Reviewed by: Greg Gaub

Check out the Case Techworks web site for more info.

The Handspring Treo 180 was released only a short two months ago at the time of this review, and there are already a few options for cases for Treo users. In this review, I'll take a close look at the offering from Case Techworks. The case I was sent for review is the black case, but it is also available in three other color combinations as well: Forest/Tan, Navy/Tan, and Cream/Tan.

As the name of this case implies, it can convert from a design that protects the flip cover of the treo to one that merely helps hold the Treo to your belt. In both modes, the Treo is held securely in the case and converting between the modes is fast and simple, so switching back and forth while you decide which you like best is not problematic.

In "flip style" the case is held onto the Treo by the two ends, one holstering the base of the Treo where the application buttons are, and the other end slipping over the earpiece/speaker on the flip cover of the Treo. The half of the case that sheaths the flip cover of the Treo is held to the main section/back of the case with two snaps which are very secure. I have no fears of the snaps coming undone during use. The main advantage to this mode is that it offers a little extra protection for the face and front window of the Treo. There is an opening in the top that allows access to the power button, ringer switch, and status LEDs. A couple unfortunate side effects of the flip cover section include some obstruction of the application buttons, difficulty in closing the cover quickly and completely (until the leather stretches from use), and the leather above the hinge tends to bunch up when the lid is open which can obstruct the power button, ringer switch, and status LEDs.

In "holster style" mode, the flip cover sheath is unsnapped and removed, and a small loop of leather slides over the antenna and snaps to one of the snaps on the back of the case. With only the antenna strap, the face of the Treo is exposed and vulnerable (not that it's fragile ;-). With the antenna loop attached instead of the flip cover, the top of the Treo is fully accessible. In spite of the lack of protection from scratches, using the case in holster mode offers a few advantages over the other mode. The screen is easier to read without yet another layer between it and your eyes. The application buttons are easier to press without the leather of the flip cover getting in the way. The case closes more easily and opens more fully without the leather flip cover pulling it or bunching up behind it. And there's that much less bulk added to the Treo.

Holding the Treo in the case at the bottom, the application buttons end, is a small amount of leather with a clear plastic section that covers the application buttons and has a bar that goes across the face of the Treo just below the screen above the keys of the keyboard. The entire qwerty keyboard is unobstructed, and the thin plastic does not hinder the use of the application or scroll buttons. Unfortunately, though I don't have a Treo 180g to test with, I'm certain that the bar of plastic above the keyboard would be right in the middle to the top of the graffiti area. This would make this case almost worthless to 180g users, no matter which mode the case was used in, since the bar is always there to help hold the main part of the case to the Treo. While I would not recommend cutting the plastic bar to provide unobstructed use of the graffiti area, it would be possible, and would probably not greatly affect the security of the case, if at all.

While I neglected to take a specific photograph of it, the bottom of the case has an opening that allows the HotSync cable that comes with the Treo to connect while the Treo is still in the case. This is great for traveling, and should be perfect for use with a car charger. Unfortunately, even the small amount of leather that surrounds the base of the Treo is enough to prevent it from making contact in the HotSync Cradle. As such, users with the cradle will become annoyed by having to remove the Treo from the case every time they want to sync or charge it, which can be every night for those who use their phone a lot.

The Treo II Convertible Case w/Belt Clip uses a fairly standard style metal button on the back of the case, which slips into a slot with retaining walls on the belt clip. Pressing a button on the top of the belt clip lowers the retaining walls and allows the case to be removed from the clip. The clip button is a standard style, but not standard size. It's actually noticeably smaller than most clip buttons, and doesn't fit in other blet clips or mounting brackets. In fact, it's too small to fit into the mounting bracket I've been using in my Caravan. This puts a damper on my enthusiasm for this case, since I can't use it in my van as a hands-free solution. My other gripe with the belt clip design is that the button on the case is right about in dead center of the case back. This makes it such that the case doesn't actually hang on your belt so much as sit there, spinning around as your body moves. You could be walking down the street or getting out of your car to reach for your Treo and find it upside down or pointing backwards. This might be an advantage to some people, but not for me. I find it annoying.

The quality of the case is pretty good. No, it's not a Vaja, nor is it as expensive as a Vaja case. Overall I find the case to be good, but the relatively minor quirks add up for me enough to not use it.

Likes

1. quality construction
2. full access to all buttons
3. easy to use in either mode
4. extra protection from life

Dislikes

1. minor button obscrution in flip style mode
2. belt clip button not in the best position
3. won't work with HotSync cradle

Rating: 4 needles (out of five).

If you've used this product, please share your thoughts on it with other SeaPUG visitors. However, please do not review the review. ;-)

Added by: fred on May 09, 2002 Rated it: 5 Needles Comments: the tip i found on this post about using a piece of velcro to prevent swinging works great

Added by: David on May 06, 2002 Rated it: 3 Needles Comments: I'm not so keen on the thing. I don't like how the treo can spin around freely when clipped to your belt, and it sticks out too much. I'd prefer a stationary clip that holds the treo snugly against your belt.

Added by: fred on May 05, 2002 Rated it: 4 Needles Comments: i agree with your review only dislike that i have is the belt clip do not like it at all have been looking for other clips that might fit but so far no luck.

Added by: Rod Romo on May 05, 2002 Rated it: 4 Needles Comments: Gotta go with Greg on this one, It is a winner all except for the Cradle non-compatabiliy.