Official Gadgeteer Hands On Review: Extreme Limits Visor Body-suit Case
by Julie Strietelmeier
Last date revised: 12/29/2000

Product Requirements:
Device:
Handspring Visor / Visor Deluxe / Visor Platinum

The Extreme Limits Visor Body-suit case with accessory pack is a hard black leather case with contrasting white stitching. The look and feel of Extreme Limits cases really remind me of a well made guitar case. This case is compatible with all the current Visor models except for the larger Prism. 


(Front, Back with Pouch, Back without Pouch)

This case is somewhat more unique than others because it includes an accessory pack which Velcro's to the back of the Body-suit. This removable pouch has a snap cover and includes one large pocket that could hold dollar bills, change, business cards, or even one normal sized Springboard module. The sides of this pouch are gusseted so that the pouch can lay flat or expand up to 3/4in to hold thicker items.

There are also two business card slots on the inside of the screen cover. These slots are nice and wide so you won't have problems with inserting and removing cards. The cover is very stiff and will protect the screen from knocks. The case itself isn't really padded so I wouldn't rely on it to protect the PDA from a very long drop.

The Body-suit is a play-through style case in which the Visor slides into a leather holster. No Velcro is needed to hold the PDA in place. Inserting and removing the Visor is easy, although sometimes the leather strip that separates the buttons from the screen can catch on the buttons. This isn't a big deal, but I wanted to mention it anyway. When the case is open, the cover hangs down below the screen instead of folding back from the top of the screen. This doesn't bother me, but it might bother some people.

The button cutout is aligned perfectly. I didn't have any problems activating the application buttons. 

There is a cutout for a hotsync serial cable if you happen to own one. Otherwise, you will be required to remove the Visor to hotsync. There is also a cutout for the IR port on the left side of the case and a reset button cutout on the back of the case. 

Another feature of the Body-suit is a small metal ring for which you can attach an optional hand strap. I personally wouldn't use a hand strap with a PDA case, but it's nice to know that if you want to, you can. The other side of the case has the stylus cutout and two Velcro straps. I'm not entirely sure what these straps are meant for. Possibly you could slide a full sized pen or pencil behind them... As a left handed person, these straps tend to get in my way when I'm holding the case in my right hand. I don't believe righties will be hindered quite as much by their placement.

The cover on the case is held closed by a long leather strap that slides under a leather loop. Depending on which Springboard module that you might be using, this strap is long enough to allow you to secure the cover closed.

You can also use this strap to make a stand out of the case. By flipping the cover behind the case and inserting the strap into the loop, the PDA will be supported in a convenient viewing position.  

The only down side that I can see to the Visor Body-suit case is that most people will need to remove their Visor to hotsync and that with the accessory pouch attached, it is a very thick case (a little over 1.5in). Without the pouch, the case is approximately 1in thick. 

All in all, this is a nicely made case that has several unique features that can make it more appealing to some people. 

 

Price: 5360 Yen = ~ $46.77 (Belt clip version available for 5,650 Yen = ~$49.39)

Pros:
Detachable accessory pouch
Screen cover is hard and protective
Play-through

Cons:
Thick
Unless you have a hotsync cable, you'll need to remove the PDA to sync

Let me know your comments on the Extreme Limits Visor Case and read what others have to say.