The Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC is the most unique Pocket PC available today. What makes it unique is its sleeve expansion feature. The iPAQ can be expanded by purchasing various sleeves such as the Compact Flash Expansion Sleeve, a PC Card Expansion sleeve, or even a Dual PC Card Expansion sleeve. This feature is very exciting because it gives the user the choice of which options they want for their PDA. Of course, there is a downside to this… Alone, the iPAQ is small and thin. But once you add an expansion sleeve, it becomes larger and heavier than most people would prefer.
Luckily the iPAQ has a really imaginative community of users and not long after the CF Sleeve became available, the Silver Slider by George Mosquera came to be. He used his automobile body work experience to come up with a solution that would make the sleeve more compact. George took an original CF Expansion sleeve and turned it into a much sleeker version which he called the Silver Slider.
I used the Sliver Slider with my iPAQ for quite a while until another creative person came up with an even smaller CF sleeve modification. This person was Whitney LuBean. His CF BackPack mod became my next favorite. But George Mosquera, not being content with the size of his original Silver Slider, has now created a new version which he calls the Silver Slider III.
The Silver Slider III differs from the original slider in the thickness, width and the choice of an arms or no arms version. The arms are the small plastic hooks
that wrap around the iPAQ body and keep the Silver Slider from shifting position or becoming detached. George sent me the version with the arms to review.
To give you an idea of the size differences between the SS, SS3 and Whitney CF BackPack, you can check out the picture below. As you can see, the Whitney mod does look to be the smallest and most compact of the three.
The SS3 feels thinner than the original Silver Slider but of course it still adds some bulk and size to your iPAQ. Check out the stats below:
| iPAQ with Silver Slider III |
iPAQ with Silver Slider |
iPAQ with Whitney CF BackPack Mod |
iPAQ with original CF sleeve |
Naked iPAQ |
|
| Weight | .565 lbs (256gm) |
.570 lbs (259gm) |
.540 lbs (245gm) |
.585 lbs (265gm) |
.410 lbs (186gm) |
| Size | 5.11 x 3.28 x 0.74in (13 x 8.3 x 1.9cm) |
5.11 x 3.28 x 0.80in (13 x 8.3 x 2.0cm) |
5.11 x 3.28 x 0.78in (13 x 8.3 x 1.98cm) |
5.11 x 3.40 x 1.05in (13 x 8.6 x 2.7cm) |
5.11 x 3.28 x 0.62in (13 x 8.3 x 1.6cm) |
*Thickness measurements taken at thinnest part.
You will notice in the pictures below that the SS3 is quite a bit more narrow than the SS.
  Silver Slider III |
  Original Silver Slider |
I found that the new width and thickness really doesn’t translate to a noticeable difference when you are holding the iPAQ in the SS3. I think that the reason why
it doesn’t feel that much thinner is that the boxy edges of the compact flash area are still there. It’s possible that if that area was more tapered that it might make the iPAQ, SS3 combo feel smaller. I feel that the Whitney CF BackPack Mod is more contoured and feels much thinner in my hand.
The addition of the little arms is an interesting touch. They keep the SS3 from accidentally getting dislodged from the iPAQ. However, they are small and feel somewhat fragile to me. I keep expecting to break one off.
If you notice, the left arm (as you are looking at the iPAQ screen side up), has been created and attached somehow to the rest of the Slider. The CF Expansion Sleeve does not have a little arm that wraps around the very top of the iPAQ due to the voice recorder button. So my question is, how strong is this joint where the new material has been added? So far the unit that I’m reviewing has shown no sign of breaking, but it might a concern worth pointing out. I actually like the wider arms on my original SS better.
I’ve got to hand it to George, he does a great job modifying the CF expansion sleeve. The paint job on the SS3 is beautifully done. It’s smooth to the touch and blemish free. All the edges are perfectly sanded and smooth. Nothing about this product sticks out as ‘home brew’. It looks and feels totally professional.
Hardware-wise, the SS3 works just as well as the regular CF expansion sleeve or the original SS. It fits fine on the iPAQ, and CF cards fit fine in the slot.
The Silver Slider III is a very nice modification to the stock Compact Flash Expansion Sleeve. However, it is quite a bit more expensive that just buying the regular CF sleeve. So, should you buy the SS3? If you already have the original SS or even the slightly updated SS2 (not sure how this model differs from the SS that I reviewed… all pictures have it looking just like my SS), I would say that the differences in this new SS3 really don’t warrant an upgrade.
