Treo Case Review | A Case Of Top Treo Cases
>>> Looking for your perfect Treo case? View the complete range of Treo cases in our Treo Accessories Store for the most up-to-date listing of styles.
Another, even easier, way to find your ideal case is to select your smartphone here so as to jump directly to the relevant listing of cases for the: Treo 700w, Treo 650, Treo 755p, Treo 680, Treo 750 and Treo 700wx.
SPECIAL OFFER: Get 20% Off the #1 bestselling P6 Pouch Case. Just enter coupon code P6 during Checkout (cannot be combined with any other coupon).
[UPDATE: Looking for a Treo 680 Case? Please see my review Treo 680 Case Of Cases.]
Yesterday I received my latest shipment of Treo Cases to evaluate and I must admit that I was very impressed by the overall build quality and uniqueness which they offer.
As I prepared to write my reviews it dawned on me just how many cases were now available for the Treo 650, Treo 700p and Treo 700w. There are currently 94 unique cases (not counting colour variations) in the Treonauts Accessory Shop and this number is likely going to continue to grow in the months to come as new materials and designs are combined to make ever better and more original cases.
However, with multiple options comes the difficulty of making the right choice to meet your particular requirements and so I thought that a list of the top 10 currently most popular cases overall as well as the most popular categories and top 3 cases in each (further below) might prove helpful.
Finally, if you’re a newly minted Treonaut and would like to learn more about what other accessories you should add to your kit then please read my Treo Essentials Guide.
Top 10 Most Popular Treo Cases (Treo 650 & Treo 700w)
1. Seidio Shield Holster ($27.95)
My favourite overall Treo case, the Seidio Shield Holster holds your Treo firmly and securely in place while allowing for quick removal thanks to its top latch. Additionally, your Treo screen is protected when walking about because it faces inward against a velvet lining. The fact that the Treo faces inward also provides you with the benefit of not having to ‘rotate’ the smartphone in your hand every time you’re answering a call. Finally, an ultra-slim rotating belt clip allows you to wear it vertically or horizontally and the bottom audio jack is perfectly accessible if you’re listening to music with Pocket Tunes and your headphones.
2. P6 Pouch Case ($19.95)
A robust, elegant and relatively slim horizontal leather case for your Treo with a flap which benefits from two very strong magnetis to hold your Treo securely in place. Designed specifically for the Treo it can be loaded either with the screen facing in or out while leaving the headphone jack easily accessible for music or calls with a wired headset.
3. S650 Skin Case (Treo 650) ($19.95)
Ever since their introduction, skin cases for your Treo have continued to gain in popularity even if I still consider them to be my least preferred case for the Treo due to the speed with which dirt has a bad habit to be attracted to them. Having said this, the S650 and other skin cases are very good at protecting against scratches and drops for every day use as well as having more grip thanks to the natural anti-slip properties of the material. It is available in frosted clear, solid off-white, executive grey and future blue.
4. Helix Holster ($19.95)
A relatively new holster case for the Treo, the Helix Holster is very well built with a soft-touch coating and similar in design to the Seidio Shield Holster with the Treo screen facing inwards – albeit with the keyboard not covered. The only reason that the Helix Holster doesn’t get top marks from me is that both its fixed and swivel belt clips have a much thicker profile (about double) when compared to my favourite Seidio Shield Holster.
5. Palm Leather Latch Case ($24.95)
I have yet to figure out why this particular holster case remains so popular as the outward facing screen is much more prone to bruises when compared to either the Seidio Shield Holster or Helix Holster above. Leaving this aside, the Palm Leather Latch case is well built and provides easy and quick access to your Treo on your waist.
6. MC6 Magnesium Hard Case ($39.95)
Probably the most elegant case in its category, the MC6 Magnesium case is obviously designed for sheer robustness providing not only a hard shell and thick plastic screen but also soft inner neoprene lining for added protection. On this model, the front cover can fold out of the way thanks to a new double-hinge which flips the cover completely to the back of the case. With the front cover open the keyboard and screen are fully accessible to make calls or check email. The MC6 also benefits from a removable belt clip. If I was in the market for a hard case this is undoubtedly the one that I would get.
