Slappa Multimedia Storage Products Review

While I have always preferred keeping my CDs in their jewel cases, there are
times when it can be completely impractical. For instance, when I am in the
ranch truck. Since I haven’t sprung for

Sirius Satellite Radio in this vehicle, while riding along I instead get to
play DJ – switching out CDs as the mood hits or the good tracks end. Lugging
around a box of disks in their jewel cases would be ridiculous, so instead I
have always relied on portable CD cases that are fashioned like books. You know
the ones I am talking about, I am sure. These "books" are filled with "pages"
that have been designed to allow one to remove the CD from its jewel case and
insert it into a plastic sleeve. Keeping CDs in these books allows one to carry
as many as 120 disks at a time – without the serious bulk that would come from
all of the wasted plastic from their cases.

Since I have been using this method to carry CDs in various vehicles over the
last 20 years, I have had plenty of opportunities to try various types
and sizes of cases by a multitude of manufacturers. Some cases have been better
than others, and some have made me vow, "never again!" Over the years, I
have learned to keep an eye out for future trouble spots when considering a new
case. One of my biggest peeves is those cases which include a soft sheet of
fabric in the sleeve which is supposed to protect the burned side of the disk
and separate the disk from the portion of the pocket where you store the CD’s
booklet. While it is a great idea in theory, the implementation is usually poor:
the cloth will be attached to the bottom of the sleeve with nothing securing its
sides. While the problem may not be evident at first, over time the cloth
divider will get scrunched down, and the CD will rub against
whatever is behind it. Actually, all of the peeves I can immediately think of
relate to the quality, or lack thereof, with which these cases are made.

When I opened a box of review products from Slappa
this April, I didn’t really expect to find anything that different from
what I had seen before. Okay, so the name was original and the exterior designs
looked clever, but how different could one case possibly be from another? Let me
tell you, I was in for an education!

While I will talk in depth about each of the following three Slappa products’
exteriors in their own sections, I want to start with the one feature that each
share – their D²
pockets.

Note that directly behind the clear plastic pocket is a second
pocket

Unlike the inferior pockets I mentioned
previously that have caused me so much past aggravation,  these have
been perfectly planned and implemented – obviously by someone that actually uses
their products.

Instead of being heat glued together with the
center cloth secured only on the bottom, these pockets are sewn together
with the cloth secured on all three sides. Right there, Slappa has surpassed
much of their competition. This is apparent even before noticing the quality of
the materials used. The translucent flexible plastic fronting each sleeve is
noticeably thicker than the plastic used in any of my other cases. The textured
cloth used to section the pockets is also much thicker and nicer than that of
the others I own.

The way Slappa has designed their pockets gives
the user options regarding how many CDs the case will actually store. One can
place the disk’s booklet in the front portion of the pocket, displaying its art
through the translucent plastic, with the CD kept in the rear portion. If a
maximum number of disks need to be stored, then the user can forgo the booklet
and safely place a CDs in each pocket. Granted, only the front CD will be easily
identifiable. But if a CD by the same artist is stored behind the displayed
version, there should not be too much confusion.

The quality of the D² pockets will be
evident to anyone that actually sees them, much less uses them. I am actually
impressed enough with them that I doubt I will ever buy another brand’s
case.

I should also mention that each product I reviewed came with a handy
drawstring dust-bag made of the same material as the cases’ pockets and
featuring the Slappa logo. While I will most likely never again store any of the
cases in their dust-bag, the bags will be put to good use – either as shoe cases
when I travel or as catch-alls in my car’s trunk. Thanks Slappa!

So, without further ado, let’s talk about the cases themselves…

Blue
Collection CD Case 40:

I was sent the smallest CD case that Slappa makes, from their Blue
Collection.

       

Photos courtesy of the Slappa site

I mention that it is the smallest because it is still a substantially sized
item. Measuring approximately 7" wide  x 7" tall x 3" thick and weighing
12.6 ounces empty, this case may seem thicker than others in this carrying
class, but it will be the perfect size for stashing behind or under the seat of
a car.

The exterior of the case is composed of a molded "HardBody shell" which feels
quite tough but does have some "give." A splash of blue color is sewn onto the
graphite exterior and the colorful rubber zipper-pull echoes the theme, giving
the case a unique style. A clear window on the Slappa’s spine allows labels to
be inserted if you are organized enough to need them.

The "industrial strength" zipper encircles roughly three-quarters of the
case, allowing the book to be opened fully and laid flat when needed.

As long as you don’t step directly on or drive over it, the CDs inside should
be protected from shocks, jabs and drops. Perhaps Slappa should also consider
making PDA cases…

Inside the velvet lined case, there is a convenient mesh pocket…

…complete with lagniappe – a thick 6" x 2.75" dust free cleaning cloth.
There are also two index labels included for placement in the case’s spine.

