Pimp My Pocket PC!

Apologies for the title, as I'm sure I'm not the first author to use it, but when I received a beautiful case from Sena Cases last month, I decided to do a little write-up of all the cases I have and why and when I use each of them. Each case will have a "Pimp-factor" that will tell you how impressed your friends will be, as well as my notes on each style of case.

Pimp-factor: Low

If you're as clumsy as I am, one of the first cases you consider should be silicone. These cases, from Proporta, are unique in that the entire cover is a non-slip material. Although the cases look strange (see picture, below) they are the most shock-absorbent, because the entire case is made of rubber. However, they aren't as impact protective because the silicone material doesn't cover the screen and there's no "hard" material to protect against very strong hits or sharp objects. However, the cases are very lightweight and don't add much additional bulk to the Pocket PC. They're also extremely inexpensive (around $20) and have the buttons 3-D molded into the silicone so you can find them by feel (without looking at the device) and push them while the device remains in the case.

A silicone case puts a space-aged second skin over the housing (but not the screen) of your Pocket PC.

Also from Proporta is the crystal case, a case that's far less shock absorbent. Made entirely out of clear plastic, this case retains the look and feel of your Pocket PC but surrounds it with 360 degree impact protection. Since the case is totally clear, even the screen is protected with plastic. This is a great feature for Bluetooth GPS users, as it allows you to read driving directions while the unit stays enclosed in the case.

With the exception of some instances of the metal case (covered next), silicone and crystal cases are the only options that allow you to view the screen of your Pocket PC while they remain inside the case.

Pimp-factor: Medium

The first unique case to ever "catch my eye" several years ago, was the metal case from rhino-skin. When they began, they only offered cases for Palms, and I have to admit, I was jealous. Today, they have metal cases for many popular Pocket PC models. Some have a clear plastic area over the screen (as show, below) but others (like the versions for the Dell Pocket PCs) are all metal and do not allow you to see the screen without opening the metal cover. A padded interior protects your Pocket PC from scratches from the metal case and also provides minimal shock protection. Two notes: the clear cover fell out of my case (and could not be reinserted) after a few very hard impacts, and when I use this case with my Pocket PC Phone Edition, callers report an "echo sound" in my voice, so I've started taking the unit out of the case when I make or receive calls.

The metal case, such as this one from RhinoSkin, brings all the style of a Hummer SUV to your Pocket PC.

Proporta, (who makes the silicone and crystal cases shown earlier in this article) makes an aluminum lined with neoprene (for more Pocket PC models than rhino-skin), as well as two very unique additional cases. A black magnesium case which is reportedly stronger and 37% lighter than aluminum, includes the same neoprene lining and has all the style of the batmobile. And their aluminium-lined leather includes a sheet of aluminum over inside their leather case to protect the Pocket PC screen, which they call their "Screen Saver System."

Pimp-factor: Straight up pimpin'!

Sena Cases, the very reason for this article, have a top-of-the-line case that I would compare to a BMW. The lines of their dual-tone case (see picture, below) are clean and sleek, and the leather is soft and supple. Plus, the company has added very unique features, like the ability to detach the cover, a slide-in mirror and custom features specifically tailored to each device, like the ability to snap on the keyboard to the iPAQ 63xx and the ability to sync the device (only on specific models) -- both while they are still in the leather case! And, the cases are very reasonably priced (around $50 with shipping) for the innovation and elegance they provide.

The dual-tone case from Sena Cases is the ultimate in high style.

Whenever I get a new Pocket PC for my personal-use device, I buy a Vaja Case for it. Vaja Cases are the ultimate in luxury and style. They're expensive (around $100, with shipping) and take 45 days to hand-make, but they're worth it; the cases look like the inside of a Lexus. Vaja offers hundreds (literally) of styles and options for each device they make a case for, and you can even purchase matching leather cases for your MP3 player, Sony PSP, Sony Digital camera, and more. Because each case is handcrafted and made from specially selected leather, you own a one-of-a-kind product.

Custom leather options and hand-crafted workmanship make each Vaja case totally unique.

When it comes down to it, cases are a reflection of your style and taste, as well as a great way to protect your Pocket PC and the data you store on it. Rather than hiding your beautiful handheld in a generic case, why not make a statement with a pimpin' case that matches your personality?

Links to case manufacturers:

• Proporta (aluminum, crystal, leather, magnesium, and silicone cases)
• rhino skin (aluminum and leather cases)
• Sena Cases (leather cases)
• Vaja Cases (leather cases)