chillykim

ronward-have you tried a battery from this seller? Seems like too good a price! Thanks , chillykim

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Axim x51v
Intel PXA270
624MH z
64MB RAM
256MB ROM
V. A06
Wireless and Bluetooth
Kingston 1G SD card

Mindfield

I've done quite a bit of research on cases -- read reviews on Piel Frama, Sena, Bellagio and Proporta.

Currently, I'm using a more generic "horizontic" case by Krussel that I had originally bought for my Tungsten T5 before I switched to the Axim. The Axim still fits in it though -- though it's a little tight with the extended battery and I have to face the unit towards the rear to allow the case to close properly.

Now, Krussel is nice, but my biggest problem is that they have one gaping weak spot: The belt clip. It's removable, but the runners along each side of the clip itself, as well as the channels into which it slides on the case, are incredibly thin and weak. They break far too easily; I've owned three Krussel cases across different PDAs because they just keep breaking -- I've even used up the extra clips I ordered the last time. Even using epoxy, model glue or krazy glue on these after they've broken still doesn't create a strong enough bond to properly reattach them.

So, screw Krussel. I need a new case.

I have an Innopocket Magnum case for my Treo 650, and it's rather nice except for the fact that it makes a bulky phone even bulkier which makes it get in the way, and the screw-in belt clip adapter has a habit of wiggling loose periodically when walking around, making you make sure it's secure every now and again lest it work loose and fall off your hip. (Speaking from experience here; it's done that three times on me already) Also, the beveled cutout for the function buttons is not recessed enough, making it difficult to reach the answer/hang up buttons. These annoyances though are relatively minor compared to the level of protection it provides.

So having reviewed all of these cases I'm still undecided about what to get, so maybe you guys can suggest something that fits. Here's my criteria:

- Must fit the Axim X50v snugly without making it too difficult to remove.
- Must provide good protection all around without making it difficult to access various buttons and features. I'd prefer no metal cases; they offer good protection but are awkward and incomfortable to handle.
- Must fit extended (2200mAh) battery.
- Absolutely MUST have an infallable belt clip. I'm sick of dealing with flimsy and insecure belt clips. When it's on my hip, it's gotta stay there until I remove it, and be able to withstand the occasional knock, bump and twist without breaking or loosening. Under no circumstances do I want this thing to fall off. Ever. At least, not unless it experiences a catastrophic collision with something that nothing could reasonably be expected to survive. It doesn't have to be a swivel clip, but I would prefer that the case separates from the clip like most clips do. (i.e. no velcro -- that stuff loses its grip eventually -- and no permanently attached clip)
- Must have a cut-out or suitable provision for the headphone jack. (Krussel sucks here, too - they have a hole that typically too small to fit anything but one of those tiny iPod headphone jacks)
- Vertical orientation; the horizontic Krussel is okay but awkward, especially with a swivel clip. "Cartridge" or "slip" style is fine with me, with or without flip cover. (If it has a flip cover, it has to open vertically; horizontals book-style covers make them too awkward to handle) It has to hold the unit snugly though, and I'd prefer there be no reenforcing strip between the hard buttons and the screen. I realize this adds to the security and structural integrity of the case, but this also usually makes accessing the buttons slightly less comfortable.
- Whether or not it can be cradled in-case doesn't really matter to me. I have no problem removing it to cradle.
- A storage pouch for a second battery would be nice, but I've yet to see one that can store anything more than a couple SD cards and/or credit cards.
- Style: I'm not too picky as long as it's not brown or (all) red leather. Plain black is always good, but some funkier designs are nice. I liked the Frama black/blue and black/red case designs; they were tastefully done without being over-the-top.

So, anything that more or less fits these criteria? Anyone with experience in the more important of these?

psionandy

sounds like the sena extended battery case... I nearly bought one of these but went for the proporta ALU extended battery case instead (I'm really happy with it btw, but if you don't want metal then it probably isn't for you)

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PredatorVI

I tried searching/reading but didn't find all the answers I am looking for regarding cases. Here are my questions. Any input is appreciated.

Which cases can hold the Axim x51v AND fit into the charging/sync cradle?

Which cases can't fit in charging cradle, but are easy to remove Axim but still hold it securely?

For cases (non-metal primarily) with credit card and/or SD slots in the front, does the Axim screen run the risk of getting scratched? It seems that unless you are very careful, the credit cards would rub and scratch the Axim and screen, if they are bumped or pressure was applied (like in your pocket.)

Thanks.

c1oudrs

Predator VI, as for your questions. The first is easy for me to answer.

