DSI Axim Holster/Rhino Aluminum Comparison Review

snathanb · 07-28-03, 05:03 PM

Ok... I really wanted a hard case to carry my axim in my pocket, and I've read glowing reviewsof the Rhino Metal case as well as the DSI Plastic Case.

I decided to purchase them both and make my own objective evaluation. To the benefit of those who may be faced with this same decision, I will post a few pictures and hopefully unbiased opinion on these 2 cases.

Note: I am only comparing these cases to each other, not against other types of cases.

Price
=====
DSI wins on this count. I got the DSI holster for 24.65, no tax, no shipping, directly from DSI.
I paid 29.99 for the Rhino, no tax, no shipping from a EBay store (sfplanet).

Protection
========
The Axim seems very well protected in both cases. The one "vunerable" area of the DSI case is the battery cover. This is to accomodate the extended life battery, which I don't have. But maybe someday I will, in which case the Rhino would be unsuitable. It looks a little strange having part of the Axim uncovered.

Even though the DSI case is plastic, it is a tough plastic, and it seems very solid. On the other hand, the Rhino is metal, but seems a little flimsy to me, like it could easily be bent.

My primary concern is protection of the screen and the screen feels well protected in both.

Looks
=======
The Axim looks great in both these cases, but the shiny metal case has a more impressive look to me.

Weight
========
DSI wins. On my postal scale, the DSI holster is just a smidge more than half the wieght of the Rhino case.

Using the Axim in the Case
===================
Honestly... the DSI wins out on this. The sides are open, so you are just holding the Axim, with a secure grip. The Rhino is wider and it is a stretch to hold it.

Big issue... the screen cover... on the Rhino, it hangs off to the side. I spent 2 weeks trying to get used to it, but I much prefer the DSI flip cover, even if it doesn't go all the way back.

Opening the case
============
The DSI has a very secure latch on the screen cover. The Rhino has a snap-fit type latch that seems to me could pop open on its own

Carrying it around
==============
Rhino wins this one... the DSI is considerably thicker than the Rhino. I was worried about the little clip-nub sticking so far up on the DSI, but it doesn't really stick up much more than the hinge at the top of the case. If I keep the DSI case, I will probably dremel off the clip nub.

Unfounded concerns
================
I was worried that I wouldn't be able to hear alarms in the DSI case, with it closed. The Rhino has a speaker cut out in the door, but the DSI does not. I found the DSI case does not block sound very much at all.

I've seen a picture of someone flexing the cover of the DSI case. I was worried that it could be pressed in against the screen, but I don't think that will happen.. there is a ledge all the way around the screen that keeps the cover from directly contacting the screen. Pushing down heavily on the cover does not cause enough flex to touch the screen, as far as I can tell.

Selected Pros and Cons of each.
=====================

Rhino Pros
========
Gotta love the look! Very sleek
Fits nicely in pocket
Speaker not covered
Can access everything
Very well protected

Rhino Cons
==========
I'm not a fan of the latch
Don't like the door hanging off to the side
It is wide... harder to hold while using
Sharp edges on hinge (I hurt myself on it yesterday!)
Looks like it could be easily bent.

DSI Pros
===========
Doesn't add width to the Axim
Door swings over the top and out of the way
Lighter, adds less weight
Latch over screen is very secure
Option of adding extended battery in the future
Option of carrying it on the belt (not for me, sorry!)

DSI Cons
==============
*Bigger in your pocket, the hinge at the top adds considerable bulk.
*You can't ever see the LED on the power switch! I have no problem using the DSI case feature that presses the power button for you, but it is hard to glance down and see if you are green or red while charging.
*Battery area not covered. Like someone mentioned, there should be a way to make a removable battery cover for those using the extended battery.

I am going to spend a week or so more trying them both out, while I am still in the RMA period, but I think I am leaning towards the DSI.

Pictures to follow. Attached to this message is showing how much taller the axim is in the DSI case

snathanb · 07-28-03, 05:04 PM

This picture is a side-by-side view from the bottom of the cases, note that at the bottom, not too much difference in size

snathanb · 07-28-03, 05:06 PM

This picture will show a top view... it is hard to judge from this picture but the DSI feels much narrower, it's no more to hold than an uncased Axim.

snathanb · 07-28-03, 05:10 PM

Ok.. this one is hard to see, but I placed the Axim in the DSI Holster on top of the Rhino Case.

If you look carefully, you can see the right hand side of the Rhino case (and the sharp metal hinge), sticking out beyond the edge of the DSI case.

smeg36 · 07-28-03, 05:26 PM

I just got my DSI case today, and I think I am also leaning toward keeping it and giving my brother the Rhino. I really like how much better it feels width wise. It seems much easier to use in the case than the Rhino.

Raynne413 · 07-28-03, 06:17 PM

Thanks so much for the comparison. I have always liked the look of the aluminum cases, but have never gotten one because I use the extended battery.