aikidoka
29th February 2004, 10:31 PM
<table width="85%" border="0" align="center"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#ffffff" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> <td>
In order to ensure the safety of my beloved Palm Vx, I usually switch between various protective cases. These include the Rhinoskin Titanium Slider, the Pal Pal Twistor and the Handgear Blue Hardcase. Yet, there comes a time when one is seduced by the beauty and sleekness of leather. That day came when I finally saw the Ondata case for the very first time.
Appearance
The Ondata case is one of the most beautiful leather cases ever designed for the Palm. I was smitten the very first time I saw it on the web late last year. However, I was still reluctant to sacrifice protection for looks. That was until I finally saw it in the flesh, so to speak. The Ondata case looks as good as the pictures on the web if not better.
The Ondata is designed specifically to fit the Palm V like a second skin, hand stitched and made from the finest leather available, this little baby oozed class. It even has its own serial number. Just take a look at this gorgeous babe:
Talk about drool quality.
The Ondata case employs a magnetic clasp closure system. It is one of the few cases that does not resort to Velcro to keep the cover closed. In addition, it comes in 2 models - with and without an ergonomic hand harness - and is available in 5 unique colours: Black, Burnished, Red, Blue and Green.
Functionality
IR Beam:
The Ondata case does not allow for direct IR beaming. In order to receive or send any IR data, the top flap has to be opened. This caused a little inconvenience. However, it is something I am willing to live with, in exchange for such a fabulous case.
The flap is secure with 2 buttons
Stylus:
Since the Ondata does not employ the styli slots to secure the Vx, it is one of the few cases that provides me an opportunity to showcase my stylus collection. Unfortunately, I am not able to use it with the Pentopia stylus as the cutting of the Ondata case does not allow for easy removal of the Pentopia.
The EB iPoint is one of the styli that could be used.
The cutting does have the advantage of easy removal and placement of other styli. The stylus slots remain equally accessible whether the Ondata is flipped open or remains closed.
Hotsync:
HotSync is not possible with the model when the ergonomic hand harness is used. When using the model without the ergonomic hand harness, HotSync is possible. However, even the case without the ergonomic hand harness, I was unable to charge the Palm Vx in the cradle. I had to take the Vx out to charge.
Connection to other accessories:
I was unable to use my IR Blaster, GoType Pro and Tale 9V Emergency Charger when using the Ondata case. It really makes me wonder why the manufacturer left the serial connector uncovered. It seems that almost all accessories requiring the use of the serial connector would have problems when the Palm Vx is in the Ondata case.
Protection:
Usually when a leather case is chosen over a protective case, the first thing that is sacrificed would be protection. The Ondata is no different. However, I found the model with the ergonomic hand harness useful in keeping the case and the Vx in my hands.
Buttons:
The 4 Application buttons, Scroll button and the Power button are easily accessible. The only button that is not readily accessible is the Contrast button. Then again, I do not usually require access to the Contrast button. In fact, I do not even recall having the need to activate the Contrast Button.
Card Slot:
The Ondata comes with a card slot on the flap. However, the slot is too small for both credit cards and name cards. I was told that the name cards used in the US are smaller than the ones we have in Singapore and those will fit perfectly. However, for the rest of us, a name card will block the magnetic clasp that keeps the Ondata case closed.
Nope, that isnt my card.
Left-handers:
The Ondata model with the ergonomic hand harness is designed to specifically suit the needs of a right-hander. However, left-handed Palm Users will be glad to know that the model without the ergonomic hand harness has no such bias.
Durability
The Ondata comes with a Lifetime warranty for workmanship defects. However, it does not cover wear and tear. Not that I have to worry about it. After nearly one month of usage, it holds up well and I believe that it will continue to serve me for a long, long time.
Cost
Beauty comes at a heavy price. The Ondata retails at US$119.99 at the Ondata website (http://www.ondata.it/). Thankfully, it at least has the looks to match its price tag.
Conclusion
The Ondata is the most beautiful cases I have ever seen. It may have its faults and costs a bomb, but it is worth every single cent of it. After all, this is the first case that turned me away from my preference for protective cases. The Ondata looks so good that it almost makes the LV and the Dooney & Bourke cases look like Primary School Art projects.
Ondata - The Porsche of Palm cases with the looks and price to match.
Who would want to buy:
Palmers who wants the best-looking case for their Palms.
Palmers who are into leather. If you love leather, you will definitely go ga-ga over this.
Palmers looking for a super slim case.
Who would not want to buy:
Palmers on a budget.
Palmers who value protection over appearance.
Palmers who cannot live without their Pentopia replacement stylus.
Likes:
Looks that kill.
Super slim form factor.
No Velcro.
Left-hander friendly (for the model without the ergonomic hand harness).
Dislikes:
Blocking of the IR Port.
Inability to charge.
Inability to use accessories that requires access to the serial port.
