Who already hates the stupid cover?

[Palmguru]

I think not only the cover is not needed but the whole design of this unit is not as sexy as it could be. I am not too excited about the design even though I will end up buying this handheld anyway.

[DanT]

I reserve judgement until it is on my hand and I get a chance to play with it for 2 weeks.

[Talula]

I've never been a fan of those kinds of covers. Seems it will look wierd if removed, like all the others.

[DanT]

Unlike the TG and SJ series beluga-whale head-bump hinges, this TH55 one is flushed, so it would not look weird w/o the cover. You just need to find plugs for the empty slots. I just hope Sony will provide the plugs like they do with N760C top chrome plate when we don't want to use the flip cover.

[jhintonh]

Good Evening-
I like the cover. But I liked the cover on the TG as well. This one is going to accumulate scratches and fingerprints however. But it being transparent is a neat feature.
-Jhintonh

[winexprt]

Well...after enough scratches and fingerprints it will cease to be transparant! :(

[Jeffry]

I am 99.99% sure that the flip cover material is the same as those used in the SJ33. Polished, slippery, scratch-prone plastic. It is also a fingerprint magnet. Make sure you don't have sweaty or oily hands.

[DanT]

Can you put a cheapy screen protectors, like one of those Fellows WriteRight, on the SJ33 cover?

[ScottM]

a cover is good to prevent all the icky stuff from falling inside, i find that the tg50 cover works very well. supposedly the th cover is scratch and fingerprint proof, though i have yet to see a product like that ;) nevertheless, this model has a very exciting design, unlike the boring palms ..

[TH55]

Originally posted by Palmguru
I think not only the cover is not needed but the whole design of this unit is not as sexy as it could be. I am not too excited about the design even though I will end up buying this handheld anyway.
geez... if you hate something you don't even know dont buy it, maybe you can teach sony engineers how to desing flip covers

[TH55]

Originally posted by winexprt
Well...after enough scratches and fingerprints it will cease to be transparant! :(

according to the HongKong website:,
" Its transparent, detachable cover of scratch-resistant 5H-hard acrylic protects the screen without detracting from operational ease"

cool

[winexprt]

Originally posted by TH55


according to the HongKong website:,
" Its transparent, detachable cover of scratch-resistant 5H-hard acrylic protects the screen without detracting from operational ease"

cool

Haa! And if ya believe that I have a LOVELY bridge (hardly used) in Brooklyn I want to sell you! lol

[TH55]

anyway...i really like the TH55's industrial design, it takes the tablet concept to the next level with a more ergonomically designed jog dial and a translucent cover..... try to use a T3 with one hand..HA

[DanT]

Now try to use one hand to push that hard buttons on the bottom of TH55.

[winexprt]

I like the finish on the TH55 as well..seems to be metallic in nature and with a rough sort of paint finish. Should make it much grippier and less slippery than my NX80 in my hands.

[TH55]

Originally posted by DanT
Now try to use one hand to push that hard buttons on the bottom of TH55.

how do you know they are hard to push???

[winexprt]

Here is a pic to consider if you really think the TH55's nice clear cover is scratch-resistant:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/ss.asp?f=fcc_th55_l.jpg

[DanT]

I don't know, as I don't have it yet. But if you press them and hold the Clie all with one-hand, you have some acrobatic fingers. I won't even dare to try it as I'll be more than likely to drop this nice PDA.

[DanT]

Originally posted by winexprt
Here is a pic to consider if you really think the TH55's nice clear cover is scratch-resistant:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/ss.asp?f=fcc_th55_l.jpg

As I said in the other thread about this pix, the plastic cover seems to be protected with another plastic film as many electronic devices are when they are brand new coming out of the boxes.  Heck even they start putting plastic film on new cars too to prevent scratching the paint on the car during shipping.

[TH55]

Originally posted by winexprt
Here is a pic to consider if you really think the TH55's nice clear cover is scratch-resistant:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/ss.asp?f=fcc_th55_l.jpg

interesting..i didn't see that picture!
looks like a crappy piece of chinese plastic... I just learned that there is a new no-slider-VG-Palm coming, even though I like Son y designs and quality I prefer Palms uncompromised power ...we'll see..

