Now that the Palm Pre has been out for a few months, more and more cases are becoming available for the device. The slider form factor represents a challenge not only for case manufacturers, but for Palm Pre owners looking to protect their phone. The folks at Seidio took on the challenge with their InnoCase Surface for Palm Pre.
The InnoCase from Seidio doesn’t ship with any fancy packaging, outside an insert with directions on how to install the InnoCase Surface on the Palm Pre. Truth be told, I rarely if ever read directions first, especially when dealing with a case. However, for the purpose of this review, I glanced over the directions after using the InnoCase for some time. What I thought was simply package filler, was what Seidio terms a “spacer”. I don’t see the need for a spacer, but this is more than likely a scratch preventer. With the “spacer” in place, you should note that the Seidio InnoCase will not work with the Touchstone charger.
Installation is easy enough. Slide open the Palm Pre and the pieces will snap into place. All major ports are accessible with the case installed. If you’ll note the sides of the case, it almost appears as if they should attach. Of course, reality sets in that if they attached, you wouldn’t be able to open your phone. Still, it does make the case appear as if it doesn’t fit correctly.
In actuality, I was very pleased with the fit of the InnoCase Surface. There aren’t any noticeable gaps between the screen the Pre itself. Additionally, the InnoCase felt secure on the Pre, with no wiggle at all. I tend to open the slider by pressing on the side of the screen and other thumb on the bottom left by the microphone. Both are pressing on the case. I didn’t experience any issues with the case becoming loose or detaching. From the point it was snapped on, the InnoCase Surface stayed in place.
This particular case comes in a variety of colors. You’ll notice Blue was used for this review. The case does not add much bulk to the Pre and definitely nothing that most would notice. The slim form factor is retained and you have the added comfort of protecting your Palm Pre. The case doesn’t include any sort of protection for the screen, something that I would recommend if moving from a case that doesn’t protect the screen.
The case has a rubberized finish that feels good in the hand. Definitely easier to get a grip on the Palm Pre with the InnoCase Surface. While I didn’t deliberately attempt to scratch the case, I would guess that it’s not very susceptible to scratches due to the rubberized nature of the material used. That being said, put this in a pocket with keys and you’re not going to be happy with the end result. The company has the logo embossed on the back, which is acceptable. The product code seems to take away from the look of the case and seems unnecessary. Couldn’t they have put this on the interior of the case?
This case comes with options. Seidio offers a holster that is sized for the Palm Pre with the InnoCase Surface. As I noted before, the case isn’t very thick, but the manufacturer’s holster accommodates for the case. While the two part equation is great for business professionals who want quick access, while protecting their investment, it would make sense to offer up a screen protector.
Pros:
- Great fit
- Rubberized finish makes for easier grip
- Access to all ports
- Works with Touchstone (without spacer)
- Variety of colors
- Doesn’t add to bulk, at all
- Offers option to get holster that fits case
Cons:
- Priced higher than we’d like
- Despite great fit, the nature of the slider makes the gap on the side look as if the case doesn’t fit properly
- With the spacer, the case will not work with the Touchstone. Concerns that without the spacer, you could possibly get scratches on back cover
- No screen protection
Conclusion: The Seidio InnoCase is a solid option for those looking for a form fitting case that offers protection against scratches while retaining the thin design and good looks of the Palm Pre. The Seidio InnoCase retails for $29.95 and is available at the Everything Pre Store.
FYI, the case isn’t all the way on the bottom right corner of the phone.
2nd photo, the back of the case isn’t clipped on.
Perhaps that’s why you said, “Despite great fit, the nature of the slider makes the gap on the side look as if the case doesn’t fit properly.”
Thanks. Snapped it in. The gap is still there, but that’s a symptom of the device itself. Overall, still a very good case. How do you like the InnoCase?
PreCentral says the Innocase works with the Touchstone charger, but you say it doesn’t. Which is it?
Nevermind.
Its not reliable if you use the touchstone with it on. The connection becomes very weak, hard to find the sweet spot and after the battery reaches 100%, the phone starts cycling and the “charging” icon and chime show up every few seconds. Very annoying in the middle of the night.
