Cover solution

[Zork]

The Zire 71 is already not one of the thinest PDAs on the market ;) . So I dont want to use one of this dozens of leather or metal cases for the Zire 71 (beside that most of them are designed by people which obviously never uses PDAs :) , cause it not really smart to open them sidewise, cause how could you grap your PDA then, while writing on it ?). What were really awesome for the Clie T625 were this small leather cover which were included inside the Clie package. Is there something like this avail for the Zire 71 too ? Searching such stuff since months for the Zire 71 (BTW Such a cover were even included with the original Zire, but it seems like Palm thought that its kewl to make one of the most thickest PDas out there even thicker, by deleivering it including some completely useless leather case).
TIA

[nickster87]

You could always just use a screen protector and not worry about it.;)

[johnprout]

I use a Brando leather case that flips upwards, i ordered the version without a belt clip to keep the bulk down. The case adds very little bulk to the Zire, in fact it makes it really nice to hold both open and closed. The case can be seen here:-

http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwpalmzire71case.php

Note that there are two versions one that opens like a book and one that flips up. Both are available with or without belt clips.

Hope this is some help to you.

[Raffix]

What I dont like about leather covers is that it offers no shock/impact protection. and on many the screen cover is too flexible to protect the screen from pointy objects/corners.

I like the neoprene covers that are splash proof drop proof(somewhat) and have a hard front cover (you can also make your own cut out to fit inside to protect the screen. But the one that PalmGlove(BodyGlove) makes is too big for the Zire 71. I had bought a Ergo Gear years ago for the Palm V and found this to be the closest fitting cover with least bulk. I like the flexible back making it simple to fold down to take a pic. It also has a pocket for small stuff like SD. I am posting this so maybe someone knows the source to find this Ergo Gear case, since mine is old and Im hoping to get another one with maybe other inside pocket options

[Zork]

So the cover from Brandos workshop doesnt include an hard front cover ? Even the simple flip cover which came with my Clie T625 had an hard front cover. Whats the purpose of such stuff anyway if there isnt some hard material built into the leather front cover ?

[Raffix]

I didnt mean to sound misinforming...I think it might as most good ones do, but they are usually flimsy and made of a paper. I have not tried that case. It actually looks very nice, I just dont see it working for me as far as prtection from dropping or banging around, since the PDA is exposed.

[maceyr]

The brando case looks very nice. Right now, I put my Zire 71 in its original case plus it goes into a Targus universal case which I strap to my belt. Unless you bump into someone or fall on yourself, there is very little chance that you can crack the display and it's double protected.

I might consider getting the brando case so that my Zire 71 doesn't feel so slippery when I'm holding it and it'll replace the original Zire case when I carry it around in the Targus case. And yeah, I know about those egrip tapes that you stick on but I don't like sticking anything to my Zire 71.

[Raffix]

I actually got the EGRIPS...and so far it is just OK...since half the stuff peeled off with in days of application...I dont mean the part that sticks to the Palm, but the rubber on it seperated from the adhesive section...It kinda sucks, but there are sections on it that are on the back that keep my Zire in the cradle firm and doesnt pop out as I experienced without it. I would just buy something from Home Depot or Lowes that would work the same or better for a couple bucks.

[martini]

Let 'em know at egrips that it came apart within days and they will probably send you a replacement made of their new more durable material at no charge.

[maceyr]

Looks like there's a clearance on the old egrips for practically everything for $3.33. Obviously "while supplies last".

Cheap enough to try.

http://www.egripsclearance.com/catalog/default.php

Just ordered mine today. But I have to wait 3 weeks for delivery. :(

[maceyr]

Just got my egrips in the mail today. Wow. It only took a week. I was quite surprised since they did say 3 weeks for delivery. The egrips are very nice. I got what I ordered in the colors I ordered. Mind you, I took advantage of their clearance sale, so I only have the older model, and not the newer and improved egrips, so I don't know how much better they are compared to the older ones.

The egrips are very nice. They're very easy to apply and if you make a mistake, you can easily re-apply and it sticks well. It sticks surprisingly well, considering that the adhesive doesn't seem to be that "sticky". I feel okay knowing that I can easily remove them if I ever need to without worrying about the gummy residue left behind.

My only complaint is that the egrip for the Zire 71 tends to cover up the entire back of the unit, including the serial sticker area. I would have liked if they had done a cut out for that area like they did for a portion of the area where the actual serial number would be. I ended up cutting up my egrip because I have my BoomerangIt sticker on the back of my Zire 71 and didn't want to cover that up.

Otherwise, it's working good. I love being able to hold my Zire 71 securely now without worrying that it'll slip off my hand.

[filaan]

I use the Bellagio flip case and I love it. It has a "hard" insert in the leather cover. I dropped it once and it protected it fine. I use to use the Smartercase, but it was huge. I like the Bellagio much better.

filaan

[rfox]

Agreed about the cases that open up and can't fold back so you can hold the PDA properly. This goes for the flip cases too because not only does it get in the way of the Zire 71's camera, but it creates a "larger" item to carry -- I don't like it sticking out like a tongue.

As for the egrips--good idea, but what about the glue used? Is it permanent, or will it leave sticky glue residue when you peel it? Or worse, peel off the paint of the case?