Zire 71 Cases Reviews

[madkins007]

OK, lets give this a try. Please post your review of cases for the Z71. As far as I am concerned they can be 'semi-cases' (cases not really designed for this purpose but that might interest people anyway)!

A couple ground rules to try to keep things easy to work with-

1. Use the Subject space to name the case.
2. Be sure to include details like websites, cost, shipping, etc.
3. Please- only 1 review per post, and if you have any questions, ask them in a seperate post (or better yet, a seperate thread!)
4. If you disagree with a review, post your own- but please, no attacks. Feel free to mention what you think, but keep it civil.
5. If you work for the case company, got a freebie to review, etc. that might color your judgement, please let us know. Feel free to post- certainly, but let us know.

If you want, here is a sample form you can cut and paste:

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: (Who makes the case?)
Name: (What do they call this case?)
Type of Case: (Flip, book, pouch, other?)
Material: (Leather, aluminum, silk?)
List Price: (What they are asking for the case)
Source: (Where can you get this case? Website?)

Features: (Does it include a belt clip? SD slots? Air conditioning?)
Closure/Fastener: (Snap, magnet, Velcro, zipper?)
Velcro Used?: (Is there ANY of the dread fabric there?)
Hot-Sync?: (Can you cradle sync? Travel cord sync?)
Camera Use?: (Can you use the camera in the case?)

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: (How did this go? Anything we need to be aware of? How much? How fast? How securely packaged?)

Fit and Function: (How well does it fit and work? Can you sync and use the camera well? How easy to put in/take out? Does the case press the buttons?)

Quality: (How well put together is it? Any flaws or problems with yours?)

Protection: (how well protected is the PDA from drops? Screen pressure? Water/sand?)

What do you LIKE about the case?:

What do you DISLIKE about the case?:

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?:

Who would you recommend the case for?:

[filaan]

I use Smarter case. I purchased it from the Laridian Bible Software site. I like it because it is a leather covered aluminum case with a snap closure. I don't mind that it is "bulky" as I carry it in my purse. At first I had problems with the placement of the extra stylus, but rectified the problem by changing it from the center of the cover to the side by removing the liner and moving the elastic band that holds the stylus in place. In the center position, it would activate my screen (even with a button disabling program enabled) and cause battery drain. In the current position, it doesn't happen.

I chose this case over others because I wanted the added protection. I used it with my M500 and liked it. You can not hot sync or use the camera while it is in the case. My M500 stayed in the case without using velcro, but I have to use velcro with the Zire 71.

Hope that helps.

filaan

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Sena Palm Zire 71 Flip Case
Material: Leather (smells nice!)
List Price: $39.95
Source: www.senacases.com

Features: 2 SD/MMC slits, ID slot, large pocket. Belt clip optional.
Closure/Fastener: Snap
Velcro Used?: no
Hot-Sync?: hot-sync in case on cradle or cable
Camera Use?: Yes, but is a little awkward to open, and top leather 'bar' cuts across screen

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: Quick and easy! Shipped in 2 days, well packaged including gift box and bag.

Fit and Function: Fits OK and all fucntions are accessible (see camera note above). Screen cutout 'shades' the screen some, especially on top edge and corners.

Quality: No concerns here- seems to be well enough made. Smooth grain leather, no loose threads, etc.

Protection: Although the bottom corners are exposed, I could not 'tap' them on my desk without hitting the leather first. Good screen protection with the thickish, stiff flap. Minimal water/sand protection.

What do you LIKE about the case?: Decent price, about 1/2 way between thin E&B and more protective Vaja cases.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: Leather bar on top. Zire sort of slides around a bit in use.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: Rather discrete logo. Great company to work with.

Who would you recommend the case for?: General use

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Innopocket
Name: Metal Deluxe Case for Palm Zire 71
Type of Case: Book (Cover opens to the right)
Material: Aluminum, neoprene lining
List Price: $29.90
Source: www.innopocket.com

Features: 2 SD/MMC card slots in lid
Closure/Fastener: Metal clasp latch
Velcro Used?: No
Hot-Sync?: You can use some designs of cables (not mine), but not the cradle
Camera Use?: Yes

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: Mine was ordered from Proporta and took FOREVER, but was well-protected in transit.

Fit and Function: Good and secure fit- although it adds some bulk/thickness and includes some wasted space. Everything is accessible. For some people, the joystick is still pressed by the lid.

Quality: Nicely made and finsihed.

Protection: Very good drop protection! Some but minimal water/sand protection. Crush resistant.

What do you LIKE about the case?: Solid, well-made. Nice looking. Crush resistant!

