Product Requirements:
Device:
Compaq iPAQ 3100, 3600, 3700 & 3800
Every now and then, I feel like PDA case-makers have fallen into a serious
rut. Everything starts looking the same, and except for the brand names – there
is little to no difference between the cases themselves. I mean, the fact of the
matter is that after you have described one manufacturer’s style case for a
particular PDA, there isn’t much to say about the various models that the same
manufacturer makes in the same line for all the other PDAs. When this happens, I
find myself almost dreading having to write "yet another case review."
Well, I have been sent a new
Vaja product that has delivered me from case-review-monotony-hell.
The Vaja I-Volution is the single most awesome case that I have
encountered in ages. Not only does it look and smell wonderful, it also does
exactly what it was made to do: protect the iPAQ’s screen and edges without
adding a tremendous amount of bulk to the usually svelte iPAQ.
From the sumptuous reusable leather presentation box that it comes ensconced
within…
To the futuristic design of the case itself…
You will only have to hold this Vaja once to know that you are in the
presence of the new standard that other case-makers will be scrambling to
imitate. If it sounds like I am gushing, that is because I am – but
only because this case is worthy of my praise.
The design of the Morpheus is such that it allows access to the stylus and headphone jack when closed. You will have to open the flip-lid for access to the syncing/charging port, however. Speaking of the The discreet oval metal Vaja tag is the only branding on this case –
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As you can see in this picture, the Morpheus has an open design that makes it ideal to accommodate the iPAQ in all of its incarnations thus far. This case is built in such a manner that the record button, while |
Although it is not designed to hold any business or ID cards, the triple ABS reinforced flip-lid does have two clever molded inserts to hold MMC or SD cards. Ok – In a perfect world, someone would |
As you can see, the Morpheus adds very little bulk and weight to the naked
iPAQ. For this chart, I used an iPAQ 3835 with an SD card inserted as well as a
metal stylus:
Weight | Height | Width | Thickness | |
Naked iPAQ | 7 oz (199g) | 5.3" (13.4cm) | 3.1" (7/9cm) | 0.6"1.6cm) |
iPAQ in I-Volution Morpheus | 9.6 oz (273g) | 5.5" (14cm) | 3.5" (9cm) | 1.1" (2.9cm) |
This page
gives you a little more information about the new I-Volution line.
As you can see by the chart below, the Morpheus is available in a large
assortment of colors, and all cases can come wither with or without a belt-clip.
Be advised that some of these leather and color choices come at an additional
cost.
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The Morpheus is designed for the naked iPAQ; so if you are one that uses a
sleeve regularly, this case will most likely not appeal to you. But if the basic
iPAQ is all you need for your day to day dealings, then this case might be
exactly what you have been looking for.
Even though I have been carrying the Toshiba as my Pocket PC Daily Driver,
this case was almost enough to make me see my 3835 in a new light. It’s
amazing when any accessory, much less a case, can do that.
Price: $149.90, add an additional $4 for the ultra
belt clip
Pros:
Futuristic design that makes this hard leather case stand out from the
others available
Triple reinforced screen protection without much added bulk
Secure magnetic flip-lid – won’t accidentally open
Slots for two SD or MMC cards
Exceptional quality and craftsmanship – truly raises the standard for future
case manufacturers to try to imitate
Cons:
Expensive
Can not hold business or ID cards
Only available for naked iPAQ
Product Information
Price: | 149.9 |
Manufacturer: | Vaja |
Pros: |
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Cons: |
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dude, if there ever was a gadget geek accessory every gadgeteer would be proud to wear, this is it! 8)
I have a suden urge to get a neopome suit, and become a borg extra on startrek.
What a stupid product.