Posted to death here, but...

[marius]

Gang:

I know that this stuff has been posted to death here, but after perusing through the many previous posts here I am still undecided and looking for good experiences/opinions from the good people here to push me over the edge and help me make my final decisions. Please indulge me...

Unit: Clie T615c

Hard Cases:

From the many posts here, seems like the 2 hard cases of choice are the Innopocket and Fellowes. While I really like the vertical flip arrangement of the Fellowes, some kind soul recently posted some harsh words for the Fellowes case. Also,while the Innopocket looks nice, I have a serious concern about the fit and the cutouts, in particular the cutout for the stylus...

I know I can't be the only one with complaints about how incredibly easy it is for the stylus to slip out of the storage well on the T615. While I absolutely love my 615, I am super disappointed that Sony missed the mark here. IMHO, the designers did this on purpose in order to manufacture a rationale for Sony to get into the replacement stylus business. As a longtime Palm Vx user, I am amazed at the difference in how well the included stylus fits in each unit. On the Vx [and just about every other Palm unit I have ever encountered], the stylus is FIRMLY seated into the well. I get the feeling that if I were to toss my Vx out my second story window, while the unit itself may not survive, I think the stylus would still be inserted in the well. So that leads me to my next question...

Replacement Stylii:

A friend of mine told me that not all stylii that are supposed to fit in the 615 storage well actually fit properly. Short of an impossible [and expensive] trial and error of all the replacement stylii out there, what are your experiences?

I am looking primarily for good stylus heft, reset pin and most importantly a stylus that will sit FIRMLY in the 615 storage well. A pen, a light, colors, all that other stuff is not a concern for me...

Screen Protectors:

Another favorite topic here. With so many to choose from can you blame me for being confused? ;-)

Currently, I am using some WriteRights on my 615. However, the WriteRights were for my Vx and while I like the texture and the length [the Vx WriteRights fit ok width-wise, but leave a bit of extra length vertically...this is OK as I can see it will make removal a snap], the problem is that the textured Vx WriteRights create a heavily distorted view of my nice HiRes Clie screen. So, without spending mad money trying out all the screen protectors out there any comments here? Someone recently posted a link to a a company in Japan making glow-in-the-dark protectors. Anyone try these yet? Gimmick or useful?

Would like to avoid spending 10-15.00 for 1 screen protector unless it is gonna last me forever...

Soft Cases:

Back to where I started. While the hard cases seem like they would offer good protection for my Clie, I would like to consider a good soft case as I am generally pretty careful with my electronics.

Anyone try the EB Slipper for the 615? It looks just about perfect for what I am looking for - super slim profile, vertical clamshell opening, magnetic closure, pockets for 2 Memory Sticks and best of all, when closed, the flap appears to completely cover the top edge of the unit, ensuring that the stylus will not be able to accidentally slip out. If not for the high price, I think I would have gone with the EB already. Anyone have one? Other choices are possibly the Belkin case which has a similar design to the EB, but seems to have a much fatter form factor. Same goes for the Krussell case. Comments?

Online PDA Accessory Retailers:

Finally, looking for a good, one stop shop [if possible] PDA accessory retailer. Don't wanna get ripped off by high prices on either products or shipping and looking for reasonable return policies and good selection. Your favorites?

Again, sorry to revisit these oft discussed topics...

peace!
-marius

[Ayamd1]

Clies are infamous for their super-thin stylii and how easily they can fall off from their storage. Instead of looking for a thicker stylus, I simply used a glue gun to carefully put in a small amount of rubber glue along the inner edge of the well. Better than spending for a replacement stylus.

Many reviews are out on the over-sensitive and easily breakable glass screen of the clie (check out the epinions website). So I think a hard case is a must.

Luminous protectors? Yuuuuuckkkk! Get a protector that is washable, removable, and fairly scratch-proof (like those of Brando).

stay cool, dude!

[xyeta]

Since I too have a T615, I'll tell you the gear I finally settled on. All are fine products and I am pleased with my current setup. The key is that THIS is what works for ME, and Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV):

Krusell Black leather case, no clip (everyday)
Innopocket Aluminum case (weakend or duty wear)
Innopocket replacement stylus (never lost one, use pen/stylus combo)
Cross Duo writer (pen/stylus combo, everyday)
Sandisk 128mb stick in the slot (32mb Sony backup)
Brando Screen Protector (forget washable, replace every six months. Next time, I am trying G2 after reading favorable opinions.)

...Works for me, as they say.

[mdj1215]

This post is probably too late to be of use to you, marius, but I thought I share my experience for anyone else asking similar questions.

I just received the Innopocket 3 in 1 stylus and blue annodized hard case for my T615, both ordered from Global Source. This was my first experience ordering from Global Source, but they are top notch; easy order/check out process and the items arrived in 2 days. And best of all, they were actually cheaper than ordering directly from Innopocket.

IMO, the stylus is a home run. Much better weight and hand feeling than the stock Sony stylus, the pen cap fits very securely and, best of all, there's an audible "snap" when fully inserted into the stylus silo. It doesn't appear this one is going to fall out like the stock one tends to do.

As for the case, I have to say I'm impressed with that as well. I already had a basic Vaja with belt clip case (I actually ordered a T665 case because I wanted a snap closure; Vaja didn't offer that on the T615 case at the time, don't know if they do now or not). I wanted a hard case that I could toss into my backpack or pocket when I didn't want to carry it on my belt. I've read the many horror stories reported in ClieSource of the misaligned tabs in the Innopocket cases. But the blue case looked really cool, especially since I have a blue T615, so I thought I'd take a chance. The case I received is a perfect fit. So either Innopocket finally improved their quality assurance in manufacturing the case or I got lucky.