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: Book opening is not as convenient for, say, e-book reading, etc. My sync cable does not fit.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: Endless possibilities! You can attach clips, exterior pockets, etc. You can use gun bluing/black or metal buffing stains to change the look (note- this is an idea, not a recommendation!) I can use it in the case with my Belkin keyboard.

Who would you recommend the case for?: Users wanting a techier look, or who need more protection.

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Proporta (?)
Name: Wetsuit-style Neoprene Case, Medium
Type of Case: Book (can open either way... sorta)
Material: Neoprene
List Price: 16.98 (British Pounds)
Source: www.proporta.com

Features: Wallet-style card/money pockets, stylus loop
Closure/Fastener: Zipper (big, visible, 'stylish')
Velcro Used?: YES- this is a GENERIC case that uses Velcro as sole attachment system!
Hot-Sync?: Cable hot-sync is possible
Camera Use?: If positioned correctly, camera can be used

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: International order for me, took forever!

Fit and Function: Case is too big, but not terribly so. Allows room for wallet stuff, small notepad, etc. You can zip it without too much worry about scratching the PDA as a more fitted case would.

Quality: Remarkably good quality for an inexpensive case!

Protection: EXCELLENT protection- ABS plastic inserts protect the screen, the case zips closed completely for sand/water protection (not recommended for underwater use), and the Neoprene is good protection against drops.

What do you LIKE about the case?: Colorful, fun feel. Very protective, low price!

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: A bit too big and bulky for normal pocket carry, especially with wallet items.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: it can act as a 'all in one' case for some people/situations- money, ID, PDA, etc. all in one case!

Who would you recommend the case for?: People needing more sand/water protection or jazzier look but does not need slimness.

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Incipio
Name: PDA Carrying Case (many styles- mine is 'Midnight Armadillo')
Type of Case: Book, opens to the left
Material: Nylon and other fabrics
List Price: $12.95 to $24.95 depending on style
Source: www.incipiodirect.com (OR www.freecases.com for a $6.95 version!)

Features: ID pocket, card pockets, BIG money pocket
Closure/Fastener: Zipper
Velcro Used?: Generic case, uses Velcro as attachment
Hot-Sync?: You can cable hot-sync, but not cradle
Camera Use?: Yes, if positioned near the top edge

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: Used the 'freecases.com' option. Simple to use, arrived in a week in a rather basic but functional package.

Fit and Function: Too big for the Zire 71, but allows for a lot of other stuff... to a point. Although there is a lot of extra space on the sides, it DOES get thick quickly. Zippered side gets in the way of IR beam, but othe things are accessible enough.

Quality: Incipio has excellent workmanship.

Protection: Very good drop and screen protection (reinforced front and stiff, overhanging sides give solid protection. Good water/sand protection.

What do you LIKE about the case?: WILD designs available! Some of the coolest cases around! Good wallet replacement.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: Too big for pockets

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: HUGE money/documents pocket inside. Again- the looks and textures are incredible! 'Armadillo' is a wavy pattern of 'fuzzy' nylon of varying lengths that gives a unique look to my case. Other options include animal or Hawaiian prints, etc.

Who would you recommend the case for?: Somebody wanting something different but not carrying it in a pocket or on a belt.

[madkins007]

After hearing so much about this case, I had to try it for myself!

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Bellagio Designs
Name: Palm Zire 71 Flip-Top Case
Type of Case: Flip
Material: Leather (very nice leather!)
List Price: $39.99 (less 10% from an on-line coupon)
Source: www.belagiocases.com

Features: 2 SD pockets, 1 big pocket. Optional belt clip
Closure/Fastener: Magentic snap
Velcro Used?: No
Hot-Sync?: Yes- split back design allows easy syncing
Camera Use?: Yes- easily!

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: Good overall score. It did take over 3 days to process the order, but not bad overall.

Fit and Function: Fantastic fit and complete access. The side brackets combined with two 'bumps' on the back hold the PDA securely and allow 100% access to all functions.

Quality: Top rate. Absolutely no complaints.

Protection: Excellent drop/bump protection- VERY thick flap and back! Tpical water/snad protection.

What do you LIKE about the case?: Very attractive, excellent mounting system. Full camera and screen access (definite point over Sena)

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: REALLY thick. This adds quite a bit of protective bulk to a PDA that is already accused of being thick.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: The protection level is about what you see from a 'thick flap' Vaja case- very handy for belt wearers! Not so hot for pocketers.

Who would you recommend the case for?: General users not planning on carrying it in a smallish pocket.

