Customer Reviews

RhinoSkin Aluminum HardCase for Palm m500/m515 Series

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

 

 

I, too, had heard that these were primo cases. I purchased one on-line for my new m-515 and had it in my paws in short order. When I opened the box, I found exactly what I had seen on the computer screen - sort of.

The pictures on the RhinoSkin web-page show a beautifully-styled case. What they DON'T show is the tacky, cheap-looking exterior hinge, replete with sharp edges on both ends. The inside edges of the case were kind of sharp, too. A real let-down, but I was really happy I didn't spring for the titanium version.

This turkey went back into the box and was promptly exchanged for the pricier Palm aluminum case. If shopping for an upscale, tough-as-nails, and convenient-to-use SUV-class case for your Palm, the Palm product is the one to buy.

This is my first hard case. Previously, I had been using E&B leather cases for my Palms.
The pros of this case:
* Relatively easy to open - the palm hard case is comparatively tough to open quickly.
* Tough - can take a knock and doesn't appear worse for wear
* Hard to scuff the metal - the Palm hard case marks up easily
* Easy to slide out Palm from case to sync. Some people have said their palms have fallen out when they open the case - considering this would only occur if you are not careful I dont really have an answer. The fact is that if you want to sync each day as I do, you need to take it out of the case, which means the sliding is what the case spine is meant to allow.
* Doesn't cause the palm buttons to be pressed - as has been claimed with the Palm hard case.
* looks smart on a desk

The negatives of this case:
* The hinge metal work could be more stylish
* You have to take the palm out to sync
* Left on a desk, the case can attract attention and dissapear.

Conclusion: I like this case and I think it does a good job. It has protected my Palm for the last 6 months without incident. Its surface has also held up well and hardly has a scratch on it that shows. If you need a hard case because you are a little brutal with your electronic gadgets, then this is the case for you.

I had heard this was the best cases on the market when they came out and were originally designed for the Palm V. However, while the new cases say they fit the M505, mine did not. The rail was too skinny and my Palm M505 slid right off the rail and onto the floor--thank goodness it was carpeted! They supply plastic adjusters to slide onto the rail so it can fit the Palm V, but my husband tried his on it and it slid off too. Most other reviewers just put a piece of tape on the end so that it will provide a catch to hold it on the rail--but, I don't like having to pay so much for a case and having to provide my own tacky fixes! I tried the case on an M500 and it fit good, but not it does not fit for the M505.

I am deployed to Iraq (LSA Anaconda) and I really enjoy the aluminum hard case...I slip my pda into the pocket of my military uniform and sometimes I would worry about knocking it around. Not anymore...the case is strong...light weight...easy on the eyes...and I thought the price was great off of Amazon.com...I keep a lot of good information on my pda and feel confident that I wont loose it now...If you hot sync frequently I would recommend taking the pda out of the case first and then place it in the cradle...easy enough...I am very pleased with the case and would recommend one to my friends.

thanks for listening
Joe in Desert

Okay, I've got a Palm Vx and I have this habit recently of using it before bed, reading the news or playing games, or whatever. And the thing is, I ALWAYS FALL ASLEEP while I'm using it, so EVERY NIGHT I DROP my poor Palm onto my hardwood floor. And EVERY MORNING I wake up and it's A-OKAY -- no cracks, nothing! It really would be broken by now without the Rhinoskin. So it does the job!! The only glitch with this case is that once your Palm is in there, it's a pain to get out. And for synching in your cradle (w/my Vx), you kind of have to rest it carefully on there with the case butterflyed-out to make it fit. It's no big deal; just a little awkward. Overall, it's a great case.

I read the previous reviews and decided this was the item for me. I don't see all the fuss about the hinge. A small file takes care of any sharpness. It is a sturdy hinge and the looks of it doesn't bother me at all. The case conforms size-wise to the Palm and is compact enough to fit in most any pocket and does a great job of protecting the Palm. My Palm is a Vx so I had to use the supplied plastic sleeves to fit the case to the palm. It fits great with the sleeves. I can still sync and charge my palm in the regular cradle that came with my Palm Vx without taking it out of the Rhino case. I just have to open it up first.