Introduction

A few months ago we took a look at the Vaja I-Volution T6 case for the Treo 600. This case was an excellent alternative to the nylon case that Palm provided with the Treo 600. I've been using the I-Volution for many months now and the case has held up well to my constant abuse. The I-Volution is an example of a case that belongs to the "cool and funky" department. However, the T6 is definitely not a case for everyone and to that end, Vaja has yet another product offering for the Treo 600. The case is called the Vaja HA42 and it provides a more conservative approach to protecting the Treo 600 from everyday wear and tear. We've been lucky enough to use an evaluation sample from Vaja over the last month and today we'll present our findings. Let's see if Vaja continues the trend of delivering high quality, well manufactured leather cases. Join us as we review the Vaja HA42 for the Treo 600.

Features

The HA42 has the following features:

• Snap closure
• Padded case
• Allows access to all of Treo 600's functions
• Headphone access
• Stainless steel mesh speaker protector
• HotSync through the travel cable
• 2 SD slots
• 1 Money pocket
• ABS inserted protection
• Ultra clip
• 4 5/8" x 2 3/8" x 1 2/8" inches

Overview

We received the HA42 via FedEx nicely wrapped in a cardboard box.

The HA42 is a flip top case for the Treo 600. Here's a picture of the front of the case:

The top flap is held into place with a snap button on the backside of the case. The interior portion of the HA42 provides access to all the features found on the Treo 600. You won't have any difficulties getting to the navigational button nor the four major buttons adorning the middle of the phone. The screen is easily viewable through the HA42.

The underside of the top flap has openings for either two SD cards or small currency bills.

The bottom of the HA42 has openings for both the sync port and the headset jack.

On the back of the HA42 you'll find the connector for the Ultra clip.

Here are pictures of the clip. It slides into the back connector and then locks into place. If you want to take the clip out, just press on the insert at the end of the clip and then slide it back out.

The HA42 has the same stainless steel mesh speaker protector found on the T6 case. This screen both protects the speaker and allows sounds to travel unimpeded to the outside world. If you're a Treo 600 camera user, you won't like the HA42. The lens on the Treo600 is blocked by the case so you'll need to pull the smartphone out in order to snap pictures.

Usage

You'll find that it takes quite a bit of effort to get the Treo 600 into the HA42 initially - it's a very tight fit but as with all leather products, the case will expand over time. Once the Treo 600 is inside the HA42, you'll wonder why you never had this case to begin with. The HA42 literally fits like a glove over the Treo 600. There's no mistake about it - the HA42 is made of very high quality leather and is beautifully hand crafted to the Treo's exacting specifications.

I brought the Treo 600 into my workplace and everyone immediately noticed the new case on the phone. In contrast to the T6 case that was reviewed a few months ago, the HA42 is actually a more subdued product that follows the graceful curves of the Treo 600.

What does the HA42 feel like in your hand? It literally feels like that old familiar leather wallet that you've had for oh so many years. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well let's just say that the case feels great in the palm of your hands.

The HA42 is not a case for everyone of course. If you want quick and easy access to your Treo 600's phone features, then the HA42 is not necessarily the best case for your needs. In order for you to answer the phone, you need to flip open the case which can be a pain especially if you're driving in car. This of course is not a problem if you use a headset with your Treo 600.

The HA42 also does not work with the desktop cradle charger. If you use the travel sync cable, then the HA42 is perfect. However, both the T6 and the HA42 impedes the use of the cradle. The T6 is a better option if you find yourself removing the smartphone from the case on a frequent basis.

As mentioned earlier - the HA42 blocks the camera on the Treo 600 so you'll need to take the phone out of the case to use the camera. But come on now - who really cares? The camera on the Treo 600 is pitiful anyhow!

Summary

Vaja does it again with another wonderful leather case for the Treo 600. If you visit their website, you'll find an assortment of cases for all sorts of popular phones, PDAs, and devices. These cases aren't by any means inexpensive. If you intend to do any customizations on the case, then be prepared to spend a bit more for them. Keep in mind that it takes Vaja some time to manufacture a customized case so don't expect an overnight delivery. However we'll keep saying this over and over - you get what you pay for with Vaja. You'll never be disappointed with a case from Vaja and the HA42 is a fine testament to that.

We'd like to thank Vaja for sending us the HA42 to evaluate. If you have any questions or comments, please post them in our forums.

Yes.. the pros and cons do look familiar.. what can we say? Vaja delivers the same thing with every case!

Pros:

• Excellent, high quality leather
• Tight exacting fit
• Room for 2 SD cards or money
• Excellent construction

Cons:

• Can be expensive