Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2004

Posts: 9

Review: Rhino-skin case for 6315

The case provided with the 6315 is good but has a few flaws that become apparent after you start to use it routinely. The most annoying flaw is that it takes too long to fumble the phone out of its case if it is not on my belt. This problem is compounded by the fact I cannot wear the case comfortably while driving in my car. The case also doesn’t stop the unit from button-bouncing after an incoming call or message un-sleeps the PDA. All of these problems led me on a quest for a better case. I decided an everyday case should be my first purchase. I wanted a case that protected the unit, had easy access to all ports and buttons, allowed me to see the screen in normal mode, and used a belt clip swivel for comfort. After looking around, I decided to try the Rhino-Skin case. I ordered it on Monday and received it Friday. I promptly recieved reciepts and shipping notifications via email. No problems so far. The case looks good and fits my 6315 extremely well. The neoprene liner grips the unit snugly. The PDA won’t slip out even if the cover is open. The clamshell case connects across the bottom with a double-hinge design that allows the front of the case to fold up behind everything. The hinges are integral with the case panels and have a firm feel. The front panel has a clear insert that matches the size of the screen. I am not certain how scratch resistant it will be, and it is not a replaceble component. However, a $35 case is a lot less painful to replace than an LCD screen. So far I have found only two flaws, one of which may be fixable with a small redesign. The first problem is the connector at the bottom is covered up when the case is closed. I am not certain that the bottom panel could be altered to allow a charger connection without weakening it too much, but it would be a nice feature. The second issue I have is that the buttons are now recessed quite a ways under the cover when it is closed. While this does protect from having your pocket call your mother without your knowledge, it also makes it difficult for somebody like me with blunt fingers to hit the buttons quickly. I can reach the ultra-critical ANSWER and HANG-UP buttons without a problem so this is not a killer issue. On the good side, all of the buttons and ports except for the charger port are accessable with the case closed.

The swivel and post clip is correctly positioned to hang comfortably and snaps in and out smoothly with one hand. The brushed Aluminium finish looks good and feels very durable, but I think I will be getting a leather case for when I have to wear something other than sneakers but this will be my workhorse case for a while.

Senior Editor

Join Date: Jun 2002

Location: Massachusetts & Maine

Posts: 1,810

I use mine virtually everyday and have found them to be totally reliable in terms of protection.

__________________ Jack Cook Senior Editor, Dave’s iPAQ

Microsoft MVP – Windows Mobile Devices

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Last edited by Jack : 01-22-2005 at 08:17 AM.

Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2005

Posts: 26

Peter

Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2005

Posts: 2

Thanks for your input.

Moderator

Join Date: Jun 2004

Location: Atlanta, Ga.

Posts: 1,051

Peter, have any friends in the locations that they will ship too? Have it shipped to your friend and then have the friend ship it to you. Might be a little more expensive, but if it is the case that you want it would be worth it.

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Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2004

Posts: 9

Quote:

The antenna sticks out through a cutout in the top. I haven’t noticed any reception problems with WiFi, Bluetooth, or Phone/GSM. You have to open the case to get to the USB/Charger connector in the base of the PDA. I commented that I would like to see a cutout for a charger, but it may not be possible without fatally weakening the case. You can see the screen but not touch it when the case is closed. The lid flips down and behind the unit using a bottom hinge so it is really not much in the way.

Keyboard is definitely out with this case. I don’t use it much so that isn’t a real issue for me.

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Join Date: Jan 2005

Posts: 26

Peter

Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2005

Posts: 2

Quote:

Thanks for your help, as long as the reception is not an issue I am going to get it.