Krusell Orbit case with Multidapt for HTC Hermes Review
As part 6 of our HTC Hermes multi case shootout review we have for your delectation the Krusell Orbit with Multidapt for HTC Hermes. I've always rated Krusell cases but with their most recent releases they seem to have moved ahead of the competition by a nose. Can this latest case establish Krusell as the top dog?
Read on to find out!
Special thanks go out to Emelie from Krusell for supplying us with a review sample.
For your delectation all photographs are thumbnails which, may be clicked on to load an image.
Supplier: Krusell
Product: Krusell Orbit with Multidapt for HTC Hermes
Cost: £26.95
Supplier Web Site: http://www.krusell.se
Supplier Product Web Site: http://www.krusell.se/product.php?productID=2316&category=51
Introduction
In our case shootout review for the Wizard, Swedish case maker Krusell provided us with two functionally very different but equally impressive cases and earned two silver medals. For the Hermes Krusell are again releasing two cases, this being the first. Based on the old Handit design this new Orbit class aims to retain the old form factor but update it with new functionality. Can Krusell turn an already successful product and transform it into the killer case for the Hermes?
Aesthetics
Ususally the cases that Krusell produce for PDA style devices are very professional black leather. They look smart enough, but lack a little "pazzazz". With the new Orbit design the scandanavian folks have deviated from the tried and tested all black livery and instead plumped for a black and beige contrast. I have to say I'm quite taken by the combo. The external parts of the case continue with the standard black, with the inner and the stitching using the beige. I've never been a huge fan of different coloured stitching, it really has to be extremely neat for it to work, but Krusell's execution is excellent due to their top drawer craftsmanship. It's a very nice case indeed. If I had to be a little picky I think it makes your device seem quite fat, but no terribly so.
Phone Functionality
The old Handit style of case that this Orbit replaces always fell down slightly in the functionality stakes with keyboard devices because you could never use your thumb board while the device was enclosed. Finally, and with typical aplomb, Krusell have rectified this by adopting the plastic keyboard cover approach. Although other manufacturers have done this design before; Krusell's version is well executed. The Hermes is held in place by some quite rigid leather support on the right side of the device and the aforementioned plastic cover takes care of the rest. The fit is snug, and a little tricky to manouver in and out at first, but once you get the hang of it it's easy enough.
The case itself is nicely designed, and well fitted. A couple of the controls are a little hit and miss with access, but not so you couldn't use them, with a minor adjustment. A push here, or a pull there. With the protective leather cover clipped into place there is no access to the camera, screen, or front panel, but that's the nature of the beast, the trade off between functionality and protection. With the flip open the screen, scroll wheel and left hand ok button are just about usable, allowing one handed usage. A big plus for me personally.
Krusell have overcome the issue of the flip pressing on the screen and buttons by adding a book style opening frame for the screen. This makes it slightly more time consuming to use the keyboard, but not considerably so. As is standard with Krusell's flip cases there's space on the underside of the flip for two SD cards. Again these are kept from pressing against the screen by the leather frame. There's also a slot for business card sized documentation, or a couple of notes.
The aspect of Krusell cases that really separates 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. 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 could review each connector, but my Hermes 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 are also Spring clips, Swivel clips, Bike and Car holders. The list is unending. Krusell are constantly updating the clips too, the new Vortex and redesigned car clips being good examples of their unending quest for improvement.
Physical Security
As with all flip cases the screen and front facing controls are all safe and sound behind a solid piece of leather as is most of the rest of teh device. Unfortunately, as with so many cases the bottom of the device which houses the stylus and its silo has the corner cut out. At first glance this is obviously to allow access to the stylus and is surely a good thing? Well unfortunately it's not all good news. If your device was to become unattached somehow from your person it would likely fall onto one of the two bottom corners and so you're seeing a fifty fifty chance of incurring some hardcore damage. I find this a little disappointing as this could easily have been remedied by not cutting the corner back so far, thus retaining both the functionality and the security. Even better, why not store the stylus seperately for easy access somewhere else on the case as we saw with the Piel Frama Wizard design?
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. Over the past few years of using various Krusell cases on various devices I've never had a failure with any clip or connector. I've taken my phones off roading on my Mountain Bike, played tennis with them (wearing them, not hitting them obviously....), been running and even taken them out on the town. I've knocked them while walking past desks and rummaging around in server rooms. I now have the confidence to take my devices wherever I want to go, knowing that whatever else happens, with the correct clip installed, all will hold up nicely. The Multidapt is a sensational product.
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
£20 approx (Actual stock price currently unavailable).
While the price tag is nothing out of the ordinary the craftsmanship, functionality and quality certainly is. I'd happily pay double for this case. One of the last true bargains.
Pro's
Awesome multidapt system.
Full keyboard usage while in case.
Good one handed use while flip open.
Great looks.
Excellent access to ports and controls.
Nice packaging.
Con's
Uncovered Stylus corner.
4WM Rating
94%
Conclusion
Krusell have excelled again and in my opinion are sitting pretty atop the PDA case league table. They have created what could easily have been the perfect case for the Hermes if it wasn't for the exposed stylus corner. Even with this gap in it's armour I'm still going to give the Orbit with Multidapt a gold medal based on the fact that it is, in my opinion, the best case on the market for the HTC Hermes. The Orbit is excellent, offering top notch functionality, great looks and masterful craftsmanship. Throw in the awesome multidapt system and diminutive price tag and it's just about as good as it gets.
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Waveydavey
4WM Moderator & Reviewer.
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