REVIEW OF ZUNE CASES AT WWW.CLICZUNE.COM
CLICK HERE TO VISIT REVIEW & PICTURES BY: Stephane Dion

This week we have a spotlight on Fortte's Zune cases. The company has been around for awhile and besides offering cases for the Zune, they have cases for all sorts of PDA and MP3 players. A few weeks ago, I received two Zune cases from the manufacturer. They sent me a black "Open Face" case and an orange "Carrier" case. Before publishing or writing the review, I used them in my everyday life to have a better understanding of what these products have to offer. I was impressed with the quality of the product but also about the very unique design of Fortte's cases make this company a top class Zune case manufacturer. 9.0
Product Quality: 9.0 Ease of Use: 9.0 Player Protectiveness: 8.5 Manufacturer: Fortte Model: Open face, CarrierPrice: $29.99 - $64.99
Website: www.fortte.com Category: Cases Made for: Zune 30Gb, First Generation
Pros: Very functional cases. Good pricing. Excellent overall quality. Adds real protection to the Zune. Cons: The "Open Case" model is a bit too tight for the Zune. Product Description This elegant and functional leather case is specially designed to custom fit your Zune to protect it from dents and dings of every day life. Made of the finest selection of high-altitude leather, this elegant case is produced by Fortte's certified ISO 9001:2000, OHSAS 18001:1999, ISO 14001:2004 Facility. They also offer the ability to personalize your Zune by embossing your company name, company logo, your name or your initials for a small additional fee.
Product Quality 9.0 Fortte's cases are top of the line products. From the packaging to the small details, the product won't disappoint you. Fortte's designers are really taking the time to find new ways of doing things, and it shows. The case is made of very good quality leather, even for the basic models we received. They offer other types of leather for an extra $10 to $20 charge. Those top quality leathers will bring you very close to what we are used to seeing with Vaja cases. The stitching is also very well done, even though we noticed a few places where it could have been better.
Ease of Use 9.0 Zune cases equipped with belt clips and loops are for the most part very difficult to use, when they are attached to your belt. But Fortte's cases bring the solution to this problem. If you have to pause or change the music often when the Zune is attached to your belt, you might seriously consider the Zune "Carrier" model (orange case seen on the picture). When attached to your belt, the Zune is upside down. This way you can easily look at the Zune screen and use the control buttons to make the changes you want. Very clever! The belt clip included with the "Open Face" case is excellent and clipping and unclipping the Zune was done without hesitation. The small leather loops stitched to the cases are also very useful to hold the earphone cable. The only small problem I had was the "Open Face" case. Inserting and removing the Zune player from it was somewhat of a challenge. I'm sure the leather will expand after a while and the problem would disappear at the same time.
Player Protectiveness 8.5 When I first looked at Fortte's cases, I thought that it would not offer the Zune a good protection. But after taking a closer look, I realized that it does offer an excellent protection to your precious toy. They are just doing it with a different approach than we are used to see. The cases don't have screen protectors but Fortte's designer inserted, under the leather, a rigid material around the screen that makes the case thicker in that area. That simple detail in the design makes the Zune screen more difficult to reach. Consequently more difficult to smash or scratch. The back of the case is the back bone of the product. It's made with a rigid material underneath the leather. The back is also slightly oversized and this helps to protect the corners of the Zune.
Conclusion 9.0 Fortte's cases for the Zune are clearly quality products. Their corporate tag line, "Stylish Functional Cases", very well represent what the company has to offer. The multiple color combinations and personalization options will give your Zune the style you want. But the case designs in themselves have a very strong personality. Details such as the little loop to hold the earphone cable or the belt loop are excellent examples of that. Even though Fortte's cases for the Zune don't have the "Designed for Zune" approval, the cases are an excellent choice if you want something different and of good quality. I strongly recommend their cases.

