Krusell Cabriolet Multidapt for HTC Wizard Review
As part 6 of our 7 part HTC Wizard case shootout review I'll be looking at the Krusell Handit Multidapt for the HTC Wizard. Krusell have always done well in 4WM and Tekguru reviews. Can they do it again?
Read on to find out!
Special thanks go out to Christina Neeley from Krusell for supplying us with a review sample.
Remember, the direct case comparison review will be posted on Wednesday 1st March after the last of the individual reviews.
For your delectation all photographs are thumbnails which may be clicked on to load an image.
Supplier: Krusell
Product: Cabriolet Multidapt for HTC Wizard
Cost: $29.95 (Approx £17)
Supplier Web Site: http://www.krusell.se
Supplier Product Web Site: http://www.krusell.se/product.php?productID=2128&x=3&y=1&category=42
Introduction
We've already heard from Krusell once in this shootout, and the Handit Multidapt made a pretty impressive showing. In what is as much of a surprise to me as you, we've a second Krusell case to share. Bizarrely the Krusell Cabriolet has sneaked in through back door by virtue of its diminutive stature, as opposed to grand designs and exotic materials. It's no secret that I dislike the extra bulk added by the flip cases, but can they really get away with simply decapitating it? Have Krusell provided us with proof of the old adage "Less is more"? Read on.....
Aesthetics
I feel almost like Krusell have cheated aesthetically. Not that I'm complaining. It's just that unlike many of the other cases we've seen, the majority of what's on view is the Wizard. The leather aspects of the case thinly frame both the screen and the d-pad, accentuating the gorgeous lines of the device. I think Krusell have opted a little for looks and functionality over protection with the height of the case as the screen frame finishes short of the mail and PIE buttons. This leaves the buttons accessible and looks awesome, but leaves the top vulnerable. I'll get to that later though. When you wear the case it looks almost as the device is just levitating next to your side, and with the case being full leather (bar the multidapt) it looks and feels very lush.
There's no storage capacity at all here, for MiniSD cards or business cards etc. The case is all about minimalism and access and there really is very little space for extras.
Phone Functionality
The case itself is nicely designed, and well fitted with all of the controls being easily accessible. This adds an extra dimension to the holster for use off the belt, in a pocket, or on a desk etc. I found the form factor just about small enough to be pocketable, an unusual feature for a Wizard case. You cannot access the keyboard while the device is in place, but I think that's probably by design. It seems like Krusell have offered the Cabriolet as more of a hybrid holster than an out and out case. Indeed, the Cabriolet is best used as a holster in my opinion. The fit is a little tight at first, but only for the first couple of extractions. After this it's easy to hold the top of the case with your thumb and use your index finger to push the device a quarter way out. From there you can remove the Wizard from the case. It only takes a couple of goes to perfect the movement and you can whip your PDA out in no time, using only one hand. I'd probably say using the cabriolet is the quickest way at getting at the keyboard of any of the covers I've seen, hence not penalising it for lack of access. It's not exactly "duelling at noon" speed drawing, but even so it's the quickest I've seen.
The aspect of Krusell cases that really seperates them from the masses is the Multidapt system. It's like lego for cellphones. You simply use the female adapter to connect a clip. The clips are often discreet(except the cycle clip?!?) so you can leave them where they stand, and they're often barely noticable. Anyone with more than one phone will think it's Christmas. Just buy a Krusell case for each phone and swap the accessories as and when from phone to phone. Only 1 car mount is required, 1 bike mount, 1 clip for your work trousers, 1 clip for your shorts etc. You get the picture.
I was a little disappointed to only receive the standard clip included in the package as a well fitted swivel clip on a good belt is perfect for the Cabriolet. The swivel clip is threaded onto a belt and remains in place allowing the case to be unclipped. Being permenantly connected to the belt adds stability and makes one handed extraction easy.
I recieved a "Connection Kit" from Krusell as a review taster. I could review each connector, but my Wizard would be obsolete by the time I was done. To say the options are extensive is a woeful understatement. As an example there are 18 different neck straps alone! There's also Spring clips, Swivel clips, Bike and Car holders. The list is unending. Each clip type also contains several different sizes which are suitable for different sized phones. If you think of an iPAQ as the biggest, and say a Samsung D500 as the smallest you can grade your device and select a suitably sized clip. For the Wizard you'd want a medium to large clip.
Physical Security
Protection is not the name of the game with the Cabriolet, it's all about access. With the screen and device top exposed you could be fooled into thinking it was little more than a belt clip. However, the back of the case is sturdy and the bottom of the device is entirely covered. Important as if dropped your case is more likely to bounce on the bottom corners than anywhere else. So there is some protection.
As I stated earlier on, Krusell could have extended the height of the case to give more protection to the top of the device. This probably wouldn't have looked as good and may have lessened the usability of the mail and PIE buttons, but would have helped from a protection angle.
Having previously reviewed the Handit case with flip it seems like Krusell could almost have used the rear press studs to attach and detach the flip to the Cabriolet (with an added press stud at the back on the bottom of the case again as with the Handit) . Essentially this would give you both cases in the same package and have made the flip an option. Maybe a thought for the future?
The first time I used the Multidapt system I have to say I was dubious that the clips would be able to handle a really thorough workout, either in the office, or recreationally. I wondered about the strength of the female connector, as it seemed the weakest point. During the past couple of months however I've taken my Magician off roading on my Mountain Bike, played tennis with my mpx220 (wearing it, not hitting it obviously....), been running and even taken it out on the town. I've knocked it while walking past desks and rummaging around in server rooms. I now have the confidence to take my phone wherever I want to go, knowing that whatever else happens, with the correct clip installed, all should hold up nicely.
As a side note Krusell also offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their cases "If your case shows a defect that is related to a production failure." Nice touch.
Value
Cost: $29.95. Approx £17
The Krusell case retails for approximately £17, and the multitude of clips, straps, vehicle connectors etc range between about £5 - £10 each. Ideally I think you'd want the swivel clip to really feel the full benefit of this case, but it's still great value for money even if you splash out on this too.
Pro's
Fast access to device.
Simple, solidly engineered attachment mechanism.
Gargantuan array of different clips, straps, holders etc.
Modular attachments can be swapped between different device cases.
Great looking case.
Quality leather feel.
Excellent access to ports and controls.
Very comfortable to wear (clip selection permitting).
Con's
Exposed top of device.
No protection for keyboard use.
No keyboard access from within the case.
No SD storage.
Would have been nice to get a swivel clip.
4WM Rating
85%
Conclusion
I do think Krusell may have missed a trick here, with an optional flip attachment being relatively easy to put into place, giving the Cabriolet the Handit functionality for very little additional cost. Yes, the protection offered is a concern, and the lack of storage is an issue, although minor. That said, the current revision of the Cabriolet is frighteningly simple, and exceptionally well implemented. Access wise, there is no faster way to get to your phone, bar carrying it naked. It looks awesome, and is well constructed from quality materials. Last but not least, you have the excellent Multidapt system, and the immense range of accessories available. The Cabriolet may be shy on protection should you drop it, but the Multidapt is flexible enough to make sure you don't. It really comes into its own if you have mulitple devices, as the modular connection accessories can be transfered from phone to phone. I find it a little disturbing that until now I really didn't realise what I needed from a case for day to day usage. The Cabriolet has come from nowhere and thrust itself to the top of the podium on the basis of its minimalist, no frills, no nonsense design. It's not too early to start your Christmas list with this little gem.
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