Official Gadgeteer Hands On Review: Targus Tri-Fold Organizer
by Julie Strietelmeier
Last date revised: 07/04/2001

Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm V/Vx

The Targus Tri-Fold Organizer is a very nice leather wallet type case for the Palm V or Vx series PDAs. The case I have for review is a little bit different than the one currently selling on the Targus site, so I'll point out the differences as I come across them in the review.

 

This case is made of glove leather and is available in only one color: black. The difference in the case that I have over the one currently being sold by Targus is that mine is a very pretty chestnut brown. The leather is soft making the case very comfortable to hold. The case is also slightly padded which increases the protection to the PDA that it will house.

As the name of the case indicates, this is a tri-fold case. The PDA rests in the middle while the left and right flaps fold up to close around it. The case his held shut with a nice wide leather tab that uses Velcro as a fastener. The case that I have uses a loop and tab method which I MUCH prefer over Velcro.

The outside of the case is plain except for the Targus logo which is branded into the bottom right corner of the case (when closed). The logo is not that noticeable, so it doesn't bother me.

The Tri-Fold opens up to reveal storage galore. There are 6 separate card slots with the bottom one having a semi see thru window. These card slots are wide enough to allow you to easily insert and remove cards. Behind the card slots is one large pocket that is suitable for folded papers, money, etc.

 

The Palm V/Vx attaches to the case with a plastic rail. You can also attach it to a large Velcro area underneath the PDA. I believe the Velcro area is there in the event that you want to use another PDA with this case. I wouldn't try using very large/thick PDAs with the Tri-Fold case. The Palm V/Vx works fine as will the m500 series (using the Velcro attachment method). 

I would think the Handspring Edge would work fine too. PDAs thicker than those, won't work too well because the case will be hard to close. I tried this case with the Palm III series, Palm m100, and Visor Prism. They were really all too thick to use. The Palm III could probably work as long as you didn't stuff the rest of the case with lots of cards and papers.

Above the PDA area is another card slot. This one has a clear plastic window which makes it ideal for a drivers license or other type of ID card. 

On either side of the PDA there is a stylus / pen holder. 

The right side flap has a pocket that can accommodate a think pad of paper, or long folded papers. There is also a large pocket behind it. I thought this pocket would be great for holding a checkbook, but I found that I couldn't easily close the case with a checkbook attached. I really prefer to leave that right side empty because it is the part that will be touching the screen of the PDA. There is also another pocket on the outside of the front flap.

The Targus Tri-Fold is a well made quality leather case that most business executives would be happy to have and use. It has enough storage to satisfy most people, and it should have enough padding to protect your PDA thru minor bumps, and drops.

Price: $59.99

Pros:
7 business card slots and 3 large pockets
Can hold the Palm V/Vx with a plastic rail or Velcro

Cons:
Expensive

Let me know your comments on the Targus Tri-Fold Organizer and read what others have to say.
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