Sena case--I'm pretty sure it is the only case that will fit into the cradle. However, even the Sena, by all reports, cannot fit into the sync cradle with the largest of the batteries (the 3300) without either mods to the cradle or slipping the axim in with the back case off. This last I haven't done myself but I've read about here in the posts. Sena makes an extended case for the axims with extended batteries. Finally, with a little training of the leather as is the case with most leather cases, you can prop the axim up in landscape mode (useful for bluetooth keyboards).

Drawbacks to the Sena--the sena case fits the pda very close, has magnetic closures, is thin around the bottom/protects less well in order to sync in the cradle.

Hence, you won't get more than a couple bucks, 2 sd cards and maybe a couple credit cards in one. While magnetic closures are convenient, you need to keep the credit cards away from the magnets. The lesser physical protection at the bottom has never been an issue. I've never owned a belt clip with one.

If your looking to sync in the case with the dell charger, Sena is the way to go. However, with the right cabling, you can sync/charge without the dell charger, which is a ho-hum non-landscape accessory in any case (ahhhhh a pun). But if you do that, strictly usb charging is not recommended. Read the cautionary threads on USB charging of the axim/vs amps & voltage issues.

c1oudrs

The second question is alot more relative. How secure is secure, Grasshopper? I've dropped my old HP4150 onto a concrete floor twice while she was naked (no case). Luckily she survived. I haven't dropped my new axim yet and hopefully I won't. Both times however it was when I was 'slipping the pda out of the case' to put in a battery.

Finally, I ran without a screen protector and never had any but your usual wear and tear in two and a half years with Sena. However, a screen protector is one of the first things I bought when I bought a new ax,

To my mind, aside from the really high end cases that are customed, the Sena case compares well. I wouldn't mind someone telling me how the extended cases/without an extended battery line up--I'm curious, (i.e. if you are unsure if you are going to get an extended battery to buy an extended case anyway, do you get any more room, the buttons line up even without the extended battery?). Also, about the belt clip thing.

c1oudrs

Whether I would buy another Sena non-extended case w/out clip . . . I told myself I wouldn't and then it went on sale and I went ahead and did. If I ever get a different case, it will be for a belt clip (or I'll look into one that comes with the Sena), or it will be because of an extended battery (what battery strategy you go with is a whole different issue).

c1oudrs

Sena makes a case for extended batteries that will fit in the cradle (except for the 3300 battery).

PredatorVI

Originally Posted by c1oudrs

Sena makes a case for extended batteries that will fit in the cradle (except for the 3300 battery).

c1oudrs, thanks for all the replies. It seems (as with anything I am looking at buying) that there is nothing that does everything I want it to.

I am wary of magnetic anything around my electronics so I have a real problem with magnetic closures on the cases.

As with any case I have had in the past that holds credit cards and other sundries, I tend to put a few more in than the specs called for, so I need to be careful to consider the impact on my Axim.

I saw a case that had an insert for a picture that also served a pad between the credit cards and PDA screen. I can't find it right off, but that one piqued my interest. I'd just have to remove it to insert in the cradle.

Thanks again.

blakkat

I haven't read the many pages in this discussion but I noticed the short list in the first post doesn't even mention the leather cases offered by Dell - is there any reason for this? Dell offer a zippered case that can accommodate the X51v with either the standard (1100mAh) or the high-capacity (2200mAh) battery (http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna...dhs1&sku=43101). It's not quite as handy as a flip case but Dell only offer a flip for the standard battery. I haven't managed to locate any other cases online (so far) that can do both and I don't like the idea of juggling multiple cases. I really like the Flexiskin on Boxwave but my concern is that the Axim wouldn't fit with the high-capacity battery attached. Any suggestions?

jdrew

I got my first case for my Axim, a Krusell from pdaden.com. Nice! Good price too.

Haesslich

Say, anyone have any maintenance tips for the Sena? Should I use mink oil or dubbin, or other products to protect/condition/weatherproof the leather? I've noticed that it bulges about the recharge/sync port somewhat (the extended case, that is), but otherwise it all fits quite wel.

chefz

This may be old news (since I haven't been around much lately), but I'm excited! I just checked out Sena's website and they have great new colors for their Axim x50v cases now - like orange, green and magenta :love: It's about time! Here's the link:
http://www.senacases.com/catalog/DEL...p-1-c-313.html

I think I want the magenta one. :approve:

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chefz

Has anyone tried using the ePersonal Clip or ePortable Clip cases from Casesonline? What IPAQ model would have the closest dimensions to the Axim x50v? It seems to me like the clip versions of the cases from Casesonline are really universal cases, but I can't tell for sure. Here's the link:
http://www.casesonline.com/configura...hp?cCountry=US

The attached shows the case I'm considering (although its definitely pricey, which is why I'm seriously considering Sena now that it has better colors)

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pawpals

Bellagio (or Fortte as they are switching to) cases will charge in the cradle. They & Sena sell all cases with and without clips.

Anyone found a flip case that will let you store a battery?