[TH55]

Originally posted by DanT


As I said in the other thread about this pix, the plastic cover seems to be protected with another plastic film as many electronic devices are when they are brand new coming out of the boxes.  Heck even they start putting plastic film on new cars too to prevent scratching the paint on the car during shipping.

don't think so, the link is to the FCC website, my guess is that thats a testing unit, testing models very unlikely have stickers or protective plastics; besides the scratch patterns seem real and there are no bubbles, Sonys plastic covers usually have a "pull here" tab..
BAD BAD BAD SONY *dissapointment*

[winexprt]

Originally posted by TH55


interesting..i didn't see that picture!
looks like a crappy piece of chinese plastic... I just learned that there is a new no-slider-VG-Palm coming, even though I like Son y designs and quality I prefer Palms uncompromised power ...we'll see..

No slider VG huh?! WOW! This could get interesting. Seems like Palm is waking up to Sony's innovation.

[DanT]

There are bubbles. We just wait and see when we open our TH55s.

[winexprt]

Originally posted by TH55


don't think so, the link is to the FCC website, my guess is that thats a testing unit, testing models very unlikely have stickers or protective plastics; besides the scratch patterns seem real and there are no bubbles, Sonys plastic covers usually have a "pull here" tab..
BAD BAD BAD SONY *dissapointment*

I agree with ya TH55. Sorry dan..I just don't see any evidence on that photo of any kind of overlay. No edges or bubbles or anything. They do seem like deep scratches. You can clearly see the screws, or bolts or whatever they are protruding through the hard plastic.

[DanT]

All right, when I get this sucker, I'll go to machine shop and use it as a template to make a dozen of these plastic covers made out of thin plexiglass and just replace it once every 2-3 months like my screen protector. That would last me to the next generation of TH series.

[winexprt]

Personally, what I would do is what someone else here has said they'd do when it comes out. Buy a backup/replacement plastic cover and keep it in the wrapping until you want/are ready to sell it. If you don't want to sell it then you have a nice fresh cover to put on it. Then..let the potential scratches come!! You're covered.

[Cyker]

DanT: Hehe that could become a sideline industry for you - replacement TH covers :D
BTW, I reckon I could hit the two right-hand hardbuttons with my little-finger. No go on the left buttons 'tho!

[lateck]

The cover is to protect the screen. I have a SJ-33 and it's screen is still in great shape due to the cover.
I have a friend that has a T/3 and it's in sad shape in only a few months. ( Not all of us use our PDA's in an office/class room environment. I use mine is a/c service work & construction).
I like the cover! They should have called it the SJ-55! :p :)


lateck,

[joejoe]

Originally posted by winexprt
Personally, what I would do is what someone else here has said they'd do when it comes out. Buy a backup/replacement plastic cover and keep it in the wrapping until you want/are ready to sell it. If you don't want to sell it then you have a nice fresh cover to put on it. Then..let the potential scratches come!! You're covered.

I'm with winexprt, here.

We purchase replacement stylii, why not replacement covers? No doubt there will be leather covers & cases once the unit comes out. For those concerned about scratches, they might provide a simple solution.

[Aces]

I agree with Latek.  But I have no scratches on my SJ-33 after a year of use.  It IS however an oil magnet, but I just wipe it on my shirt when I notice it.

I have kept my PDA's for about 18 months each time before upgrading.  But with the TH-55 I may upgrade from the SJ-33 after only 12 months.  My wife doesn't quite understand why if it's not broken.  But it's my $...

[SUCHY]

THe cover does not bother me, I don't like the fact thet the plug for earphones is on the side.

[Unregistered]

I will remove the cover off A.S.A.P.,because of weigtsaving and reduceing the thickness.
In my heart, I want a cover like T6XX having which is "dangled(?)", but TH55 have jog dial in its back, so turnover type cover will not usefull. hum..., I must buy protective film.

[DanT]

Originally posted by SUCHY
THe cover does not bother me, I don't like the fact thet the plug for earphones is on the side.

You just eliminate a bunch of good clies out of your wish list.  Most of them have the jack on the side. LOL.

[joejoe]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I will remove the cover off A.S.A.P.,because of weigtsaving and reduceing the thickness.
In my heart, I want a cover like T6XX having which is "dangled(?)", but TH55 have jog dial in its back, so turnover type cover will not usefull. hum..., I must buy protective film.

Whereas I liked the fact that it flipped back (& provided a nice reading stand for ebooks), it was a pain to have to keep reattaching it since it kept falling off.

It looks like the plastic, see-through cover of the TH55 is more a question of form following function & the ability to *use* the unit without ever opening the lid.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by DanT
Now try to use one hand to push that hard buttons on the bottom of TH55.

Why? You can't access any palm buttons with your thumb?

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by lateck
The cover is to protect the screen. I have a SJ-33 and it's screen is still in great shape due to the cover.

