Product Requirements:
Device:
Handspring Treo 180

I love cases, so when Julie asked me to write a review for the Handspring Treo case I couldn�t resist. I believe in protecting my investment and I spend a lot of time tracking down just the right case. I, of course, purchased the Handspring Action Pack for the Treo and quickly sold it on eBay, it just didn�t pack the punch that I needed it to. I certainly didn�t like facing the Treo, what I considered, (backwards) in the case and the material didn�t seem elegant enough for me.

Then I received the Case Techworks Treo� II Convertible Flip Case to review. My first impression was that it is truly a skin-type case, one that will not add extra bulk, something I appreciate since the all-in-one aspect was a selling point for me and now it�s protected too.

As I began the task of putting on the case, I noticed that it was quite a snug fit. It was my hope that it would stretch in time and I have been using it for over a week now and can attest to the fact that it has nestled in just fine.

I was glad that it didn�t have Velcro, but wondered what is with the 2 snaps? More on that later.

The case is in two pieces. One half of the case covers the flip part of the Treo and is snapped to the back of the case with those two snaps. All it took was one freeze up on the Treo to realize that when resetting the Treo, you know, using the small pin at the back where the SIM card goes, you will have to take off only one part of the case. The snap design works great when this happens as you just snap off the button piece and reset then snap it back on.

One of my worries was whether or not the top panel would be accessible. This design by Case Techworks is outstanding, all important switches are easily used and not obstructed in any way. I did read another review where another owner of this case talked about the leather above the hinge bunching up when the lid is open. I noticed this too, but it hasn�t hindered my usage any, but worth mentioning.

There is a small loop of leather that can be used if you just want to have the back of the Treo protected. The small loop of leather slides over the antenna which then snaps onto the left snap at the back of the case. I did not prefer this method of use. I liked having both pieces securely in place protecting as much of the Treo as possible.

There is a clear plastic piece that covers the application buttons on the bottom (those 4 small buttons) and there is a plastic strip that goes across the front of the Treo just above the QWERTY keyboard. This design works well and does not obstruct the use of the keys at all.

The case has an opening that allows the use of the HotSync cable while the Treo is still in the case. This works well at home and with my car charger. I do not own the HotSync cradle so could not test it with that accessory.

I especially liked the extra leather added (a lip it might be called) at the two sides of the flip cover. It gave me a little extra surface to grab when opening the Treo.

I have only one small complaint. The top left and right corners are not protected. I don�t really know how the case could be modified to accommodate this, but I do fear that a drop on the top corner would result in a scratch. This is mere speculation as I did not want to test this out ;-)
 

Price: $24.95 ($29.95 with belt clip)

Pros:
Access to top panel of Treo
Keeps the Treo light and compact
No Velcro
Affordable
Choice of color combinations � Black, Forest/Tan, Navy/Tan, Cream/Tan
Graffiti version available for $29.95 in black w/clip.

Cons:
Minimal protection on top corners
Belt clip button not in the best position
Won't work with HotSync cradle