Customer Reviews

PalmOne M500 Series Hard Case

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I have read many complaints about the way this case closes, namely: (1) it turns the Palm on and drains the battery, and (2) it is very hard to close.

So the moment I received this item I watched out for these two problems. It took me a minute to figure out that (1) is, indeed, a problem -if- you keep using your old stylus. Fortunately the case comes with a replacement that has an oversized, anatomic butt, for easy access while in the case. One the new stylus was in place, I couldn't make the case turn the unit on.

(2) is even easier--just follow the instructions. The case is meant to be closed by applying pressure half way on the side. There's even a small arrow to indicate that. Put both lids together, apply pressure at that point, and <clic> it locks.

With this out of the way, I have to say this case is very good. It's sturdy, sized perfectly, and -very- beautiful. The hinges are concealed so it won't entangle like other models. The lid
can turn 180 degrees (just like the pathetic leather-like rubber lid that comes with the Palm). I got it for "a good price" and (contrary to what I was expecting) I think it's worth every penny.

The only downside is the business card holder. I don't think it can comfortably keep more than three cards. The holder has two very tight pockets, to slide in two corners (one side) of the business cards. I found that using both pockets is a pain because their grip is way too tight. Instead, I use one pocket only, leaving three corners of the business cards free. It works perfectly fine.

I love my m505 and bought the Palm hardcase (from a retail vendor) to protect it from harm. While stylish looking, I had nothing but problems with the case. It's composed to two hinged pieces with the PDA resting between the two. It's manufactured such that

A) the top of the case is in contact with the protruding power button of the Palm, thus resulting in my PDA constantly being on in the case, draining the battery

B) in order to open the case, you have to press the bottom section of it in while pressing the top section out, oftentimes turning on your Palm inadvertantly

C) the edge of the top half of the case cuts into your hand when it is folded back to hold the unit.

D) there are no storage slots for expansion cards

E) for the case to be completely closed, the provided stylus with a large plastic end must be used (otherwise there is an open slot where the stylus fits).

All in all, I wish I had not purchased this item.

This is a great case. I just replaced my Palm Vx with a 515, and used the Palm hard case for the Vx and loved it, despite it getting poor reviews ("its plastic, not classy, so awkward" blah blah blah.) That was a great case that saved my Palm a hundred times when dropped, fit into my jeans or pants pocket without bulk, and this new case is so far just great- the updated version. The other reviewers say it turns the palm on, and drains the battery. I almost did not get this based on the other reviews, but am so glad I tried it. I have not had that problem and have closed the case a thousand times trying to duplicate that problem. Has not happened. If you like a hard case like me, this one is great.
Unfortunately the series V hard case will not fit the m500 series- why, Palm, why? The stylus is just a little smaller. The size of the PDA is identical, but the stylus difference means the older case won't work. A real pity, since it is a slimmer, lighter case.

Note the positive review from a M515 user! The battery problems are with the M505 model. The power button on the M505 protrudes out further than the M515 model. It's a great case, but just does not work well with m505/battery issue.

The case is nice, but the powering on the Palm is a major problem! I loved the way the case looked and did not find opening it very difficult. However, no matter how careful I was on closing the case shut, it would power the Palm on! A major flaw. Just taking the closed case out of my briefcase with the slight squeeze to pull it out-- turned it on. I think using the supplied stylus probably helped from closing it incorrectly so as not to squeeze too hard, but only if you carefully closed the case and not squeeze near the power button. For the 2 days I had tried to use it, I spent so much time trying to make sure it closed correctly without turning my Palm on. I took it back and got my money back. If they only fix this problem then I might consider it again. I ended up getting the Franklin Covey leather covered metal hardcase. It may not snap/lock shut, but it provides sturdy protection you would expect from a hardcase.

I Received my hard case yesterday. I am very pleased with this product. I am using this case with the m515 and therefore do not have the power-on problems that those with the m500 have experienced. Previously I was using a Vx with the Palm hard case and was very pleased with the case. This case is a vast improvement over the Vx case. The case fits very well and seems to be secure. I have seen versions from Rhinoskin and thought that they were sort of clunky and unrefined. The only drawbacks to this product that I have noticed have been mentioned previously. It is not possible to hot-sync with the case installed (not a big deal) and there is no storage for expansion cards.

I bought this case to protect my 515. The 515 is fine after a few falls, but the case is not. The clasp broke after one month of use. There is also no place to store extra chips, which is annoying.

while it is a nice case, the power on problem is a major flaw with this case. No matter how careful I was, it turned on my Palm M505. I did not have a problem with the opening it and the fact it folds back is very nice. I think the supplied stylus helps one close the case correctly, but I still had to be extra careful not to close or squeeze near the power button. If you do that you are sure to turn it on. However, just closing it shut without much pressure also turned it on as well as when I took it out of my briefcase. Too much trouble so I took it back and got my money back. If they fix this flaw then I would consider it again.

An excellent case for the M515 with a few exceptions.
1. Can not Hot Sync until the case is removed.
2. The included syluii (2) are hard to find in retail/Internet to replace, if they are lost or broken.
3. Stylus has a tendency to slide out of the device and get lost.

The best part of the case is its capability to fold back on itself. This makes it easier to use the device while installed in the case.

Weakest Point: Lack of availibility of replacement stylii.

Having read many of the other reviews of this case the most common complaint seems to be inadvertantly turning on the power button. I have a m500 and have never had that problem, but I do have two complaints of my own.
1. Hotsyncing is difficult while in the case, but putting the hotsync cradle on the edge of your PC desktop allows the case halves to be "folded" back at a 90 degree angle from the PDA and then placed in the cradle.
2. The interior latch that closes the case, although clever, is not that strong. I've had mine for less than a year and the piece on the back cover has already broken. I thought I was relatively careful when closing it, but at some point it just broke. The case won't stay closed now and I'm trying to decide whether to get another or just live with it...