I had a SJ33 blue (saddly stolen a couple of months ago) and I loved the transparent screen protector. This is one of the reasons that I want a TH55. it's a lot more practical than a metal or leather protector. You don't need to open the screen to see the data. And if it will be at least as resistant that the SJ33 i will be satisfied (some scratches but nothing that makes it unusable).


I like the cover! They should have called it the SJ-55! :p :)

I also think that the TH55 is the logical advance ot the SJ33 (although I will miss the Clie Paint - now called Clie Photo editor - and the Bejewelled game - two subsanable ommisions).

Why Sony didn't bundle the photo editor with this clie?.

[Robot]

I don't think I like the cover either. I am going to buy one anyway, but do you think that cover can come off easily and not look like something was missing? Like those hinges, what will that look like without the cover attached?

[SUCHY]

Originally posted by DanT


You just eliminate a bunch of good clies out of your wish list.  Most of them have the jack on the side. LOL.

That is why I got the TG50.

[DanT]

Originally posted by Unregistered


Why? You can't access any palm buttons with your thumb?

Take a look at the picture and imagine yourself doing it all in one hand w/o dropping the Clie.

[valleygifts]

I have to agree that I'm not thrilled with the idea of having all the buttons on the back. I keep thinking that if you have this in a case, then you never know what's going to be accidentally pressed and eat up battery time.

[Seul]

I guess I'm in the minority, but I think the clear plastic cover is the best part about the TH-55.

I require protection for the screen, but I can't stand the additional bulk that a pda case would add.

This is the first Clie that I've been interested in since the SJ-33 came out.

[Orincarnia]

i think i can talk my dad into getting this one and then me using it for a while then trading him back (i can't live with out my keyboard) as long as it has a hold button, (i know it does) then the screen and the buttons are no problem, i also like the fact of mine having the flip around screen so the screen is over all necessary buttons and all other buttons are not in a position where they can be pushed...........................very convenient, for some reason the buttons on this look like the buttons on the nz-90 unless i'm not looking at it right

[Seajhay]

finally got mine and this is what i did to protect my protector(?)...

searched hardware stores, container shops, alot of PDA sites....
trying to find the right bumper/protector for fine objects.

felt pads, silicone bumpers, and plastic slides. all their profiles were to big.. i was finding....nothing.

then i was in my local drug store, and i noticed silicone pads for eyeglasses!! super thin. kind of sticky so it doesn't slide off of things easily, and kind of see through!

best deal, $2.49 for a set of 4.

i trimmed them a bit so they are circles and placed them on the corners on the screen and they've been on for two and a half weeks now. still there and no scratchies!!

[krypticide]

Originally posted by TH55


interesting..i didn't see that picture!
looks like a crappy piece of chinese plastic... I just learned that there is a new no-slider-VG-Palm coming, even though I like Son y designs and quality I prefer Palms uncompromised power ...we'll see..

"Crappy piece of chinese plastic," eh? I don't want to start a brouhaha, but in the future you might want to consider rephrasing that. :rolleyes: At least you didn't say Taiwanese, or I'd come and show you some plastic... :D

[DanT]

Originally posted by TH55


don't think so, the link is to the FCC website, my guess is that thats a testing unit, testing models very unlikely have stickers or protective plastics; besides the scratch patterns seem real and there are no bubbles, Sonys plastic covers usually have a "pull here" tab..
BAD BAD BAD SONY *dissapointment*

Well, you're wrong. 

[DanT]

Originally posted by winexprt


I agree with ya TH55. Sorry dan..I just don't see any evidence on that photo of any kind of overlay. No edges or bubbles or anything. They do seem like deep scratches. You can clearly see the screws, or bolts or whatever they are protruding through the hard plastic.

You're wrong too.

[thschpo]

Seem the cover is easy to be broken and it is not hold firmly when using hand writing

[ziehensack9]

I really like the cover. It offers protection for the screen and without it being there I'd be scared to death of carrying the Clie around!

It does get covered in fingerprints though but a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth and they're soon dealt with.

[Unregistered]

One problem we all have and I am as guilty as anyone is that for years we have griped and complained that PDA companies don't install some sort of flip cover. Now we have one that does. It protects our screen and does everything we wanted. Now we don't want to scratch the cover. What will pacify us? A cover for the cover?

From my experience, the more I worry about scratching something, the more I sratch it. The only scratches that I have ever gotten on a PDA were from me cleaning the screen too much.