7. VP7 Vertical Pouch Case ($19.95)
The new VP7 is a well built pouch case with a convenient strong magnetic flap at the top and a rotating leather belt clip at the back so that you can wear the case either vertically or horizontally on your waist. I also particularly like the fact that aside from black this model also offers four fun colours in Camel, Red, Pink and Blue. However, this will not be the case for you if you’re planning to listen to music as the case lacks an opening for the headphone jack.
8. Sena Cases MagnetFlipper Case (Treo 650) ($43.95)
Made using an ultra smooth and high quality thin leather, the MagnetFlipper protects your Treo with style. Unlike other flip-lid cases, the MagnetFlipper’s front lid hinges at the bottom of the case instead of the top and holds firmly in place with two magnets making it easier and faster to answer calls. The rest of the case wraps snugly around your Treo like a form-fit case with an open keyboard and screen. The MagnetFlipper is available in black, red and tan.
9. Speck Products SkinTight w/ Holster (Treo 650) ($34.95)
One of the best skin cases all around is the SkinTight which not only wraps your entire Treo in rubber but also benefits from a removable acrylic flip screen protector. This particular model comes bundled with an excellent swivel clip holster that securely holds your Treo and further protects it by having the screen face inwards like the Seidio Shield Holster. It is available in clear, blue and black.
10. S700 Skin Case (Treo 700w) ($19.95)
Nearly identical to the S650, the S700 is designed specifically to fit the exact contour of your Treo 700w protecting it against scratches and small drops with a durable rubber material. As with other skin cases, the keyboard remains exposed and there are cutouts for the sync connector, headset jack, camera, speakerphone, stylus and all the top buttons on your Treo. Additionally, the S700 has a strap post on its side through which you can hook a neck or hand strap. It is available in frosted clear, future blue, lady pink and executive grey.
Most Popular Categories For Treo Cases
- Holsters
- Pouch Cases
- Skin Cases
- Form-Fit Cases
- Flip-Lid Cases
- Hard Cases
- Wallet Cases
- Weather Resistant Cases
Top 3 Holsters
1. 2. 3.
Top 3 Pouch Cases
1. 2. 3. 
Top 3 Skin Cases
- S650 Skin Case (Treo 650)
- S700 Skin Case (Treo 700w)
- Speck Product SkinTight w/Holster
1. 2. 
3. 
Top 3 Form-Fit Cases
1. 
2. 
3. 
Top 3 Flip-Lid Cases
1. 2. 
3. 
Top 3 Hard Cases
1. 2. 
3. 
There is evidently an enormous range of cases to fit the needs of every Treonaut and hopefully this list will make it somewhat easier for you to choose which one (or if like me more than one) meets your requirements for everyday use or particular situations.
Treonauts are always on the case… 
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Naturalmente, en cuanto el Treo vuelva a mis manos le estará esperando alguna funda protectora de las muchas que existen en el mercado: al menos 94 variantes distintas, según cuenta Andrew en Treonauts. Y eso sin incluir los cinco modelos --tres en vertical,... [Read More]
Tracked on Apr 25, 2006 6:28:38 AM
Comments
I'm Surprised you do not have any Vaja cases. What about the I-Volution series for the T650 ? Elegant, Slim, Robust etc ..
Regards
Guillaume Hatt
And yet your so wrong. The Seidio case is weak. The spinner looses its resistance and the spins in the wind. Also the clip is extremely fragile and snaps after a few months. Seidio looks like a good product on the outside, but all thier gear is pis poor...including anything they have that uses thier "retractable cable" technology. Damn Shame.
Just wanted to echo AM's comment. Everyone raves about the Seidio case and while I loved mine while I had it, the clip snapped off within 3 months.
Guillaume - the Vaja case used to be my favourite for the Treo 600. However, in their Treo 650 model even though the leather continues to be fantastic the case is poorly designed around the keyboard (too high) which makes it difficult to use.
I informed Vaja of this issue (which many other Treonauts also complained about) months ago but the company never changed/updated it.
Vaja's Treo 700w case design however _has_ been updated and it no longer suffers from this issue around the keyboard.
Having said all this, at $99.95 I am also beginning to feel that Vaja cases are somewhat overpriced as similar models (LH650 and Prima form-fit cases) cost a fraction of this.
Finally, please note that the Top 10 listing in my post is not based on my own preferences but on the most popular rankings in the Treonauts Shop.