[gbridger]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Stylus Central; Innnopocket; perhaps others
Name: Hard Case; Metal Delux Case
Type of Case: Metal, hinged on right
Material: Aluminum
List Price: $33.50; $29.90
Source: http://www.styluscentral.com/hacaforpazi7.html ; http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=74&name=Palm

Features: Heavy duty metal with neoprene interior; holder for two memory chips.
Closure/Fastener: Metal friction clasp
Hot-Sync?: Will not hot sync from factory cradle or travel adaptor; will from some second party manufacturers of hot sync cables. Can remove (slide out) from case for use of factory cradle
Camera Use?: yes

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: No specific problems encountered

Fit and Function: Now that I have a cable that allows hot syncing without case removal, it is perfect!
Quality: High quality, sturdy
Protection: I think I could run over the Palm with my car and not damage it, but I have not tried. Very sturdy. I broke my last Palm after 3 years with a fall that cracked the display while carrying it in my pocket. That will not happen with this one.

What do you LIKE about the case?: I carry the Zire 71 in my pocket everywhere. The buttons were being turned on accidentally due to their external exposure, and the battery was discharging. This case provides full protection against accidental turning on of the Palm.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: Cannot use Palm Cradle without taking Palm out of case; now no longer a problem due to secondary market adaptor.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: Great proection with minimal added bulk.

Who would you recommend the case for?: People who carry the Palm in their pocket or purse where it can be turned on by accident.

[dgammill]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Krusell
Name: Zire 71
Type of Case:flip over top
Material: leather
List Price: $30
Source: Allabouttheaccessories.com
Features: belt clip, cutouts for headset plug, speaker, stylus, and sync cable
Closure/Fastener: snap (very secure)
Velcro Used?: none
Hot-Sync?: by cable if in case
Camera Use?: no problem
Ordering and Shipping: very accomodating; fast enough at 1 week

COMMENTARY:
Fit and Function: Design is very good with complete access to the screen and all buttons.The pda is also well restrained. There is a clear plastic strap across the top of the pda that crosses the screen when the camera is used, but it was no problem to me. The screen is still completely functional as a viewfinder.There were two problems with the Krusell. It was easy to activate the
clock by pressing the closed case near the navigator stick, and it was easy to press the "on" button through the top of the case. I worked a little "southern engineering" on the case by gluing a small o-ring to the inside of the cover over the stick and gluing a small strip of black plastic to the inside of the case above the power button.This completely solved the power-on problems.

Quality: The leather is not quite as soft as the Covertec, but it is high quality, like a wallet, and feels much more durable. The fit is excellent and closed appearance is compact and stylish.

Protection: The case is plenty rigid where needed and the screen is well protected. The corners of the pda are exposed more than I would like, and I believe they could hit if dropped on the floor just right.

What do you LIKE about the case?:Complete access to full screen and all buttons; excellent fit and workmanship; multiple beltclip options.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: needs changes to isolate the power buttons

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?:best screen and button access; you can take advantage of effectively running many programs on the zire 71 with one handed use via the navigator stick.

Who would you recommend the case for?: business environment; not completely covered for rough or outdoor use

[dgammill]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Krusell
Name: Zire 71
Type of Case:flip over top
Material: leather
List Price: $30
Source: Allabouttheaccessories.com
Features: belt clip, cutouts for headset plug, speaker, stylus, and sync cable
Closure/Fastener: snap (very secure)
Velcro Used?: none
Hot-Sync?: by cable if in case
Camera Use?: no problem
Ordering and Shipping: very accomodating; fast enough at 1 week

COMMENTARY:
Fit and Function: Design is very good with complete access to the screen and all buttons.The pda is also well restrained. There is a clear plastic strap across the top of the pda that crosses the screen when the camera is used, but it was no problem to me. The screen is still completely functional as a viewfinder.There were two problems with the Krusell. It was easy to activate the
clock by pressing the closed case near the navigator stick, and it was easy to press the "on" button through the top of the case. I worked a little "southern engineering" on the case by gluing a small o-ring to the inside of the cover over the stick and gluing a small strip of black plastic to the inside of the case above the power button.This completely solved the power-on problems.

Quality: The leather is not quite as soft as the Covertec, but it is high quality, like a wallet, and feels much more durable. The fit is excellent and closed appearance is compact and stylish.

Protection: The case is plenty rigid where needed and the screen is well protected. The corners of the pda are exposed more than I would like, and I believe they could hit if dropped on the floor just right.

What do you LIKE about the case?:Complete access to full screen and all buttons; excellent fit and workmanship; multiple beltclip options.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: needs changes to isolate the power buttons

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?:best screen and button access; you can take advantage of effectively running many programs on the zire 71 with one handed use via the navigator stick.

