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This review originally appeared on iGlobility from 20060918 to 20060925
Review:
Vaja HTC Wizard Classic Case
20060831: Yesterday, FEDEX left a note on my door to sign for a package.
I went to their distribution center this evening and picked up the
package. When I got home, I realized that it was the case I had
requested for review from
Vaja Cases!!!
Presentation... I open the shipping envelope to find a rectangular box
inside. It is white, and is book like in design. I find a box within the
outer box that has a folding lid. With anticipation, I lift the lid and
find the case inside. It is black in color with a lite tan strip running
up and over the left hand side approximately 1/2 inch from the left
edge. The stripe is about 1/2 inch wide. Underneath the case is a white
paper pouch holding ten cards demonstrating examples of some of the
other products Vaja
makes. Also, there is a credit card sized card explaining that the
leather is unique, and that marks and color variations are part of the
manufacturing process.
I went and retrieved my T-Mobile MDA and placed it into the case. The
first thing I noticed was that it fit perfectly, and was not too tight
and not too loose. I also noticed the magnetic clasps. I have a magnetic
closure case from T-Mobile, and when I use it, the magnet tends to make
the device go from portrait to landscape when I remove it from the case.
With that experience, I was concerned that this would happen with this
case as well. I have been using the case since I received it, and this
has yet to happen. This is a good thing! I also noticed the three Mini
SD Card slots. These are located on the outside of the case, and as
such, there is not any chance of the cards rubbing up against your
device.
TOP
Initial thoughts. This is a
very nice case that is well made, and well presented by
Vaja...
This review is broken up into the following parts
Review Opening
Quality
Usability
Purchase
Final Thoughts
Recommendation
20060917: Well, it has been a little over two
weeks, and I can say unequivocally that this is one of the finest
horizontal case I have had the privilege to use. My initial concerns
about it interfering with my car seat belt, and getting in the way in
other situations were completely unfounded. This is a relief. This case
has a permanent belt loop on it, meaning that you feed your belt through
it, and unless you remove your belt, it stays on your belt. This is
unlike the T-Mobile horizontal case I have which clips onto the belt.
When I use the T-Mobile case, I am always worried about it interfering
with my car seat belt, so I must remove it. It is quite a bit bulkier
than the Vaja
case, and this leads to problems. The
Vaja case is
sleek, and does not interfere with anything when worn. One of the things
I really like about the permanent belt loop is that because it is
permanent, and there is no chance of it coming loose when worn, I can
use it on my motorcycle without worrying. This is the ONLY case I will
wear on the motorcycle. Given that I ride everyday (when possible) this
case gets used a lot. Other cases I have to put in my bike bag. This is
OK, but it means I have to TAKE the bike bag. When I do not want to take
extra baggage, the
Vaja case is the perfect solution.
The first day I took the
Vaja case into
work, it got a lot of attention. As I mentioned before, this is one
sharp case. It really makes your little friend look nice. Yes, I call my
MDA my little friend. I look at cases as clothing, and I like to dress
my friends in nice clothing! Weird, yes, I admint it isand hey, that is
OK! Anyway, the network admin came by my desk and noticed the case
sitting on my hip and commented on how nice it looked, and where I got
it from. I of course directed her to the
Vaja website, and
told her to check it out.
TOP
QUALITY, Stitching: The stitching on this case is
very good. On many, actually all, of the cases I have used, there is
always a little knot or something sticking out that I can feel when I
handle the case. I have not found any loose stitching on this case. The
stitching blends into the case, and is non obtrusive to the overall
appearance.
QUALITY, Fit: As previously mentioned, the fit of this case is just
right. Not too tight, not too loose. It is snug, and when I do not have
it on my belt, and I shake the case, the device does not rattle about
like it does in one of the metal cases I have. The ends of the case are
also constructed in such a way that when I stand it on end, it does not
teeter about because the device is sticking out beyond the end of the
case. This also aids in protecting the device should it be dropped on
the end.
QUALITY, Durability: While it is too soon to tell, this case appears to
be very durable. I actually hope I never need to find out durable it is!
the leather is sturdy, while at the same time supple, and the clasps are
well seated into the case.
USABILITY, Ease of Use: As far as using the case
is concerned, I initially had to work on getting used to snapping the
magnetic closures. This would be due to that one cannot see the case
when it is on their hip, and this makes perfect sense. Once closed, it
stays very secure (see motorcycle above) and I feel very confident that
the device will stay snug inside. I like that the case provides a
noticeable "click" when properly closed.
USABILITY, Belt Loop: The belt loop is a standard size loop, and fits
most standard sized belts. I realize that the case is only so large, and
this makes it difficult to accomodate a wider belt. As such, it might
not work with some belts available on the market today. I have a wide
belt I use with some of my pants, and as such, this case will not work
with this belt. This is not a big deal for me, and because I like the
case so much, when I want to use it, I use a different belt! For some
folks however, this might be an issue.
TOP
PURCHASE, Choices: Of all the cases I have worked
with, Vaja offers
the most choices. From colors, to belt loop or no belt loop, from
embossing to compnay logos, the
Vaja case offers
the choices that the discerning consumer is looking for.
PURCHASE, Price: Granted, all these choices do lead to a higher price.
Considering the product however, the cost is justified.
PURCHASE, Customer Service: The online experience is very intuitive, and
efficient. Once a decision has been made, payment is easy, and the
product is promptly delivered once it has been hand made by
Vaja.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The
Vaja case I
reviewed is a high quality product which is very easy to use. It is a
very nice case that definitely adds value to whatever device is holds.
My only reservation is with the size of the belt loop. If you use a wide
belt, you will want to get a new belt, or buy the case without the loop
as they offer this choice for the case. Again, the case is of such high
quality and usability, I would just get a new belt!!!
RECOMMENDATION: I would definitely
recommend the Vaja
case to anyone looking for a case to dress up the little friend. Given
all the money we spend on our little friends in software, and the device
itself, getting a
Vaja case only makes sense. Run, don't walk to your browser, and
make that purchase! On a 1 to 5 Globes Globility scale, I give the
Vaja case 4.5
Globes!
Way to go VAJA!!!
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