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