Miami, FL - May 30 2007
Click here for a direct link to the iPHONE CASES
Fortte and MCW Design & Manufacturing announce the release of a complete collection of premium leather cases for the iPHONE.
It's innovative designs include a variation of the successful OPEN FACE and DUAL DESIGN that guarantee to be the biggest hits since they not only protect the device but they are also stylish, functional and low profile, thus keeping the shape & thickness of the iPhone.
Fortte also offers online capacity to personalize (add your name or logo) and customize (select the colors of your preference)Cases can be purchased on line in a variety of colors including the new metallic bronze, antique silver, sunset and many new releases. Many colors will be in stock for direct purchase by mid June.
Fortte is the innovating leader of the stylish case market.

Note: iPHONE is a trademark of Apple Computer.

May 21st, 2007
By M C - http://palmdiscovery.net Discover a world of possibilities in the Palm® of your hand
Grab Hold Of Your Enfora Wi-Fi Sled Treo With Fortte’s Open Face Case

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE YOUTUBE.COM VIDEO

A BIG THANKS to Peter of Fortte for providing the product for this review.
For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary
Click on the thumbnail images for a bigger picture

Open Face Case For Treo 650 with Enfora Wi-Fi Sled
Video at YouTube
Alternative link: Vimeo
Slight correction for the video. The case does offer a removable ratchet belt clip in addition to the fixed and swivel clip that I mentioned in the video.
Details from Fortte's website:
Palm Treo 650 with Enfora Wi-Fi Sled Open Face
# Dedicated Fit for Treo 650 with Enfora Wi-Fi
# Available WITH different clip options to suit any lifestyle or WITHOUT any clip.# Open access to screen and control surfaces (no clear plastic covering)
# Headphone Jack Access
# Access to all side controls
# Full screen visibility
# Premium Full Grain Leather
Fortte allows full customization of the case including a variety of colors to choose from. In addition to the variety of colors offered, they now offer a new vibrant set of colors in their "Life Color" collection which includes the following colors:
Deep Sea/Kiwi Mint, Deep Sea/Natural Ocean, Deep Sea/Perfect Banana, Deep Sea/Sunset, Kiwi Mint, Kiwi Mint/Perfect Banana, Natural Ocean, Perfect Banana, Sunset, Sunset/Kiwi Mint, Sunset/Perfect Banana.
As well, embossing and further customization options are also available. Please check out my previous review on the Fortte Lateral Pouch Leather case for more details on the services and customizations they offer.
The Open Face Leather Case for Treo with Enfora Wi-Fi sled is (as far as I know, please correct me if I'm wrong), the only leather case or even any case for that matter, that is designed to fit the Treo 650 with the Enfora Wi-Fi sled attached. I knew about this case before I decided to buy the Enfora Wi-Fi sled (I'll be doing a review of that later) and was excited that there's a case for it. So, when I finally bought the Enfora Wi-Fi sled, I knew that I had to get the Fortte case for it. And being someone who dislikes holding anything mobile that is somewhat slippery, this case was exactly what I needed.
The leather case comes available in a choice of belt clips. You can choose from a removable 360 degrees swivel clip, removable ratchet clip, or a non-removable fixed clip. The case I'm reviewing is in black and with the swivel clip. It's a vertical case with an open face design, a design that I really like and a great way to show off the beauty of the face of the Treo. This design can be viewed as a full frontal cutout that allows access to the screen and the hardware and QWERTY keys. At the front, there are cutouts for the LED indicator, the phone speaker, and the power button for the Wi-Fi sled. At the side, the cutout is covered by a protective plastic covering to protect the buttons. At the back, there's a cutout for the speaker (that's always a big plus for me). The belt clip attachment is permanently sewn into the back of the case (another plus since the screw on attachments never stay on for me). At the top, the leather magnetic snap tab wraps over diagonally to easily snap into place to secure the Treo in plase. There's a cutout for the ringer switch. At the bottom, a single strip of leather wraps around the bottom to secure the Treo and sled but also allow access to the headphone jack and power adapter jack.
This is a fine case that wraps up the entire and somewhat bulky package of the Treo and the Enfora Wi-Fi sled. It does a great job of keeping them together and still make the everything look very stylish as well as making it much easier to hold or clip to a belt or pants. Without the case, I was having difficulty keeping my grip on the sled with Treo and I'm so glad that Fortte has created a specially designed case for this. Now, it's so much easier to carry the Treo with the sled and clip it ot my belt or pants.
