Ken's Musings about RhinoSkin's Palm Products

Last updated: Monday, 28 March 2005 14:08 -0500

The sections below are a transcript of email exchanged with RhinoSkin about issues I have encountered with their aluminium Palm V hardcase. The appear in chronological order.

On the whole, I am quite pleased with the hardcase. It has served its primary purpose of protecting the Palm. I recently ordered one of their titanium versions but it has not arrived yet; the photographs on the RhinoSkin site seem to indicate that some of the design flaws I have encountered in the aluminium version may have been corrected. It has not yet arrived, though, so I have no feedback on it yet.

While RhinoSkin have been courteous about this entire sequence, I would have liked a little more enthusiasm from them about the detailed feedback and suggestions I provided.

I am glad I bought the hardcase, but the beltpak is inferiour to the 3Com one for the Palm III. (I note this in the dialogue below.)

Subject: Observations/suggestions about Palm V moulded hardcase
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 13:58:55 -0500
From: Rodent of Unusual Size <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>
Organization: The Apache Software Foundation
To: Alex McGregor <amcgregor@RhinoSkin.Com>,
     Noah Waterhouse <nwaterhouse@RhinoSkin.Com>
CC: Kendall Comey <kendall@RhinoSkin.Com>

Greetings!

Kendall Comey directed me your way.  Last Spring I purchased
from you an aluminium moulded hardcase and a clip pak beltcase
for my Palm Vx.  Having used both for several months, I have
some observations and feedback for you.

First, the hardcase.

1. As the weather got colder, and my hands consequently more dry,
   I found it more and more difficult to open the case.  To help
   the situation, I added some knurling to provide traction for
   my fingers.  (See first diagram.)  It has worked so well that I
   recommend it to you.

2. When balancing the Palm in one hand while scribing, I find my
   thumb inevitably ends up resting on the lining in the lower-right
   corner of the lid (see lower oblong in first diagram).  It didn't
   take much of this to cause the lining to part, so now there is a
   flap of sticky-backed rubbery lining flopping about and getting
   stuck on things.  I don't know how best to solve this, so I simply
   bring it to your attention and hope you can find a solution.

3. By far the most irksome facet -- in fact almost the only one --
   is the friction spreader at the top of the mounting rod.  (See
   upper oblong in first diagram.)  Please find another mechanism
   to secure the Palm; the proper function of the current design
   depends upon a) the tensile memory of aluminium (not very good)
   and b) centred position of the spreader in the Palm's stylus slot.
   Since the spreader is *not* centred in the slot when the Palm is
   in the case and the case is open, one of the prongs
   has essentially no effect other than to produce wear and
   peening on the top of the slot, and the other puts undue
   stress on the edges of the slot further down, since it
   is pressing the rod *out* of the slot rather than in.  (See
   second diagram.)  The result is that my Palm keeps slipping
   out of the case when I open it, and the plastic edges at the
   top of the slot are worn and peened out.  So far no damage
   has occurred when the Palm has come loose, but this is
   somewhat defeating the purpose of the hardcase.

Next, the clip pak.

1. The metal clip is truly obnoxious.  It either requires both
   hands to mount on a belt, or else one hand and a damaged finger.
   I mentioned this when I first received it; please, PLEASE
   examine the belt loop/clip arrangement used by the 3Com Palm III
   belt case, which is much more usable and sensible.  Or perhaps
   consider some sort of latching clip -- but discard this design
   that requires participation in a B-grade Battle with the Mighty
   Spring production.

2. Perhaps there was only one size of clip pak when I purchased
   mine, but it is slightly too large for the Palm Vx moulded
   hardcase.  The unfortunate aspect that I wish to draw to your
   attention is that in other to hold the hardcase firmly and
   securely, the flap must almost completely overlap the Velcro(tm)
   patch on the pak.  The result is either a snugly-held hardcase
   secured by about 4mm of Velcro, or a firm Velcro overlap that
   allows the hardcase to move about (though not to the extent of
   escaping the clip pak, by any means).  The former less-secure
   arrangement is much more likely to occur, since the wearer
   will probably slip the hardcase in and slap the flap closed.

Please do not mistake me; I like your products and think they
are quite good.  However, attention to these issues could
advance them to the level os 'excellent.'

