Product Requirements:
Device:
Compaq iPAQ 3800 Series

There are some people that aren't happy until their PDA is placed inside a soft leather case. Then there are those that are more interested in an industrial look and the screen protection that a metal case can provide.

But a couple of inherent problems with most metal cases will soon become evident when you actually use them. The least of which being that they are heavy, bulky, and will generally have edges that you could poke an eye out with.

Then, if you are an iPAQ owner, there is a whole extra set of problems that will arise if you even think about using one of this particular PDA's many sleeves while the iPAQ is in a protective hard case.

So, it would seem that an iPAQ owner that wanted a metal case would be forced to either buy one to fit his or her PDA in each of its configurations, or the owner would just have to learn to do without. That was, until PDA Pocket Armor came out with an innovative new aluminum and ABS plastic hard case made to fit the iPAQ in every one of its incarnations.

The PDA Pocket Armor Aluminum Hard Case for the Compaq iPAQ is one of the most original ideas I have seen in some time as it has actually been engineered to accommodate the iPAQ and all of its various sleeves. In fact, without inserting your iPAQ into a sleeve of some sort, you won't be able to use this case at all.

This case is not boxy at all, in fact, it is one of the few cases that allows the iPAQ's curves to shine in all of their glory. There are also no sharp edges to worry about poking or cutting yourself on...

Top view of empty PDA Armor case

Underside view of PDA Armor case

As you can see, there is no rear end to the PDA Pocket Armor case. This allows you to slide whatever sleeve you'd like, including several of GM's Silver Slider line, into this case's side rails.

Try doing this with any other iPAQ hard case!

PDA Armor on iPAQ with PCMCIA Sleeve

PDA Armor on iPAQ with Dual PCMCIA sleeve

The cover and top of the PDA Pocket Armor are made of anodized aluminum, while the side rails are made of ABS plastic. When closed, the cover will flex a tiny bit. I am talking not even a millimeter. When flexed, the cover comes nowhere near the screen, and it appears to offer excellent protection from just about any bump you might be able to send it's way. Of course, common sense dictates that you should not drive a car over this case - it isn't crush-proof.

Perfect cutouts for the iPAQ 3835 allow easy button and joy-pad access. One thing that takes a bit of getting used to is how the case opens from the left, or the opposite of a conventional book. Presumably this is because of the voice recorder button being on the left side which might prohibit the hinge from working properly on that side, but I still wish there had been a way to put the hinge there. As it is, lefties will most likely most appreciate the placement. A flexing plastic button-latch keeps everything secure when the cover is closed.

Getting the iPAQ and its sleeve out of the PDA Pocket Armor case is a little tricky until you learn the secret: there is a small black latch you will need to lift as you slide everything out. When you do this, it is simple and quick.

One area in which I feel this case really shines is that of its weight and size. Because it only weighs 2.75 ounces, it doesn't create a complete pocket monster when you have it installed...well, no more of a monster than an iPAQ already is when a sleeve is attached.

When closed, the Pocket Pocket Armor measures 5.34" high x 3.98" wide x  0.79" thick. Installed, the thickness would of course depend on the thickness of whatever sleeve you happened to be using.

Another neat thing about this case is that it is designed to allow resets and trouble-free charging/syncing with a cable while in the case.

The PDA Pocket Armor is a great alternative for those that need a bit more protection than a leather case can provide, and for those that want or need to be able to use the same case with a variety of sleeves.

I am completely impressed with the flexibility that it offers, although I do wish it were possible to change the opening to the right side. But that is just me being petty. ;0)

The PDA Pocket Armor case for the Compaq iPAQ is available from DS International.

Price: $34
Available in black, silver and titanium

Pros:
Solid construction
Great screen protection
Can accommodate all sleeves

Cons:
You must use a sleeve to attach case to your iPAQ
Case opens from left side: fine for lefties, a pain for righties