure 1: The Sena sports an attractive two tone finish.
Figure 2: An excellent fit all-round.
This case can be bought from the Sena Cases Web site for $39.99.
Covertec Leather Case
Finding the right words to describe this case may prove a little tricky. While the main reason for a case is to protect your device, Covertec has taken a minimalist approach meaning a lot of your device is exposed with nearly the whole of the front of the unit displayed with the flip open. You don’t fully appreciate the design of this style until you hold the device in your hand and realise that the small h1900 series is a beautiful looking Pocket PC and Covertec is allowing you to show it off. With the flip closed, the protection on offer is not as high as some due to the sides of the PDA showing through but this does allow good access to all but the soft reset hole. The flip cover, which houses two credit card and two SD pockets, closes magnetically on the back. A well-implemented belt clip connection keeps a slim profile when not in use and the handy kit even includes a spare screw and mini screwdriver. Kudos to Covertec for making things easier for the user. If you don’t mind the exposed sides, this case offers a good quality all round package. A limited choice of colours is on offer for this case.
Figure 3: The Covertec case offers a change from the norm.
Figure 4: Easy access is offered to the device.
This case can be bought from the Covertec Web site for £31.27 / $39.95.
EB Cases Leather Case
The EB case is plain but elegant in its styling and soft leather finish. The flip is magnetically closed which helps to keep the size of this case down, however, the fit is not quite as good as the Vaja or Sena. Holes match up quite well but not perfectly and there is no access to the soft reset button or the microphone. Inside the flip are three large credit card sized pockets. Overall protection is very good with very little of the device exposed when closed. Although not quite as snug a fit as some, this case is worthy of your attention. Only available in black, you have the choice of it with or without belt clip.
Figure 5: A simple design keeps things clean and stylish.
Figure 6: The magnetic flip provides effortless access.
This case can be bought from the EB Cases Web site for $36.95.
Proporta Aluminium Case
For the ultimate in protection, there really is only one stop - the metal case made by Proporta, among others; the same case can be found under the Innopocket and Rhinoskin brands. Made from precision moulded aluminium, this is one case that will offer the same perfect fit forever provided you don’t subject it to dent inducing heavy knocks. With the swing door closed, I’m confident this case will keep your device safe from all but the severest of treatment. You have easy access to all parts of the device, although some people may find accessing the recessed record button a little tricky. The lack of soft reset hole is a minus point but that is a small caveat given the quality and price point of this case. The biggest issue I have seen with this case are the complaints of the metal door opening to the right due to the infrared and record button access on the left. Many people find this a hindrance when actually using the device in hand. In my experience you quickly adjust to working with this case and it helps to keep the size of the case down as opposed to the alternative option of a doubled-hinged door that opens at the top of the device. This case looks attractive with its silvery finish although small ridges are required to aid grip – something of a necessity due to the smooth, hard surface. The protect to price ratio is second to none in this company.
Figure 7: The Aluminium case looks every bit the fortress for your Pocket PC.
Figure 8: Neoprene lining offers internal protection.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for £24.95 / $34.95.
Vaja Leather Case
Vaja Cases are highly regarded in the community and this case just exemplifies why with a high quality fit and finish in quality leather. This case is one of the smallest leather flips beaten only by the Sena in terms of size. All holes match up perfectly and only the microphone is hidden away without access. The flip has one credit sized pocket and two of the SD variety. Overall protection is very good, although like the Sena, the bottom corners are exposed. If you are a Vaja fan you will love this case and I would recommend it to anyone. The clip closure, however, does mean this case is larger than it could be and a magnetic closure option would be desirable. A vast choice of colour and styling combinations are on offer as well as the usual with or without belt clip.
Figure 9: That Vaja badge is a sign of a quality case.
Figure 10: The fit is exactly what you would hope for.
This case can be bought from the Vaja Web site starting at $54.90.