In closing, I must say that I wish the titanium moulded hardcase
had been available when I ordered mine; I would have preferred
it.  Now I need to consider whether to trade up. ;-)

Thank you for your time and attention.
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: Observations/suggestions about Palm V moulded hardcase
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:57 -0700
From: "Noah Waterhouse" <nwaterhouse@rhinoskin.com>
To: "Rodent of Unusual Size" <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>,
     "Alex McGregor" <amcgregor@rhinoskin.com>
CC: "Kendall Comey" <kendall@rhinoskin.com>

Ken,
Thanks for your input...You make some really good points, and we'll
definitely keep them in mind.
Regards,
Noah

Noah Waterhouse
RhinoSkin, Inc.
(307) 734-8833, ext. 14
(307) 734-8868
http://www.rhinoskin.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Rodent of Unusual Size [mailto:Ken.Coar@Golux.Com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 11:59 AM
To: Alex McGregor; Noah Waterhouse
Cc: Kendall Comey
Subject: Observations/suggestions about Palm V moulded hardcase

Greetings!

Kendall Comey directed me your way.  Last Spring I purchased
from you an aluminium moulded hardcase and a clip pak beltcase
for my Palm Vx.  Having used both for several months, I have
some observations and feedback for you.

First, the hardcase.

1. As the weather got colder, and my hands consequently more dry,
   I found it more and more difficult to open the case.  To help
   the situation, I added some knurling to provide traction for
   my fingers.  (See first diagram.)  It has worked so well that I
   recommend it to you.

2. When balancing the Palm in one hand while scribing, I find my
   thumb inevitably ends up resting on the lining in the lower-right
   corner of the lid (see lower oblong in first diagram).  It didn't
   take much of this to cause the lining to part, so now there is a
   flap of sticky-backed rubbery lining flopping about and getting
   stuck on things.  I don't know how best to solve this, so I simply
   bring it to your attention and hope you can find a solution.

3. By far the most irksome facet -- in fact almost the only one --
   is the friction spreader at the top of the mounting rod.  (See
   upper oblong in first diagram.)  Please find another mechanism
   to secure the Palm; the proper function of the current design
   depends upon a) the tensile memory of aluminium (not very good)
   and b) centred position of the spreader in the Palm's stylus slot.
   Since the spreader is *not* centred in the slot when the Palm is
   in the case and the case is open, one of the prongs
   has essentially no effect other than to produce wear and
   peening on the top of the slot, and the other puts undue
   stress on the edges of the slot further down, since it
   is pressing the rod *out* of the slot rather than in.  (See
   second diagram.)  The result is that my Palm keeps slipping
   out of the case when I open it, and the plastic edges at the
   top of the slot are worn and peened out.  So far no damage
   has occurred when the Palm has come loose, but this is
   somewhat defeating the purpose of the hardcase.

Next, the clip pak.

1. The metal clip is truly obnoxious.  It either requires both
   hands to mount on a belt, or else one hand and a damaged finger.
   I mentioned this when I first received it; please, PLEASE
   examine the belt loop/clip arrangement used by the 3Com Palm III
   belt case, which is much more usable and sensible.  Or perhaps
   consider some sort of latching clip -- but discard this design
   that requires participation in a B-grade Battle with the Mighty
   Spring production.

2. Perhaps there was only one size of clip pak when I purchased
   mine, but it is slightly too large for the Palm Vx moulded
   hardcase.  The unfortunate aspect that I wish to draw to your
   attention is that in other to hold the hardcase firmly and
   securely, the flap must almost completely overlap the Velcro(tm)
   patch on the pak.  The result is either a snugly-held hardcase
   secured by about 4mm of Velcro, or a firm Velcro overlap that
   allows the hardcase to move about (though not to the extent of
   escaping the clip pak, by any means).  The former less-secure
   arrangement is much more likely to occur, since the wearer
   will probably slip the hardcase in and slap the flap closed.

Please do not mistake me; I like your products and think they
are quite good.  However, attention to these issues could
advance them to the level os 'excellent.'

In closing, I must say that I wish the titanium moulded hardcase
had been available when I ordered mine; I would have preferred
it.  Now I need to consider whether to trade up. ;-)

Thank you for your time and attention.
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

Subject: Rhino Skin Cases
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 17:02:39 -0600
From: "alex macgregor" <amacgregor@rhinoskin.com>
To: <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>

Ken,
 I am writing you in response to the very valid points that you made when
you last wrote to us. I was wondering where I could get a picture of the
3Com case that you were referring to in the text that you sent. I would like
to get a picture of this case and I went to their site hoping to find it but
was unable. If you have a picture of this case or know where I may be able
to see one I would like to see one. Again thank you for your critique and I
hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Alex

Subject: Re: Rhino Skin Cases
Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 12:14:48 -0500
From: Rodent of Unusual Size <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>
Organization: The Apache Software Foundation
To: alex macgregor <amacgregor@rhinoskin.com>

alex macgregor wrote:
>
> I am writing you in response to the very valid points that you made
> when you last wrote to us. I was wondering where I could get a
> picture of the 3Com case that you were referring to in the text
> that you sent.

