Saturday, March 31, 2007

Review of Fortte Case for Blackberry 8700 Series
click on this title to visit the complete review

No, I am not turning my back on Treos in favor of 'Crackberry' devices. On the other hand, we have a large % of readers who do not use Treos. They haven't had a new Palm PDA released in a very long while, and many of them use their Palms with other devices (RAZRs, Blackberries and Moto Qs).
Since Palm Addict will review these non-Palm devices from time to time, I will feature products that enhance their Palm Addiction when I deem them worthy. The first review will be a case from the good folks at Fortte; who produce premium-grade cases at 'regular case' prices.
Immediately below this review, you will be treated to a review of the Fortte 8525 case by our own Wallace Matsen. As usual, Wallace (or, as he likes it typed: 'wally') writes in brief, elegant and (dare I say it) poetic phrases that are sadly rare in today's media verbiage (I am a major verbiage culprit).
The 'Type B' Case from Fortte was tested with the assistance of an in-law, who is a corporate attorney and long-time Crackberry fiend.
OVERVIEW* Dedicated Fit for BlackBerry 8700r / 8700c / 8700g / 8700v / 8703e
* Accommodates both: extended and slim batteries
* Available either "with" or "without" Removable Spring Loaded Swivel
* Magnet for automatic shut-down
* 2 Credit Card Holders
* Access to all side controls
* Full screen visibility
* Premium Full Grain Leather
PROSMy 'assistant' had a huge issue with her default 8700 case: while in her pocketbook, it would regularly turn itself on (from pressure on the case cover), and dial different people in her address book. So, the CEO of her corporation might get a call, and upon answering, hear his Senior Counsel talking to her baby son, trying to get him to 'open up for the choo-choo'. While amusing to me, it was a real issue to be solved.The design of the Fortte case prevents any buttons from being pressed when the cover is closed. This is a combination of the case architecture, as well as the slightly raised, rigid frame around the Blackberry screen area. In addition, the cover includes a magnet, which induces automatic shutdown of the Blackberry when closed. The same cover also has slots for two credit cards, and features superb, soft leather wrapped around a reinforced rigid panel.
The back of the case is another leather-wrapped protection panel, where the optional belt-clip 'nub' is sewn in, to ensure that your device has no accidental falls. In fact, the stitching on Fortte cases is both elegant and extra-strong.
Another advantage of the case is the 'inner-case' where the Blackberry actually lives. This ultra-soft leather is lined with smooth nylon, with openings for controls, lights and connectors lining up perfectly. In addition, this intelligent design allows you to charge your device, without having to remove it from the case. My 'assistant' said that the softness and grip of the case made using the Blackberry as a phone much easier then before.
CONS: To be honest, my 'assistant' had nothing but praise for the case; and I found no fault. The only potential issue is that the case's design leaves the 4 corners of the device uncovered. Of course, for this to be an issue, any object would have to navigate a very small space in order to make impact.
BOTTOM LINE: The Fortte 'Type B' Case for the Blackberry 8700 series is exactly what it claims to be: elegant, superbly designed and manufactured, and a terrific bargain for this quality of case. It retails for $39.99, and can be purchased here.
Mar 30, 2007 in PJ Arts - Deputy Editor, New Providence, US

Friday, March 30, 2007

Review of Fortte 'Book-Style' Case for the Cingular 8525
click on the title to view complete review at palmaddict

I have dropped a smart phone once and just thinking about brings back the anxiety. It was scary and it was within seconds that I was converted to a case for my smart phone.
There are many of them and I became a case nut. Some of them are good and some are not. I learned that the better the case , the more it costs and that is an economic reality. When I was asked to review a case from Fortte. I looked forward to receiving it for my Cingular 8525. i had used their case on my treo 650 and raved to you about it.
This case is amazing . I am convinced that this is not the result of engineer designers, but of elves and leprechauns. It is so cleverly put together and makes the 8525 as safe as i could ever want it to be.
The material is leather and so well put together that it is a work of art. i love my 8525 and do not think it should not be safe. Especially in the hands of a klutz, like me.
i recommend this case to anyone who cares about their smartphone. the price for the quality is so sensible. it should come gift wrapped. it is an economic gift
The Book-Style Case from Fortte retails for $39.99, and can be purchased here
Mar 30, 2007 in wally matsen, asheville, nc, usa

Friday, March 23, 2007

Review of Fortte Vertical Pouch for Treo 700 series
(click on the title to visit the link with pictures)
"Those who follow my reviews know that I named a Fortte leather case as one of my 2006 Products of the Year. Fortte produces innovative leather cases for almost every type of smartphone, feature-phone and PDA on the market.
The reason? Actually, there are 3:1) Fortte designs and manufactures their own cases, which is a rarity in today's marketplace2) Fortte uses materials and manufacturing standards that are almost the equal of Vaja and Piel Frama3) Fortte sells these superior cases for about the same prices as the generic, re-brands you find at most case outlets.
Superior products for the same price as lower-end merchandise. What's not to love?Today, due to numerous reader requests, we take a look at one of their 'pouch-style' cases. These are not my favorite kind of case, and as a result, I seem to have ignored this segment of our readers. My apologies, and I will be more mindful in the future.
The Fortte Vertical Pouch case is for people who want to keep their Treo safe in their jacket pocket, pants pocket or pocketbook, do it without adding much bulk...and, want to do it with style. The case is of soft yet sturdy leather, reinforced with hard panels at the front & back, padded with foam and lined all around with a soft terry lining. Fortte bevels the case, so that it follows the contours of the Treo all the way down to the bottom.The combination of foam and lining not only add protection, but keep the Treo safely snug while its inside. Even so, it is an easy matter to unsnap the large magnetic clasp and slide your Treo out for use. Since a pouch case doesn't lend itself to 'in-case' usage, Fortte opted to go with maximum protection; so, you won't see cutouts at the bottom for the charger or earphone jacks. This is sensible, and adds to the case's overall structural integrity.There is such a thing as going too far, and I'm afraid that Fortte did that when leaving key openings covered: there is no opening for the speaker on the rear of the Treo; and, this is the ringtone speaker. As a result, the ringer is rather muffled, although still audible. Hopefully, Fortte will address this wee oversight in the next batch that they release.
The basic case is black leather, although Fortte provides for a lot of customization (multiple colors, embossed lettering, etc), and can be ordered with or without a belt clip (the one shown here is without). I really like the way Fortte does its belt clip option: The metal nub is actually sown into reinforced leather at the back; so, it won't unscrew and drop your device (like a lot of other cases do). In addition, the spring-loaded belt clip itself is very sturdy, and won't let the case pop out at the least little impact. As I mentioned, Fortte does their own manufacturing, and their processes are ISO certified.
So, what does a quality leather pouch case cost these days? This one will set you back a mere $24.99 USD. If you are in the market for a leather case, you owe it to yourself to check out the goods at Fortte. You won't find anything to compare for anywhere near their cost.
Mar 23, 2007 in PJ Arts - Deputy Editor, New Providence, US "

Saturday, March 17, 2007

MOBILE CASES FOR BLACKBERRY 8800
LEATHER CASES



BlackBerry 8800 Glove Fit
leather case zipper style



BlackBerry 8800 Dual Design

Removable Flip cover protector & Open face in ONE case







Lateral or Horizontal case with pockets for Micro SD card and SIM


BlackBerry 8800 Open Face

Leather PDA Case -Dedicated Fit for BlackBerry 8800



BlackBerry 8800 STiL Vertical Pouch

With leather latch on top to prevent accidental falling