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Case Techworks Cases for the Dell Axim Pocket PC
March 20, 2003
p>Duo Flip CaseOf the two cases I’m reviewing today, this one is definitely my favorite. It’s as slim as possible and attractively styled. The Duo Flip case is secured with a snap closure on the back, and the flip cover is rigid enough and padded enough to provide protection to the screen in case the device is dropped while it is in the case. Open the cover and you’ll find a credit/business/ID card slot on the inside, as well as slots for two SD/MMC cards. The device itself fits into a leather yoke with all of the appropriate cutouts for the power button at the top, the application buttons at the bottom, the speaker, the sync port, etc. It is important to note that the record button and the reset button on the left hand side are covered by the yoke, but the SD card slot is not. The device is syncable in the case, but that convenience does come at a price— the power port on the bottom is covered by one of the straps of the yoke, though it may be possible to shove it over to the side a bit and still make it work. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to recharge the device with a car charger or AC adapter while it is in the case.
One thing I really like about this case is its versatility— you can use it with either the regular battery pack or the extended battery. It is a tighter fit with the extended battery, but it is certainly workable. That’s mainly due to an absolutely ingenious design element that allows the front flap some extra “give” at the hinge— it’s connected to the main part of the case by what must be a hidden bit if elastic. When your Axim is thicker due to the extended battery, the flap is allowed a little extra room so that it can still snap shut easily. About the only thing that isn’t great about this case is its lack of complete protection of the sides and corners of the device. It is rather protective, but while I don’t forsee any major damage to the device if it is dropped in this case, some cosmetic damage could easily occur.
The Duo Flip case is available either with ($34.99) or without ($29.99) a belt clip option from the Case Techworks web site. It’s a great value for a case that is professional enough to use in the office every day, but without that terribly high “designer” price tag.
PocketGoddess rating for the Dell Axim Duo Flip Case: 
Batt Pak Case
The next case up for review today is styled quite differently from the Duo case; this one is more of a holster or sleeve for the device, instead of a work-through case. It is very well made of leather, and the stitching is nice and tight. The front and back are nicely padded for extra protection, and the interior is lined with a fleecy soft material that won’t harm the finish of your Axim or the screen. The sides of the case are made of elastic, so it will likely accomodate other similarly-sized devices as well as the Axim. On the back you’ll find a small pouch designed to hold the extended battery pack for your Dell Axim Pocket PC. It could also potentially hold other small accessories, such as a couple of CF memory/GPS/modem cards, a rolled up pair of ear bud headphones, etc. The Batt Pak Case is very nicely designed, though perhaps not for the “fumble fingered” souls among us—if you wear this case on your belt and it somehow falls off (which granted is fairly unlikely), the device will probably come out of the case, since there is nothing on the top preventing that from happening.
The Batt Pak case is available either with ($29.99) or without ($24.99) a belt clip option from the Case Techworks web site. It’s another great value from people who know how to make quality handheld cases.
PocketGoddess rating for the Dell Axim Batt Pak Case: 