Piel Frama Leather Case
If anyone out there has owned a leather case from Piel Frama before, you will know just how luxurious these cases feel. Sumptuous is not a word I would often associate with a PDA case but it’s the perfect term to describe the quality of leather used. Workmanship, as to be expected, is top notch with everything stitched together perfectly to provide an excellent fit. The protection on offer is very good too with the soft padded leather sure to cushion the majority of knocks. The downside to this, however, is a case that is slightly larger than some of the others on display here. Access is good with a magnetic flip that closes on the rear however the lack of a soft reset hole upsets things a little. Piel Frama does, however, employ a clever belt clip system that, thanks to the cushioned leather, is recessed mostly out of harm's way when not in use and doesn’t provide much of an obstacle. Three large pockets and two smaller SD slots provide the storage options on the inside of the flip. The understated looks can’t hide the fact that this is a luxury case and if this is something you look for in your case, Piel Frama is most definitely worth a look. The Piel Frama case comes in a choice from three colour combinations.
Figure 11: With no logo on show you can still tell it is made by Piel Frama.
Figure 12: Fine handmade craftmanship all-round.
This case can be bought from the Piel Frama Web site for 60 Euros.
Proporta Leather Case
Proporta’s leather flip case takes a similar stylistic approach as the Covertec case with the majority of Pocket PC being put on display when the case is open. Made from soft leather, the finish of this case is very good and, thanks to the firm but protected clips for holding the device in place, you have easy access to all components. This case also offers excellent storage options with four credit card sized pockets and two SD slots. In addition to this is a removable cushioned insert that offers extra protection to your device in conjunction with a further see-through pocket at the expense of some added thickness to the overall case. If you love the styling of your h1900, this is a good alternative to the Covertec although the protection on offer here is not quite as high. This is also the only case that can be used in the cradle with a bit of adjustment.
Figure 13: The Proporta is outwardly similar to the Covertec.
Figure 14: Definitely the case if you like to show off your Pocket PC.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for £24.95 / $34.95.
Sena Cases Leather Case
The leather case from Sena is a very impressive product. The quality of leather is good and the fit and finish of this case is simply perfect. All holes match up exactly with their related components and provide you with easy access to all areas of the device with holes for soft reset, headphone socket and microphone. Internally there is one large credit sized pocket and two smaller slots to hold SD cards. Protection on offer is good although the bottom corners are exposed; most likely to ensure a snug fit around the curved section of the device. The tight fit of this case and magnetic closure keep this as possibly the smallest leather flip case for the h1900 series. The attractively finished leather flip just adds to the overall impression of this case and I highly recommend it. There is a choice of colours and whether you'd like it with or without a belt clip.
Figure 1: The Sena sports an attractive two tone finish.
Figure 2: An excellent fit all-round.
This case can be bought from the Sena Cases Web site for $39.99.
Covertec Leather Case
Finding the right words to describe this case may prove a little tricky. While the main reason for a case is to protect your device, Covertec has taken a minimalist approach meaning a lot of your device is exposed with nearly the whole of the front of the unit displayed with the flip open. You don’t fully appreciate the design of this style until you hold the device in your hand and realise that the small h1900 series is a beautiful looking Pocket PC and Covertec is allowing you to show it off. With the flip closed, the protection on offer is not as high as some due to the sides of the PDA showing through but this does allow good access to all but the soft reset hole. The flip cover, which houses two credit card and two SD pockets, closes magnetically on the back. A well-implemented belt clip connection keeps a slim profile when not in use and the handy kit even includes a spare screw and mini screwdriver. Kudos to Covertec for making things easier for the user. If you don’t mind the exposed sides, this case offers a good quality all round package. A limited choice of colours is on offer for this case.
Figure 3: The Covertec case offers a change from the norm.
Figure 4: Easy access is offered to the device.
This case can be bought from the Covertec Web site for £31.27 / $39.95.
EB Cases Leather Case
The EB case is plain but elegant in its styling and soft leather finish. The flip is magnetically closed which helps to keep the size of this case down, however, the fit is not quite as good as the Vaja or Sena. Holes match up quite well but not perfectly and there is no access to the soft reset button or the microphone. Inside the flip are three large credit card sized pockets. Overall protection is very good with very little of the device exposed when closed. Although not quite as snug a fit as some, this case is worthy of your attention. Only available in black, you have the choice of it with or without belt clip.
Figure 5: A simple design keeps things clean and stylish.
