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A quick BIG THANKS to StylusCentral for providing the product for this review. I had a lot of fun (and anxiety. Okay, I’m kidding) doing the demonstration in the video review.

If you’re an active sailor or just someone who loves to participate in water sports, or other activities where you are exposed to water and still wish to keep your Palm or Treo with you, here’s a great product that you should not be without. Or even simply going to the beach where you don’t want sand to get into your Palm. This will be a great case that will protect and prevent anything from getting in once it’s snapped shut.

The Aquapac PDA wallet case is a rubbery, waterproof wallet, or more really like a watertight, waterproof portfolio/bag that allows you to put in that precious electronic hypochrondriac device and keep it safe and dry while you are in the water. The idea is simple but somewhat hard to implement in real life: create a watertight seal for a case or bag but yet allow the device to still be somewhat accessible for usage while underwater. That means, making sure that the material is waterproof, and that the seal is watertight and of course, have a transparent front window so that the user can view and use the PDA underwater. Sounds simple enough but a lot of times, it isn’t that easy. You want the material to be waterproof but still allow the “window” to be used for stylus tapping. That means that the front must be transparent but still thick enough to be waterproof and somewhat puncture proof. You also want the product to float in water but also provide some kind of protection against accidental shocks. There’s the possibility that you may want to try to use a Ziploc or other similar type bags but can you really trust that water won’t seep in after it’s been submerged underwater for a while? I certainly don’t think I can and I’m certainly not going to test it either.

Pics of the Aquapac PDA Wallet

I took the Aquapac PDA wallet to the test, being brave (or stupid?) enough to trust my several hundred dollar Treo 650 with it and submerging it for a few minutes. I have to say, I was a bit apprehensive about it. If it failed, I’ve got a water damaged Treo and will likely need to pay hundreds of dollars to get a new one, but of course, if it worked, I don’t need to replace my Treo, the review will be published and posted and hopefully, I’ll be able to bring some potential customers over to StylusCentral (I’m not an affiliate by the way although I am thankful for the sample). It’s the least I can do. But, I’m sure I will likely be giving this away in a future giveaway (that is, until I can get enough ad revenue to pay for shipping. Yes, I know this sounds bad.)

For the demonstration of my findings, check out the video reviews (I’ve had to cut them into two parts as it took over 10 minutes).

Video of Aquapac PDA wallet

Aquapac PDA wallet review at Vimeo (part 1)

Alternative site: Part 1 at YouTube

Aquapac PDA wallet review at Vimeo (part 2)

Alternative site: Part 2 at YouTube

As I’ve demonstrated in the video, the Aquapac does a great job at keeping whatever device or object that’s sealed inside the Aquapac PDA wallet dry, even when submerged underwater for over 7 minutes. I’m not sure that I would want to test out or try testing it with a Ziploc bag. Maybe as a precautionary measure, but certainly not leave it submerged underwater for an extended length of time. It may work, but the bag can easily rip, puncture and water can seep in, even if we attempt to check it with the naked eye, only to regret it later. With the Aquapac PDA wallet, I can be assured that it will work. Unlike the Ziploc press and slide method of sealing the bag, where most of us (myself included) sometimes may not fully seal the bag, the Aquapac requires a pair of specialized locking clips requiring a certain amount of force to twist the clips to lock into place. With this type of seal where a certain amount of pressure or force is exerted to keep the seal, I think that I can be assured that the seal is air tight.

Features:

* Use a stylus as normal through the clear window of the case
* Designed with an integral stylus holder and side pocket
* Guaranteed submersible and waterproof to 15ft/5m and keeps out dust and sand
* The airtight hermetic seal means your PDA will float safely if dropped in water
* Suitable for PDAs or PDA-style phones without expansion packs
* Foam-padded rear and screen cover for added protection for your PDA
* Floats with your PDA inside

Supplied with:

* Neckcord

Dimensions: Circumference 7.9in/200mm

Length 6in/150mm

Closed Dimensions:

5.5″ X 3.7″

140mm X 95mm

More info can be obtained from Aquapac and StylusCentral.

The Aquapac PDA wallet case comes in blue. The feel of the material is very much like most aquatic equipment with the rubbery but flexible type material that is waterproof. The wallet opens up in a book-like or portfolio-like format with the left side having a side pocket for flat waterproof material and a holder for a stylus type object. The right side is the main case or wallet where the front is transparent to allow you to be able to view and operate the PDA while underwater. The back side has rows of padded backing to help cushion the PDA inside the wallet. The bottom of the case consists of a pair of clips that snaps into place to lock in a watertight seal and also connects to a neck cord.

When the wallet is closed and locked with the PDA inside, there is enough air trapped in the wallet to help keep the wallet afloat. This helps to do two important things. First, the trapped air will help keep the water from seeping in and keeping that airtight seal. Second, the air will also help keep the wallet afloat. So, even if you go overboard and are in the water, your PDA wallet will likely be floating somewhere and normally easily visible and accessible for retrieval. This is where the neck cord can also be a factor. If you have the neck cord on you, the PDA wallet will likely stay with you. Even if not, the lengthy neck cord may make it easier to grab hold of the wallet.

My observations with regards to this Aquapac PDA is that although it does a great job of keeping the PDA dry while it’s in the wallet, to avoid getting it wet when removing it, you should take precautions when taking it out. Hold the wallet with the bottom facing down so that water falls and drips out and not back into the wallet. Squeeze the sides of the wallet to allow easy removal of the PDA with minimal touching of the wallet. As I’ve discovered, it may not be that easy to do as water does reside at the bottom where the seal is. Just make sure you inspect and wipe off any water that does contact your PDA to prevent any potential problems. Or, you can always try to wrap the PDA with a towel or cloth as you are removing it so that any water will be absorbed and none will touch your PDA.

Although it’s nice to have the side flap help protect the wallet, the side holder and stylus holder may possibly be improved upon with a velcro closure. If this wallet were worn over the neck for example, while waterskiing, or diving, without a way to keep the stylus from falling out, you could easily “lose” it while in motion. Just a thought as this isn’t a big deal. You could always have the stylus on you instead.

Aside from those, there’s nothing I can be critical about this waterproof PDA wallet as it works very well. I can’t find any fault with it. While submerged underwater for over 7 minutes, it worked very well and I am quite sure that even after an hour I will get the same result.

If you are someone who enjoys water activities and wish to keep your PDA with you, or wish to be able to access it even while underwater, then, you will likely find the Aquapac PDA Wallet an essential accessory to have. Even those who only occasionally may go canoeing or boating may find this case very useful and handy, even if only as an extra precaution or for peace of mind.

If interested, please check out Aquapac PDA wallet case at StylusCentral. Thanks again to StylusCentral for providing the product.

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