Most of the Treo is accessible through cutouts in the case including the camera, stylus and headphone jack. The problem I've found mainly lies in the design of the Enfora Wi-Fi sled instead since a lot of the Treo isn't accessible with the sled attached. So, for what the case offered, it gave as much access to the Treo with the sled as possible so I'm quite happy with the case.
Here are my observations of the case. The open face design is quite a nice design which shows off the beauty of the Treo with the sled, allowing direct access to the screen and keys. This design, also, on the other hand, also may allow unexpected accidental screen taps and button pressing since there is no protection at the front. So, those who want protection for the front may find that it may not suit their needs.
I was somewhat disappointed that there was only a cutout for the ringer switch at the top. The SD card slot,the infrared port and the SIM card tray is inacessible when the magnetic snap closure tab is in place. I kept forgetting to remove the snap closure the numerous times that I was beaming some files over, at first, wondering what the problem was, only to discover that, duh, I forgot to unblock the port by removing and holding the tab out while I do the beaming. It's a bit cumbersome but I can deal with it. I just have to remember to remove the top tab before beaming.
I do like the numerous cutouts found in the case, which offer access to various features of the Treo including the camera, ringer switch, headphone and the speaker hole. I love leather cases that come with a speaker hole because they really help to unblock the speaker and sound that emits from the Treo. Thus, when a call comes in, or your alarm rings, you can easily hear it ringing. Otherwise, as with many other leather cases without a speaker hole, most of the sound will be blocked and muffled. So, a speaker hole, although it may not look so nice, is very functional for me. Again, I'm more of a practical user than a stylish user.
The permanent belt attachment sewn into the back of the case is another plus for me since that solves a common problem that I've experienced with other screw in belt attachments that they will tend to fall or unscrew over time. Having a permanent attachment solves this problem. But, alternatively, having it there also "sticks" out a bit which may irk some people, especially if you are placing it on a flat surface like a table. The case with the attachment will not lie perfectly flat.
The swivel clip seems to be sturdy and grips well enough. I like the hook at the end to better grip or clip to the pants or belt. Since the swivel clip doesn't completely touch the back of the case, you may notice that the case may tip a bit over due to the weight of the case. And since it is a swivel clip, and doesn't lock into various positions, the case will adjust according to the weight and gravity pull, which, depending on your preference may be good or bad.
Review Summary
I like how Enfora has created a specially designed case for the Treo 650 with Enfora Wi-Fi sled, offering those who have the sled, a solution to an otherwise case-less package. This case does a great job of keeping the Treo with wi-fi sled together and made it look so much nicer. A lot of the Treo features are easily accessible through cut outs, with the exception of the infrared port, SD card slot and SIM tray, to my chagrin. I do like having the speaker hole at the back, which I consider a big plus. I also liked the permanent belt clip attachment which solves a common problem of a screw on attachment falling off over time but that does stick out, which may bother some people.
Overall, this is a quality leather case from Fortte that allows those Treo users who have the Enfora Wi-Fi sled to have a case for an otherwise, bulky and handful package. It displays the Treo with sled in a very stylish manner yet keeps everything all together and easily accessible. Besides providing protection against scratches and bumps, the nice feel of leather (not to mention smell) also helps keeps your grip on the bulky ensemble. Keep in mind that although the open face design presents the Treo in an appealing way, it also means that the Treo is unprotected. I personally love this case because it now provides me with a great way to hold the two together. As always, you have to balance out your needs and preferences since we are all different in my opinions. Please visit our Fortte affiliate store for more info.

