Franklin Pocket Performance Sport Binder for the Palm m100 Series

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

January 21, 2002

Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm m100 series PDA

When Franklin sent out their "Back to School" e-mail catalog last August, this binder was one of the objects that caught my attention, and I figured that I ought to take a closer look. For those of you that like to combine a paper binder with your PDA, this case may be just what you have been waiting for.

The Pocket Performance Sport Binder is made of a tough, stain-resistant, tightly woven fabric that covers a padded book-style case. All of this Frankie's trim is done in black.

   

The spine of the Sport Binder is made of a black rubbery yoke that is perfect for gripping. The zipper has a black lanyard attached to it, which adds to the binder's sporty feel.

The  Sport Binder measures 7.12" (18.1cm) tall x 5.4" (13.7cm) wide x 1.8" (4.7cm) thick, and it accepts "Pocket" sized refills (3.5" x 6").

Because of the the curves inherent to the rubber yoke, the binder just lends itself to nestling in your hand comfortably. If you are always running from meeting to meeting - you might want to consider this binder just for the fact that it is so easy to handle. If the cobalt blue is too casual for your office, then you could get this same binder in black with black trim.

This Franklin is available for a variety of handhelds, but the binder I will be evaluating today is made specifically for the Palm m100. What sets it apart form the other similarly styled Franklin PDA binders is the use of a molded plastic holster that fits across the m100's bottom and is positioned on the left side of the open binder.

The m100 will simply slide into this holster, where it is then held quite securely. I am very impressed with this system, and not just because it forgoes the use of Velcro - although that is a big accomplishment in my book. Actually, I am even more impressed with the fact that the holster doesn't attempt to cover up the entire PDA. It is a minimalist approach that works very well.

  

There is an elastic stylus loop next to where the m100 is held, and a deep slash pocket runs the length of the case vertically behind the PDA.

A ¾" metal binder holds a series of blank "Notes" pages that you can arrange behind numbered tabs, should you desire to do so. Behind the paper section is a small organizer section that can hold three ID or credit cards, business cards, as well as bills or receipts in the long vertical slash pocket. A wide elastic pen loop will hold your favorite writing implement.

You will have to remove your PDA from the binder for syncing, but you should do just fine by leaving it in for other day to day operations.

I think that this binder is a very good choice for those that still need a paper pad handy, but that are married to their PDA.

Price: $59.95
Available in cobalt blue and black

Pros:
Molded yoke holds m100 securely
Rubber yoke adds eye appeal and provides a comfortable grip
Addition of paper binder makes this a great choice for "note-takers"

Cons:
Expensive