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Contact Info: info@rhinoskin.com URL: www.rhinoskin.com PalmInfoCenter.com Bottom Line: The Price: $79.95 The Pros:
The Cons:
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Palm V Molded Hard case Robert Zach (zachr@lucent.com) 6/12/2000  If you are reading this site, you may be somewhat of a Palm Addict like me.
I take my Palm Vx everywhere and as a result it really takes a beating.
What I really needed was a sturdy case for my Palm V that didn't reduce
the size benefit of having a V series in the first place.
The RhinoSkin Palm V molded hard case is a excellent solution! As the name implies, this is a molded case (it may even be stamped - but that's just semantics) meaning that it conforms tightly to the Palm V dimensions. The material is aluminum, which means thin and light! The "molding" process leaves the case with very nicely rounded corners as opposed to some of the other "fold and rivet" processes that I have seen. This makes the case easy to slip in and out of pockets. The ribbed panels also add to the strength and the "executive" appeal of the Palm V's already sleek lines.  The closure mechanism is a dimple catch type, which actually works very well and
is quite secure. The case also has cutouts for access to the stylus as well as the
IR port. Inside are foam pads that adhere to both halves of the case.
This keeps the Palm from rattling in the case. The palm itself slides
into the case on the rail system. The rail RhinoSkin provides is part of the
hinge system (like the Palm plastic hard case works) and due to a small loop on
top of the rail, holds very snugly! Nice!
As much as I think this is the most elegant solution for a V series hard case, I did find some exceptions with my sample.  The first thing I noticed is that while there are nice rounded corners, thin aluminum
does leave sharp edges. RhinoSkin has eased all the edges on the case, and I probably
would have never noticed, except for the stylus access. The cutout for the stylus access
is just not quite large enough. In order to get out the stylus and not slide my thumb
across the edge, I have to use my left thumb to lift the Palm out of the back half of
the case a little and then catch the stylus with my right thumb. Without doing this,
my right thumbnail scrapes along the edge of the case. Simply making this cutout 1-2mm
wider would fix this entirely.
The next thing I noticed is that my Palm did rattle in the case somewhat. This could be solved with slightly thicker padding (which may even protect the contents that much better) or, as can be seen in the photos, it appears that the case could be even tighter on the Palm. There is a noticeable gap on the bottom between the case and Palm that could be taken in, and the unit could be slimmed to take away the rattle.  Others have commented on the scratching of the case. Yes mine has done that as well.
I feel about this as I do about the sharp edges - it's aluminum, it's characteristic.
This is a SOFT metal. I was wondering though how a clear enamel coating or even powder
coating in colors (people seem to like that colored Palm thing) might help this.
For me, it's not important, and adds to the character of the case.
If the price could come down $30-$35 it would be perfect, and I could overlook these small items. Despite the comments, this is simply the best hard case solution on the market. |
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RE: Molded Hardcase
$80 too high for the Aluminium one. The Ti one is higher, and that's what I ordered!!! Add $25 shipping and you can see that I care for my Palm.
RE: Molded Hardcase
Check out the new InnoPocket "Plus" Hardshell Case from Galen Worldwide. It's made of solid .05mm aircraft-grade aluminum. It is stronger amd sleeker than the Rhinoskin metal case. Also, it doesn't have the jagged sharp edges as on the Rhinoskin case, so you don't have to worry about cutting yourself. The best part is, for a limited time it's selling for $30 less! You can order online at: http://www.galenworldwide.com" CLASS=NEWS TARGET=_NEW>http://www.galenworldwide.com
RE: Metal Deluxe Case/Plus from Galen Worldwide
Kit Thornton
Excellent Case
Can it fit on the right rail for left-handers?
Palm V? Being a left-hander, I would put my Palm V into the case with the
right-hand side on the hinge.
RE: Can it fit on the right rail for left-handers?
The only issue is the clasp then faces you and the stylus has to be removed with the palm in the upper portion of the clam shell. My thumb trick mentioned in the article works well in this configuration though.
So, it's a little awkward, but works!
