PDair Leather Cases for the HP iPAQ hx4700 Series PDA Review

Product Requirements:
HP iPAQ hx4700 / hx4705 PDA

I don’t know about you, but I have been excitedly waiting for cases to start
coming out for the new HP iPAQ hx4700
series. Even though this metal-shelled beast has already proven to me that it
can take the day to day abuse which I dish out, I still would prefer to keep it
in a case that will protect the screen and guard against unexpected shocks and
drops.

I have grown accustomed to cases that use a leather holster system for
securing the PDA, but the leather cases from
PDair do something a bit different. They have a heavy duty clip system that
is sewn in between the lining and the back wall of the case. This clip system
allows for unfettered access to just about every bit of the PDA’s sides, bottom
and top. The PDA itself is held in a bit of a death grip by the clip – which is
definitely a good thing when you are talking about a gadget that costs $600+.

Today, I am going to take a look at the two leather models offered for the
iPAQ hx4700 by PDair. Both cases are available in soft black leather with
contrasting white stitching. These cases are slightly formal, very professional,
and they can be used either on their own or with the accompanying belt clip
system. Each case adds a bit of bulk to the iPAQ, but what they take up in
space, they make up for in protective padding to the screen and back areas of
the PDA. One last similarity is that both cases use a magnetized snap tab to
keep their covers closed.

Flip
Type:

The Flip Type case is a traditional style that opens from the bottom. It
closes with a magnetized snap on the end of a leather tab.

   

When it is in use, the lid will lay over the hand that is holding the PDA, or
it can be tucked directly behind itself. The bottom inside portion of the case
is lined in a fabric that has a slight "grip" to it. The iPAQ rests in the two
arms of the clip, and there is a small round nub at the bottom which fits into a
corresponding hole in the metal case of the PDA.

The lid portion of the case has two SD card slots as well as three ID or
credit card slots. The PDair logo is discretely embossed in this area, and it is
the only branding on the case.

   

There is a removable fabric ID sleeve that has a clear plastic window on one
side, with the side that touches the screen being plain.

 

The back of the case has a finished circular area where the PDair belt clip
nub can be screwed in to accept the belt clip.

   

The iPAQ inside the PDair Flip Type Case measures 5.45" tall x 3.2" wide x
1.3" thick.

   

When totally filled with cards, the fabric sleeve and ID, the magnetic snap
will strain to stay closed. Since I tend to only carry a few business cards with
my PDA, it was not a problem for me.

It is not possible to use the cradle while the PDA is in this case, but you
can easily use a sync/charge cable. Due to the open design of the case, only the
top, front and back of the iPAQ are completely protected at any given time. The
bottom and two sides are left open and accessible. If you are worried about
dropping your PDA on its corner, then this may not be the perfect case for you.
However, if you are mainly concerned with screen protection and with being able
to carry a few cards, then the PDair Flip Type case may be just what you need.

PDair cases can be purchased these retailers.

Price: $34.95

Pros:
Excellent clipping system securely holds the iPAQ
Professional design with quality materials and craftsmanship
Unfettered access to all sides of the iPAQ while it is in the case
Option to use with or without belt clip

Cons:
Can not use cradle while PDA is in case
Three sides of PDA are left unprotected – bad for drops

Book
Type:

The Flip Type case is a traditional book style that opens from the side.
However, this one opens like a Chinese book, from the left instead of the right.
It closes with a magnetized snap on the end of a leather tab.

   

When it is in use, and assuming the user is right-handed, the PDA is resting
in the left hand and the other side can either flap over the hand or be folded
flat behind the PDA. The left side of the case is lined in a fabric that has a
slight "grip" to it. The iPAQ rests in the two arms of the clip, and there is a
small round nub at the bottom which fits into a corresponding hole in the metal
case of the PDA.

The right side of the case has two SD card slots as well as two ID or credit
card slots. There is a deep pocket behind the ID card area suitable for holding
bills, and a thin stylus slot is integrated into the portion of the case that
makes up the spine. The PDair logo is discretely embossed above the SD card
area, and it is the only branding on the case.

 

   

There is a removable fabric ID sleeve that has a clear plastic window on one
side, with the side that touches the screen being plain.

  

The back of the case has a finished circular area where the PDair belt clip
nub can be screwed in to accept the belt clip.

The iPAQ inside the PDair Book Type Case measures 5.3" tall x 3.5" wide x
1.4" thick.

   

When totally filled with cards, the fabric sleeve and ID, the magnetic snap
will strain to stay closed. Since I tend to only carry a few business cards with
my PDA, it was not a problem for me.

It is not possible to use the cradle while the PDA is in this case, but you
can easily use a sync/charge cable. Due to the open design of the case, only the
right, front and back sides of the iPAQ are completely protected at any given
time. The bottom, top and left side are open and accessible. If you are worried
about dropping your PDA on its corner, then this may not be the perfect case for
you. However, if you are mainly concerned with screen protection and with being
able to carry a few cards, then the PDair Book Type case may be just what you
need.

PDair cases can be purchased these retailers.

Price: $34.95

Pros:
Excellent clipping system securely holds the iPAQ
Professional design with quality materials and craftsmanship
Unfettered access to all sides of the iPAQ while it is in the case
Option to use with or without belt clip

Cons:
Can not use cradle while PDA is in case
Three sides of PDA are left unprotected – bad for drops