 Finally, a case that matches the HX4700! Innopocket has created a case that is similar to their aluminum case, but weighs less and is stronger. Black also seems to be a better color for a case since the HX4700 is also close to black or gray. It is an interesting case with an interesting feature, which is that it opens by the top of the case with a strange hinge mechanism that can make using the device more challenging, or easier, depending if it is used to the users advantage or not.
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| BoxWave sells products ranging from AA battery packs to styli with a built in ballpoint pen. Their products are very useful for PocketPC users and I find the BoxWave accessories that I have absolutely essential when I travel. |
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Like the other Innopocket case, this case includes a belt clip. It is very easy to use and the hold for the screw does not force the back to have a bump. Instead, a portion of the back is thicker, which does not cause an annoying small bump that sticks out. This is a great setup and I also like the fact that this provides additional protection and support. The HX4700 slides into the case similarly to the other Innopocket case, which was the aluminum case for the HX4700. It is nice to see how firmly the device is held in, as well, but the hinge at the top virtually eliminates all chance of the device sliding out. This brings me to the next topic. While this is the first case I have seen with a hinge like this, I am not disappointed. Even though it can be awkward, it can also be very helpful. For example, in the picture below, you can see that the device can be propped up by a few degrees to provide a better viewing angle under some situations.
This is my favorite way to use my device because in most cases, lights are above me and they cause reflections, unless I use this case with this angle. Openings can be found in various places. One of which is for the USB and charging port. I have found this opening to be too small because the Boxwave miniSync USB cable will not securely attach to the port. HP's included power adapter does, however, connect to the port because it is slightly smaller. Other openings seem to be just the right size and I have found the very important stylus opening to be large enough and it does not cause any problems for me. The front of the case does have an area at the bottom which sticks out. This must be to accommodate for the touchpad, but it is a bit strange. It makes the case look like some futuristic metal case for a strange device. The touchpad doesn't appear to be higher than the rest of the device and I don't think this is necessary, but I can't prove this because it may be to increase protection. It probably increases the gap between the case and touchpad and could help if the case was damaged because there is a little extra space. This area can be seen in the picture below.
As discussed briefly above, I would like to include additional information about the hinge. It consists of two hinges that can work together to provide many different angles. Innopocket did a good job making this hinge strong enough to last for quite a while. My testing has only been for a few days of normal use, but the hinge seems to be holding up well over this period of time. When the cover is opened part of the way, it can block the stylus and make it impossible to remove the stylus, so I usually fold the cover back so it is as flat as possible on the back of the case. Here is a better image of the hinge itself.
One problem with aluminum cases seems to be that they can be scratched easily. Magnesium alloy does seem to hold up better, but only time will tell. Even though it is stronger than aluminum, 20 times according to Innopocket, it still could be scratched, I'm sure, but it will take additional time before I will be able to report instances of scratching. Two SD card slots are included on the cover and this is very nice to have. I plan on purchasing a third SD card eventually and therefore, I need two slots at the very minimum. It is too bad that they store the cards with the contacts out, but I haven't seen a case that stores them with the contacts facing in. The case hardly shows any change on the iPAQ with it on because of the similar color and very thin wide bars that hold the device.
This version only costs about ten dollars more than Innopocket's standard aluminum version and I definitely prefer this over the original. My plan is to continue using this case because it has the best combination of features and one of the best is the fact that it has 2 SD card slots. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who wants strong protection for their device at a good price.More information |