Molded hard case
RE: Molded hard case
Friday, got it delivered to my door Monday afternoon.
/Tomas
RE: Molded hard case
The confirmation arrived split seconds later - Will post a response when it arrives from the States.
RE: Molded hard case
Anyway the case itself is streets ahead of the pathetic Palm hardcase for the V and my only comments would again be the cost which is a bit too high really and the rather sharp edges which can probably be sanded down. A slightly heavier gauge metal may have helped with this.
RE: Molded hard case
Airbourne Express now want me to pay £18.42 in Duty and Import VAT.
This means that my case evenutually will cost me £95.13 !!!!.
Perhaps Rhino should consider using a different postal service to try and avoid this.
I guess its just one more kick up the bum for us poor souls living in rip off Britain.
RE: Molded hard case
Order from Galen Design Worldwide and you'll save money and headaches... We'll even mark your order as a "gift" to avoid custom duties.
For those looking into getting a Rhino Skin Molded Case for $79.95, please consider this...
Galen Design Worldwide has introduced a sleeker, solid aluminum metal case similar to the Rhino Molded case, but without the extra distracting bumps. Our case has a smooth face and back to truly conform the sleek profile of the Palm V (no unnecessary details). It has openings for the infrared and stylus. Works for both right and left hand users. It has a discreet dimple catch closure.
It comes in raw aluminum and anodized black aluminum colors. It is made of high grade .4 mm solid aluminum that is form fitted to the exact profile of the Palm V. The inside front lid is padded with black felt to cushion the Palm V face.
Here's the best part! The retail price is only $59.95. But for a limited time, mention PalmInfocenter and your price is only $39.95...save $20.00 (half the price of the Rhino case)!
Interested parties should contact: (metalpalm@galenworldwide.com) for ordering information. Remember to mention PIC to receive the discounted price.
RE: Molded hard case
How does it compare to Hard Case?
How does it compare (Usability, weight, WxHxL, etc.)
to the "Hard case" seen on palm.com ?
RE: How does it compare to Hard Case?
You will need to pay more for the Rhino case but considering the price of the Palm case its probably worth it.
RE: How does it compare to Hard Case?
Will this turn on in your back poclet?
Will this case solve the problem?
RE: Will this turn on in your back poclet?
Here's a Better Metal Case for Less Money!
Galen Design Worldwide has introduced a sleeker, solid aluminum metal case with a similar to the Rino Molded case, but without the extra bumps on the face. Our case has a smooth face and back to truly conform the the sleek profile of the Palm V (no unneccesary details).
It comes in raw aluminum and anodized black aluminum colors. It is made of high grade .4mm solid aluminum that is form fitted to the exact profile of the Palm V.
Here's the best part! The retail price is only $59.95. But for a limited time, mention PalmInfocenter and your price is only $39.95...save $20.00 (or $40 off Rino Skins price)!
Interested parties should contact: (metalpalm@galenworldwide.com) for ordering information. Remember to mention PIC to receive the discounted price.
CAUTION !! - RE: Here's a Better Metal Case for Less Money!
I recommend at least reading the following two reviews before deciding to purchase:
http://reviews.pdalive.com/innopocket.html
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/innopocket-review.html" CLASS=NEWS TARGET=_NEW>http://reviews.pdalive.com/innopocket.html
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/innopocket-review.html
RE: Here's a Better Metal Case for Less Money!
Our retail price for this new model is $79.95. For a limited time, you may get one of these for only $49.95 (a $30 savings)! You may order online at: http://www.galenworldwide.com" CLASS=NEWS TARGET=_NEW>http://www.galenworldwide.com
RE: Here's a Better Metal Case for Less Money!
Kit Thornton
RE: Here's a Better Metal Case for Less Money!
almost twice as heavy as it was before.
here's a crappier case for cheaper than what Galen wants
I have one of those InnoPocket cases and they really stink, wouldn't protect the palm from anything except maybe the screen from getting scratched. Haven't tried the InnoPocket Plus but it doesn't sound much better and I'm not willing to spend $33 to risk it.
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Molded Hardcase