Who would you recommend the case for?: business environment; not completely covered for rough or outdoor use

[madkins007]

Coming soon: expansys 'basic' case for the Z71 (www.expansys.us) and the Covertec Z71 case reviews

[dgammill]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Covertec
Name: Zire 71
Type of Case: flip over top
Material: Leather
List Price: $37 with shipping
Source: Allabouttheaccessories.com (very good to work with)

Features: cutouts for headphone, cable sync, and stylus; belt clip
Closure/Fastener: magnet
Velcro Used?: none
Hot-Sync?: only by cable in case
Camera Use?: no problem

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: very satisfied; took about a week; were accomodating when I wanted to exchange for a different case; high quality packaging, like a gift;

Fit and Function: the cutouts and closure strap were accurate and it fit in the case properly. However, the strips that "pocket" the pda don't go very far up the sides and it doesn't feel very securely restrained. I had no problem with the unit accidently being turned on. There is no cutout for the speaker. There was a big problem for me in the way the lower face strip partially covered the navigator stick. You could still access the buttons well enough, but you couldn't tip the stick down without much difficulty. You couldn't use the pda "one-handed" at all because of not having full access to the stick.
Quality:excellent material and workmanship; very soft and supple leather; good magnetic snap

Protection: The stiffness and sizing of the closed case seem to provide good protection, although the corners are somewhat exposed. There would not be much protection against dirt and sand because of the open sides and bottom
What do you LIKE about the case?:high quality, good belt clip, attactive

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: not securley restrained when open; leather face strip covers the navigator stick too much to use easily

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?:
high quality materials; very attractive
Who would you recommend the case for?:
someone caring more about style than function; I sent mine back.

[Liontamer]

I got this case from PDA Den (http://www.pdaden.com/Products/HardCaseZire71.htm) for $27.00. Encountered no difficulties with ordering or receiving; was shipped from Hong Kong (which I didn't realize until AFTER I ordered), but I got it in about a week. If you have to have it faster, order on USA side...

I would second the comments about sturdiness. There is no slippage inside the case - it's snug and well-protected with the neoprene cushion.

I like the slimness and compactness.

CONS: This case seemed a tad slick (moreso perhaps, than the Rhinoskin version, if you look at the pics). But the strategic placement of a couple of small strips of velcro on the OUTSIDE (one by thumblatch and the other by hinge) provide a nice gripping surface, and easily remedy the problem.

Overall, I am pleased with the case.

LT

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Covertec
Name: Palm Zire 71 Case with WIPS Mounting System
Type of Case: Flip
Material: Leather
List Price: $39.95 ($24.95- tan only, expansys.us site)
Source: http://www.mobileplanet.com/private/covertec/product.asp?unit=Zire71,

Features: 2 SD slots, 2 large card slots, innovative belt/other mounting system (see site for details, but it features a rather 'flat' mounting point and a range of add-on accessories)
Closure/Fastener: Magnetic snap
Velcro Used?: No
Hot-Sync?: Travel cord sync
Camera Use?: Yes

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: Ordered on sale from Expansys.us. No problems, decent S&H costs, 5 days for delivery.

Fit and Function: Everything fits well with one exception. The Zire is held by two side rails, similar to the Bellagio. There is a reinforced leather bar between the screen and buttons- this bar, on my case, is positioned low enough that the UP and DOWN scroll command is compromised- a nuisance when one-handed e-book reading. Otherwise, everything fits well and is accessible. (The flap WILL show up on the bottom of photos, though, unless you hold it really flat.) Speaker is severely muffled by the thick leather and no speaker cut-outs.

Quality: Very good, nicely and neatly made.
Protection: A bit more exposed on the sides that many cases, but good drop protection with the stiff leather and slightly wider than usual flap.

What do you LIKE about the case?: The tan is a nice color, and a complimentary color is used as the lining. The side rails are a nice way to hold the PDA, and the mounting system seems to be a great compromise for those of us who don't like belt clips and those who want to mount on literally everything- belts, dashboards, etc.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: The slight extra width is protective, but feels a bit wide. The bar between the screen and buttons 'crowds' the buttons quite a bit as well as interfering with the scroll commands. The lack of speaker holes means the speaker is silenced enough that you might not be able to use it for alarms as well. The SD card pockets are sized sucht aht the cards can be awkward to remove.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: Definately thinner than the bulky Bellagio, but thicker than the Sena. Great mounting system! Subtle logo (raised 'ball and swoop') on front panel.

Who would you recommend the case for?: Anyone in general, but the mounting system makes this an especially useful case for people who have varied mounting needs.

