Treo 700w cases showdown

Two cases for the Verizon Treo 700w really caught my eye and this may not be a Mac or iPod related review but this is a blog about technology so skip reading if you lack complete interest in the Treo and cases for it.

Pielframa, a company of Spain that manufactures cases for all kinds of portable devices has a case made specifically to fit the Treo 700w and the Treo 650 (an older model). Pielframa’s cases are always high quality but they have used the same concept as they do for their iPod cases for a phone and missed a crucial piece of the pie. When my phone rings, I have to unsnap the face, lift the cover and answer the phone. All the while, my antenna gets in the way of the flip top and it also is not removable so while I’m on the phone, this leather flap is sitting on my head or extremely bent around the back of the phone which I don’t recommend for leather.

The clip is a standard clip which is not a bad thing and does have a lock swivel mechanism so I can put the phone sitting sideways on my hip so when I bend over, I won’t be hindered by the phone digging into my side. The dark and Kevlar type material is appreciated to keep the leather from getting scratched when you rub against things as you go throughout the day and to be honest, this phone would work well if you used it with a Bluetooth headset and only lifted the face to jot down a note or check emails but the face does become quite miserable. An open face with a screen protector in the form of clear plastic would work much better if the leather covered all sides of the phone locking on top keeping the phone form escaping out and only the screen and keyboard were accessible. Overall, a great case but for someone with a constant ringing phone, it needs a bit of work. http://pielframa.com

Proporta, a UK based company has cases and accessories for a multitude of digital products. They have items for PDAs, computers, phones, cameras and iPods and they have quite a few items for the Treo 650 and 700w including a rubber / latex case that clings to you via a neck lanyard or sits in your pocket. This case does not have a belt clip a long time complaint of mine in regards to many of Proporta’s products especially when it comes to latex because in your pocket, these cases collect every bit of lint and water is required to get the stuff off.

The case fits the Treo 700w perfectly and all that is exposed is the keyboard and display. The bottom is even open to plug the device into the wall for charging and an open hole in the back for the built in camera. Pair this with a belt clip and it would easily be my favorite case for the new smartphone but it will have to say home cause I can’t hold this in my name or place around my neck all day. http://proporta.com