__________________________
AM - I've never had a problem with my Seidio Shield Holster and this continues to be _by far_ my favourite case. However, I do appreciate that you may have experienced problems with the clip but I think that this would be an issue with _all_ holster cases and not just the Seidio one (even though mine has never snapped).
Having evaluated and tested all holster cases in the Treonauts Shop I have yet to find a better one than the Shield Holster for my Treo 650 or Treo 700w. Please let me know if you have found another holster case that you consider may be superior.
Insofar as other Seidio products are concerned the only ones that I have found to be 'below par' are its car kits and vehicle mounts.
Overall however Seidio products such as its Retractable Sync&Charge cables, Extended Battery, Stereo Adapter, Battery Charger and many others remain excellent accessories for your Treo.
____________________________
Josh - sorry to hear that your clip snapped off. Again, I have not personally experienced any issues with this case.
Like you I love mine and I would still replace it with the same model should it ever accidentally break.
Cheers, A.
I've got the Seidio package consisting of the replacement battery cover with hole for reset button, the skin case (with hole for reset button), and a holster for the skin case. I can't imagine a better package: the holster access that is a favorite, the skin case for protection yet holes for every feature, and of course free access to the reset button (as seldom as I need it).
I don't seem to have the problem with dirt on the skin case (but maybe I'm not particular enough :), and even so I think for the protection and gripability (no slip) I'd put up with it anyway.
I am a little dubious of the Seidio Shield Holster (as shown above) because it essentially relies on the flexing of the plastic clip to keep the T650 secure.
However, the Seidio Skinned Shield Holster is a different design and seems a whole lot better. Because the top clip is a separate piece, spring-loaded and hinged, you have less to worry about in terms of structural weakening (causing clip breakage or lessening of holster grip/tension)
I've been using mine for a while (with a Seidio skin, too) and I like it a whole lot more than other holster designs where the plastic itself has to flex.
I find it amazing that the E&B horizontal leather pouch case rarely gets a mention in these sort of ratings. I've tried multiple belt cases with clips, the last nearly trashed my Treo650 when the plastic nub ripped clear out of the holster and the Treo crashed onto the concrete. For me these clips are not secure or strong enough.
The E&B pouch uses a very well sewn belt loop which has stood up to everything so far (about a year or more) and it keeps my Treo securely at my side where I need it.
My only wish is that they produced a slightly larger one which would fit a Treo650 with a skin case. Would love to wrap my Treo in the Speck Toughskin and then carry it on my hip securely in this leather holster.
I have jsut bought the Proporta clear plastic case. This is a UK firm that will ship worldwave. I guess it is similar to the Boxwave Crystal case someone mentioned on another topic. I bought it as I wanted a case that gave screen protection but didn't hamper keyboard usage. This has a clear screen cover and nothing over the keys, so is easy to use. The screen cover flips up if needed. One advantage of these cases is the cost - about £11. This is about $20, but buying a $40 case from the US means $60 after shipping. I really reccommend this case.
I love the E&B slipper case. It is functional and I have never had a problem with the post breaking off. If I was to look at another Iwould eye the MC6 case for those hikes and outdoor times.
I was hopeful that the Seido Skinned Sheild Holster would finally satisfy my quest for a case, (my 4th try in a month,) but I've got to disagree with Clark. I'm using mine and it seems terribly insecure. The bottom corner lips seem shallower than on the normal Seido Sheild Holster and more likely to let go of the Treo. And the Holster itself is too short for the Treo, so that the clip at the top doesn't even close fully over the top of the Treo. In fact, if I give the Treo a slight tug at the top, it will easily slip slightly free of the holster, so that the only thing holding it in place is the tactile friction of the skin, and the clip at the top snagging on the fine lip of my SD card. (Which is another problem- since the clip is centered, instead of off-center like on the normal Seido Sheild Holster, it keeps ejecting my SD card whenever I remove the Treo from the holster.) Perhaps some of my problem is that I'm using a Javoskin instead of the Seido Skin, but it seems unlikely that they could be that different. I'm now thinking that the Speck Skintight & Holster might be my best bet.
Also, in response to Chris Taylor: I've tried using my skinned Treo in an old neoprene Visor pouch I had, (still the best case ever!) but even though there is plenty of room, the frictive skin tends to stick to the insides of the pouch, making it very difficult to remove the Treo from the pouch.
