Ask the Experts: Favorite Accessories

From the Judges of the <EM>Smartphone & Pocket PC</EM> magazine Best Software Awards 2005

Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine gives out awards each year for the best software. Our expert judges doen't get to vote on hardware accessories, but they do have their favorites. We asked them to comment on them for this issue. For the sake of brevity, we've included only one comment per product and edited them for clarity and brevity.—Rich Hall.

Cases, cables, adapters, and screen protectors

2.5mm Plug to 3.5mm Socket Adaptor

http://www.maplin.co.uk

The 2.5mm Plug to 3.5mm Socket Adaptor is an essential product for anyone looking to use headphones with the common 3.5mm jack on a Windows Mobile device with a 2.5mm socket (available in mono and stereo versions).

Marc Pell
http://www.MSMobileNews.com

Belkin's ClearScreen protectors are available for HP iPAQ Pocket PCs.

Belkin ClearScreen

http://www.belkin.com

Belkin's ClearScreen screen protectors are a must have for iPAQ users. Without one of these, my touch screen would be completely scratched.

Amy R Zunk
http://www.gadgetme.com
BJ Silicone Skins

http://www.jpshk.com

The BJ Silicone case is perfect for my O2 Executive, a Phone Edition device similar to the i-mate JASJAR and Dopod 900. The silicone case is only 1 mm thick and super light weight. It protects the phone from scratches, but does not add bulk!

Dan Goh
Piel Frama Case

http://www.pielframa.com

Piel Frama cases are well constructed, padded for protection, and reasonably priced. They have a removable belt clip and have pockets that can hold 2 SD cards and some business cards. It's a competent accessory that's more of a necessity to me.

Gary Garland
http://www.gelaw.info

Rhinoskin hardcase

Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcase

http://www.saunders-usa.com/rhinoskin/

The Rhinoskin metallic case is extremely durable. It has two slots inside the cover to hold my SD cards and an additional clip if I ever want to attach it to my belt or handbag strap. It's a must have for a klutz like me.

Amy R Zunk
http://www.gadgetme.com

Podzilla padded carrying case

RoadWired Podzilla

http://www.roadwired.com

Podzilla lets me carry all of my mobile devices in one case when I'm on freelance assignments. The case is padded and everything is well protected—and right there when I need it!

Amy R Zunk http://www.gadgetme.com
Sena Case

http://www.senacases.com

Sena pays attention to detail when making their stylish and well-built products. Case in point: The back of their Axim X51 case has a hole right where the reset button is located. I can do a soft reset without removing the X51 from the case—very convenient!

Clinton Fitch http://www.clintonfitch.com
Vaja Cases

http://www.vaja.com

Most importantly, the Vaja Case protects my investment. But the sheer quality of the design and the leather make it stand out as a truly great buy.