Donka's iPhone Rambles

I posted about this Pocket PC previously but more pictures of this tasty looking VGA WM5 PDA have appeared on the Mobile 01 site. I really can’t wait for this device to show up in the retail channel as it has all I can ask for in such a small form factor save for the graphic accelerator that the Dell Axim X50/1v range sports. At such a compact size though, I would be more than willing to do without such a component.
Check out the Mobile 01 site for more details.

Proporta’s Alu-leather cases take a minimalist approach to styling with the majority of Pocket PC being put on display when the case is open. Made from soft leather, the finish of this case is very good and, thanks to the firm but protected clips for holding the device in place, you have easy access to all components except the soft reset hole. This case also offers good storage options with two SD slots under the cover in addition to the removable cushioned insert that offers extra protection to your device combined with a see-through pocket at the expense of some added thickness. This insert is held in place by Velcro making it secure but still quick to remove.
The biggest asset to this case however is hinted at by its name; the leather flip incorporates an Aluminium insert allowing it to be relatively thin yet offer increased screen protection. A stylish touch is how this brushed Aluminium is visible through a small window on the inside.
Proporta employ a clever belt clip system that allows you to choose whether you want this option or not. Using this system is simply a case of screwing in the metal connecting post and then hooking on the detachable belt clip itself. If not, a discreet black screw fills the connector on the rear of the case and sits flush giving a smooth, seamless finish.
If you love the styling of your Axim, this is a good alternative to the many other cases available although the side protection on offer here is not quite as high as some. This case can also be used in the cradle with a bit of adjustment and may well be the ideal case for many.

This case is designed for the X50, X50v, X51 and X51v range from Dell. More details can be found at the Proporta website.

Vaja Cases are highly regarded in the community and this case just exemplifies why with a high quality fit and finish in excellent leather. This case is one of the smallest leather flips available for the X50 series. All holes match up perfectly and there is also access to the soft reset button on the back. The flip has two credit sized pockets and two of the SD variety. Overall protection is very good with a reinforced cover over the screen, although due to the curved design of the Dell, the bottom corners are exposed. The magnetic snap closure, however, does mean this case is larger than it could be with the closure folding under the device and securing on the rear. I remember the days when the majority of Vaja cases used a magnetic closure on the front of the case making them both slightly smaller and quicker to open. A vast choice of colour and styling combinations are on offer as well as the usual with or without belt clip. Vaja also offer an optional CF cut out on the top which will accommodate protruding accessories.
If you are a Vaja fan you will love this case but I would recommend it to anyone. Vaja probably offer the largest combination of customisations of any PDA case and you are guaranteed to be able to create something unique to your individual tastes.

The case is designed for the X50, X50v, X51 and X51v range from Dell. More details can be found at theVaja website.

Well the complaints of Windows Mobile 5 are slowly rolling in with the continued distribution of newer devices such as the Dell Axim X51 series. One thing I would like to see is the ability to enable or disable the two soft buttons at the bottom of the screen in the Operating System. Surely this would be a simple thing for Microsoft to implement as a global setting given that the Pocket PC is not dependant on these options??

Proporta recently sent me one of their silicon cases for the nano to have a look at so I thought I would write my thoughts here. The first thing that struck me was how complete the package was; as well as receiving the case itself, you also receive a belt clip and lanyard. There is a small loop on the corner of the case so the lanyard was expected but the integrated belt clip connector was a bonus. The connector is embedded and completely sealed in the silicon meaning that it is both secure and unlikely to mark the rear of the iPod. This is also almost totally flush on the outside for those that wish to forgo the use of the belt clip - a good design all-round.
Inserting into the case is as simple as stretching the window area a little and sliding the nano into place. As expected from a moulded solution, fit is perfect with access to the hold switch, screen, click wheel and bottom connections immaculate. In use the case is still pretty easy to withdraw from a pocket and is easily gripped in the hand. I would feel comfortable of the protection on offer should I drop the nano with the silicon giving a degree of shock absorbency and the only bulk that is added is a couple of millimetres in all directions.
With the click wheel and screen exposed at all times, using the iPod is simple however I would also recommend investing in a screen protector to avoid scratches. Available in different colours, I would stick with the black case for the black nano and the others for the white one due to the relative transparency of the silicon. The clear case on the black iPod looked ugly in my opinion.
Overall I would rate this as a very flexible way of housing your nano – the included lanyard or belt clip provide alternatives to carrying around your device and the protection on offer is great for day to day use. All this is wrapped up in a very practical package that is easy to use; the only downside being that the look of the nano is somewhat lessened.

More details can be found at theProporta Music website.

Proporta will be supporting the new video iPods announced this week with a number of accessories lined up. The place to keep an eye on is Proporta Music.

With the recent release of the iPod nano, Apple has sent third party manufacturers into over drive in an effort to get their various accessories onto the market in a timely fashion. One of the first to offer a quality leather case for the nano is Proporta with one from their much respected Aluminium Leather range.
For those of you not familiar with Proporta, they have been one of the leading suppliers of accessories for mobile devices over the past few years. Now with the launch of their new Proporta Music website, they are targeting a whole slew of digital audio players.
The Alu-Leather case is an attractive black leather case finished in white stitching. When you open this up, you will find the source of the Aluminium part of the name when an engraved metal plate is exposed through a small window in the cover. All very stylish and more importantly practical as this reinforcement, which is also in the rear panel, will ensure the maximum protection to your iPod.
The nano itself is secured in place by sliding into two firm leather covered clips with a reassuring but protective grip. The cover to the case flips over the top and is held closed with a magnetic stud fastening on the front. This fastening folds over from the rear of the device on the bottom left side leaving the headphone jack accessible at all times.
Protection is very high all round with the lightly padded leather cushioning virtually all blows and the aluminium inserts taking care of any sharp objects that could potentially penetrate enough to cause damage. With the open design of the case, you will never need to remove the iPod once in place although unfastening the cover will be required to access the data port or hold switch. I would also recommend a good quality screen protector to keep that shiny fascia in pristine condition on top of the protection offered by the case.
On the rear is a discreet removable stud for use with the included belt clip. I am not a fan of belt clips with my PDA cases but for use with a case for a music player, it makes total sense and is a great inclusion. It’s there if you want it but the case will look great if you don’t plan on using it.
Overall I can highly recommend this case; it offers great protection while still showing off the superb looking nano with the cover open. The only flaw people may find is the added bulk but this is more a product of this new iPod being insanely slim. Top marks to Proporta for getting such a good quality case out on the market so quickly.

For more details, pictures or to purchase, please visit the Proporta Music website.

Proporta have just beefed up their sister site, Proporta Music, with additional products. The latest batch of goodies cover the Archos range of Digital Audio Players. If you are on the lookout for an accessories for your DAP then you know where to go……