TamsPPC – the PocketPC Blog

Proporta’s aluminum-leather cases have served me extremely well in the past. Unfortunately, the company recently underwent a re-branding process…can their stuff still stack up?

Large white envelopes have signaled the arrival of Proporta-branded goods in the past (shipping via UK)…these can be delivered to letter boxes and generally work well. The individual blisters were redesigned completely – they can now be folded open:

Proportas standard-issue belt clip still ships with every case (and goes straight to the trash at this reviewer’s):

Getting the phone into the case is easy. The device must be slid into the rails while closed; the clamps then grab the keyboard part of the machine:

Opening and closing the case works with minimal obtrusion…if the protective foils have been removed from the back of the screen assembly:

The XPERIA X1 remains pretty usable while in the case – typing is as comfortable as it gets on an x1:

A cutout in the back allows the camera to be used while the phone is in the case. As usual (for Proporta), all other important parts of the phone can be accessed from the outside even when the case is closed:

Finally, here is a bunch of shots showing the X1 in its case:

In the end, I have to say that Proporta’s solution to the XPERIA problem is about as unannoying as it gets. If you need a leather case, get this one…you will not regret your choice. The price of 30GBP may sound a bit steep, but is humane compared to what other manufacturers charge…

Last week, I received the Proporta Alu-Leather Case for the Dell Axim x51v. When I unwrapped it, I noticed the high-grade quality and finish. In fact, the black case looks very stylish and fits very the Axim very well. I ordered the case in flip type, which means it can be opened by flipping the cover like you open a clam-shell phone.

In the inside of the Proporta Alu-Leathercase, you will find two storage card holders where SD-cards fits perfectly into.

At the side of the main part of the case are two rigid holders where the Dell Axim x51v/x51/x50v/x50 fits perfectly: the PocketPc won’t move once inserted. The clasp is magnetic, so you don’t have to worry that it will unintended opened.

You may notice that the upper part of the case is very rigid. This is the “unique Proporta Aluminium “Screen Saver” System” which prevents the Pocket PC to get damaged if you drop it.

Compared to the original Dell nylon case, it is a little more thick and long but looks much better. See the pictures below!

When you order the case, it will come with the standard Proporta belt clip. Now lets come to the only negative thing I noticed about this case. If you want to listen to music and plug in your headphones, the Axim won’t fit into the case, because there isn’t enough space between the top of the Axim and the case.

All in all, if you are owner of a bluetooth headset or if you don’t use your Axim to listen to music, this is a good-looking and high quality case. It costs 35$ at Proporta’s web site…

PRO

• good design and quality
• holders for two SD cards
• very effective screen protection
• includes a belt clip
• magnetic clasp
• lifetime warranty

CONTRA

• PPC doesn’t fit in the case with headphones plugged in

Finally, I want to show you how your Pocket PC will look like if you don’t use a protection (I dropped mine several times, so I’m very happy now to have a good protection):

Proporta has a long history of providing all kinds of hardware accessories for all kinds of mobile devices ranging from laptops to digital cameras – PDA’s, smartphones and mobile phones included! Propora’s aluminium-leather cases always were among my favorites for mobile devices…let’s see if their case for the rx1900/h4100 can stack up!

Proporta’s products ship in big white envelopes with standard mail from Great Britain. The envelopes get beaten up a bit sometimes, but the contents always arrived in mint condition so far:

The case itself ships in Proporta’s standard blister. The case contains a belt clip to protect it from getting pressed together in the shipping process. I never liked belt clips though…so treat this as “for-reference-only”:

Inserting the ipaq is simple – lay the case on a flat surface and slide the ipaq in from the top. The clamps hold the ipaq very firm – once the ipaq is in, it probably won’t move one bit. Don’t attempt to push the ipaq in from the bottom(or push it “through” the case)…as these ipaqs get thicker from bottom to top, you could damage both clamps and ipaq:

Here are a few pictures of the ipaq in its case – the case offers space for two SD cards and a bit of paper. Closing the clamp takes a bit of practice at first, but once you grasp the concept behind it, you’re set to go:

Proporta’s leather cases have always allows you to flip the lid to the back. This really simplifies using the ipaq – and wasn’t omitted from this case:

The SD slot, stylus dock and headphone jack are accessible from the top of the case., Getting to the stylus can be a bit tricky at times…you need to bend the back of the case a bit:

The sync port at the bottom can be accessed, too:

When the case is open, the clamps to not obstruct the reset button or the recording knob of the loaner h4150. Audio playback doesn’t get distorted either:

Overall, if you need a case for your h4100 or rx1900, this case should satisfy you. While it may not protect your ipaq from getting its sides scratched by coins in your pocket, Proporta’s aluminium-leather case offers excellent protection from pressure, drops and most other every-day scratches. Its every-day usability(flip-back lid) makes this case type my personal favorite for all of my mobile devices – the price of 35$ is more than justified!

When I originally purchased the HP ipaq rx4240, almost no accessories were available for it. Since our sister site TamsPalm has worked together with Proporta for a long time, they were asked first – and provided a sample of their Alu-Leather Case (HP iPAQ rx4000 Series) – Book Type.

Proporta´s products ship via standard mail from England – I received literally dozens of packages from them over the years and never had any trouble:

The case itself comes packed in a nice blister:

The iPAQ is sled into the case from the side – you can fit the iPAQ in both sides. The clamps slide onto the machine without any pressure or force, but still hold the rx4240 firmly.

Sliding the iPAQ into the case with the button area pointing at the top makes the clamp cover the SD slot, but leaves all other buttons untouched. The screen orientation prefs make landscape mode usable this way, too:

Sliding the ipaq in the other way blocks access to the reset button, but provides the usual ‘left side flip’ scenario:

The bottom and the top of the handheld always are exposed. Getting to the stylus can be a bit tricky, but sliding the iPAQ up a bit usually helps.

Proporta really did a great job with the case’s lid. You can fit in a credit card and up to two SD cards – this helps you avoid memory card loss and keeps your pockets clean and tidy!

In everyday use, the case is very comfortable and doesn’t get into your way. The clamp and the lid closure mechanics work well, and the handheld gets protected well, too. Since the lid can be pushed behind the unit, the handheld can still be held comfortably.

Overall, Proporta did it once again. Their Alu-Leather Case case looks great, works well and doesn’t get into your way at all. If you can live with the covered-up reset button and the exposed sides, this case will fully satisfy you(if you like leather cases). The price of $34.95 is justified!