New FORTTE Cases for the Blackberry 8800

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CLICK ON IMAGES FOR FULL-SIZED VERSIONS
Although Palm Addict is (duh) devoted to all-things-Palm, we have to recognize that even our most devoted readers may have a cuckoo in the nest. You bought that Treo 680, but the company will pay your bill if you use the Blackberry 8700 they issue to all salespeople. You have a Palm TX, but the IT guys won't let your WiFi through the firewall, and so-on and so-forth. The fact is that we need to keep you (and ourselves) up on the latest across the Smartphone and PDA world.
Today, we will look at two terrific cases for the new Blackberry 8800 (which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks), brought to us by the good folks at Fortte (for-tay) Cases.
ABOUT FORTTEFortte cases have consistently earned Treo Editor's Choice designation, and one made my 2006 Treo Products of the Year list.
Like those other Fortte cases, both of these excel by the attention Fortte gives to the smallest of details:
*Superb leathers
*Top-line materials used for belt clips, snaps, magnets and other connectors
*Perfect fit & finish, provided by their ISO-certified manufacturing facility
*Exquisite stitching, that is especially strong around openings, and areas where connectors (snaps, belt clips) are located
*Vibrant dyes used for optional colors
*Internal magnets, to cause automatic shut-down of the Blackberry when the case is closed
The best thing? All of this quality is on a par with cases from Vaja and Piel Frama; but...costs the same as the 'generic' cases that you see at every online store.
THE CASESFirst up, is the Blackberry 8800 Dual Design Case (top graphic). This innovative, 'convertible' design features a removable, flip-up cover; so, you can easily switch between a covered, or 'open-faced' case paradigm. The cover is secured at the top/back of the case by an extremely sturdy metal snap, and at the bottom by a generous magnet (which fits perfectly into a grooved indentation at the bottom/back of the case.Another metal snap (right next to the cover's) opens/closes the top flap of the case, for easy placement and removal of your 8800. The case is lined with a soft, fine cloth, while the back and the cover have rigid shields sewn discreetly inside.
The inside of the cover features a beveled slot for a micro-SD card, and another slot for an ID card (if you work in New York City, this is a very handy feature!). The slot is lined with smooth nylon, for easy placement/removal of your ID card, and is covered with sturdy, clear vinyl (strongly sewn into place). This ID card slot features another thoughtful Fortte touch: there is an oval cutout in the middle of the vinyl, so you can use your finger to slide the ID card out.
The Dual Design case can be ordered in black, or in an number of attractive 2-tone color schemes; and, can be purchased without a belt clip, or you can choose between a metal 'swivel' belt clip or a low-profile 'ratchet' belt clip.
Next, is the Blackberry 8800 Lateral Pouch The first thing that comes to mind when you look at this case is 'STYLE'. Reminiscent of classic luggage designs from the 1930's & 1940's, the Lateral Pouch is an exercise in elegant good taste.
First off, there is a pleasing mixture of textures: Fortte sent me a 2-tone version (sorry I don't have a photo), of black leather on the bottom/front, and brandy for the front flap, sides and back. The black leather is handsomely grained, while the 'brandy' leather is smooth, supple and soft. The addition of the spiffy Fortte 'shield' on the front completes a solid fashion statement. The flap is held in place by a very strong magnet; and, has sculpted curves, which allow for an easy grip for opening the case. Inside, the case is lined with extremely soft terry velour, and the back panel has a rigid shield sewn inside. If you opt for the belt clip, you will get a wide, strong piece of spring steel, completely covered with leather, and sewn right into the back of the case.
The Dual Design case starts at $39.99 (USD), and the Lateral Pouch starts at $29.99 (USD). If you crave a superior case, you need to include Fortte when shopping around. If you crave a superior case for the same price as those 'generic' cases, then you have to check out Fortte first.
May 14, 2007 in PJ Arts - Deputy Editor, New Providence, US Permalink