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Hard and Soft Cases for your Handheld Device
February 12, 2002
If you want a nice slip or work-through case, you might want to take a look at the colorful neoprene cases from Scribble. They come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, purple, and gray. Several different sizes are available too. I tried out a very small one that’s a perfect fit for a Palm V/m50x series device and one that was suitable for a slightly larger device such as a Palm III or Visor Prism. Both cases were very well made, with sturdy smooth-running zippers. The inside of each case is made out of a smooth rubbery material and has a few card slots plus a slit that can accomodate folded currency. You’ll also find a couple of elastic loops on the spine that can hold spare batteries, a stylus, a small pen, etc. Both the front and the back of each case has a stiffener that provides good screen protection. You can use the generous piece of velcro included to attach your handheld to the case, or else you can just use it as a slip case to protect your device while it’s traveling in a briefcase or backpack.
If you want something even more protective, then you need to look at the Chameleon hard cases available from Scribble. While I certainly wouldn’t perform this test myself, the Scribble people have dropped their hard case out of a plane to test its durability, and both Palm and case survived! The secret is in the construction— heavy duty ABS plastic and a locking latch that simply doesn’t come open until you open it. Lots of other hard cases are notorious for popping open if you drop it, but not this one. The latch slides up to open and down to close. In the m50x version, the handheld is secured by a rail in the left stylus silo; in the m10x version, the device just fits snugly inside. While the Scribble hard case might not be the most attractive, “executive style” case you’ll find, it certainly is one of the most protective. It’s available for both the m10x series and the m50x series.
Either option is a good one, depending on your exact needs. If you need ultimate protection and don’t need the professional look (and extra cost) of a shiny metal hard case, then the Chameleon hard case is your very best bet at about $24 to $32 depending on the model you choose. If you want something fun and funky that is protective without being “bulletproof” like the Chameleon, then pick up one of the neoprene cases in your favorite color for about $24. Exact prices can’t be quoted, as Scribble is based in the UK and the amounts are based on the British Pound. And if you have any concerns about ordering from the UK, you can put them to rest right now— I have never had a single problem, and each package arrived promptly.
PocketGoddess rating for Scribble Neoprene Cases: 
PocketGoddess rating for Chameleon Hard Case: 
