Product Requirements:
Device:
Sony CLI� NR70 Series PDAs

I think that it is pretty apparent to everyone that reads The Gadgeteer that Judie and I absolutely love Vaja cases. Whenever we get a new PDA, we find ourselves waiting impatiently until we get our first Vaja case to carry it in. This is exactly the situation that we found ourselves in after switching to the Sony CLI� NR70V. But, now the wait is over as Vaja has sent us their current offerings for review.

I'd like to preface the following reviews by saying that these are higher end cases and as such, carry a price tag that reflects this fact.

731 Classic Flip Top Case
Julie

This case is called "Classic" because it has clean lines, and a simple but functional design. 

The case is available only in two color choices: Brown or Black Aniline. I was sent the Black Aniline to review. This is an all fine grained all leather case that is void of any trace of Velcro. It is also only available with a belt clip.

I'll continue to call this specific product a 'case' although it is really what I would consider a 'cover' as it does not envelope the whole PDA. The sides of the CLI� remain exposed even when the 'case' is closed with the snap tab.

To secure the CLI� in the case, a holster of sorts is employed to grip the lower section of the keyboard half of the PDA. The holster gives a secure fit even after inserting and removing the PDA numerous times. This is important due to the fact that you will be removing the PDA from the case to sync and charge with the cradle. An opening at the bottom of the holster does give access to the serial port if you happen to have a sync able though. The only small annoyance that I had with the holster was the fact that the leather was tight enough to dislodge the stylus every time I would remove the CLI� from the case. This is not a real big deal unless the stylus would happen to fall out unnoticed.

When the PDA is in the case, you have access to everything... Nothing is covered including the reset hole and speaker. The speaker has a nice cutout which is lined with a stainless steel mesh. 

It's great that you can pivot the display for either keyboard usage or tablet using while in this case. I almost always use the CLI� in tablet mode, so I just leave the screen facing up when I close the cover.

The ABS insert protected and padded cover has 2 Memory Stick slots, 2 Business card slots, and 1 larger slot in the back.

At the moment, I'm using this case full time with my NR70V. I like the ease of use and slim style. The only things that would make it even better would be a non belt clip version, and a few more color choices. But for now, it's my favorite.

Price: $49.90

Pros:
Slim fit
Access to everything

Cons:
Not available WITHOUT a belt clip
Must remove to sync/charge in cradle

730s Classic Cover Case
Judie

Like the case that Julie just reviewed, the 730s is a clean classic design that uses a tightly grained leather. It is available in Black or Brown Aniline, I was sent the brown. Worth pointing out is the fact that this is a rich, dark chocolate brown, not some anemic tan trying to pass. ;0)

   
The small metal Vaja tag is unobtrusive and goes well with this case.

The 730 fastens with a snap, and like all book-style cases, the side with the fastener is also the side with the least amount of protection. The top is left exposed, and the bottom is partially exposed.

Like the 731, this case does not use any Velcro. Instead, there is a unique half-holster that grips the bottom half of the keyboard portion of the CLI�. The interior of this case is beautifully finished. All of the surfaces that aren't done in the smooth brown leather are lined in a softer, lighter colored leather. While in this case, you can position your CLI� with the screen either rotated 180� and exposed, or in the clamshell position, as I have shown it here.

At first glance, you might think that this case has only room for up to five business or ID cards. But by flipping over the inner flap, a panel that holds up to four Memory Sticks is revealed.

Unfortunately, the possibility of storing this many items comes with a price. I found that when I inserted my driver's license with three credit cards the case would not snap shut - never mind adding any Memory Sticks. However, it would close properly when only business cards were placed in the slots.

I think that this problem would be solved if Vaja allowed a longer snap-strap, then you could easily use all of the available slots without rendering the case inoperable.

Some people may find the fact that you can't hot-sync this case in the cradle as a con. I don't have a problem with it, because I am using the Brando CLI� T Series USB Hotsync / Charge Cable.

The 730s is a very nicely made case with classic good looks. If Vaja will make the snap-strap just a little bit longer, my largest reservation about this case will be gone.

Price: $49.90

Pros:
Slim Fit
Multiple storage slots
Classic good looks and excellent craftsmanship for a budget price

Cons:
Using all the storage slots makes case impossible to close
Must remove to sync/charge in cradle

I-Volution Dyna Case
Julie & Judie

Julie's comments        Judie's comments

Now for the really cool CLI� case that we know you all have been waiting to hear about! The Dyna, like the iPAQ I-Volution that we previously reviewed, is a molded all-leather case that just screams "Look at me!". 

After my very positive experience with the iPAQ I-Volution case, I couldn't wait to see what Vaja would do for my beloved CLI� - I wasn't disappointed!

The Dyna is available in a multitude of colors and custom options such as personalization of name or logo, matching leather lining, or belt clip. Of course, the more you customize, the higher the price.

Julie received the Caterina Red ($10 option) case.

Each case has a perfectly centered reset button cutout, as well as a mesh covered speaker

Our logo shows up quite well on this smaller grained leather.

I received the Navy Floater Case

As you can see, our logo isn't quite as easy to read on the larger grained "Floater" leather.

Instead of a slipper, Velcro, or what have you, the PDA is pressed into the case where it fits like a glove. Leather covers 95% of the PDA, with only a small portion exposed.

Although you won't be able to hot-sync in the cradle with this case, you can of course use a travel charger, like the one I previously mentioned.

While in the case, you can use your Clie in a totally unobstructed manner. The keyboard is open, buttons on the left side, the reset switch and even the speaker are exposed. Like the CLI� cases above, the speaker is covered with a stainless steel mesh window that not only looks good, but helps keeps sounds from being muffled.

I love the feel of this case in my hand. Totally smooth, tight and slim.

This is easily the slimmest case available, plus I love the feeling of my Clie wrapped in sensuous leather!

The only thing I don't like is that the case wasn't designed for the person that uses their CLI� in tablet mode most of the time. That's the type of user that I am... Although you can peel the case off the top part of the PDA, rotate the screen and use it, it isn't as convenient as I would like. Also, NR70V users will find picture taking to be awkward... unless all you take is pictures of yourself ;o)

I lucked out, because this case was designed for the way I prefer to use my Clie! :0)

My case seems to fit a bit tightly, or maybe it just needs to be broken in more... I say this because the leather won't allow the lid to close all the way. I'm sure after more use, this won't be an issue though. Mine does the same thing, hopefully it will "stretch" soon...

Say what you will about the price, but if you are the type that appreciates the BEST things in life this case will most likely appeal to you. Frankly, to me this case is worth every penny. It is "all that and a bag of chips."

Price: $119.90 & up, depending on options selected
Available in a wide variety of colors and cowhide textures

Pros:
Looks slick
Feels wonderful in-hand
Amazing design
Adds very little bulk

Cons:
Designed for using the PDA in keyboard mode instead of tablet mode
When case is new it keeps Clie from closing all the way
Must remove to sync/charge in cradle
Expensive