IPAQ users usually have two major concerns: protection and expansion. From the 3800 series on, iPAQs have shipped with a slip-on Cover Pack that includes a plastic screen to protect the display. Unfortunately, the Cover Pack isn't as stylish as some third-party cases. The other concern is expansion. Again, from the 3800 on, iPAQs have come with Secure Digital slots. But these were only good for adding file storage memory. To use CompactFlash and PC Card I/O solutions, you needed a bulky Expansion Pack. Worst of all, it was impossible to find one product that addressed both concerns until Whitney LuBean teamed up with Krusell International to produce the unique Krusell Whitney CF Sleeve.

The CompactFlash slot and belt clip button are found on the back of the Krusell Whitney CF Sleeve

No need to take your iPAQ out of its sleeve

The CF Sleeve is based on a high-quality Krusell (www.krusell.se) leather case, which has a flip-open lid to protect the screen. To that case, Whitney has added a CompactFlash slot. The case is built in such a manner that you never need to take the handheld out of it. (Unless, of course, you wish to attach a different kind of sleeve.) Cutouts on the sleeve let you access the application launch buttons, navigation pad, stereo headphone jack, voice record button, reset, and more. You can even slip the iPAQ into the synchronization cradle or attach it to a portable keyboard while it is still in the Sleeve. The inside of the protection flap has slots to carry credit or ID cards, two SD/MMC cards, and a little cash.

It's hard to understand why Compaq built the original CompactFlash Expansion Pack so thick. They didn't do much better with the newer CF Card Expansion Plus Pack. George Mosquera's Silver Slider shows how slim an expansion solution can be. An iPAQ in a Krusell Whitney CF Sleeve is thinner than an iPAQ in a CF Card Expansion Pack tucked into a slip-on case.

The CompactFlash card connector is encased in a leather slot. Attached to the outside of this slot is a button that will let you easily clip your iPAQ to your belt with the included "slid swivel clip." You can remove the button if you don't want to use this feature.

I've tested the sleeve with several accessories, including various CompactFlash cards, the IBM Microdrive, Margi's Presenter-to-Go VGA adapter, and a CompactFlash landline modem. Everything works like a charm. If you want to pay one reasonable price for both a CompactFlash slot and a very nice looking case, take a look at this one.

The Krusell Whitney CF Sleeve is priced at $79 plus shipping and can be used with the iPAQ 3600, 3700, 3800, and 3900 series Pocket PCs. For more information or to purchase the product, visit the Made By Whitney Web site (www.madebywhitney.com/)