I recently ordered a slip case from Motion Computing for my M1300. It is a useful product, with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages as well. Finding reviews of cases is difficult, and the Motion web site has a minimal amount of information regarding any of its cases. I am not a professional writer or reviewer, only a committed Tablet PC user. Hopefully you will find this review useful if you are looking at the Motion Slipcase.

WHY A SLIPCASE?

I am a busy Family Physician and use my M1300 all day long to interact with my EMR (Electronic Medical Record). I carry it from room to room while seeing patients, using it to write prescriptions, view lab reports, view x-rays, etc. I keep the Flex Dock at a work area in the hallway so that I can put the tablet in the dock for a few minutes while working on paperwork, etc. That way the battery is kept charged at an adequate level. However, carrying a naked slate tablet was making me a little nervous. I would never carry my PDA unprotected, so why was I doing that with my tablet? I figured it was only a matter of time before I accidentally dropped my tablet (although, then maybe I could get a NEW one!) So, I hoped that the Slipcase would provide a little more protection while still allowing the tablet to be quite portable and useable.

THE PRODUCT

The Slip case is made from Neoprene according to the package. It appears to be a leather or leather-like shell with neoprene padding (maybe the whole thing is neoprene, I don't know). There is a zipper around 3 sides of the case. This allows for easy insertion of the tablet into the case. The 2 zipper handles dangling around can be a little distracting. The 4th end of the case has 2 small zippers that allow access to the PC card slot, and Power switch/AC plug. I found it somewhat difficult to get the AC plug inserted far enough while the tablet was in the case. I thought it was far enough in, but the tablet would not charge, so I pushed it a little harder and felt it snap into place, and the battery began to charge. Access to the USB/Firewire, etc ports require partially unzipping the main zipper. That is not a major issue, and the main zipper is equipped with 2 zipper handles, so you can create an opening at any location along the length of the zipper. It should be noted that the pen cannot be removed from the holder what the tablet is in the Slip case and the pen ends up at the end of the case what does not face the long zipper. There is a small elastic loop on the back of the case for storing the pen.

The face of the case is a clear plastic window. This functions well as a screen protector and does not interfere with the digitizer. It does feel somewhat soft and sticky when using the digital pen. The clear surface tends to "stick" to the screen at times but this does not alter any functionality. The clear plastic window can occasionally "bubble" up away from the screen surface, particularly in the corners, making it more difficult to close or resize a window. While it does tend to become indented after writing on it (maybe I am pushing too hard??) these impressions will clear after a few minutes. I am not sure how this will wear in the long run but only time will tell. Some users have found the glare from the cover to be prohibitive, and that it interferes with the VA function of some models. I do find the glare distracting at times since my office has harsh overhead fluorescent lighting.

The back of the case has an interesting "X" shaped handle. This allows it to be used in either portrait of landscape modes. It is quite natural to slip your hand into this handle while cradling the tablet on your forearm. The back of the case is made of plastic mesh to allow adequate cooling while in use.

SUMMARY

I found the Slip case to do most of what I wanted. It made my tablet easier to hold while moving around the office while not making it much bulkier. I was a little disappointed in the clear screen cover and difficulty plugging in the AC adapter while in the case. I found it easier to use and carry in portrait mode rather than landscape, although traditionally I run landscape mode. Portrait mode did make it easy to put the stylus in the elastic sling on the back.

Pros:
Small, custom-fit case offers additional protection against damage/dropping.
Reasonable price (about the same as many PDA cases)
Zipper closure offers some flexibility for port access.

Cons:
Plastic face alters writing surface and can create glare.
Difficult to charge while in the case
Use of accessories (Flex dock, USB ports, etc) difficult or impossible while tablet is in the case.
Pen holder is impossible to access while in case


Buzz Meter: 3.5 out of 5

Loses points due to glare from the clear screen cover and difficulty plugging in the AC power cord.

Available from: Motion Computing, Austin, TX
http://www.motioncomputing.com
$34.99 USD