PielFrama cases for iPAQ 4700

Protection & Perfection

PielFrama has a way of surprising us.

We’re used to their very high quality leather cases – no surprise there (unless you’re a first time customer).

But for this age-old Spanish company who, for decades have specialized in hand-crafted leather goods, to come up with something as different as aluminum cases is something of a pleasant surprise.

Today we have a quick look at Piel Frama's aluminium PDA cases. The one we 'road tested' was for HP's hx4700.

We also will “weigh” that one up against the traditional leather case for the iPAQ 4700.

Have a look at the details here.

The aluminium series of cases from Piel Frama is the same quality as their other cases - outstanding!

First thing you notice is the sleek metallic look and feel of the aluminium (aluminum for our US readers).

The second thing you notice is the perfect form-fitting design and craftsmanship.

Your PDA slips easily and neatly into the aluminium sleeve and the case clips easily onto your belt with the standard fully rotating belt clip.

The belt clip is also fully removable, so it slips perfectly into your pocket.

With most cases, the belt clip is the Achilles heel: often it isn’t strong enough as a lot of pressure can be put on these clips when you sit down in your car for instance, having your PDA on your belt.

PielFrama are working on a much stronger design. Carbon fibre, reinforced with Kevlar? Steel-plated?

Perhaps, but as always, if it can be improved upon, leave it to the craftsmen in Ubrique to come up with a better product.

The thin layer of foam inside the housing protects the PDA from knocks and bumps and the hard outer shell of aluminium from most forms of scratches, but as is the case (no pun intended) with any PDA case, it isn't a license to throw your (hopefully beloved) PDA around.

Nothing other then a fully padded foam briefcase will do that and the Piel Frama's aluminium PDA cases are as close to that as it comes - both in looks and the protection it offers.

What I like about the aluminium cases:

• Sleek, sexy design.

• Best protection available for your PDA

• Excellent quality, perfect fit

• Light weight

What can be improved:

Frankly, there isn't much to improve on, but to be fussy, a stronger belt clip and some form of protection for your removable storage cards to ensure they can't be forced out if your PDA hits the ground with a reasonable force.

To conclude, if your PDA is likely to go places other than the office or home; this type of case is a must and Piel Frama's is as good as they get.

Leather Bound

At the same time I’ve been trialing the leather version for the 4700.

I requested the standard black edition as all my other gear is black.

(Somehow I think that looks more professional…J!)

I received the two-toned tan and black and I must say that’s a pretty nice combination.

And the different colour makes it easier for me now to find my iPAQ in amidst all my other gear!

PielFrama have steered away from using the magnetic latches that I was so enthusiastic about when they introduced them a couple of years ago.

Seems that some folk have had problems with the magnetic stripes on their credit cards when they put them in the slots that have been designed for business cards…

At least, that’s what I use them for. Well, you can learn to live with the snap closure too, I discovered.

Magnificent workmanship, as usual.

If there is one gripe it is that the iPAQ sits not as “tight” in the case as previous models.

Maybe it was also because the iPAQ 2210 had rubber sides which made it sit more snug than the smooth sides of the 4700 series.

Anyway, I seldom take the unit out of its case as the flip-over design of the case makes it much easier to cradle the PDA in your hand.

Talking about cradling: no, I don’t use the iPAQ cradle anymore because I just use the BoxWave sync/charge cable.

Much easier to take along and you can leave the PocketPC in the case.

Again, a top product from a top company. You can see why we’re happy they responded to our Sponsorship invitation.

With standard-setting products like these we’ll always have something to rave about!

Conclusion

If you are in an office environment most of the time you’d likely prefer the stylish leather case.

If your work (or pleasure) takes you in a harsher environment you’d be wise to splash out on the stronger aluminium case.

Either way, PielFrama will ensure you’ll have the best customer service in any case (pun intended…)

For pricing and other options have a look at www.pielframa.com

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