To Case or Not to Case that is the Question

[mozambique]

Let me start off by saying, I have never used a case with any palm I have ever owned other than the protective whatever the manufacturer provided and have never damaged a palm, cross my fingers.

Can anyone tell me how well an aluminum hard case will work with the Palm Universal Keyboard? Is it easy to remove the TX from the case if you want it out, and is it easy to use the palm while in the case? I really like the protective flap cover that flips easily behind the Tungsten series and wonder how much I would like the aluminum case for daily use. I would like the storage for the SD cards. I just wonder if not being able to flip the lid behind the palm would drive me crazy.

Thanks

By the way, what are your favorite cases? I am doubting that I will purchase a case for my TX. I just don't like the extra bulk in my pocket. Any sugesstions that would keep the bulk from growing and allow me to use my TX as quickly and effectively as I do without the case?

This forum is awesome. Nothing like iron sharpening iron.

[bobbd]

If nothing else, I would recommend a screen protector just to prevent scratches and wear on the silkscreen area (DIA). I use Boxwave but Brando makes good ones as well.

I've tried aluminum cases and they do add bulk. I had one for my T3 that opened sideways (can't remember whether it was left or right) and it bothered me.

What I settled for is one of the clear plastic shells. Again Boxwave, Brando and others. Mine's from Proporta. The cover flips up out of the way and it's not as heavy as an aluminum case. Of course it doesn't give the same protection but it does give some.

If you're worried about slippery fingers, check out new.egrips.com.

Bob

[AndyMac]

I sprang for one of the Vaja cases. I plan to absorb the contents of my wallet into this case which will actually result in less to carry around.

Hopefully I keep the TX long enough to justify the cost of the case...

[palmtxuser]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a hard case to protect the device whether it be an iPod, PDA or whatever. Hard cases add a lot of unnecessary bulk and weight. And if you remember from your high school physics class, F=ma, which means that the more mass you add, the greater the force of impact will be if you drop it (or in a bitter rage, throw it against a wall). Although a hard case will protect the device from cosmetic scratches, the force of impact would damage the fragile micro components in the device anyhow.

If I were to buy a case for the PDA, I would go for a nice soft case that would hold a few SD cards and some business cards. The PalmOne soft case for the T5 is pretty nice and works for the TX (though "Tungsten" is imprinted on the front cover). A removable belt holster would be nice, too.

I suppose a silicon/rubbery case would help lessen the force of impact of an accidental drop, but my opinion is that they're hideous.

I agree that if nothing else, use a screen protector. I'm using Fellowes WriteRight which is a large customizable plastic screen protector. I've used one sheet to cover my iPod Mini, Nokia 6280, the 2.5 inch screen on my digital camera and I have enough left over for another 2.5 inch camera screen and another iPod Mini screen...all from one sheet! The pack comes with 12 sheets, so this should last a while and is a good investment to ensure you don't hundreds for a screen or PDA replacement.

In all honesty, just having the screen protector is sufficient. I carry a messenger/laptop bag on my daily commute and the bag does a more than sufficient job of protecting my TX from the elements. The removable screen protector keeps me from having to buy a replacement TX in a few weeks just because the screen is scratched.

[mozambique]

This will be the first Palm I have ever owned with screen protection. It is also the first 320x480 I have ever owned. I recently put on some to the T|E my wife will soon inherit. Ever since I started writing on the screen, with the show pen strokes option enabled, my grafitti recogintion, Grafitti 2 that is, has improved 100%. I am trying to give Grafitti 2 a real shot. After over a year, it is about time. I know I could reinstall Grafitti 1, and I was realy good at it, but I am finaly getting used to Grafitti 2 now. It took some real discipline to change my thinking after almost 10 years of the original Grafitti.

It sounds like, if I want a nicer case, which is not necessary?, then a softy is the way to go. I think I will go the way of the original flip cover and replace it with this (http://www.thepocketsolution.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PSI-5082&Category_Code=tungsten_t5_accessories&Product_Count=1) or perhaps the same design by Proporta (http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=998&t_mode=des). Although the cases by Sena (http://www.senacases.com/cart/home.php?cat=363) are nice as well. Does anyone have any expressed opinions about the cases by Sena. This particular case is advertised to have a snap closure, something I really don't want. But, I also don't see it in the photos, so I am not too worried.

I am trying Martin Fields as a screen protector for the TX and I also sent away for some from Additions (http://www.additionsinfo.com/free/?OVRAW=screen%20protector&OVKEY=screen%20protector&OVMTC=content), but they are going to take a little while to get here. I'll soon find out if Martin Fields are worth the money. Or, maybe I will end up ordering some Fellowes WriteRights one day. Vamos ver, we will see.

It would be nice if they would make a plain flip cover that held one or two extra SD cards??

Thanks for the opions and help. I would love to hear more.

[Guatiao]

I am using a Rhinoskin T5 case, works great so far...

[Tam Hanna]

I use a Proporta Softcase for T3 for quite some time and am satisfied:

http://tamspalm.blogspot.com/2005/10/palm-easy-carrying-case-for-palm.html

Or, alternatively, if you want shortterm protection, go for a AquaPac:

http://tamspalm.blogspot.com/2005/10/aquapac-small-reviewed.html

I am pretty sure that it works for the TX, as one can even fit a Zodiac into it easily...