Vaja HT41 Classic case for HTC Apache & Wizard

Review: Vaja HT41 Classic case for HTC Apache & Wizard

As an addendum to our 8 part HTC Wizard case shootout review from way back in February I'll be looking at the Vaja HT41 Classic case for HTC Apache & Wizard. I've never been lucky enough to own a device blessed with a case available from Vaja. Now though, Vaja seem to have finally noticed HTC devices, was it worth the wait? Read on to find out!

Special thanks go out to Fede from Vaja for supplying us with a review sample.

Remember, the direct case comparison has already been posted, but will updated to include the new reviews on Saturday 22nd July after the last of the 2 new individual reviews.


For your delectation all photographs are thumbnails which may be clicked on to load an image.



Supplier: Vaja
Product: Vaja HT41 Classic case for HTC Apache & Wizard case
Cost: $65 (£35 approx)
Supplier Web Site: Vaja Homepage
Supplier Product Web Site: Vaja Wizard Case






Introduction

I've always seen Vaja as the Porsche of the PDA case world. Their products have always been exceptionally stylish, and innovatively functional, yet frustratingly, always just out of reach. Until now that is. When I heard of the issue of a Vaja classic case for the Wizard, I got pretty excited (I don't get out much.....) and could hardly wait to get my grubby mitts on one. The classic range has without doubt always been the equivalent of a designer suit for your device, but the Wizard form factor offers many challenges to a designer. Are Vaja up for the challenge?

Read on........









Aesthetics

The Vaja classic range is all about style and this case oozes style. I'm going to stick my neck out here, and tell you that Vaja have created the best looking case for the HTC Wizard, bar none. Yes, it does look a little like a purse, but for all you Neanderthals out there, not when it's attached to your belt (unless of course you get a pink one..... ). There is an enormous array of colour options available; I counted 42 different combinations of leather colour and stripe. Added to that there's the option of having your case personalised with your name for free, and even an embossed logo for a cool 30 bucks more. Suddenly you can see how buying a Vaja case is not as simple as grabbing a bubble pack from the supermarket.

Size wise the classic is actually one of the biggest cases I've seen for the Wizard, but whether it's the horizontal form factor, or the smooth grain of the leather it looks tiny when seated on your belt. Another point for the designers. Everything from the embedded Vaja logo, to the curves on the belt loop is exquisite, and the device fit is better than a glove.








Phone Functionality


While the Vaja Classic is undoubtedly a thing of beauty, device functionality is a real chink in its armour. There's no screen access, no keyboard usage, and very few of the ports are accessible. There is no inherent ability to use the device's phone functionality while it is enclosed, a Bluetooth headset would be required for this. In fact the only useful port accessible while the device is in situ is the headphone socket. Realistically this gives you the options for MP3 usage, or if you have a BT headset you would obviously retain phone functionality.

Other than that, the IR port is accessible (does anyone use it?) and theoretically if you put the phone in the wrong way round you could get at the power button.

On the plus side functionality wise, there are three SD card slots sitting under the front flap. Space to carry a full SD adapter and two extra SD cards, should you wish to travel prepared.










Physical Security


First impressions of this offering from Vaja suggest a pouch of flimsy thin leather. You shouldn't judge this book by its cover though, as the perceived frailty couldn't be further from the truth. When you actually handle the case itself though, it's remarkably sturdy, yet very slim. The Classic's strength is testament to the quality of the materials used. Vaja only use top grade leather, allowing them to use a slightly thinner pieces, while retainging a top notch finish. I was surprised by quite how rigid and padded a product Vaja have come up with, thus providing considerable protection to your device. I wouldn't think twice about dropping my Wizard while he was sitting in this little gem. All of the phone is covered either directly or by an overhang, keeping all of those corners safe and sound.

There's no detachable belt clip on the Classic, but there is an integral belt loop. Personally I'd rather have seen some kind of belt clip system, especially as the I-volution case has such good one. I find the belt loop a little inflexible, as I only wear a belt for work, and I would think women are probably even less likely than I to always wear a belt. I guess a clip would have detracted from the lovely lines the belt loop provides, but I
feel a metal reinforced 'hook' with an optional clip would have been better all round.

One last thing I need to mention in this section is the fasteners on the flap. They're a kind of a magnetic press-stud, and click together easily and reassuringly. I don't think I've ever come across such a satisfying clunk, and found myself opening and closing the flap several times a la Homer Simpson (like I said, I don't get out much..... ).













Value

Cost $65.

For a PDA case, $65 is a substantial amount. This however, is not your 'run of the mill' case. It's reasonable to expect the quality and flexibilty colour wise to come at a premium, and it does.










Pro's

Fantastic looks.
Complete device coverage.
Very sturdy for a leather case.
Strong integral belt loop.
Good SD storage.




Con's



Very limited functionality.
No belt clip, only a loop.








4WM Rating

75%








Conclusion

If it's functionality you're after, then this isn't the case for you. Barring MP3, or bluetooth usage, there's very little the Vaja case allows you to do with the phone inside. The classic case does look fantastic though, and from a security perspective there's an excellent belt loop, full device coverage and hard wearing, well padded leather. Unfortunately from my own point of view I'd only be able to use this case for work because of the belt clip limitations, and the styling does suit buisness use particularly well. The ideal situation would be to use this for work and have a second, more functional case for 'play'. Finances permitting of course.

If I had to sum up the Vaja HT41 Classic case for HTC Apache & Wizard in one word it would be designer. The whole purchasing experience is synonymous with the word. Be it the almost limitless styling options, the exceptional craftsmanship or the quality of the materials, the whole package screams top quality. On the down side, as with designer fashion, there's also a designer price tag to accompany it.







_________________
Waveydavey
4WM Moderator & Reviewer.