PocketPCTechs.com HP2200 Replacement Grips

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

April 15, 2004

Product Requirements:
Device:
HP2200 iPaq Pocket PC

"We have the power to make it stronger, faster... "  Some of you may recall those words from a 70's TV show called The Six Million Dollar Man. But for me, these words remind me of PocketPCTechs.com. These guys can take most Pocket PCs and turn them into super PDAs. Known for their RAM upgrades, they are now offering accessories and custom parts, such as HP2200 metal replacement grips.

Although some HP2200 owners have experienced problems with their stock covers either coming off, or breaking, I never have with mine.

Made of anodized aluminum, and available in Black, Blue, Red and Silver, these side covers replace the rubberized plastic stock covers that ship with the HP2200 Pocket PC.

When you order the grips, they come as a do-it-yourself kit, which includes the 2 side grips, 3 screws, Torx T-6 screwdriver, and instruction sheet.

The instructions are easy to read and illustrated (Yay, pictures!), which makes it super simple to perform the replacement. Well, sorta... The instructions are easy to read, but the first step is a pain in the butt, if your stock side covers are not defective. You basically have to press down and up on the covers with your thumbs, to slide them off. Trying this for about 15 minutes only resulted in sore thumbs for me. I was about ready to give up when I finally got one side off. I'm either very wimpy, or my original rails were really well fitting. I vote for the latter ;o)

The original covers themselves are thin plastic with a rubber coating on the outside.

Top to bottom: Replacement grips, stock grips

Once the covers are removed, you will see a small screw on either side of the PDA. Using the supplied Torx screwdriver, you remove these screws. Doing so is easy as the screws are not too tight (at least they weren't on my PDA).

The next step is to snap in the new grips. This is a simple matter of slipping the narrow tip into the slot first, then pressing the rest of the grip flush with the side of the PDA.

Once you press it in place, the screw holes line up, so that you can insert one of the longer screws that are provided in the kit. PocketPCTechs are kind enough to include and extra screw for those of us that tend to lose things.

At this point, the only thing that you can do wrong is to over tighten the screws and strip out the holes. A warning in the directions caution to only tighten them snuggly.

Once finished, you have a snazzy upgrade to an already great Pocket PC. The new grips are not only obviously stronger due to the material that they are made of, but they also have an improved grip. Instead of being smooth, each side has two notches, that are perfectly spaced for your middle and index finger tips to rest in, while holding the PDA. The grips also have fine lines etched into them, that help to enhance the gripping factor.

Left to right: Original grips, replacement grips

Some people may scoff at the 40 dollar price tag, but I don't think it is too steep for a set of grips, that not only look great, but really do improve the gripability (I know that's not a word, but it should be!) of your PDA. Keep the custom parts coming guys!

 

Price: $39.99

Pros:
Easy to install
Enhance grip
Look great

Cons:
May be difficult to remove stock grips