Review: Brando Communicator 9500 Aluminium Case
Score:
80%
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Now here's something different, with looks straight out of The Empire's copybook - these are the cases used to house the 9500s used by Imperial Stormtroopers. You could also use this case to knock in nails. And would probably get it confiscated on airlines as an offensive weapon...
Brando's case is made from terrifically strong (and light) aircraft grade aluminum. The Communicator sits inside a Neoprene lining that fits like a glove. In closed mode, there are cutouts for the numeric keypad, speaker, power button, camera and Pop-Port. The case is held tightly closed by a piece of sprung aluminium, and opening it reveals the 9500 ready to go, you simply open the clamshell in-situ and type away, with the case bottom sitting nicely flat on the desk. You can't quite open the 9500 screen as far back as you normally would, not quite, but most people probably wouldn't notice the difference.
The concept works a treat and, for someone working in a rough environment, this case could be the only one that keeps your Communicator from damage. The metal is super-strong, with polished, rounded corners and well finished all over and the lining should absorb the shock of any sudden drops.
However, style is a major part of the buying decision for any PDA case. Superbly made though the Brando case is, your 9500 looks like it's in one of those old medieval knight's helmets. The engineers among your friends will appreciate the security involved and will gape at the degree of indestructability, but general acquaintances down the pub are going to laugh behind your back.
A great case, but perhaps destined to realise this greatness in niche applications (camping/backpacking/hiking and working on building sites come to mind).
Note to readers: The original case group test is now out-dated and has been replaced with a much longer, more up to date one, over on 3-Lib.
Thanks,
Steve Litchfield
Reviewed by Steve Litchfield at