It would be nice if a third party created an alluminum cover like the TG-50 has.

[tnhh]

Originally posted by Unregistered
One problem we all have and I am as guilty as anyone is that for years we have griped and complained that PDA companies don't install some sort of flip cover.

I don't dislike it because it scratches (doesn't bother me). What I don't like is that it isn't a real flip cover - it doesn't flip all the way back. Why Sony couldn't have designed a cover like my old Palm III is beyond me.

[sigelang]

I really like the plastic cover. put some $2.99 (12 pcs from Target) fellowes writeBrite screen protector.

The only thing I don't like is the exposed 4 hard buttons.
I wish the cover is long enough and bent so that it will protect
the connector slot anf the four home keys.

I have one and enjoying it. I am a proud owner.

I do not like the idea of playing with it and returning it. It ruins the economy.

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

You mean that thing is actually a flip cover? I thought it was a built-in screen protector! A little stiff, though - you have to press REALLY hard with the stylus before it registers! :D

Best wishes,
Bawko

[sigelang]

LOL

[hamsammich]

Um, not me. I think it's neato. It works well in conjunction with the Global Source case I bought...keeps the screen VERY protected.
:)

[DanT]

Forget the flip cover. I survived w/o it and just with screen protector on the glasstop/digitizer screen for 2.5 years on N760C. The Clie fits much better in my pants front pocket w/o the stupid flip cover. I can just pull the Clie out by the string out of my pocket and use it right away. No more prying the flip cover with my finger nail on the bottom corner of the flip cover.  I removed the sucker and plugged the hinge holes.
http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/data/500/2949Plugs1.jpg

[rabuf]

i actually like the screen cover.  i carry mine around in my pocket and without the screen cover, the screen would probably be more then just scratched (i'm not very coordinated and so bump into things).

though it actually adds some size, it is still smaller then my Vx with a hardcase.  so i'm not bothered to much.  :D

[YTTAN]

Good idea without the screen flip + the string that provided, maybe I will tried it as to improve the voice recording.

[kp*]

Originally posted by tnhh
I don't dislike it because it scratches (doesn't bother me). What I don't like is that it isn't a real flip cover - it doesn't flip all the way back. Why Sony couldn't have designed a cover like my old Palm III is beyond me.
Amen! It throws off the balance a little bit, it makes it harder to use in tight places, and it just looks dorky!

[markleaver]

Apart from the fragility of thie cover, it will put manufacturers off making aluminium cases which are one of the best forms of protection for PDA's

[ziehensack9]

Originally posted by DanT
Forget the flip cover. I survived w/o it and just with screen protector on the glasstop/digitizer screen for 2.5 years on N760C. The Clie fits much better in my pants front pocket w/o the stupid flip cover. I can just pull the Clie out by the string out of my pocket and use it right away. No more prying the flip cover with my finger nail on the bottom corner of the flip cover.  I removed the sucker and plugged the hinge holes.
http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/data/500/2949Plugs1.jpg

nice skin, which one is that?

[DanT]

Bandit's bluespirit from palmspirit.com

[ziehensack9]

cool, thanks.

[alsa]

so how is everyone still liking their covers? I am just curious.

[DonWon]

i find that using newspaper to clean/polish the flip cover works best.
works well on glass/mirrors too.
try it!

[YTTAN]

I got the same feeling too. If without the case it look like cheap clie.

[Rossi01]

so how is everyone still liking their covers? I am just curious.

I'm loving it! :D

I really like it and cannot think of anything better, for my preferences.

[strider_mt2k]

I like the cover!

You can see through it.
It protects the screen.

[LanMan]

I like the cover. It doubles as a terrific mirror for those narcissistic PDA'ers. Although I have to admit that I have tapped the cover a number of times. The first time that I did that I thought "Oh, great. My brand new TH55's digitizer is broken". :o

[Jun]

I like the cover. It doubles as a terrific mirror for those narcissistic PDA'ers. Although I have to admit that I have tapped the cover a number of times. The first time that I did that I thought "Oh, great. My brand new TH55's digitizer is broken". :o

I love it! So I protect the top part of the cover with the super clear ARM Screen Protector. :)

[rldunn]

so how is everyone still liking their covers? I am just curious.Funny you should ask. Just today, I was noticing how there are now a TON of scratches on it, while before they were small and hard to notice. Still, that aside, I think the cover is great, since you can see alarms without opening it, and it provides screen protection without adding bulk.

[hamsammich]

Even though the TH55 is now in my wife's hands, I still like the flip-cover when I use her Clie.