I have attached some photos of my old case.  The first three
show the basic construction: a leather belt loop sewn to the
clip pak at the top, and sewn to it at the bottom through a
short piece of elastic cloth.  The metallic clip is leather-clad
and is attached to the loop's outside.  For long-term wear and
utmost security, the belt loop may be used; for brief portability,
the belt clip may be.

The fourth photograph shows the tear in the lining where my
thumb rests.  The flap is currently back in place, but it
will come loose and start sticking to things as soon as I
use the Palm whilst it in the hardcase.

The fifth and sixth photgraphs show the peening effect the
spreader has had on the top of my Palm's stylus slot.  (Look
closely; I am not a professional photographer. :-)  This
only aggravates the poor grip the hardcase has on the Palm;
as more peening and wear occurs, the more often the Palm
falls out.

The final three photographs show the misalignment of the spreader
when the Palm is installed.  This is how it is when I open the
hardcase, even if I centre it before closing.  As you can see,
one of the spreader arms is not even in contact with the slot,
so it is no wonder the Palm falls out when the case is opened.

I hope these photographs are useful; please accept my apology
for the size of this message as a consequence of their inclusion.
Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance.
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: Rhino Skin Cases
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 15:32:32 -0500
From: Rodent of Unusual Size <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>
Organization: The Apache Software Foundation
To: alex macgregor <amacgregor@rhinoskin.com>

alex macgregor wrote:
>
> I am writing you in response to the very valid points that you
> made when you last wrote to us.

Did you receive my reply sent 2 February 2001?  If not, it might
be due to the photographs I included; let me know and I will
hang them on a Web page instead..
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

ApacheCon 2001!
Four tracks with over 70+ sessions. Free admission to exhibits
and special events - keynote presentations by John 'maddog' Hall
and David Brin. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors IBM and
Covalent, Gold Sponsor Thawte, and Silver Sponsor Compaq.  Attend
only Apache event designed and fully supported by the members of
the ASF. See more information and register at <http://ApacheCon.Com/>!

Subject: RE: Rhino Skin Cases
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 13:56:22 -0600
From: "Alex Macgregor" <amacgregor@rhinoskin.com>
To: "Rodent of Unusual Size" <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>

Ken,
I do not believe that I did receive that. Also I apologize but I am not
fully aware of what we were discussing so if you could jog my memory as
well. Thank you and I apologize but I am dealing with so many different
potential clients on a daily bases that sometimes a few slip through the
cracks. Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best Regards,
Alex

Alex MacGregor
OEM Manager
amacgregor@rhinoskin.com
tel.307-734-8833
fax 307-734-8868

-----Original Message-----
From: Rodent of Unusual Size [mailto:Ken.Coar@Golux.Com]
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 2:33 PM
To: alex macgregor
Subject: Re: Rhino Skin Cases

alex macgregor wrote:
>
> I am writing you in response to the very valid points that you
> made when you last wrote to us.

Did you receive my reply sent 2 February 2001?  If not, it might
be due to the photographs I included; let me know and I will
hang them on a Web page instead..
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

ApacheCon 2001!
Four tracks with over 70+ sessions. Free admission to exhibits
and special events - keynote presentations by John 'maddog' Hall
and David Brin. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors IBM and
Covalent, Gold Sponsor Thawte, and Silver Sponsor Compaq.  Attend
only Apache event designed and fully supported by the members of
the ASF. See more information and register at <http://ApacheCon.Com/>!

Subject: Re: Rhino Skin Cases
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 16:35:23 -0500
From: Rodent of Unusual Size <Ken.Coar@Golux.Com>
Organization: The Apache Software Foundation
To: Alex Macgregor <amacgregor@rhinoskin.com>

Alex Macgregor wrote:
>
> I do not believe that I did receive that. Also I apologize but I
> am not fully aware of what we were discussing so if you could
> jog my memory as well.

I have posted the complete transcript of messages, with photographs,
at <URL:http://Golux.Com/coar/RhinoSkin/>.  Please let me know
if there is any additional information I can provide, or questions
I can answer.

I hope to hear from you soon..
--
#ken    P-)}

Ken Coar                    <http://Golux.Com/coar/>
Apache Software Foundation  <http://www.apache.org/>
"Apache Server for Dummies" <http://Apache-Server.Com/>
"Apache Server Unleashed"   <http://ApacheUnleashed.Com/>

ApacheCon 2001!
Four tracks with over 70+ sessions. Free admission to exhibits
and special events - keynote presentations by John 'maddog' Hall
and David Brin. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors IBM and
Covalent, Gold Sponsor Thawte, and Silver Sponsor Compaq.  Attend
only Apache event designed and fully supported by the members of
the ASF. See more information and register at <http://ApacheCon.Com/>!