If you don’t have a CF sleeve at all and want the smallest solution available, I still prefer the Whitney CF BackPack. It feels smaller to me than the SS3. It is a little more expensive though and there isn’t a version with arms to keep it from accidentally being knocked off the iPAQ. That said, I would take a look at the SS review, the Whitney CF mod review and this review. Check out the pictures and prices and go from there. All of these products work equally well. It’s just a matter of which one looks best to you.
Product Information
| Price: | |
| Manufacturer: | George Mosquera |
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Karen Yeh
Seidio, Inc.
ka***@se****.com
1877-2-SEIDIO (1877-273-4346)
http://www.seidio.com
________________________________________________________________________
Introducing
SEIDIO Multi-function Powered PDA Mount
– SWIVEL –
June 11,2003
Giving PDA users the most convenience and safety while on the road, this innovative and user-friendly product features three primary functions: holder function, charger function and speaker function.
ONLY Seidio offers a wide range of selection for Multi-Function Mount Kit in
– Both Standard and Swivel mount are available
– Mounting: Multi-angle pedestal, Windshield/Gooseneck pedestal and Air vent clip mount)
– Colors available: titanium silver and dark gray
– Hands-free function for cellular phone users
– Extra charging port for additional digital device
– Cradle arm length: short (1 inch, fits most PDA) long (1.75 inch, fits single & Duel CF
and PC card sleeve)
Price starting from $ 49.95
ACCESSORIES
for Seidio’s Multi-function Powered Mount Kit
Swivel Global Joint Adaptor
– Provides the ability to position the PDA at every possible angle for the best viewing and
GPS reception.
– Allows both the driver and the passenger to view the navigation maps easily,
meanwhile, it also reduces the windshield glare for clear viewing of GPS maps. (for
windshield and vent mount only)
Model No: SMK1-SA1
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 9.95
Multi-Angled PDA Pedestal
– Provides a secure platform to hold your PDA and features a multi- angled pedestal to
adjust the position.
– The multi-angle pedestal can be adjusted in nearly every possible direction and the
flexible pedestal base conforms to the shape of your dash and console
– With the large 3M double-sided adhesive tape (3.75 x 2.25 inch) to install, which is the
most popular method of installation
– The cradle can be easily detached from the pedestal for storage purpose
Model No: SMK1-MA1
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 14.95
Windshield/Gooseneck Pedestal
– Provides a strong flexible windshield solution to hold your digital device
– It comes with a super strong suction cup windshield pedestal and a 360° adjustable
gooseneck (8 inch and 14 inch in length) for easy positioning
– The super strong suction cup can hold up to 22 lbs securely from the windshield
Model No: SMK2 & SMK4
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 14.95 (8 inch) $ 17.95 (14 inch)
Locking Air Vent Clip Pedestal
– Provides a secure locking air vent clip and extra support arm that creates a 3-points
firm support to hold the multi-function powered cradle
– Installation is simple and convenient
Model No: SMK3-AV1
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 14.95
Hands-free Cable (Universal)
The cradle, combined with the hands free cable, provides the option of “Hands Free”
capability for your wireless phone while driving. It comes with a built-in microphone,
and a call/end button. Wireless phone holders are also available. Fits with most of
the wireless phone Motorola, Samsung, etc.
Model No: SMK1-HNK8260
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 12.95
Hands-free Cable (Nokia)
The cradle, combined with the Nokia hands free cable, provides the option of “Hands Free”
capability for your wireless phone while driving. The hands free cable comes with a built-in
microphone and a call/end button. Wireless phone holders are also available. (Fits with
most Nokia 8200 and 3300 series except 5100/6100, 2.5 mm 4 section jack).
Model No: SMK1-HME
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 9.95
Charging Cable (Connector included)
With this charging cable, you can power and charge your wireless phone, additional PDA or
a 5-volt device, such as a digital camera from the DC power jack on the mount. The
charging cables may vary by model and are sold separately.
Model No: SMK1-CC2
Available immediate. – MSRP – $ 14.95
Seidio, Inc. has just announced a new PDA swivel mount! This swivel mount allows you to turn the whole PDA 360 degrees to view your PDA in Portrait and Landscape mode. In addition, this swivel mount provides the ability to position your PDA at every possible angle for the best viewing and GPS reception, which makes it easier for both the driver and the passenger to view the navigation maps. Meanwhile, it also reduces the windshield glare for clear viewing of GPS maps.
——————————————————————————–
Our products range from data power packages, fashionable, high-end leather cases to pioneering PDA mounts that provide PDA users the most convenience and safety while on the road. We constantly develop and introduce high quality and yet affordable wireless and PDA accessories to meet your needs. With our full selection of products, your success can rely on us.
For a more detailed product information please go to
http://www.seidio.com