Customer Reviews

Targus CHCL01 Universal Pda/stowaway Combo

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I got this case for my Jornada and the HP Stowaway keyboard. I was very surprised to find that the Targus HP Stowaway keyboard does not fit into the Targus Combo case. You cannot zip the case around the HP keyboard, it is slightly too big for the case to zip up. I also was not confident that the two Velcro tabs would hold my Jornada securely in place. This combo case might be fine for Palms, but it does not work with the HP keyboard and Jornada.

The way that this case holds your PDA is lousy. You have to affix two adhesive-backed velcro strips to the back of your PDA in order to be able to put your PDA in this case. I think that's pretty lame right there, but if you use a Compaq iPaq it's a terminal problem, as you can't fit an expansion sleeve on the unit once you've attached the velcro strips. Blech.

I purchased this case looking for a compact way to carry my Targus keyboard *very cool accessory* and Visor Pro together. It works fine, and is very close fitting. My only discount on rating would be the velcro--It fits fine, but between the soft reset port located on the back, the expansion slot cover and the necessity to dock snuggly when synching, there isn't much room for the velcro pieces. My only other complaint would be the thickness of it...With those two tightly encapsulated in the case, it is quite a tower and pretty bulky. I'd say it's as close as it's going to get, however, as this case is a snug fit. For anyone who isn't really concerned with space, and not looking for a wallet, I'd go for it. I'll probably get a slim case for when I don't need my keyboard. I read a review where someone put the velcro on their hard cover--great idea, especially since you wouldn't need it for a slim case (it has holders which utilize the handspring's ports and snap in your visor). Good luck!

I have a Palm IIIxe and the keyboard didn't fit at first. But I hoped the leather would give a little stretch and with Targus lifetime guarantee that they purported, I gave it a shot and squeezed as much as I could without damaging my precious Palm foldable keyboard. Fortunately, it goes in JUST nicely, just keep your keyboard in there for the leather to mould to its shape.

However, I really HATED the segment for my Palm because of the irritating side holder bar for Palm Vx which is of no use for anyone without a Palm VX and is really a pain in the neck that nudges my Palm III to the outer edge. Plus, why would a Palm Vx owner need the velcro??

Also, the length of the case is TOO LONG for my Palm III, so I thought that was a waste of space (looks like it is to accomodate the longer HP Jornadas). This product tries to accomodate ALL types of PDAs, like Palms, pocket PCs etc but I really think they could do better by making a custom product for each range. Just doesn't make sense. I put my Palm slim leather case beside it and admired its micro dimensions, very much tempted to use the slim case plus the nylon case for my keyboard instead.....darn...

Targus needs to go back to the drawing board for this one, especially for Jornadas. There are just two pieces of Velcro holding your expensive Jornada in place - not very secure at all. I think it's really designed more for a Palm product as there is a spine on the left side to hold the Palm in place, a feature not found on the Jornada. I also have the Targus Stowaway Keyboard and it does fit, however it's a tight squeeze. If you have a Palm product you'll probably love this case. Look elsewhere if you have a Jornada.

I have a Visor Deluxe/Stowaway and the keyboard fits perfectly in the case and provides a very secure way to carry the visor. The velcro is very sturdy and if you don't want to velcro your Visor to the case, you can velcro the plastic cover that comes with it to the case and then your visor snaps in.

I bought the case to go with my IPAQ 3765 and keyboard. At first I thought there was no way I was going to get the PDA and the keyboard to fit. I even have an expansion pack with a compact flash card hooked onto my IPAQ. I had to "assist" the keyboard a little but it fit just fine. As far as the PDA is concerned, mine fits with no problem and I'd gather it's a bit more bulky than some of the other ones (don't forget I have an expansion pack added on). Also keep in mind that it's leather and as we all remember while growing up and having to buy leather shoes, LEATHER STRETCHES!!

I will add that I like a zippered enclosure for my PDA but that's merely a preference. Nonetheless, I can charge it without having to take it out of the case (not to mention synchronize).

I'm still trying to figure out why everybody complained about it.

Whomever designed this was definitely a minimalist. The "slot" for business cards is barely useable, the zippered compartment for the keyboard is a challenge to zip up- hope you're not in a hurry and there is absolutely NO room for an extra stylus, a memory card/stick. Save some $ and look for something else.

I agree with the previous reviewer that this combination does not work with the new IPAQ 3800 series, especially if you try to carry it with the protective sleeve that already comes with the IPAQ. In addition, the Stowaway Keyboard requires an extra adaptor piece to attach with the 3800 series, and there is no place to put that in the case.

I purchased this item for use with a Palm Vx and a Palm folding keyboard. The flap closure is almost useless and the zipper broke within a week.