Magnesium Case

[Kwan]

Good arguments and points. I didnt realize that the aluminum cases degraded the signal strength.

[Dr.Grace]

The case is not made of aluminum, so I don't necessarily agree that no loss of reception should be hard to believe. Your testing method would be more scientific, and I don't doubt it would provide more concrete proof, but it's not the approach the reviewer chose to take. We thank you for your feedback and will consider it for future reviews of this nature.

Sure, magnesium could behave differently from aluminum. All I'm saying is that it's not enough just to say "there was no effect" without doing the proper test. I'm not questioning the personal integrity of the reviewer, just stating what it would take to convince me of what he's saying.

Don

[Dr.Grace]

And I'd really be interested in knowing for sure whether magnesium does better than aluminum in terms of shielding the signal. I'm using a leather case now, but wish I could get something that protects the device a little better without worsening the reception.

[alex_mathews]

Sure, magnesium could behave differently from aluminum. All I'm saying is that it's not enough just to say "there was no effect" without doing the proper test. I'm not questioning the personal integrity of the reviewer, just stating what it would take to convince me of what he's saying.

Don

Understood, thanks for your feedback.

[Dr.Grace]

Update: I bought one of these just to see whether it works better than the aluminum case. Well, it's a beautifully designed thing. I especially like the hinges that allow you to fold the cover completely back. And access to the nav buttons with the cover closed is more convenient.

Now, about signal strength, here are the results of my tests:

There's essentially no difference between having the case removed vs. having the case on but the lid open. I've looked at the number of bars of signal and also used the SignalMeter program I mentioned earlier. No difference, as long as the front lid is open.

BUT: with the lid closed, I consistently lose a bar or so of signal, and the RSSI measured with SignalMeter also gets worse by a few points. Furthermore, at home, where the Verizon signal is marginal, I keep getting "no signal" messages from ChatterEmail when the case is closed. No such problem with my leather case.

Thus, the reduction in signal reception with this case can present a problem if you want to receive voice calls or retrieve e-mail in the background in areas with poor signal, with the case closed (as it would normally be when you're not interacting with the device).

Don

[alex_mathews]

That's good information to know Don, Thanks!

[Jane2001]

I've been using this case since I had my T650 and one thing I do notice, it is harder to hear with the case on lid shut as opposed to having the case removed. I'm on Verizon in Spokane WA. Not sure if that will make a difference. I don't notice a difference in signal strength with (lid open or shut) or without the case.

[barge]

It looks a little bulky but looks durable.
If you construct midevil castles, this is for you!

[Stillrockin]

It looks a little bulky but looks durable.
If you construct midevil castles, this is for you!

Midevil Castles . . . . LOL! It does look like its ready for a good jousting doesn't it? That is a lot of case, no doubt!

[Dr.Grace]

Midevil Castles . . . . LOL! It does look like its ready for a good jousting doesn't it? That is a lot of case, no doubt!

Yeah, jousting. I can just imagine it with the stylus, holding my Treo out with its magnesium case as a shield...


Don