Dell X50v/X51v leather case from Sena Cases

November 3, 2005 | | format - Other (ar.) | viewed - 71x
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Dell X50v/X51v leather case from Sena Cases

Having searched the web and read several reviews of PDA cases of different brands on servers devoted to Pocket PC/Windows Mobile, I eventually came across a case that matches my need ideally: perfect manufacture quality, keeping the size of the PDA down, easy to use, ready for charging the device in the cradle, without a buckle and without a belt clip. The only case to fulfil the requirements was one from Sena Cases.

The first thing you will see after opening a large FedEx envelope is a brown-and-grey-striped box with Sena Cases logo and website to remind you where to buy a case for your next PDA:) I was surprised by the glossy box as it is quite uncommon on our market - usually, you get the case in a plastic bag. Another surprise is lurking in the box: a large red felt pouch with the manufacturer's website on it. Is this meant to be the thing? It is not very convenient to carry a PDA around in a pouch;) Yes, you guessed it, the case is inside the pouch.

I opted for a black version of the case because there are not many options for a devout Depeche Mode fan:) But do not worry, you can choose from several single-colour and two-colour versions. I am not a leather expert, so I cannot tell what kind it is but the leather is very soft and smooth to the touch. Sena logo is imprinted in the front.

Do not search for a buckle - I wanted a model without it, so the case holds closed by two magnetic fasteners sewn in the flip and the base part, which is perhaps the best solution possible. They are strong enough to keep the flip fast in place, even if you shake the case with the device lightly by the flip.

When you open the case, you will see pockets for 2 SD cards, business cards and a CF card or a spare battery on the inside of the flip. The base part that holds the PDA is made of a single piece of leather, edged around openings for the display and buttons. The back bears an imprint "Genuine Leather" assuring the users that it is not leatherette.

The Dell has buttons only on the left-hand side with the case having corresponding cuts-outs as well as one for the system connector on the bottom side to connect the cable or cradle. The leather being extremely thin yet very durable, you can put the device in the cradle without taking the device out of the case before synchronising or charging. This is one of very few cases that allow for that. The case is therefore quite tight which is why the PDA is hard to insert and won't move a bit. One can say the case becomes an organic part of the PDA.

When you turn the case around, you will discover a much-needed opening on the back that allows you to press the reset button with the stylus. Another opening in the base part of the case allows you to connect headphones and use the device as an MP3 player.

Real-life experience

The base part of the case is durable enough to protect the PDA against harsh treatment. I dropped the PDA from about a metre to the tiled floor in our kitchen. Fortunately, it survived. :) After a month when I removed the case several times for various reasons, it has remained as tight as it was at the beginning. The magnetic latches keep the flip firmly closed yet it is easy to open with the thumb of the hand holding the device; you do not need both hands for that. The PDA slips easily into the cradle. In other words, you put the case on your PDA and never remove again.

About Sena Cases

The company specialises in hand making of leather cases, like many other companies. It offers cases for PDAs from Dell, HP, Sony, Palm, Toshiba, Apple (iPod), HTC, Fujitsu-Siemens in several single-colour and two-colour variants with an optional removable belt clip.

Manufacturer website: www.senacases.com.