Figure 6: The magnetic flip provides effortless access.
This case can be bought from the EB Cases Web site for $36.95.
Proporta Aluminium Case
For the ultimate in protection, there really is only one stop - the metal case made by Proporta, among others; the same case can be found under the Innopocket and Rhinoskin brands. Made from precision moulded aluminium, this is one case that will offer the same perfect fit forever provided you don’t subject it to dent inducing heavy knocks. With the swing door closed, I’m confident this case will keep your device safe from all but the severest of treatment. You have easy access to all parts of the device, although some people may find accessing the recessed record button a little tricky. The lack of soft reset hole is a minus point but that is a small caveat given the quality and price point of this case. The biggest issue I have seen with this case are the complaints of the metal door opening to the right due to the infrared and record button access on the left. Many people find this a hindrance when actually using the device in hand. In my experience you quickly adjust to working with this case and it helps to keep the size of the case down as opposed to the alternative option of a doubled-hinged door that opens at the top of the device. This case looks attractive with its silvery finish although small ridges are required to aid grip – something of a necessity due to the smooth, hard surface. The protect to price ratio is second to none in this company.
Figure 7: The Aluminium case looks every bit the fortress for your Pocket PC.
Figure 8: Neoprene lining offers internal protection.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for £24.95 / $34.95.
Vaja Leather Case
Vaja Cases are highly regarded in the community and this case just exemplifies why with a high quality fit and finish in quality leather. This case is one of the smallest leather flips beaten only by the Sena in terms of size. All holes match up perfectly and only the microphone is hidden away without access. The flip has one credit sized pocket and two of the SD variety. Overall protection is very good, although like the Sena, the bottom corners are exposed. If you are a Vaja fan you will love this case and I would recommend it to anyone. The clip closure, however, does mean this case is larger than it could be and a magnetic closure option would be desirable. A vast choice of colour and styling combinations are on offer as well as the usual with or without belt clip.
Figure 9: That Vaja badge is a sign of a quality case.
Figure 10: The fit is exactly what you would hope for.
This case can be bought from the Vaja Web site starting at $54.90.
Piel Frama Leather Case
If anyone out there has owned a leather case from Piel Frama before, you will know just how luxurious these cases feel. Sumptuous is not a word I would often associate with a PDA case but it’s the perfect term to describe the quality of leather used. Workmanship, as to be expected, is top notch with everything stitched together perfectly to provide an excellent fit. The protection on offer is very good too with the soft padded leather sure to cushion the majority of knocks. The downside to this, however, is a case that is slightly larger than some of the others on display here. Access is good with a magnetic flip that closes on the rear however the lack of a soft reset hole upsets things a little. Piel Frama does, however, employ a clever belt clip system that, thanks to the cushioned leather, is recessed mostly out of harm's way when not in use and doesn’t provide much of an obstacle. Three large pockets and two smaller SD slots provide the storage options on the inside of the flip. The understated looks can’t hide the fact that this is a luxury case and if this is something you look for in your case, Piel Frama is most definitely worth a look. The Piel Frama case comes in a choice from three colour combinations.
Figure 11: With no logo on show you can still tell it is made by Piel Frama.
Figure 12: Fine handmade craftmanship all-round.
This case can be bought from the Piel Frama Web site for 60 Euros.
Proporta Leather Case
Proporta’s leather flip case takes a similar stylistic approach as the Covertec case with the majority of Pocket PC being put on display when the case is open. Made from soft leather, the finish of this case is very good and, thanks to the firm but protected clips for holding the device in place, you have easy access to all components. This case also offers excellent storage options with four credit card sized pockets and two SD slots. In addition to this is a removable cushioned insert that offers extra protection to your device in conjunction with a further see-through pocket at the expense of some added thickness to the overall case. If you love the styling of your h1900, this is a good alternative to the Covertec although the protection on offer here is not quite as high. This is also the only case that can be used in the cradle with a bit of adjustment.
Figure 13: The Proporta is outwardly similar to the Covertec.
Figure 14: Definitely the case if you like to show off your Pocket PC.
This case can be bought from the Proporta Web site for £24.95 / $34.95.
