best case for T3

[rwstarkey]

Hi,

I like the look of the aluminum cases for the T3, but was wondering whether they or a leather case would be better in case I would drop it - which is more shock resistant. I carry it on my belt and have a couple times in several years dropped various palms as I've unclipped it.

Thanks!

--Randy Starkey

[jolo]

Here is my experience from having PDAs for years and a new place to look.

I disliked the aluminum cases, who needs to weight and clumsiness of it. I really like the Krussel leather clase wits fits it like a glove, not overly expensive and has holes for the speakers, etc.

Then for the extra protection, ofr even without the Krussel, a new resource is the cases made for small digital cameras, which have great features and run at prices like 6 or 7 dollars. So if I have a $6 digital camera case, that has a belt loop (the only kind I would trust), when I am on the move, a lot of nice padding, a second compartment which perfectly holds my headset. There also is a over the shoulder strap which I do not use. But the selection of inexpensive, high quality imaginative cases in the digital camera section is cool.

I purchased another case, a samsonite one, under $10. that is a little bigger so I can hold my Canon digital camera in one compartment, has another which fits my PDA perfectly and another small one in the front for my ear buds, replacement AA batteries for my camera and I can slip a extra flash card in there if I want to. Also the belt clip or shoulder clip.

Jon

[DaveDsewz]

I can see the merit of the Krussel cases as well as the cases suggested for digital camera and so on.

I am using an aluminum case for my T2. The charm of it for me is that it slips in and out of a pocket with no friction. If I have the PDA in my hip pocket and forget and sit on it the aluminum case protects it.

I have dropped the T2 twice while in the case with no effect.

The very slim design of the form fitting aluminum cases is attractive to me and allows you to fully utilize the small closed size of the T2 or T3.

To each his own. Whatever you do, do get a case and for heaven's sake don't drop the thing in the toilet. ( Not me, a friend with a Kyocera Smart Phone and no HotSynch for 2 months, ouch!)

[rwstarkey]

All good points. Dave - which alum case do you use?

[DaveDsewz]

I bought a generic aircraft aluminum case from a guy on eBay. I fits the T2 perfectly with a rubberized liner and slots for 2 SD cards. I think I paid about $25.00 for it. There are several sellers of this case on eBay. Palm One also sells one with the Palm logo stamped on it. I didn't think the logo was worth the difference.

The aluminum case doesn't impede the Bluetooth functionality as far as I can tell. It shuts in such a way that the slide cannot accidently open. All-in-all an elegentydesigned case that fits my needs.

[jolo]

I agree totally that their is no "best" case, it just depends on individual needs.

I too dropped was the victim of the "toilet drop". First of all, is there anything in the universe better to take into the bathroom while "meditating" than a PDA ?

Anyway, I dropped my Palm IIIx into the toilet at work, then quickly took it out. I had a pretty expensive leather E&B case on it.

I then took it back to my desk where I have a fan to help with the heat during the summer months and turned it on over the Palm. I also opened the back where the batteries where and of course dried it with a towel. I did put new batteries in after hnad drying it.

After about an hour or tow of letting it bask in the fan, I did a soft boot. Believe it or not, IT CAME UP !!!!!!!

[jolo]

No matter what your tastes or needs are, I still urge all to scan the digital camera section in those "Superstores". There is a wide variety of various kinds of cases, very well padded and with little pockets for things like headsets, flash RAM, etc.

Also for some reason, top luggage vendors like Samsonite, etc, have a lot of cool things there many of them for less than $10.
Then in retai stores, you can look at those expensive PDA pouches and cases for $35 and up.

I do want to mention, while the Aluminum certainly will protect better than a leather case, I have dropped my Sony Clie with the Krussel on about five occasions, but never in the toilet ahas ever happened to it. Never needed to do a software reboot, the surface is well protected on it. When on the go, I do keep it in my small digital camera case.

All is personal taste, but explore options. Although there are some vendors that are better than others if there are problems. I had two cases from E&B (for me and my son), and I found them very difficult to deal with after the sale was made. So that is something to consider as well.

Jon

[minzawaung]

ANY aluminium hard case shell will give you ALL round protection as well as slim-friction free in/out of any pocket swiftly where as leathers give you bulkiness and resistance to moving in/out of pockets.( i have use leathers in the past,now all my leather cases are in my desktop drawer)

I use Aluminium cases since TT i.e nearly 2 years++
aLL MY TUNGSTENS ARE as pristine as new thanks to Aluminium cases!!

