(Last edited May 1st, 2008)

I have now added the ability to listen to the review thanks to a text to speech program called Text2Go, which is very similar to what TextAloud and 2ndSpeechCenter offers. I own both Text2Go and TextAloud with Scansoft’s English UK speaking Daniel voice. Forget the horrible robotic voice of Microsoft Sam. Listen to the m4a file (it’s just Apple iTunes’ non-DRM format which is just like mp4) and you’ll find that it’s very close to a natural sounding voice and can actually understand what’s been said. If you can’t play the m4a file, you can rename the extension to mp4 and see if it will play. Or get iTunes and you should be able to listen to it with QuickTime player. Okay, some of the words aren’t pronounced correctly (I’ll have to edit them another time) but it’s a heck a lot better than Microsoft Sam. I will attempt to go over my older reviews postings and start adding audio support for them. I will likely be doing a review of Text2Go and TextAloud to show how amazing these programs are. Stay tuned!

[display_podcast]

A BIG THANKS again (as usual) to Palm Addicts for the recent front page mentions!

Palm Discovery would like to extend a BIG THANKS to Hannah of Proporta for providing the product for this review.

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Looking for a nice, lightweight, shiny and good looking hard case for your Treo smartphone? Then check out Proporta’s Aluminum Case for the Treo smartphone. The particular model I am reviewing today is designed for the Treo 750, 680, 755p and of course, the 750v. Stay tuned as I will be announcing another giveaway of this and other similar aluminum cases in a future giveaway contest posting.

The Proporta Aluminum Case, as the name implies is an aluminum hard shell case that is lightweight but will provide decent hard shell protection against limited impact and shock as well as scratch protection. The book style case when closed will keep the Treo protected yet accessible via customized cut outs at various areas of the case and can easily be opened like a book for full unobstructed access.

For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary

Similar to other aluminum hard shell cases, this one is made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum. Unlike many other aluminum cases, this case has a very shiny and polished finish compared to the etched matte finish of other aluminum cases. In my view, this shiny polish is more appealing, (maybe because of the bling) but also because it feels better in the hand (my personal opinion). It’s lightweight but firm enough to retain its shape to protect the smartphone inside.

There’s a neoprene lining found inside all along the back and front of the case helps cushion the delicate Treo from shocks caused by slight bumps or drops. Aside from the shock absorbing feature, this lining also does a great job of gripping the Treo and preventing the Treo from moving inside the case. So, when you’re jogging or bicycling with the Treo in the case, you can be assured that the Treo won’t be moving around inside the case and possibly take on some internal damage.

Description:

The Proporta Palm Treo 750 Series Aluminium Case is beautifully designed and finished to meet the exact specifications of your Palm handheld. Made from a lightweight, aircraft grade aluminium with a tough anodised finish, it also includes a soft, protective neoprene lining to keep your device as snug as a bug in a… you get the idea.

Cut outs give access to ports and controls so that you can still use your device whilst it’s in the case. Your device can also be docked in your vehicle using the Proporta Magnetic Vehicle Docking System (Car Kit) – which is ideal for use with our GPS Navigation systems.

Key Features:

* Precision moulded from 100% lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminium
* Tough, scratch-resistant, anodized finish
* Neoprene lining cushions your device from impact shocks
* Cut aways give access to ports and controls so that you can use your device in the case
* Optional, removable belt attachment system
* Compatible with Proporta Magnetic Vehicle Docking System (Car Kit)
* Lifetime warranty

Click on the thumbnail images for a bigger picture

Slideshow of the above images

Product Video

Video at YouTube

Alternative site: Video at blip.tv

Here are my observations:

I am impressed with the very smooth and shiny polished look of the Proporta’s Aluminum Case. It’s lightweight yet strong to keep the Treo well protected. The inner neoprene lining does a great job of absorbing shocks due to slight bumps or drops and it also works great at gripping the Treo inside and keeping it immobile inside. On the other hand, since it does grip it a bit more than I would like, you may find that inserting the removing the Treo may take a slight more effort and a few more seconds of your time. But then, it isn’t that much of a deal. The book style format of the case, as I’ve mentioned in similar type cases works well, but for those who are used to texting with the QWERTY keys on the Treo, the door when flipped open may get in the way. So, you’ll need to adjust to compensate for that. Again, it’s a personal observation. Due to previous experience with a similar styled case where the inner rod inside the door hinge will fall out, you may wish to prevent it from falling out. I’d suggest wrapping elastic bands around the hinges to prevent the rod from falling out. Lastly, as also mentioned before, with the removable belt clip with screw, you may wish to find a way to keep the screw secured on the case to prevent it from unscrewing over time.

Aside from these observations, this is still a pretty good case that offers decent protection, good looks and very lightweight.

Review Summary

Proporta’s Aluminum Case is a good looking shiny, lightweight, hard shell protective case. The book style case allows easy access to key areas of the Treo even when closed via the customized cutouts. The transparent window keeps the delicate screen from scratches while allowing you to view the Treo screen. Should you require to access the other areas of the Treo, simply open the case and you have everything in front of you. If you’re looking for a lightweight hard shell case check out Proporta’s Aluminum Case

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Proporta and purchases made with the affiliate links in this post and throughout the site will help keep Palm Discovery.net running as paying for future giveaways offered from time to time. Use coupon DISCOVER for 10% discount off your purchase! Thanks to your generosity, $20 was donated to Plan Canada (formerly Foster Parents Plan International) in 2006 and $85 was donated in 2007.

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Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger (USB Rechargeable Battery)

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Replacement Battery (Palm Treo 750) - Standard

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