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Name: eXpansys Deluxe Leather Case for Palm Zire 71
Material: Leather
List Price: $13.64!!
Source: www.expansys.us

Features: 2 SD/MMC slits, ID slot, large pocket. Belt clip.
Closure/Fastener: Snap
Velcro Used?: no
Hot-Sync?: hot-sync in case with cable
Camera Use?: Yes

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: No problems- quick, reasonably priced shipping.

Fit and Function: Fits OK (not good, but OK) and all fucntions are accessible. The hole in the flap for the earphone misses totally on mine.

Quality: Low.

Protection: Average for flip case with no special features.

What do you LIKE about the case?: Low price!

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: Feels cheap, poorest fit I have seen so far. Card slots are simple cuts in the liner material.

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: No logo.

Who would you recommend the case for?: General use for people on limited budget.

[ccindyy]

Innopocket Metal Deluxe Case with SD card storage for Palm Zire 71 handheld. It is 100% made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum and we design the case according to the profile of the Palm handheld. The neoprene lining on top, bottom and the side holds your Palm securely in place. The lock on the side holds the top and bottom of the case tightly together and prevents it accidentally open and get your handheld scratched. With this form-fitting metal deluxe case, it protects your Palm investment.

Specifications:

* Anodized aluminum protects your Palm from wear & tear.

* Precision molded case to perfectly fit your handheld.

* Neoprene lining holds your Palm securely in place and protects it against, drops, shocks and collisions.

* Cutouts give easy access to Stylus, Expansion Card Slot, IR Port, Headphone Jack, Power Button, Speaker, Built-in Hidden Camera, Reset Button and Palm Universal Connector.

* Includes SD card storage

* Size: 116 x 83 x 24 mm

* Weight: approx. 65g

I purchased mine from styluscentral.com for less than $32 delivered and received it in less than a week.

http://www.styluscentral.com/hacaforpazi7.html

Cindy

[madkins007]

Wow! Three reviews for the aluminum case, and two for the Covertec. It is interesting to compare reviews and see how well these cases fit different needs.

Coming soon- the Palm Zire Hard Case.

[madkins007]

SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: PalmOne
Name: Zire Hard Case
Type of Case: Flip
Material: Plastic- a rubbery, somewhat flexible plastic like you find in many toy lunchboxes, etc.
List Price: $14.95, free shipping right now
Source: PalmOne (www.palmone.com)

Features: The back is hinged such that the camera is useable. Otherwise, no major features- rather plain case
Closure/Fastener: Clamshell snaps together at the front. You have to press in on the bottom half to release the snap.
Velcro Used?: YES- Velcro is what holds the PDA in place.
Hot-Sync?: NO
Camera Use?: YES

COMMENTARY:
Ordering and Shipping: No problems. This was shipped FIrst Class and only took a few days to arrive.

Fit and Function: This case is designed for the Zire form factor- it is a simple clamshell that the Zire Velcros inside so the fit is actually pretty good. All features on the front and top are OK, but the back and sides are covered up (reset, speaker, sync, etc. The cut of the top makes getting to the stylus a little awkward, but the back hinge makes camera use easy.

Quality: Surprisingly good! The plastic is relatively tough and well cast. The hinges are just thin spots in the plastic yet look OK.

Protection: Should provide good screen protection and better than average drop protection. The closed clamshell is open at the upper corners (no idea why unless it is because of the camera hinge) so little sand/water protection (although the plastic obviously can't be hurt by water).

What do you LIKE about the case?: Amazingly trim/tough, and allows good alarm sounds! I found that I can 'hide' my other cards under the PDA (it makes the joystick push the lid a bit- thank God for Disable Buttons!) This is a much closer fit than the Innopocket/Rhinoskin case, so it is smaller overall. Does not show fingerprints readily.

What do you DISLIKE about the case?: No real SD card storage. Awkward stylus access, no syncing, etc. The plastic is somewhat 'toy' looking. VELCRO!

What do you find INTERESTING/DIFFERENT about the case?: I like the flip-style rigid case. It is easy to read e-books and play games, and easy to access quickly.

Who would you recommend the case for?: People whose PDAs get bumped around but don't want/cant afford the Innopocket. People getting a bit bored with leather and don't mind Velcro.


-------------------------------------------

I am amazingly divided over this case. I was expecting it to be a lot different than it is- I expected a brick that would not let me use the camera- but this is actually quite nice- although the 'toy' feel is annoying!

I like some of it enough that I think I'll keep it a while, but I really wish it had an integrated SD card holder and did not seem so much like the kind of package candy comes in.

On the other hand, I REALLY like thye idea of having a cheap, tough case for camping, the gym, etc.!