You may think that I’m crazy, but it’s true, and I’ll try to explain why. The very first thing I noticed when I received this case is that Vaja has simply thrown out all of the traditional rules regarding handheld case design, particularly with this model. Instead of simply designing yet another slip case that fits just well enough to get by, this case is designed from beginning to last to be the absolutely perfect case for the Tungsten T. At first glance, it even looks like the Tungsten T, because it is so form fitting, with the strictest attention to the tiniest detail.
Let’s start with the outside first. Every exterior control such as the power button, the stylus silo, the headphone jack, and the voice recorder button are all easily accessible. Turn the case over, and you’ll find that there’s even a cutout for the reset hole. At first glance it doesn’t line up, until you remember that the reset button on the Tungsteen T is accessible only when the slider is opened. Once you do that, the reset hole does indeed line up perfectly with the cutout. There is also a cutout for the HotSync connector. It is not possible to sync the device in the cradle while it is in this case, but it works quite well with a sync cable. Turn the case back over, and you’ll immediately see that the four main buttons on the front, as well as the five way navigator, are all covered over. This is not a design mistake or a sick joke–you are actually intended to use the buttons and the navigator through the leather that covers them. I was dubious at first, but then I realized very quickly that it’s a great idea. It keeps the device more fully protected and sealed against accidental spills while still allowing full access. It even lends a nice executive feel to the case, since it is perfectly sleek and uniform when closed. The addition of a little gold tooling that mimics the imprint on each button makes it look very finished.
The case is opened by holding the device in one hand and flipping up the front cover wtih the other hand. As you can see, there is a recessed slot for SD card storage underneath the cover, and of course the SD slot on the top of the Tungsten T is accessible when the cover is open. I particularly like this feature, because most cases tend to leave that card slot exposed, which means that all of your important data on that expensive SD card can easily be lost if it pops out of the slot when you drop your device. Fortunately this Vajac ase doesn’t suffer from that same limitation.. The inside of the case is lined in a smooth black material. You may be wondering how to open the slider of the Tungsten T, but it’s remarkably simple– just hold the device in your hand and place your thumb and forefinger on each side of the device. You can slide it open just by moving your fingers up, with just one hand. Some people might find it easier to do with both hands, one holding the device and the other hand sliding up the top. And of course if you have the right utilities, like Newpen, you’ll find that you don’t need to open the slider all that often anyway. And once you’re done using the device, the front cover easily flips back down into place.
I honestly couldn’t find a single flaw in this case, which is why I’m awarding it the coveted “PocketGoddess Perfect 10.” (Only one other handheld product has earned that rating, the Brando Screen Protector.) Even the belt clip is perfect. The metal stub in the case is very firmly attached, and the clip is one of the kind that will only release when the case is turned a certain way That means that the chance of it accidentally coming off of the clip are very slim, meaning fewer drops. If in fact you do drop the device, it is nice to know that all of the corners are well protected, so it’s unlikely that the device will suffer any damage, cosmetic or otherwise. Vaja cases are indeed pricier than the rest, but they sure are worth it. If you want a Natu for your Tungsten T, you can get one at the Vaja web site. It is available in black with the Ultra Clip for $103.90, without the clip for $99.90. Or you can go all out and order a custom case for $119.90, which will be built just for you, with several color choices available. And of course if you don’t have a Tungsten T, don’t despair– Vaja makes a wide variety of cases for Palm OS and Pocket PC devices, as well as the iPod. Whichever design you choose, you’re sure to be amazed at the level of quality and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one.
PocketGoddess Rating for the Vaja I-VOLUTION Natu for the Palm Tungsten T: 
