I've recently got a hw6915, as it has the same dimensions as the 65xx I thought I'd review a selection of cases. The only difference from a 6915 case and a 65xx case is that a "true" 69xx case would not have the SD slot cutout, as the hw69xx series does not have an SD slot. Looking at the various cases out there started me thinking about what I actually want from a case.
I think this is a very important point in deciding on the right case for you, some things to consider are how often are you going to take your iPAQ out of the case, do you want to answer calls with it in the case? Do you want it to be thrown into your bag/briefcase for added protection, what about the size of the case, how much protection do you want, do you want a belt clip? Do you want added screen protection?
I'm reviewing 3 cases from Proporta and one case from Boxwave, you can see the size of the cases in the picture below. In all cases click the thumbnail for a larger picture.
This case is very light and comes with an optional screw in belt clip, a wrist strap and provides some protection for your iPAQ without adding any additional bulk.
It also comes with two handy slots on the back which allow you to store a mini SD and a SD card outside the iPAQ (note the hw69xx doesn't have an SD card, only mini SD). The case does not allow you to use the HP provided flip screen when it's in the case, Proporta have done this as they believe the case should be as thin as possible, purely adding a skin to the iPAQ and not adding any bulk. If you want to protect your screen Proporta also offer a screen protector.
The silicone feels very smooth and slightly sticky, which feels greatin your hands. The fit is very good, the case allows all aspects of the iPAQ to be used whilst in the case, you have access to all the buttons, slots, camera and the stylus. Proporta's attention to detail is great, including recess areas for things like the power button as part of the case.
The quality of the case is very good, all corners, edges are neatly finished with no ragged or untidy corners or edges. Proporta back this up with a a Lifetime Warranty, which means that if for any reason, or for no reason at all, you are unhappy with your purchase of a Proporta hardware product, you can return it to them for an exchange, or a full refund at any time.
All in all a fantastic quality product, with the added bonus of a belt clip and a wrist strap included in the already competitive price.
This case is the lightest of all that I tried, and somehow feels fantastic, it feels smooth, but not slippy. Boxwave say that they use SmoothTexture™ which makes the HP iPAQ hw6515 FlexiSkin feel softer to the touch and reduces surface dust.
This case allows you to use the HP supplied flip screen once the iPAQ is in the case, this adds a few mm to the overall size of the case, but provides extra protection to your screen. The case is well engineered, including recess in the all the right areas, and allows full access to all controls, the camera and the stylus when it is in the case.
The smoke grey colour provided for the review model complements the iPAQ very well and looks fantastic in my opinion.
There are some small areas of excess rubber around a few of the cutouts, these are only noticeable when closely examing the case. I didn't notice them in day to day use, only when giving the case a very detailed examination prior to writing this review. The case is washable and tear resistant according to Boxwave.
All in all a fanastic feeling product, that is very light and slim, however it doesn't include either a belt or wrist strap and thus seems expensive for what it is.
This is a light but solid feeling case, that completely surrounds your iPAQ and gives it very good protection from accidental bangs, scrapes and general abuse! Proporta tell me that the case is scratch resistant, and from using it I have not managed to leave a visibile scratch on the case. The case includes a flip screen cover, which negates the need for the HP included flip screen.
In order to fit your iPAQ into the device, you "split" the case down the middle, insert your iPAQ and reclip it together. This means you are not going to be removing your iPAQ from the case in order to use it or take a phone call. This is fine for day to day use as all keys are accesible, and the screen is covered by a matching clear "screen flip". Personally, for me, this is a downside as I use my hw6915 in the car for a GPS device and it will not fit my Brodit holder when it is in a case.
As with all Proporta cases this is a quality product and you get alot for your money, including a wrist strap and belt clip, as well as a lifetime guarantee.
This is the most expensive case on test, and also the most robust, as you would hope it to be! Proporta came up with the idea of using aircraft grade aluminium for iPAQ cases a few years ago, and I can testify to it's toughness having stood on my iPAQ 2210 with no ill affect at all as it was encased in a Proporta aluminium case.
This case folds right back to insert your iPAQ, and once safely in place, you can flip back the screen cover in order to use the touch screen, whilst keeping your iPAQ safe in it's protective neoprene lining.
Once again, as with all the cases on review you get full access to all the controls on the iPAQ, including the camera.
This is the ultimate case for your iPAQ, if your likely to chuck your device into a rucksack, back and forget about it, this could be the case for you as it's really tough, as my unintentional "stand on" test proves!
So in summary, did I chose a particular case to use day to day?
So far I have not. As the hw6915 comes with a belt clip and inbuilt screen protector I've been using that. For quick access to a case to prevent the device being bashed around I've used the Boxwave silicon case. If I was a hard user of my iPAQ I'd look at using the Proporta aluminium or crystal case.
As I said at the start of this review, you really need to decide what you want from a case, then choose one that closely matches your requirements. Hopefully this insight will assist others in making that choice.
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