Official Gadgeteer Hands On Review: Rhinoskin Titanium Hardcase for the Handspring Visor
by Julie Strietelmeier
Last date revised: 05/10/2002

Product Requirements:
Device:
Visor, Visor Neo, Visor Pro, Visor Platinum, and Visor Deluxe

If you are looking for the ultimate protection for your Handspring Visor PDA, you need look no further than the Rhinoskin Titanium Hardcase. Like their other titanium cases, this one is also made of 100% Grade 1 titanium with a scratch resistant finish. Weighing in at approximately 6 oz. and with a size of 5.1 x 3.6 x 1 inches, it definitely can't be called a bantamweight case. But, it does offer heavyweight protection.

Molded to match the shape of the Visor, this case can be called a clam shell or book style case. It opens like a book where the PDA lies in the right shell of the case with the cover being the left shell.

The interior of the case is lined with a thin layer of neoprene which helps to absorb the shock associated with drops and bumps. I'm not sure how much actual protection it can give in that situation as the lining is pretty thin.

Instead of using Velcro or the stylus silo to attach the PDA to this case, a plastic holster is employed. This holster is incorporated into the hinge which makes it easy to flip the PDA up when you need to access the stylus slot, reset hole or Springboard slot. The Visor slides into and out of this holster easily and does not obscure access to the power and application buttons. A small hole in the back of the holster allows you to to press the reset switch if needed.

While the Visor is in the case, you can pretty much do everything you can do when it's not in a case. You can even beam files via a small rectangular cut out on the side of the case allows you to send and receive files via the IR port. However, there are two potential problems with using this case. One problem is the fact that you will not be able to sync with the cradle while the PDA is in the case. A optional hotsync cable should work though... The other problem is that over sized Springboard modules will cause the PDA not to fit in the plastic holster.

The Titanium Hardcase is held closed with a very secure press fit latch. It's actually too secure if you ask me! I had a heck of a time getting this case open. Even though there are two bumps on the edges which are supposed to help you get a good grip on the case, my thumbs kept slipping off when I'd try to open it. I ended up using a flat blade screw driver to wiggle the case open. I'm guessing that with extended use that the latch would become easier to open.

For those of you that need a case that will resist crushing, and bending, this is probably the best case there is. Just be warned that it is heavy and does add quite a bit of bulk to your PDA. This is a pocket friendly case unless you wear cargo pants.

Price: $69.95

Pros:
Ultimate crushproof protection
Unique holster attachment method

Cons:
Heavy
Bulky
Hard to open
Have to remove PDA to sync in cradle

Let me know your comments on the Rhinoskin Titanium Hardcase and read what others have to say.
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