Surgery on the Sena case

jmckie · 04-08-05, 08:47 PM

I think I'd be happy with the Sena case that arrived today except for two issues. There was nothing wrong with the quality -it was a design problem.

The first thing is the leather on the sides of the screen. The corners intrude into the screen area which sometimes interfere with the stylus. Mostly when I try to hit the scrollbars or the corners, which is often.

The major issue is the bottom of the case. There is a cutout to access the buttons and the D-Pad. Unfortunately the down-button on the D-Pad is now hard to press because your finger hits the leather instead.

Has anyone tried to do surgery on their Sena cases? I've no way to put the protective stitching. Do you think the case will eventually fall apart if I were to simply cut out some strategic parts?

04-08-05, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by jmckie

The major issue is the bottom of the case. There is a cutout to access the buttons and the D-Pad. Unfortunately the down-button on the D-Pad is now hard to press because your finger hits the leather instead.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has found this to be annoying. I am too chicken to try to operate, though.

smeg36 · 04-08-05, 09:09 PM

Those are my only two complaints on an otherwise great case. I have kind of gotten used to the screen edges being covered, but would prefer if they weren't. I rarely use my d-pad when it isn't in the case, and even more rarely use it when it is.

jmckie · 04-08-05, 09:21 PM

The down button on the D-Pad is the most used button on my Axim. I read e-books a lot. Also need to scroll the screen a lot in Age of Empires. Over time this small annoyance is going to become a big annoyance. I'm going to take a knife to it and let you know how it goes. If the surgery goes south I can take it to a leather goods repair shop.

**warthog** · 04-08-05, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by jmckie

I think I'd be happy with the Sena case that arrived today except for two issues. There was nothing wrong with the quality -it was a design problem.

The first thing is the leather on the sides of the screen. The corners intrude into the screen area which sometimes interfere with the stylus. Mostly when I try to hit the scrollbars or the corners, which is often.

The major issue is the bottom of the case. There is a cutout to access the buttons and the D-Pad. Unfortunately the down-button on the D-Pad is now hard to press because your finger hits the leather instead.

Has anyone tried to do surgery on their Sena cases? I've no way to put the protective stitching. Do you think the case will eventually fall apart if I were to simply cut out some strategic parts?

I'd have to agree with your assessement, too. Otherwise, it's a great case. I LOVED the case they made for the iPaq 4155. It was snug, didn't add much bulk to the svelte 4155, and didn't have the design issues like the x50v case. I Like the axim case . . . I just don't LOVE it as much as I do the iPaq offering.

NiwRoC · 04-09-05, 01:17 AM

Nice case..
I also have issues with the d-pad but shift the unit a little upward to have better access.

Maybe an email should be sent to Sena suggesting they modify the case a little??

New2Dell · 04-09-05, 02:09 AM

Before you start cutting stitch the section you will cut. Make it just like the top part(shape that is) than after the stitching cut the access off. This will leave a profesional finish. I was going to do this but now I see that boxwave has the active case and I want to try that cause looks sleek and slim!

http://www.boxwave.com/products/acti...m-x50v_446.htm

jmckie · 04-09-05, 04:02 AM

I think it is cute that for $25, they wrote on the ad: "Dell Axim X50v not included".

The design of the that boxwave case looks like it will avoid both issues I mentioned above. And so will the new Innopocket Magnum: http://www.aximcases.com/store/detail/mdcx50mg.html

Will either the Boxwave Active or the Innopocket allow insertion into the cradle? (This was one of the reasons I liked the Sena)

It occurs to me that I don't have to cut up the case because I can still exchange it for another one. I wonder how long I'll have to wait if I chose the Innopocket Magnum?

04-09-05, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by NiwRoC

Maybe an email should be sent to Sena suggesting they modify the case a little??

Funny you should mention that. After I made my post last night I emailed Sena's customer service department to see if there were plans to change the cutout. I'll keep you all posted.

04-09-05, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by jmckie

Will either the Boxwave Active or the Innopocket allow insertion into the cradle? (This was one of the reasons I liked the Sena)

Unfortunately, no

. That feature has always been one of the smartest elements of the case design, IMHO.

New2Dell · 04-09-05, 03:24 PM

The InnoPocket looks bulkier, look at the sides how it stretches passed the axim sides. I'm almost 100% sure both cases will NOT sync to the cradle (to much plastic at the bottom).

I did the cut last night with a nail cutter and worked PERFECTLY! The leather will NOT keep tearing and looks GREAT. I went over the edge after I did the cut with a black magic marker and it blended it nicely. I don't have a camera so can't post pics.

P.S. The cut I did is where the thumb hits the botton leather when scrolling down.

ecard · 04-09-05, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by warthog

I'd have to agree with your assessement, too. Otherwise, it's a great case. I LOVED the case they made for the iPaq 4155. It was snug, didn't add much bulk to the svelte 4155, and didn't have the design issues like the x50v case. I Like the axim case . . . I just don't LOVE it as much as I do the iPaq offering.

I share your comments 100%. Also, the first thing I found when I got my case is the cover, it is too big. It was a way better fit with my 4150.

I also complained to SENA that the cover was not protecting my screen. If you close the lid while the unit is ON, and you press on it, it will touch the screen and select/change something. This tell you that if you press on the screen, it can damage it. Well, SENA was kind enough to send me a little plastic mirror to make the lid harder, and it works

My .02,
Eric

UnLoGiC · 04-10-05, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by New2Dell

The InnoPocket looks bulkier, look at the sides how it stretches passed the axim sides. I'm almost 100% sure both cases will NOT sync to the cradle (to much plastic at the bottom).

I did the cut last night with a nail cutter and worked PERFECTLY! The leather will NOT keep tearing and looks GREAT. I went over the edge after I did the cut with a black magic marker and it blended it nicely. I don't have a camera so can't post pics.

P.S. The cut I did is where the thumb hits the botton leather when scrolling down.

Pictures...please?

UnLoGiC · 04-11-05, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by UnLoGiC

Pictures...please?

I orderd myself a sena case last night and I'd really like to see some pictures of your nail cutting action!

04-12-05, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Funny you should mention that. After I made my post last night I emailed Sena's customer service department to see if there were plans to change the cutout. I'll keep you all posted.

Well, here's my official response from Sena:

Dear Cheryl,

We have not received any complaints about the case makes it difficult to press down the navigation pad. We are not planning to change the design since there is no space available on the leather piece.

Regards,
Frank

I guess I am the only one that has emailed them on this.

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