When we think of ruggedized PDA’s we think of PDA’s that are big and heavy not to mention costly. What if you could ruggedize your existing PDA with all of your custom apps and settings, your preferred peripherals already installed and ready to go?

OK, maybe you can’t fully ruggedize your existing PDA to the extent of an industrial device like the Recon by TDS. You can however give it some serious protection with out more than the cost of diner for two at the Outback.

While at CES I had the pleasure to meet with Daniel Marshall of Blue Ideas Inc and demo a new case design for the HP iPAQ 2200 series PDA.

Enter the Active Armor iPAQ 2200 series case. While it is classified as a case I would describe it more as a protective rubberized skin with bumpers. After you slide the iPAQ into its new skin you will notice that Blue Ideas has thoughtfully added cut outs for the two indicator lights on your iPAQ. Also of particular mention is the precise cut out for the iPAQ’s directional pad and raised nubs for the power and function buttons as well as access to the soft reset button.



The whole unit has excellent fit and the side edges are constructed with a raised rubber bumpers to reduce gravitational shock if the unit gets dropped or bumped against a hard surface. These features alone would make this case design a win-win in my opinion but they have gone one step further and added a hard clear plexi lid to cover the screen. The lid can be easily lifted or popped off if not needed.

Additional design touches include easy access to the sync port at the bottom of the unit and ample access to the units’ stylus along easy access to the CF and SD slots. The case is available in 3 colors, burnt orange, blue and slate grey.



I would be comfortable taking my 2200 hiking, boarding, camping with the Active Armor protecting it. Keep in mind it DOES NOT waterproof the PDA and is only a form fitting shell just like a case should be. But with its rubberized design and clear hard screen cover you get a real sense of security.

At current Blue Ideas only produces a case for the 2200 series of iPAQ but they do plan on more design in the future for other PDA models. There are other ruggedized cases for the iPAQ out there but non offer this level of protection in such a small form factor for only $29.95.

Bill Landon
Senior Editor

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros:
Low cost
Great protection
Nice design elements
Small size

Cons:
Does not waterproof PDA
Does not allow use with cradle

www.ActiveArmor.com