I cant believe your review missed the touchstone interface and how it works. But I guess the raised logo is more important to mention than how it interfaces with a $50+ accessory.
The spacer is for the glossy, basic back cover.
I bought two very similar items from Amazon last week; each cost somewhere between 41 cents and and $3. I honestly wonder if there is any difference.
I like mine just fine. Occasionally for no reason, it’ll just “unsnap”. Despite having the case on the Pre, there is still a crack developing from the USB port heading to the front of the screen.
Then again, I wouldn’t dare drop or throw this phone on purpose, like I could with a treo (little tosses, not MLB throws!).
Get a screen protector, not really sure why this DIDN’T come with one…
I have the Touchstone charger. This case makes enough of a difference, that it’s pretty easy to knock the phone off of the touchstone, IMO.
@Sean Yes, it works with the Touchstone.
@Dan Attempting to duplicate the problems you experienced. I will update the review accordingly if I have the same issues.
But does this case help with the wiggly oreo effect??
I am on my 3rd InnoCase. The first one the little tabs that hold the case on snapped off just from sliding. The second case wasn’t molded or cut right and once I slid the phone open, it wouldn’t let me slide it back closed without getting caught. The 3rd one I have only had for a couple weeks and everything seems to be fine, but the case does inhibit the charging with the Touchstone charger. It will charge with the case, but it is very touchy and will constantly find and loose connection once charged resulting in the phone chiming every few seconds. When you get one that is molded right, it is a nice case, but the price is way to high for this thin piece of plastic.
@dan Definitely do not have the issues you illustrated either with the case and/or the Touchstone. After your comments, I deliberately sat the Palm Pre on the Touchstone to see if it would have any of the issues you mentioned. Ultimately, I don’t think 3rd party cases will match the stock Touchstone backing.
I do agree, it’s priced higher than I’d like. And I still don’t like the lettering. ( ;
Both my wife and I have these (black for me, pink for her) and we both had Touchstone issues, at first. I didn’t think it would work, or even if it’s ok for the phone, but I cut a business card to fit behind the battery to push the battery closer to the case. Wallah! Both of our phones now charge without issue on the Touchstone. No attachment issue whatsoever.
Also, for screen protection we used Bodyguardz (top of Pre only). It was a tough install (for a perfectionist like me), but they are great. At first, they caused trouble with the InnoCase. It was too much bulk and the top piece wouldn’t snap the 4th corner. There is a workaround. Take a very sharp pair of scissors (I used my wife’s sewing scissors), and cut the 4 corner flaps from the Bodyguardz mold. Also cut about 1/2 of one of the side flaps (I chose the mini-usb side). All of these cuts are obscured by the InnoCase, and they now fit perfectly.
One last remark. Mine had a noticeable Oreo wobble. It’s for all intents and purposes gone. It’s still there, but significantly reduced that I only notice when I’m fixated on it, whereas before it was every time I picked up my phone.
Hope this helps. Cheers!
i bought the same case, no from seidio, for only 9.95.amzer is the brand
@Mike
I ordered two protective cases from a bargain cell company on of Amazon and only paid about $10, w/ shipping.
While the the cases are rubberized (like Inno’s) the edges weren’t painted and they have a hole in the back for a belt clip which they didn’t come with.
But hey, a ton compared to a “good” case so I really don’t have an issue touching them up and you really can’t tell that I did so unless you inspect them closely.
Just got my case! It snapped on extremely easily and seems to be holding without any tab problems. I love the look!
However, I am having the Touchstone issues
It is hard to find the “sweet spot” and it seem to slowly slide off the “sweet spot” and is driving me crazy beeping!
Starting to wonder if the Touchstone is finicky. I had no problems with it working, but others did have issues. Same is happening with a different case in this forum discussion:
http://www.everythingpre.com/forum/palm-pre-accessories/got-new-case-that-works-with-touchstone-review-23918.html
Having the same trouble with the Touchstone.