There is NO such thing as *the best* PDA case, definition and criteria depending upon the usage and individual taste and preferences

[rwstarkey]

mza - what's your favorite aluminum case? Thanks!

--Randy

[minzawaung]

It is unfair to be specific
All aluminium hard cases are equally good and will do!!!!!!!! the protection

[usmaak]

I'm using the standard aluminum case from Palm (the one with the palm logo on it). It's not a bad case, except the inside is pretty cheap plastic (IMO). It has room for 2 SD cards. It was a little on the pricey side at Circuit City, but I'm sure it can be found for cheaper somewhere else.

[drbaer]

I copied this from a previous post. I ordered one and it should be received next Wed.according to the shipper. It appears to be just what I was looking for, having used the Rhinoskin Aluminum case for my m515 for years. Rhinoskin just came out with a T3 case, but I liked this one better and a slightly better price. The fact that it was already backordered made it all the more attractive to me, as I wont be the only one. Obviously, I cant yet speak from first hand experience, but will let y’all know after I receive it.

New T3 Case works with expandable screen & docking
Found a case that works with both the expandable screen and it's docking capabilities. Best on the market,

http://www.notestation.com/pda.htm under the palm section.

free shipping now with code = "freeshipping"



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[usmaak]

Yea, I was thinking about that case. The fact that you can expand and dock with the case in place makes it a sure bet for me.

[Dropshort]

If you like the Rhino Skin case, have a look on eBay...there's one on there for $29-95 (free shipping 4-5 days US), which looks suspiciously like it....but sold by SF Planet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3079729436&category=48659

Hope the link works

Dropshort

[rwstarkey]

The ebay link looks an inno pocket case. I could be wrong though.

Mza - naw - it's not unfair to be specific - it's real life! <g>. All aluminum cases may protect, but they are not the same. Some have less edges to hang on pants - some can be docked - etc. But you don't have to say if you don't want.

I ordered a few and will return what I don't like.

[Dropshort]

Any reason why an 'inno' case should give cause for alarm? Only wondering as that's the one I'm about to order.

Dropshort

[drbaer]

Purely personal preference at this point. They are all protection, and each has its pluses and minuses - thus the personal preference. I preferred the one with access to the hotsync port without removing the case, but that is my preference. I would have liked room for two cards, but access was more important to me than that. Your choice.

[drbaer]

Just got my HardCase from DSI (see link below). http://www.notestation.com/pda.htm
It is exactly as portrayed: snug fit, access to everything (even the reset hole) and hotsync while still in the case. You do have to have it extended for access to both, but it is still in the hard case. It appears sturdy and well engineered. The only complaint I have, and it is minor, is that the snap-on belt clip is attached to the hard case by peel-off adhesive instead of a screw/bolt. I probably wont use the belt clip for that reason. I already have a belt case (neoprene) that I used with my m515 hardcase.

All in all, I am extremely satisfied with the product and the price, that it does what they advertised, and that it got here on the day the shipper predicted. Delivery is 4 days before the backorder ship date I was initially given at time of order. I like that much more than all the usual reasons why something didnt get here as predicted.

[LambOfSilence]

I am also considering the same case from DSI, im a little concern on the dimension of the case, 'cause i have bought a palmone hard case that makes my t3 the size of an ipaq!

drbaer: do you mind taking the measurement of the case with T3 inside. I know the dimension is avaliable on their website, but the number looks funny, .47"thick while closed, that is thinner than T3 itself!!

[drbaer]

No problem: The Dimensions are (with T3 inside and closed)
H=4.5”, W=3-3/16”, D=slightly less than 7/8” (13/16” to be exact, and that is where the slight bump is, to allow for the jog dial underneath. I also have the PalmOne T3 hardcase (mostly plastic) and this one is smaller than that one, almost by the width of the black plastic hinge on the Palm case, and slightly thinner besides. My personal opinion is that there is no comparison with the Palm HardCase, that’s a no-brainer. The only difference is some of the features of the aluminum hardcases. I prefer the hotsync access (with the stand), and access to the reset button without removing the T3 over the screw in belt clip holder. The main reason is that I have a neoprene case with a belt clip that will easily hold this one, as it did the m515 Alum. Case from Rhinoskin. My wife has that case and the m515 still. Any other info would be happy to provide, just holler.

[LambOfSilence]

Thanks lots for taking your time, it sounds like a much better case than that palm one case. With the measurement provided by drbaer, I have narrow my options on a T3 hard cases into 2 now!!
It's either:
JaveoEdge Clear Case
or.
DSI alumnium case

What do you guys think?