So, all in all, a great experience with both the products and the vendor.

[click]

like mdj1215 i'm probably posting a little late here but I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.

I rarely use the stock stylus but I found that you can add a little bur on the plastic end near the top of the stylus and it helps a little to hold it in.
But I've never had any serious problems except when it hangs on my pocket when I pull it out of my pants.

Normally I use one of the many Dual/Triple function pens that are available. Currently using an Avery Triple Click (5$) and quite pleased with it's perfomance. (pen, mechanical pencil, and stylus)

Next will probably be the Cross variant.

No case yet (just the Sony Flip cover). Haven't found one that I'm comfortable will sit in the cradle while in case. But since I plan on doing some traveling soon I will be in the market for a Case, Recharger for the Jeep and will probably get the Innopocket 3in1.

I mention Jeep because I plan on doing some trail cleanup in a couple of our local areas and will need a case designed more for protection(bouncing) than function.

[rolando]

As to the loose stylus fit...

I read somewhere about unscrewing the end of the stylus (I don't know which end) and putting a tiny little rubber o-ring on before putting it back together.

Apparently, you can get tiny little rubber o-rings at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. I believe they are in the "specialty hardware" section. Probably have to ask.

Rolando

[Sacharissa]

I LOVE my Innopocket hard cases! I have one for my T615, and another form my T665 - both from Global Source. Both fit perfectly, look smashing, and protect my Clie's from the trauma of everyday life! (And Global source has been most impressive in response and shipping time!)

As for the stylus deal, I recently tried out the "fingernail polish trick" highlighted in this thread:

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2360&highlight=polish

It workd brilliantly for me...I'm still looking for the perfect replacement stylus/pen combo, but until I find it, this trick will tide me over - Just make sure you let the polish dry THOUROUGHLY (a couple of hours, at least!) so it doesn't stick to the inside of the stylus silo!

[click]

Originally posted by Sacharissa
As for the stylus deal, I recently tried out the "fingernail polish trick" highlighted in this thread:


I just hope my wife doesn't look at me weird for wanting to borrow her nail polish......

I can just hear her now... "Sure, you want it for your stylus..."

But seriously that's sounds like a neat trick.

[madkins007]

Hard case: I use and love the Innopocket, however many people like the DSI case instead. I think either is a good choice. No complaints about the cut-outs, etc.

Overall- hard cases are best for crush and smash protection, such as being carried in a bigger bag, pants pocket, etc. They certainly do offer drop protection, but many soft cases (especially the padded Neoprene versions) offer more.

Leather cases: In order, I recommend Vaja, Sena, then a bunch of others depending on what you are looking for.

Supplier: StylusCentral is one of my favorites. They ave never done me wrong and consitantly seem to have competetive prices- for what they carry. Brando and ClieSource's own Global whatever are also great!

Stylus: The retaining pin inside the bottom of the stylus silo is probably damaged. It can be repaired if you have decent mechanical skills and are not afraid to open the Clie's case- but because of the design, it is not possible to effect a perfect repair. The nail polish and glue gun ideas work, but I like the O-ring the best. You can often get free O-rings that fit perfectly for almost free by disassembling things like disposable lighters, some pens and pencils, etc.

Replacement styli: My absolute FAVORITE is the Fisher Space Pen/Stylus (StylusCentral.com). Most combos are mediocre pens, but the Fisher is a great pen (that writes on nearly anything to boot) that is easy to get refills for, and because it is so very pocketable, it is ALWAYS with me.

Replacement 'fits in silo' styli: I like the Innopocket 2 pack the best- the chrome steel shaft feels great, has a bit more 'heft', and you get a second styli you can park at work or sell on-line.

[jams1fan]

My setup which I absolutely love. I applied a dot of clear nail polish over the stylus well opening - 2 reasons: after a lot of use, the opening's edges were getting a bit rough and the chrome finish started flaking off. The polish helped to smooth out the roughness and it also helps to keep the stylus 'locked in'.

I really like my innopocket two-pack. Better than the panache. It's heavier and I like the broader tip.

I love the g2 shields. Perfect for those who prefer the smoother writing surface. Install isn't too bad. I've tried nushields and brando - g2's my pick. It's also been the one most resistant to scratches. One thing's for sure - use a protector no matter which you choose. No matter how carefully you try to keep a stylus clean, it can still scratch up the screen - as evidenced by the scratches left on the protectors.

I have my clie wrapped in an EB slipper. Perfect for maintaining the slim form factor of the pda. I like that I don't have to remove from the case to charge or to mount on my belkin keyboard (another excellent purchase). The magnetic closure hasn't caused any problems whatsoever. In fact, because the case closes so snugly, no worries about my stylus ever falling out. It also is very classy looking.

[ckmoose]

After trying almost all of the screen protectors on the market (Belive me, I have, I've been using Palm OS devices since '96), I have found the Lumitectors to be the best over-all.

They are very easy to install, reasonable priced and very, Very rugged. The part that covers the screen is totally invisible to the point that most people think that I don't have a screen protector on. It's been several months and mine is still as good as new.

The part that covers the graffiti area has a pleasing texture, clear graphics that look completely like the original ones, plus they glow in the dark!

The Lumitector screen protectors fit perfectly and almost mount themselves.

They are very reasonably priced and well worth a try. Everyone I've shown mine to in our PUG has bought them. That's a pretty good recommensation. Hmmm...I should sell these... ;)

[jpessin]

I love the Innopocket case. I've dropped my Clie many times, but the case continues to save me. As far as the stylus is concerned. Mine would always fall out until I took apart a scripto lighter and removed the tiny rubber o-ring and put it on where the reset pin meets the stylus shaft. I don't remember exactly where I came across that trick, some message board, but it works great.