Rating:
Review by Matthew Lai (matthew@spug.net)
17 September, 2000
Pictures Courtesy of Jason Ho and Ondata Website
<img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata7.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata8.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata9.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata10.jpg width=200 height=200 />
<hr></td></tr></tbody></table>
In order to ensure the safety of my beloved Palm Vx, I usually switch between various protective cases. These include the Rhinoskin Titanium Slider, the Pal Pal Twistor and the Handgear Blue Hardcase. Yet, there comes a time when one is seduced by the beauty and sleekness of leather. That day came when I finally saw the Ondata case for the very first time.
Appearance
The Ondata case is one of the most beautiful leather cases ever designed for the Palm. I was smitten the very first time I saw it on the web late last year. However, I was still reluctant to sacrifice protection for looks. That was until I finally saw it in the flesh, so to speak. The Ondata case looks as good as the pictures on the web if not better.
The Ondata is designed specifically to fit the Palm V like a second skin, hand stitched and made from the finest leather available, this little baby oozed class. It even has its own serial number. Just take a look at this gorgeous babe:
Talk about drool quality.
The Ondata case employs a magnetic clasp closure system. It is one of the few cases that does not resort to Velcro to keep the cover closed. In addition, it comes in 2 models - with and without an ergonomic hand harness - and is available in 5 unique colours: Black, Burnished, Red, Blue and Green.
Functionality
IR Beam:
The Ondata case does not allow for direct IR beaming. In order to receive or send any IR data, the top flap has to be opened. This caused a little inconvenience. However, it is something I am willing to live with, in exchange for such a fabulous case.
The flap is secure with 2 buttons
Stylus:
Since the Ondata does not employ the styli slots to secure the Vx, it is one of the few cases that provides me an opportunity to showcase my stylus collection. Unfortunately, I am not able to use it with the Pentopia stylus as the cutting of the Ondata case does not allow for easy removal of the Pentopia.
The EB iPoint is one of the styli that could be used.
The cutting does have the advantage of easy removal and placement of other styli. The stylus slots remain equally accessible whether the Ondata is flipped open or remains closed.
Hotsync:
HotSync is not possible with the model when the ergonomic hand harness is used. When using the model without the ergonomic hand harness, HotSync is possible. However, even the case without the ergonomic hand harness, I was unable to charge the Palm Vx in the cradle. I had to take the Vx out to charge.
Connection to other accessories:
I was unable to use my IR Blaster, GoType Pro and Tale 9V Emergency Charger when using the Ondata case. It really makes me wonder why the manufacturer left the serial connector uncovered. It seems that almost all accessories requiring the use of the serial connector would have problems when the Palm Vx is in the Ondata case.
Protection:
Usually when a leather case is chosen over a protective case, the first thing that is sacrificed would be protection. The Ondata is no different. However, I found the model with the ergonomic hand harness useful in keeping the case and the Vx in my hands.
Buttons:
The 4 Application buttons, Scroll button and the Power button are easily accessible. The only button that is not readily accessible is the Contrast button. Then again, I do not usually require access to the Contrast button. In fact, I do not even recall having the need to activate the Contrast Button.
Card Slot:
The Ondata comes with a card slot on the flap. However, the slot is too small for both credit cards and name cards. I was told that the name cards used in the US are smaller than the ones we have in Singapore and those will fit perfectly. However, for the rest of us, a name card will block the magnetic clasp that keeps the Ondata case closed.
Nope, that isnt my card.
Left-handers:
The Ondata model with the ergonomic hand harness is designed to specifically suit the needs of a right-hander. However, left-handed Palm Users will be glad to know that the model without the ergonomic hand harness has no such bias.
Durability
The Ondata comes with a Lifetime warranty for workmanship defects. However, it does not cover wear and tear. Not that I have to worry about it. After nearly one month of usage, it holds up well and I believe that it will continue to serve me for a long, long time.
Cost
Beauty comes at a heavy price. The Ondata retails at US$119.99 at the Ondata website (http://www.ondata.it/). Thankfully, it at least has the looks to match its price tag.
Conclusion
The Ondata is the most beautiful cases I have ever seen. It may have its faults and costs a bomb, but it is worth every single cent of it. After all, this is the first case that turned me away from my preference for protective cases. The Ondata looks so good that it almost makes the LV and the Dooney & Bourke cases look like Primary School Art projects.
Ondata - The Porsche of Palm cases with the looks and price to match.
Who would want to buy:
Palmers who wants the best-looking case for their Palms.
Palmers who are into leather. If you love leather, you will definitely go ga-ga over this.
Palmers looking for a super slim case.
Who would not want to buy:
Palmers on a budget.
Palmers who value protection over appearance.
Palmers who cannot live without their Pentopia replacement stylus.
Likes:
Looks that kill.
Super slim form factor.
No Velcro.
Left-hander friendly (for the model without the ergonomic hand harness).
Dislikes:
Blocking of the IR Port.
Inability to charge.
Inability to use accessories that requires access to the serial port.
Rating:
Review by Matthew Lai (matthew@spug.net)
17 September, 2000
Pictures Courtesy of Jason Ho and Ondata Website
<img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata7.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata8.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata9.jpg width=200 height=200 /> <img src=http://www.spug.net/images/rondata10.jpg width=200 height=200 />
<hr></td></tr></tbody></table>