When I received the Rhino Skin case, I pulled my Palm out of the aluminum-trimmed plastic Palm-made case, and compared the two. The plastic case actually seemed heavier. Both use a stylus-like rod to go into the left stylus slot in the Vx (the Rhino Skin case uses a plastic sleeve over the aluminum rod to make it fit the Vx – without the sleeve the smaller sized rod fits the M-505 nicely). Both fold shut, clamshell-like, to protect the PDA. That’s about as much similarity as there is.

The Rhino Skin case is brushed aluminum. All metal, light, but very sturdy. The Rhino Skin case is much sturdier than the thicker plastic case and is made to snap shut securely so it doesn’t flop open unintentionally. There is a notch in the top of the case that allows the infrared port to “see” out when the case is open, and a corresponding “tongue” in the top of the case that fits into the notch and covers the port when the case is closed. When the Rhino Skin case is closed, there are no openings to let objects in your pocket damage your PDA. The case has a scratch-resistant finish and is also lined with neoprene to cushion the PDA. This case is all about serious protection.

And the thing is just plain sturdy. After two weeks of carrying it everywhere, it still looks brand new. I get constant comments on how cool the case is. It is not quite as sleek and stylish as the Palm itself, but the case has clean lines, a very functional, serious look to it, and the satiny-finish aluminum and understated embossed Rhino Skin label has an expensive, ultra-functional look that just screams “geek chic.” Maybe a leather flip case is a better look for the Armani suit crowd, but this is a serious case that still looks great. And the bumps and bruises that might kill the PDA in the flip case, the Rhino Skin case just laughs off.

I’m tempted to say that this is the perfect case. Just so this doesn’t sound entirely like hyperbole, I’m admit to one complaint I can muster about this case: When I first put my Palm Vx in the case, it didn’t fit quite snugly, so it would make a little rattling noise as I walked around. The small amount of space is no doubt to accommodate the M505, which is a touch thicker than the Vx. The space didn’t allow the Palm to move around enough to pose a danger, but the click, click as I walked annoyed me.

Not much of a complaint, is it? Even less of one once I realized that the space between the back of my Palm and the neoprene interior padding of the case was just perfect for a half-dozen business cards to fit. That stopped the rattling, and means I always have a few business cards for me. Rhino Skin offers replacement liners, and I could probably simply put in another layer of neoprene, but I actually like having the space for the cards.

Bottom line: If you want a real case for your PDA, one that will keep it alive through the little accidents we all have while still looking classy, I can’t think of a better solution than a Rhino Skin case. They offer hard cases for virtually all popular PDAs, and if you want even more serious protection, Rhino Skins cases are available in titanium, as well. Although you can get a cheaper case, isn’t it worth the extra insurance when it comes to your PDA?

www.RhinoSkin.com

--Tucker Hatfield
Senior Palm Editor