When I decided to sell my C860 and go with the 6000 I had two key concerns: 1) would it really be
that big, and 2) would I be able to find a case for it. The answer to #1 was an unqualified yes. Compared to my 5600, the C860 and my much beloved Palm V the 6000 was a behemoth. The answer to #2 seemed a bit open.
I scoured the ZUG looking for any help or hope. I found some promising options (
e.g., Otterbox) but nothing that looked like a clear win. I searched the internet and found a company in New Zealand that had a case that was about 1/2 inch too short and perhaps 1/8 to 1/4 too narrow. One afternoon on a lark I stopped by one of the local
FranklinCovey store thinking I might be able to press a day planner case into service. I found more than I hoped for.
Product: FranklinCovey Leather Portfolio for All Handhelds with Universal PDA Clip (2 sizes)
Cost: $49.95 - $59.95 (see bottom of the review for more on pricing)
Dimensions (pocket): 7 3/4" (L) x 5 1/4" (W) x 1 1/2" (D)
Dimensions (compact): 8 5/8" (L) x 6" (W) x 1 1/2" (D)
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/1_side-by-side.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
The FranklinCovey Leather Portfolio is a leather case with zipper, PDA holder, pen/stylus holder and notepad slot. As you can see from the dimensions above they're not large. In fact the "pocket " PDA holder is very hand-sized. The compact also carries well in the hand. FranklinCovey do make a larger sized "classic" and even an almost brief-case sized "moncarh" model but they are not reviewed here.
In all honesty what most interests one in these cases is the PDA holder. As notepad holders they're passable but the pad holder is an off size that requires paper from FranklinCovey. (You can find small pads that will fit.) No, it's the PDA holder. What makes them so interesting and
universal is the PDA clip that holds the PDA in the case:
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/2_lg-case-open.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
As you can see in the image above the "Universal PDA Clip" is just that -- a large U-shaped clip that grips the PDA and holds it in place. No messy adhesive velcro strips or suction cups. Your PDA stays in pristine condition. The PDA clip is made by Affinity and is marketed as the "Affinity Universal PDA Clamp" and is noticeably marked "Patent Pending". I'll gladly accept Affinity getting a patent on this device because it really works. The clip works by spring tension. One side of the clip is securely fastened in the leather portfolio while the other slides out:
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/3_lg-case-holder.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
To insert the PDA Affinity recommend you place the left side of the PDA against the sliding bracket and pull it towards you:
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/4_lg-case-6000.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
Once you've pulled the clip open far enough to slide in the right side of the PDA you gently relax the sliding clip in so that clamp holds the PDA nice and snugly. The clamp has quite a bit of tension, enough to hold almost any PDA securely but not so much as to damage your portable assistant. To prevent marring the finish the inside of the clamp is rubberized.
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/5_lg-case-6000_2.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
The clamp is about 3/4" deep by 1 5/8" width and can accommodate PDAs ranging from 1 5/8" to about 3 1/4" (note the Zaurus SL-6000 is just about 3 1/4" wide -- and it fits!). Given the depth of the clamp PDAs like the much loved Palm V aren't good candidates. No, this is a clamp for a real PDA.
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/6_lg-case-6000_3.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
All the images so far have been of an SL-6000 in the compact case. The pocket case works quite well with the 5600 (and presumably the 5500 and perhaps the clamshell models):
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/7_sm-case-5600.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
But it's also just right for the big 6000:
[img]http://www.hypernote.com/others/zaurus/fc_pda_case/8_sm-case-6000.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /]
It's a close fit but the 6000 fits just fine; the case closes without and hesitation or catching of the zipper. Indeed, it almost looks like it was made for the 6000.
Other bonuses include 2 SD card slots and in the compact case a card holder (business or PC Card).
Downsides -- yes there is one. I think FranklinCovey are discontinuing them. I bought both cases for $19.95 each and they had special "yellow" tags on them that look like closeout stickers. The Houston store at Westheimer and Shepherd still had some last week when I was there. I checked the FranklinCovey website but couldn't find them listed but didn't make as thorough a search. This
search on Google turned up some hits for the FranklinCovey portfolios. I'm sure further research might turn up more options.
Durability of the cases seems to be good. I've had mine now for several weeks and like them a lot. We're not talking "top grain" leather but I don't think it's bonded either. I expect these cases will give many years of use and protection for your PDA.
Find a FranklinCovey store near you and snatch these up before they're gone!
--Aaron
(Note to Admins: if you want to move this to reviews feel free. I couldn't figure out how to create one.)
