Product Requirements:
Device: Any PDA up to 5.3" (13.5cm) tall x 3.2" (8.3cm) wide x .75" (1.9cm) thick

Ok, I have to admit that it was news to me when I found at that Waterford (the fine crystal company) was also Waterford (the accessory company), that sells PDA cases, among other items, such as briefcases and fine writing instruments. I mean, it's a bit of a stretch, don't you think? 

But at the same time, perhaps not. 

Waterford is known for providing fine items that connoisseurs desire. I would hazard to guess that most connoisseurs do things other than just drink out of fine crystal...they also have other passions. It stands to reason that some of them might desire a stylish and functional case to hold their PDAs, too. 

So, If you were also unaware that Waterford was now in the personal  accessories business, let me introduce you to one of their offerings: The Waterford Tri-Fold PDA Case. 

As you can see, the Tri-Fold appears to look like so many other binder/book-style cases, although is a bit more fashionable, perhaps. It features a flap that snaps to the front of the case to keep it securely closed.

The dimensions of this case are 5.5" (14cm) tall x 4.5" (11.5cm) x 1.5" (3.7cm) thick. While you won't find the Waterford to be particularly pocketable, it will easily fit in a briefcase, purse, or gear-bag.

Done in Waterford's black Neoweave, which is their proprietary nylon micro-fiber cloth, and then trimmed with smooth black leather. The Waterford appears to be an accessory that would look equally good being carried both in the office and around after-hours. 

I find that one of the really good things about all of the micro-fiber cloth accessories that are available these days is that they are highly durable and easy to clean if they should become dirty. You simply brush them off with a damp rag.

Opening the Tri-Fold, you are greeted with a small notepad on the left side, and a holster for your PDA on the right. Your PDA is held into the holster with a small strip of Velcro. <sigh>

This is the first case that I can think of (off the top of my head) that uses a holster like this, that allows for built-in protection for every side of your PDA but its top. Built into the right side of the holster is a stylus holder, and built into the flap is a shorter pen holder.  

Opening the flap that holds the note-pad, reveals a section with built in ID or credit card slots. There is also a slot pocket on the far left that should prove handy for carrying business cards. I was a little bit surprised to find that there was no slash pocket hidden behind the ID/credit card section, but if you don't have a lot to carry - you shouldn't miss it.

As you can see here, the Compaq iPAQ is one of the PDAs that will easily fit in the Waterford. Unfortunately, you won't be able to fit any sleeves - unless you don't mind adding Velcro to Whitney's CF BaqPaq (Blasphemy!).  You can add a little bit of room to the holster area by removing the notepad. I found that when I did this, it was the only way my Silver Slider would fit, and still allow the case to close properly.

With all the leather and Neoweave between your PDA and the rest of the world, when the Waterford is folded up and closed, I would have to say that it definitely offers decent screen protection. It is definitely not crush-proof though, of course.

Here is a view of the Jornada 548 in the Tri-Fold. As you can see, the built in stylus holder is a necessity for this PDAs owners, as they will not be able to use their flip-lid with the built in silo. The PalmPoint Dual Action Stylus fits easily in the pen pocket.

Remember the holster I mentioned at the beginning of the review? Well here is how it makes this case so special. As you can see, when this book-style case is closed, the bottom of your PDA is fully protected. You will still have total access to the top of your PDA, should you wish to use the head-phone jack.

Even the Casio EM-500, the widest PDA I have, fits easily in the holster.

I think that the Tri-Fold is great option for those that would like to carry their cards and ID with them. Since it doesn't have a suitable money slot, I wouldn't consider it a wallet replacement - but then I bet that some of you out there might seldom carry cash, and it might fit the bill for you. I find that the price is way below what I would have expected, considering that the case is a brand name. If you don't mind the tab of Velcro that you must use to secure your PDA, then this case might be for you.

The Waterford Tri-fold PDA Case is available at Stylus Central, and other fine retailers.

Price: $39.00

Pros:
Excellent Price
Case looks sharp, and is made of durable materials
Head-phone jacks are accessible on PDAs that have them
All sides but the top of the PDA are protected

Cons:
Must remove PDA to sync
Must use Velcro to attach PDA