.KEYWORD innopocket
.FLYINGHEAD PRODUCT REVIEW
.TITLE InnoPocket products outfit the Sony Clie line
.FEATURE
.SUMMARY From cases to stylie to screen protectors, InnoPocket produces a wide array of accessories for your Palm OS device. Contributing Editor Claire Pieterek has reviews of a number of InnoPocket products for use with the Sony Clie line of handhelds.
.AUTHOR Claire Pieterek
Need a cool case to carry your new Clie? Look no further than InnoPocket (at http://www.innopocket.com). InnoPocket offers lightweight but heavy-duty cases for the newest Sony models that will keep your prized Palm OS device protected in style. InnoPocket also offers other accessories to make your PDA life easier and more productive, such as replacement styli, HotSync cables, and screen protectors, all of which I’ll discuss later in this article.
.H1 Cases: common features
InnoPocket’s cases are brushed aluminum, which compliments the Clie’s matte silver finish very nicely. They are lined with neoprene on both sides to cushion your Clie. All edges are rounded, with nothing sharp to catch on fingers or clothes. Unlike another case I have used, the hinge has been designed so that the hinge pin will not slip out. Yes, that’s a minor detail, but I’ve been annoyed on more than one occasion when I got poked by my PDA case’s hinge pin! InnoPocket’s cases snap shut tightly but open easily, although they require two-handed operation, because they open like a book.
InnoPocket has been quick to market with metal cases for the latest Clie models, including the T665c, NR70V, and the SJ/SL series. The Clie is held in the case by a set of three clips that correspond to the slots on the back of the Clie itself. These clips hold the Clie in the InnoPocket cases very securely. Just snap it into place and you’re ready to go.
In Figure A, you can see the back of a Sony Clie PEG-T650c, so you can see the slots on the back of the case. These align with the clips on the inside of the InnoPocket case to provide a secure grip.
.FIGPAIR A The Clie is held in the case by a set of three clips that correspond to the slots on the back of the Clie itself.
.H1 The Metal Deluxe Case
Figure B shows a Metal Deluxe Case with a Clie PEG-T665c inside.
.FIGPAIR B The Metal Deluxe Case fits the Clie PEG-T665c.
This side view lets you see many of the cut outs provided so that you can access all of the controls, such as the jog dial and headphone jack. You can also beam, remove, and replace the Memory Stick and HotSync via cable.
.BREAK_EMAIL Want more cases and cable reviews for your Clie? Click here.
Figure C shows the Metal Deluxe Case for Clie NR Series devices.
.FIGPAIR C Here’s a side view of the Metal Deluxe Case for Clie NR Series devices showing many of the cutouts for access to the controls.
I’m trying to track down an NX70V for review, and I really hope that it fits in this case. Although you can pivot the screen around and close it on top of the keyboard in this series, I would much rather have this kind of protection for the Clie. I don’t see myself thumb-typing on it, being more of a Graffiti person, so I would rather reduce the wear and tear on the Clie’s hinge and keep it in the screen-forward position.
The InnoPocket Metal Deluxe Case is a very sturdy, attractive case that fits well in a busy Palm OS handheld user’s life. It’s lightweight without being flimsy, and it’s reasonably priced. However, if you’re really serious about this case, I highly recommend InnoPocket’s USB HotSync Recharge Cable (see below for details). Otherwise, you’ll find yourself constantly flipping your Clie in and out of the case to recharge the battery or to perform a HotSync operation.
This is one of the most nicely-made and thoughtfully designed cases for Palm OS devices that I have used. It’s easy to use all of the Clie’s features without taking the Clie out of the case, unless you don’t have a USB HotSync Recharge Cable. As a long-time Palm OS device user, I am one of those who prefer a hard case. Although I’m more accustomed to using a top-hinged case, I’m really pleased with the InnoPocket Metal Deluxe Case.
.H1 The USB HotSync Recharge Cable
Figure D shows the InnoPocket USB HotSync Recharge Cable, which will cut your ties to the cradle.
.FIG D With the InnoPocket USB HotSync Recharge Cable, you’ll have no more bulky transformer brick to tote around.
This is one of the handiest things any Palm OS device owner can have, and you’ll really want to have one if you’re using one of the InnoPocket cases. This cable is compatible with many Clie models. Check the InnoPocket Web site for full details on compatibility with your Clie model. All you need is the cable. No more cradle, no more transformer. If you travel or simply want less clutter on your desk, this cable will come in extremely handy. Plug your Clie in, press the button when you want to perform a HotSync operation, and life is good.
.H1 Metal Stylus for Clie
Feeling calm, cool, and collected? Go for the matte chrome stylus. Is it a shiny, happy day? Go for the sleek chrome stylus. Either way, you’ll be glad you did. Both are pictured in Figure E.
.FIG E InnoPocket offers matte chrome and sleek chrome styli.
These InnoPocket styli are far superior to the stock Sony styli shipping with some of the newer models.
I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like the stylus that came with my Clie PEG-T650. It’s about as cheesy as the old plastic styli that came with my first Palm OS devices, like the Pilot 5000 and the PalmPilot Professional. InnoPocket offers a two-pack of replacement styli for Clie that are really nice and a good value to boot. You get both a matte chrome stylus and a shiny chrome stylus in the same package for less than $16. They fit the NR, T, and SL series silos. Unfortunately, they’re too thin for my big old N710C.
As with the stock Sony stylus, the top unscrews and provides a reset pin. Unlike the original model, the InnoPocket stylus has a good feel in your hand, and the silicon tip provides good response when writing.
.H1 Clie Screen Protection Filter
The InnoPocket Screen Protection Filter is very similar to the Brando Workshop Screen Protector I reviewed in the March 2002 issue of PalmPower at http://palmpower.com/issues/issue200203/brando001.html. It applies in one easy step and keeps your screen from getting scratched. Now that manufacturers are cracking down and charging for screen replacements, it’s worth a couple of bucks for a product like this to prevent screen scratches from distorting Graffiti recognition and causing you problems.
The Clie Screen Protection Filter is pictured in Figure F.
.FIGPAIR F Keep your Clie screen clean in one easy step.
InnoPocket provides high quality products at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for nicely designed and well-made products to protect your Palm OS device or enhance your PDA life, I recommend you check out InnoPocket’s innovative products.
.BEGIN_SIDEBAR
.H1 Product availability and resources
For more information on InnoPocket, visit http://www.innopocket.com.
For the article, "Brando Workshop keeps your handheld charged up and protected," by Claire Pieterek in the March 2002 issue of PalmPower, visit http://palmpower.com/issues/issue200203/brando001.html.
For more information on Palm handhelds, visit http://www.palm.com.
.H1 Easy, flexible article reprints
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.END_SIDEBAR
.BIO