[drbaer]

How does the clear cover attach to the T3 (how easily to put in or take off, and how secure). Their description and pictures do not show that one view. Also, how thick is it with the cover attached if it attaches to the back side of the T3 versus the sides. It came out after I had ordered this one. I would be curious to get answers to those questions.

[Big Daddy21]

Dear Drbaer,

I ordered this case for the T3, and received it today and I am very disappointed as i was led to believe that you could dock it in the case..not true, furthermore, it does not lock into the case with the 2 upper holes that in is designed to sit in. some positives are, it does seem to protect the t3 quite well as the metal seems stronger than the Palm hard case's other than that, NOT HAPPY....this is a bit disturbing as I purchased this product based on the testimony of fellow palm users, and I have been steered down the wrong road...oh well, live & learn $34.95 down the drain lessoned learned.

Disgruntled

BDaddy.

P.S. The door when oppened is not hinged locked either it swings freely, which is a pain...:mad:

[Quintain]

Check out this thread for some info on an aluminium case that lets you sync and expand while still offering full protection.

http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35517

I have one and while I have a couple of issues with it it is head and shoulders above the standard Palm model (which I used for my now lost TT).

[mrudwin]

The DSI case sounds terrific. Couldn't quite clarify from their web site or other posts how the T3 is secured in the case. Could you please explain how the T3 stays insight the case? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Quintain]

The case is lined with a rubbery sponge which grips the PDA. On the inside rear of the case is a plastic panel with two protrusions which clip into the two holes on the back of the T3.

Mine feels quite secure.

[mrudwin]

Thank you so much for the very quick response. You've sold me...I'm off the purchase. Thanks again!

[Quintain]

Oh dear!

I'm not sure whether I've done good or bad here. Do you mean you're off the purchase or off to purchase :)

[mrudwin]

I should think before I type....off TO purchase. Thanks again!

[zmac55]

Targus Cases Are The Best!
I have the answer for all T3, m515, and PalmIIIc users on the best case to get. I have used Targus Belt clip leather case for over 4 years getting a replacment is only due to wearing out of leather belt clip. This case can be Modifyed in depth by putting paper towel folded in bottom to your liking. The cases come in 2 colors Black and Brown and look really Pro. They even take a good shoe polishing with brown or black and shine up fantastic.

Brown Case Model #:CH046 Price: $24.99 + sh

Black Case Model # CH045 Price: $24.99 + sh

Hear is the link to go to.

http://www.targus.com/us/cases_pda.asp

whill@tds.net if you have questions?

I dont work for them its just plain the best case of all!!

[scottoldford13]

I think that alumin cases are the best for Palm Pilot becasue they are light weight don't have to ruin your palm with verlctor and some other stuff

[rugby4ne1]

Another vote for DSI aluminium case! Protects my T3 very well...doesn't add too much bulk and is great looking!

[scottoldford13]

You got that rugby4ne1 they are the best case on the market besides those 200 dollor ones which are 1 step lower then aluminium cases

YAY!! aluminium GO !

[Quintain]

Targus certainly have a wide range of nice cases.

On the matter of the belt one, this wouldn't be for me as;

a) I don't like belt clips as they put on show something that you might want to keep hidden when wandering about on public transport;

b) you have to take the PDA out of the case to use it meaning it becomes vulnerable again; and

c) metal goes with anything, but would I buy brown or black??? ;)

My metal case affords total protection when it's not being used and still provides excellent protection should I drop it.

[scottoldford13]

You got that Right Quintain and it is alot more stlus

[jdreece]

Just my opinion but I have had 4 EB slipper cases so far and they are the best I have found. (with out paying silly money)

Got to the stage where I would not buy the T3 untill the slipper case was ready for shipping.

Nice leather and pretty quick turnaround (To UK)

http://www.ebcases.com/Detail.bok?no=3210

URL was from a search but should be valid.

[zmac55]

I like the looks of the sliper case. I would have concern for card and things that once closed would be in contact of the screen.

Metal cases take static and tranfer it to the palm so the other T3 users who want to take that chance can just do that.

Thanks for haveing the direct link to the site.

zmac55

[Quintain]

Originally posted by zmac55
I like the looks of the sliper case. I would have concern for card and things that once closed would be in contact of the screen.

Metal cases take static and tranfer it to the palm so the other T3 users who want to take that chance can just do that.

Thanks for haveing the direct link to the site.

zmac55

My metal case is rubber lined and isn't going to attract any more static than the (metal) T3 would if it were naked in my pocket.