Reviewed by: Greg Gaub

Check out the Smartercase web site for more info.

Got a PDA that you just can't seem to find a protective case for that fits? Do you carry your PDA in your purse, bag, or briefcase all the time, and hate how the buttons keep getting pressed, or are you worried about your precious "secondary brain" getting damaged? Well, don't stop looking until you've checked out a Smartercase!

Smartercases aren't form fitting for each device on the market, but they are unique. Each Smartercase is a clamshell of steel, held together with a piano hinge style hinge, and kept shut with a leatherette tab with a snap. This alone is not like any other PDA case, but there's much more. Smartercase has designed a line of these cases with a VAST array of different coverings. You see, each case is covered with a material, ranging from faux leather to twill, to zebra print, and everything in between. If you can't find a smartercase that suits your style, then you probably don't have a style. ;-)

The interior of the case is designed to accommodate nearly any palm-sized PDA, including every PalmOS PDA except the Visor Prism, and most, if not all PocketPC PDAs. The PDA is held in place by a couple small pieces of hook and loop tape. The loop side is adhered to the back of your device, wherever you prefer to place it in the center third of the back of the device. The case has the hook side of the tap in the center third of the right side of the case. On the inside of the case, each side holds a molded plastic insert with a fuzzy lining to protect the device from small bumps and scratches. On the left side interior of the case, there's a small paper note pad, and a small elastic loop for your stylus or a small pen.

The case is held securely shut with a snap on a tab that is bonded to the bottom half of the shell and snaps to the top of shell. This is nice because there's no loud tearing sound of a velcro closure, but it's still held closed securely.

Now, this case is not sold as shock or crush-proof, so don't drop-kick your palm to your friends in this case. But, if you carry your PDA in a bag or briefcase, Smartercases offer excellent protection from damage by other objects.

Likes

1. Many stylish designs to choose from
2. No velcro closure
3. Case held shut securely by a snap
4. Quality hinge that is unlikely to wear out
5. Reliable protection from small bumps and other objects
6. Pen loop and note pad useful when needed
7. Easy to remove PDA from case to synchronize

Dislikes

1. Adds bulk to your PDA
2. PDA held in case with velcro
3. Difficult to use side-mounted buttons and expansion on PDA while in the case
4. Interior seems flimsy (though is probably that way to help absorb small shocks)

Rating: 4 needles (out of five).