This case is designed to hold either 20 disks with their covers or 40 disks
without their covers. You can get larger case versions which will hold  the
following: 40 CDs with covers or 80 disks without, 80 CDs with covers or 160
disks without, and 120 CDs with covers or 240 disks without.

This is by far the nicest CD case I have ever used. Based on its
quality materials and construction, it should give excellent protection to the
disks kept in my vehicle for years. If you need a great quality portable CD
case, then you need to check out the Slappa.

You can view warranty info
here.

Price: $14.99 – get a 10% discount on your order by
entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to carry disks with their covers or to double up on CDs without covers
Included CD cleaning cloth

Cons:
None

40/40
HardBody DVD Case:

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Slappa had sent me their largest DVD
case, the 40/40. The 40/40 refers to the fact that you can store 40 DVDs with
their 40 accompanying covers. The DVD case shown on the Slappa site is black on
black, but I was sent a burgundy on black version. Otherwise, they are exactly
the same.

Picture courtesy of the Slappa site

This larger case measures approximately 14" tall by 10" wide x 3" thick.
Because it is a larger case, there is a handle similar to that of a briefcase’s
on its spine. This will greatly help with portability.  Built into the top
side of the handle is a clear window for label insertion.

Other than the handle, the DVD case’s construction is virtually identical to
the CD case. Once again, the exterior is composed of a molded "HardBody shell"
which feels quite tough but does have some "give."  It should protect the
DVDs from reasonable drops, shocks and jabs. Once again, I wouldn’t recommend
stepping on or driving over the case. An "industrial strength" zipper encircles
all but the spine (where the handle is located), allowing the book to be opened
fully and laid flat when needed. 

The case is designed to hold two DVDs and their covers per "page." Unlike the
CD case where you could store double the amount of disks by forgoing their
covers, the DVD case is truly designed to include each disk’s documentation.
Because of the needed depth to hold said documents, the cloth lined pocket has
been stitched to hold the DVD nearer to the top – you will not have to dig
around to retrieve it. Once again, proof of the planning that went into these
products. Because of that stitching though, I probably shouldn’t say that these
are D² Pockets, but I will say that they are
essentially the same.

Inside the velvet lined case, there is a convenient mesh pocket running the
width of the cover, and once again there is an included dust free cleaning
cloth. There are also two index labels for placing in the case’s handle.

The 40/40 will likely become a necessary object for those of you that have
vehicles equipped with DVD players, or for those who like to bring portable
models along when traveling. For families such as mine with teens, this case (or
the smaller 20/20 version) will also come in handy. My daughter can now take her
library of DVDs or PlayStation 2 games to friend’s houses when spending the
night. As movies are watched, or games are played, they can go right back into
their protective sleeve – safe and accounted for.

The quality of this case is very high, and I have to admit that the lower
price point seems surprising for what you get.

You can view warranty info
here.

Price: $33.99 – get a 10% discount on your order by
entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to carry DVD with their covers
Included CD cleaning cloth
Can also be used to carry CD based games – like

PlayStation 2 or

X-Box

Cons:
None

Wallmatz:

This last product will likely appeal to the young or the young at heart.
Looking like a piece of pop art, Wallmatz are designed to display either 30
disks with their 30 covers or 60 CDs. This would
also be a great way for gamers to keep handy frequently played PlayStation 2 or
Xbox disks. Measuring 35.5" long x 25.75" wide, Wallmatz are the prefect
size to hang above a desk or bed.

The Wallmatz are entirely comprised of the
material used to make the D² Pockets. The soft cloth covers the entire back and
the translucent flexible plastic is sewn to the front in strips to create the
individual pockets. A rubber Slappa logo graces the bottom right edge of the
Wallmatz.

   

Three ½" metal grommets line the Wallmatz’ top,
and according to the Slappa site there should be three metal hanging hooks
included. Either my review unit didn’t come with any or I accidentally tossed
them while unpacking, but I couldn’t find the hooks when it came time for
installation. Hooks are an easy enough item to replace though, and in a pinch
straight nails can also be used.

If this product had been around when I was a
teenager, I can guarantee you that I would have ordered enough of them to cover
one complete wall – then I would have made it a personal goal to fill every
slot. Make no mistake about it, though – even though kids will love this item
for its coolness factor, parents can be assured that they are buying a quality
item.

Just as with the other Slappa products in this
review, the Wallmatz is made to last of quality materials. I don’t think any
dorm room would be complete without it, and it is inexpensive enough that it
would make a great back to school gift. If you aren’t school aged, never fear –
I doubt anyone will think less of you for hanging one with pride.
☺

You can view warranty info
here.

Price: $20 – get a 10% discount on your order by
entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to store disks with their covers or to double up on CDs without covers

Cons:
None