Pros and cons for metal case?

[cowboychad]

I was wondering what the consensus was for the best case(s) on the market.

I currently have the standard case that comes with the iPAQ, which requires the Pocket PC to be removed to use it, and one that a friend gave me that is real nice but a little difficult to use with it in there as well.

What are some of the preferences for these? Specificially, what are the opinions on the metal cases? Thanks.

[ppcbobby]

I've had a Proporta hard case ($20 at CompUSA) for my iPAQ 1945 for about 9 months now and will never use anyting but a hard case.

I've got butter fingers to a major degree and I've dropped my PDA's at least one a week. I've broke one after only a month and damaged the others.

The case fits my unit so well, I can still carry it in my pocket without it being too bulky. It has a slot for a SD card and it's very light.

[maybonot]

i use the slim keyboard as a case
for the h5555

[kila]

I guess it depends on how you use your iPaq.

But here's a girly opinion:

I like leather zip cases with edges (see Coach for high end, Case Logic for low end).

The leather is soft to hold and doesn't hurt my hands (I said, "girly").

I can bounce the 5555 and it is fine.

I can carry my cards, ID, credit cards, etc. And cash.

I can toss it in a purse or backpack and not worry about it getting dirty. Or wet from the obligatory water bottle (in the Land of Eternal Summer).

I also flip it around in the case (and reattach it), and plug in the travel charger so I can zip it most of the way and the charger cord comes out of the open part, just in case I get clumsy while charging it (or, like the other day, the short dog decides to use the cord for a high jump, and misses).

I worry with a hard case it will not absorb shock, but if any hard case users can offer their opinion on that I'd appreciate it.

Careful on the size of the case, some of the iPaqs will turn on in the case (try one on for size, close it, and press around and check if it turned on). I know someone who used a Body Glove case and the iPaq would turn on and drain the battery.

Dh uses a hard case for a palm T|E and likes that it will slip in and out of a pocket easily. Now, for some users that is a drawback. Also, if pressed hard, it WILL turn on (not from the power switch, but the lower buttons get contact).

aloha,