In the Box:It's the Brando hardcase for my Nokia 770! Upon opening it, I found a retail-ready package that was mercifully easy to open. (I injured myself just last night on a sealed plastic case.) Included are:
- The case
- A swivel belt clip
- A screw-on nub to attach the belt clip.
The case is aluminum with a neoprene liner. It feels solid and is a matte finish so will hide scratches well.
The neoprene liner is thin, but will be plenty of shock protection from most normal drops. I haven't had the courage to drop-test this case, but my experience with this style tells me that I could probably drop it from about 2 meters (6 feet) and the 770 wouldn't know the difference.
The nub screws in and looks and feels secure if you twist it tight. I would feel secure with keeping it on my belt.
Installation is under five seconds. Remove the Nokia 770 from it's slider case. Slide it in horizontally to the Brando case. Could it be more simple? It holds the device snugly and will not slide out unless the case is open and shaken very hard.
There are cut-outs for all ports, buttons, and even the speaker, plus two very easy to use RS-MMC card holders. Here are more pictures:
Regular Use:The case is only a bit heavier than the sliding case from Nokia. It makes the unit feel larger, but is only a mater of millimeters compared to the Nokia 770 with a factory case. It also does not interfere with the vast sweeping majority of the device. I will note that the top buttons are a little more difficult to press, especially with the case fully open. It also slips around and drops out of the stand, so you will want to remove it when using the stand or a windshield mount for GPS. Another reader suggested that WiFi range was decreased, but I wasn't able to duplicate those results.
This does, however, provide the added function of having a built-in sun shade for outdoor use. The screen is washed out in sunlight, but with that extra shade it's readable again.Power Saving:
The Nokia 770 has a magnetic switch near the buttons to automatically "sleep" the device (by turning off the display and disconnecting all wireless connections) when the included slip case is on. The Brando case has no such switch, which comes with advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows users to do something they've never been able to easily do before: Use the device while mobile and still be protected. Music playback, streaming radio, and wireless network scanning are three examples. On the other hand, it opens up the potential to waste a good deal of power. There are three choices: 1: Leave it on, either staying connected to WiFi or in "offline mode" and lowering the battery life. 2: Power it off, requiring boot-up time next time the device is needed. 3: Affix a small magnet to the inside of the lid where the reed switch will activate, thereby duplicating the slider's function. I think I'll personally do the third.
Geek Factor:This is NOT an inconspicuous case or device. Hanging from my belt, it looks huge. However, it's so thin that my T-shirt can easily cover it. I'd wear it out in casual clothes, but tuck it in to a suit or slacks pocket when in business attire.
Summary:
Advantages:
- Price! $28 USD at the time of this writing.
- Full protection for the device from all sides
- Easy installation
- Quick access to ports
- Spare memory card storage
- Ability to walk around and listen to streaming Internet radio
- Sun shade
- Some button interference
- Some awkwardness while adjusting to how it sits in your hands
- Added weight, for those to whom every mg. matters
- Unable to use in conjunction with a stand or car mount
This case is NEAR perfect, but would be much better with two improvements: If the top hinge were a double hinge allowing the lid to lie flat against the back of the case, it would be both more egonomic AND allow the lid to function as a stand. Finally, if there were a small (maybe removable) magnet in the lid to activate the reed switch, it would save a great deal of power.
For US $28, you can't go wrong. After one protected drop, the Brando case will pay for itself many times over.
To buy this case, visit this page on Brando Workshop.
1 comments:
Just a note, the built-in music player works when the 770 is covered by the case - Added bonus, it immediately locks keys/turns off screen when you sheathe the 770, so you could also argue it increases battery life slightly over a case like this.
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