I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the Piel Frama flip cases. The quality of the leather, the protection, the perfect fit, and the design makes this one of the best cases I've ever used. Plus, it flips over the top, which puts the cover out of the way when you have the phone up to your face, instead of flipping down where it's always flapping against your chin. This has been my #1 choice of cases for a while, and it's certainly worth all $70 in my opinion.
Jerad - I strongly agree with you. I just received one of the new Piel Frama flip cases http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/4-22--556.htm and I have to admit that I am _very_ impressed with the overall quality.
Cheers, A.
I'm going to have to take my own advice here and buy another Piel Frama case. My T600 just died and Cingular (accientally?) replaced it with a T650. So, new red leather case, here I come!
I bought the P6 Pouch case and have a very serious issue with it. The magnets on the flip are entirely too strong. I find that the magnets will answer the phone call while you are trying to get the phone out of the case. Also, I have had the phone make phone calls if I bump the case up against something. And yes, the phone/touchscreen guard is on. I will be buying a new case very soon.
I really like the Teski Leather case (teski.com). It is a horizontal holster made of lined hard formed leather with a spring loaded plastic clip with a lip that goes under your belt to prevent 'snatch and run' attacks. This is unlike other holsters with metal clips that hold into your belt with friction but have a lip that digs into your side.
I have tried many cases for my Treo 650 - Vaja (too thick), side pouch and three or four others. My favorite so far for my use is the Piel Frama leather flip case as the belt clip is removable (unscrew from case)and the flip top protects the screen without adding much bulk. Profesional look and added protection.
Hi
I am surprised that nobody has talked about Noreve Cases. I have bought one for my TREO 700W and it is just perfect. Plus i had the choice between 9 Colors.
here is the page.
http://www.noreve.com/product/Etui_cuir_Treo_700w_Tradition.html
I am sure that other people will like them.
John
NY
I just heard about the Rhinoskin cases, but I don't see them here. I'm looking to replace my Covertec pouch case since it cost me my Treo. It always spun upside down and dumped the Treo whenever I got out of the car.
The E&B Copilot with the belt loop looks like a strong contender, as does the two Rhinoskin cases (if they can rotate to hold the Treo horizontally) and the Sena flip case. Any reports on the durability of these cases?
Im looking at the Vaja flips or the Piel Frama flips for my 700w, any suggestions?
myuserid - I have found the new Piel Frama to be extremely well built and with high quality leather. I would choose this over the Vaja.
Cheers, A.
Personally, I'm a Vaja girl. I didn't go with the iVolution version though, instead I got a customized two-tone flip-top PA32 with two SD card pockets, a stash pocket, and my full name monogrammed on the inside of the flip. Yes, the pricetag is a bit high but the quality is well worth it. I wanted something that was functional, looked professional without being boring, and would survive well. I've had it almost a year now, and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Last month I got the new Palm leather side case. Good quality, soft leather and good access to the phone and headphone plug. However, it doesn't fit well to the Treo 650. It's about 5 mm wider and longer at the inside, which makes it very bulky. I just returned it to Palm and am now looking for a replacement.
In the VP7 Vertical Pouch Case is it possible to take off the clip for storage in a pocket?
Shwaydogg - Unfortunately you cannot take off the clip. For storage in a pocket I can recommend:
foofpod
http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/4-25--757.htm
RexRegina Harrison Classic
http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/4-25--457.htm
Pocket Pouch
http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/4-25--576.htm
Cheers, A.
I see all these comments for these expensive (in my opinion) cases and I don't get it. I bought one of those cases from those selling them in Chinatown (NY) here and paid $8. It's a side pouch case and it's amazing. Company's name is Reiko and it's all leather and has a magnetic closure mechanism which is VERY strong and for $8 was well worth it.
$29.99? $34.99? You've got to be kidding.
Oh, and I concur about Seidio. Cheap cheap cheap. And their customer service is atrocious. Been trying to get a replacement for my 2400mAH battery which overheats and they won't do a cross-shipment replacement. I've left calls talked to customer service and apparently they have a GHOST who works in their RMA department who NEVER responds to phone calls or emails AND they won't give you the person's name OR phone number.
Has ANYONE EVER successfully returned anything to Seidio for refund or exchange.
awful poor bad customer sevice and that alone should make someone NOT want to buy their products.
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