Windows Mobile Case Solutions

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

On the short list of accessories that Windows Mobile device owners need is a case.  Cases not only protect your device but often put that device in a convenient and easy-to-access location (like your hip).  In the not-to-distant past, most devices shipped with, at a minimum, a neoprene or vinyl slip case of some type.  Unfortunately this has changed in recent years and now is more of an exception than a rule.  Likewise, some owners quickly discovered that even if their device did come with a case, it was often not enough for them to hold just the device.  With memory cards, cables and other accessories, a slip case simply wasn't enough.

The good news is that with the OEMs dropping cases out of the included items, it has opened up a whole market for case manufactures - some focusing on the device only cases while some focus on larger, more "complete package" cases.  Two of these manufactures are Vaja Cases and RoadWired.  Vaja focuses on the device slip case market while RoadWired focuses more on a total solution for your device and accessories.  Both companies offer some unique features and style and to meet the needs of the wide range of Windows Mobile device owners. 

Focusing on individual device cases and producing some of the highest quality cases available, Vaja Cases of Argentina makes a wide range of cases for dozens of Windows Mobile devices and accessories as well as other electronic devices such as iPods and Motorola Razr phones.  What sets Vaja apart from many other manufactures is the quality and material they use to make their cases.  They are, in my opinion, second to none when it comes to other slip-case style designs.  The cases are constructed of full grain cow hide and are unaltered by Vaja other than the pigmentation to color the leathers.  This unaltered approach means that essentially each case is unique to itself as each hide or parts of a hide will have a different look.  Further, because they only use the upper end of quality leather, the cases with proper care should be expected to last a long and serviceable life.

When your Vaja case arrives via FedEx International, the box containing your case is impressive in itself.  Before you even see the case you can smell the leather aroma coming from it which is your first indicator of both the quality and luxury of the case.  When Judie Hughes at Gear Diary described the cases as having a "yummy" smell, I laughed.  When I received the case for my O2 XDA Atom, I quickly learned why she described them that way!  Included in the box is also a set of high quality product shots for you to view the various types of leathers and options available from Vaja as well as the wide range of devices they make cases to house.

Figure 1:  The Vaja Case Packaging

The case itself is simply beautiful.  The case I chose was a dual tone leather with a base leather in Brown Aniline and the trim in Rio Red Aniline.  I also chose to have a belt loop built into my case which is optional. When you visit the Vaja website you will quickly discover that your case can be made in hundreds of different colors and combinations.  Indeed this may be the hardest part of the buying process!  My only suggestion is to take your time.  Use Vaja's well designed website to preview how combinations are going to look and their appeal to you.  It honestly took me two days and several hours to decide and when I saw the case in person it was clear the time was well spent.

Looking at the case, the quality and workmanship put into it is obvious.  All of the stitching is smooth, tight and uniform which considering each case is hand made when ordered, is a testimony to the attention to detail Vaja puts in each case.  The leather on the outside is smooth but firm while the brushed leather on the inside of the case is soft and supple.  You will not have to worry about scratches on your device in this case!  Finally, my case has two magnetic closures to secure the top flap around my device when it is attached to my belt.  You will also note the small cut out at the bottom of the case.  This is the push point for you to push your device out of the case when you need to access it.

Figure 2:  External View of The Vaja Case (note the tight and uniform stitching)

Figure 3:  Internal View of The Vaja Case

From a fit perspective, the case was perfect for my O2 XDA Atom.  The case fit around it snuggly but not so much so that it was difficult to remove it in a hurry but it didn't "swin" in the case either so I didn't have to worry about it bouncing around.  Depending on the device you are ordering your case for, it may be a bit more snug by design.  Take for instance the Vaja case for the Motorola Q (you can read a review of it at Gear Diary by clicking here).  Because it is "form fitted" to the Q, it is going to be tight on the device to avoid buttons being accidentally pushed or covered.  As indicated before, the Vaja website is great though with product shots so you will know exactly what you are getting when you order your case for your specific device.

Figure 4:  My O2 XDA Atom Inside My Vaja Case

If you are looking for quality, luxury and a strong sense of style in a slip case for your Windows Mobile device then you should look at Vaja.  Yes they are more expensive than others but once you see, touch and smell one of these cases, you will quickly forget that part!  When you visit their site you will also see that they carry cases for other devices including laptops, iPods, Zune's as well as other accessories such as Messenger style bags, wallets and accessory holders.  How much did I like my Vaja case?  So much so that I ordered a matching MiniSD card holder last week (I'll tell you about it in the RSS feed when it comes in)!

Vaja Cases range from $65-75 depending on the options and type of case you order.  Keep in mind that each case is essentially custom made so it is not built for you until you order it.  This means that the typical order-to-ship window is around 15 days so if you are planning to get a case for yourself or someone else for Christmas, you should order it very soon. 

For the complete line and selection of cases available from Vaja, visit their website at http://www.vajacases.com.  As I indicated earlier, take your time - the amount of options Vaja offers is outstanding and it can take some time to find that perfect case.

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