 This is the first metal case that I have actually been able to use. You may be wondering why I keep giving such high ratings to so many products. The reason is very simple: I truly believe that they deserve the rating! Metal cases have very important uses such as the fact that most of them, including this case, provide some extra crush and shock protection. Innopocket has done an excellent job with this case and they made sure to leave openings for virtually all the important items on the outside of the device. This review was written while testing this case for the HP iPAQ HX4700 and the Compaq iPAQ 3835.
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The first interesting feature that was immediately noticed when I took this case out of the box is how cold it can get. My first thought was that it was because it sat in the cold for a while but even after sitting inside for a few hours, it was still very cold. Many times, after using my iPAQ for long periods of time, it will get hot, and this will help to keep it slightly cooler but I also just like the coolness in general. Obviously, you must begin my inserting the device into the case. The HX4700 fits very snuggly into the metal case and there is thing padding over most of the interior to help protect the device from shock (dropping it) and to avoid scratching from the, in some cases, sharp metal, but I didn't notice any dangerously sharp edges. After the device is fully secured, you may close the lid and I am impressed with the overall quality with the hinge. It appears strong and it should hold up well to everyday use. The lid is very hard to open once it is securely closed and this is good in many respects but it can be difficult to open if you are not careful.
 
As pictured above, you will notice that the cover does include openings for the microphone, activity lights and light sensor, and the speaker. It does not include an opening for the HP logo like the JavoSkin case does but this doesn't bother me because the fewer openings there are, the more protection the case provides. In addition, the lid provides two MMC or SD card slots. They hold the cards very securely but there is one problem that I see. The cards are held so the metal contacts are showing which will allow them to get dirty easier and there is a higher chance that electric shock could destroy the cards. My tendency is to use the lid as a hand rest and, therefore, my hand rests on the cards but more importantly, on the contacts. On the top, the memory card slots in the HX4700, the power button, the stylus, and the headphone jack can all be easily accessed. The left side also includes a large opening so the audio recording button may be easily accessed as well.
Above is a picture of the Innopocket case for the Compaq iPAQ 3835 and it is very similar to the case for the HX4700. It connects to the 3835 through the expansion pack system and the cover opens just like the included plastic screen cover opens. I prefer the metal case because the cover provides more protection and it also doesn't hold fingerprints like the plastic does. However, it doesn't allow you to see through, but that doesn't bother me.
Lastly, the HX4700 Innopocket case includes small rubber grips on the side to increase security while holding the device. A screw is included that can be screwed into the back of the case and you may then attach the included belt clip to that screw. These great features that allow the device to be used almost without even noticing the case is on and the level of protection provided by the metal casing is very impressing. Innopocket claims that this is scratch resistant and after a few days of use, I have not put a scratch into it, that I can see. Innopocket also makes very similar cases for many other devices, including the iPod Mini and other PocketPC's so be sure to check them out if you are interested in an excellent case that provides a high level of protection. More information |
