Home \ Reviews \ AquaPak and the Eagle Creek Data Pod

Reviews

AquaPak and the Eagle Creek Data Pod

June 4, 2002

The AquaPak fills a unique niche- it’s waterproof. That means that you can use it in the rain, at the beach, or anywhere else that you need protection for your portable electronics. It’s very well-designed too— the closing mechanism is very secure and relatively easy to use. Just twist each knob and then pull the top apart so you can slip in your handheld, Game Boy, cell phone, etc. The case is made out of smoky grey plastic, with a clear front, so it is possible to use your Palm or Pocket PC inside the case. Since you can’t get to your stylus, you’ll either have to remember to take it out of your handheld before you put it in the AquaPak, or better yet, use a replacement such as your finger, since the plastic protects the handheld’s screen. There is also an attached lanyard so that you can wear it around your neck or secure it to your bag so that you don’t have to worry about your expensive electronics getting lost. Overall I am very pleased with both the quality and the design of the AquaPak. It is made out of good materials and supple plastic, and measures six and a half inches long and four and a quarter inches wide. It’s a must if you’re worried about your handheld or other small electronics getting wet (and it even floats!), but also be advised that this case doesn’t provide any crush protection. It retails for $24.99, but is currently on sale for $22.99.

The Eagle Creek Data Pod is another alternative for carrying your small electronics on the go. I recently used it on a weekend excursion and it was able to replace not only my Clie’s carrying case, but my purse as well! The main zippered compartment will fit just about any Palm or Pocket PC, including my Clie NR 70, as well as relatively small digicams like my Olympus D-490. There’s an inside pocket that held my cash, IDs, and credit cards, and I was also able to slip in my favorite stylus, the 2 in 1 Comfort Grip Shorty (also from StylusCentral.com). On the outside there’s another pocket that was perfect for my pager and keys, though it would also hold any other small item such as business cards, lip balm, etc.

The case is padded enough to provide good protection to whatever you put in it. And on the back you’ll find a very study belt clip that is wide enough to accomodate a one and three quarter inch belt, or you can just clip it to your waistband. And of course the Eagle Creek name is pretty much synonymous with quality, at least in my experience. The fabric and stitching are all very well done, and the dual zippers include corded pulls. Now if someone could just tell me what that velcro strap is for on the back (just under the belt clip), I’d say that this is a perfect case for anyone who want to keep their handheld and a few personal items contained while they’re on the go. As it is, at $15.99 the Eagle Creek Data Pod is a great value.

Both of these cases are available at StylusCentral.

PocketGoddess rating for the AquaPak: