Review: Noreve Saint-Tropez Leather Case for Dell Axim x50/x51 Series

Posted by: dgoldring on Feb 10 2007

One of the most difficult reviews to write is not a game or accessory, or even the latest "must-have-utility".  The hardest review is cases.  Not because there is any kind of mystery to them, but because of their personal nature.  Everyone uses their device differently and, therefore, has different requirements for a case.  I might need a heavy duty case to protect against falls and spills, while you might need a professional looking case for important meetings.  Many people even keep multiple cases for different occassions.  So, before I continue, let me be clear that this review was based exclusively upon my personal requirements and expectations for a case for my device. 

First, I need a case that simply works.  It must be able to e hold my device snugly, while providing an attractive and professional cover.   I use my Dell Axim x50v everywhere I go.  It comes out when I am in meetings, on the train, even watching football with the guys.  Everyone I know sees my device, and I don’t want their first impression to be some ratty old case that doesn’t fit right.  So, my first requirement is that it must look attractive when it comes off of the belt clip or out of my pocket, without sacrificing security or protection.

The Noreve case is simple but elegant, which means it is perfect for any situation.  It is made of a fine, soft-grain leather which is stiff enough to protect the screen, but soft enough to feel great in your hand.  It is the kind of case that really attracts attention when seen from across the room.  Additionally, while the cover is soft and pliable, allowing it to conform to my device; the back contains a stiffer material, which protects your device and provides you with support while working.

The case comes in two color choices: black and beige.  Noreve sent me the beige case, which would not have been my first choice.  Usually, I prefer a darker leather case, such as brown or black.  Nonetheless, I found the lighter beige color appeared rather distinguished.  After a few days with this case, I found I preferred the lighter color to many of the more popular dark colored cases.

Noreve also wisely included pockets in the cover of the case to hold two SD cards and two credit cards.  I would probably never keep a credit card in here, only because I am prone to losing things, but I did find that they are great pockets for business cards as well.  I am also notorious for leaving my business cards at home when I attend important meetings.  The addition of these pockets right in the cover of my case means I will always have a handful of business cards with me everywhere I go, without having to fumble through my briefcase or wallet. 

My second requirement is that I am able to access all of the controls without taking my Axim out of the case.  I like the Noreve case in this regard.  One common complaint about many Axim cases is that they sacrifice security by not protecting the sides of the device in order to increase access to the buttons.    Noreve overcame this concern by protecting the sides from the front of the case.  The leather wraps around the sides and connects to the back of the case, creating a nice effect which grips my device firmly in place.  Additionally, since this wraparound effect reaches only to the middle of my device, all of the buttons remain accessible at all times, without removing my device from the case.

Additionally, there is a cutout across the top of the case, which allows you to access the CF and SD card slots, as well as the headphone jack.  Nonetheless, the most important feature, the stylus, is inaccessible.  This is an important oversight.  Even though I have many other stylus-pens that I use, I frequently grab the one held in my Axim to jot a quick note or access information on the fly.  If I have to remove my Axim from the case to access the stylus, then its usefulness in a pinch is destroyed.  I would really like to see Noreve add an additional hole here which would allow access to the stylus.

Furthermore, although there is a cutout on the bottom for the sync connection, my Axim will not sit on the cradle in the case.  I either have to use the sync cable (which simply adds to the clutter on my desk) or remove it from the case.  This is a minor inconvenience, however, as it is not difficult to slip the Axim in and out of this case for syncing or charging.  I was also pleased to notice that the magnetic snap which holds the case closed, is designed to swing away from the sync connector when the case is opened.  This means that, unlike some other cases I have tried, the strap will not interfere if you choose to use a sync and charge cable instead of the cradle. 

Along these same lines, I should note that I almost exclusively use the 2200 mAh extended battery.  I am frequently away from my office during the day, and need my battery to stay charged for extended periods of time.  As such, I cannot rely on the standard 1100 mAh battery.  I was disappointed to find that Noreve did not take this into consideration when they designed the case.  There is only one version of the case available, and it will only fit this standard 1100 mAh battery.  This is unfortunate.  As much as I enjoyed the look and feel of this case, the inability to fit the extended battery probably means I will have few opportunities to use it.

Finally, I like to be flexible about how I carry the case.  If I want to put it on my belt, then there should be a clip for that.  However, this clip should be out my way when I need to throw it in my pocket.  Noreve did a great job with this seemingly small detail.  The button for the belt clip is very stylish and allows the clip to be rotated 360 degrees while attached to your belt.  If you do not wish to use the belt clip, however, simply unscrew the button.  You can then screw in an alternate button which will lie flat with the back of your case.  This is perfect as it allows me to easily carry my device in my pocket or on my belt.

This is probably one of the nicest leather cases I have tried for my Axim.  It holds my device incredibly snug, while giving me full access to all of the controls (except the stylus).  It would be nice if I could fit my Axim in the sync cradle without removing it from the case, however, this did not significantly interfere with my use or enjoyment of this case.  I would almost certainly have made this my everyday case if only Noreve had made a version for the extended battery.  Like I said in the beginning of this review, everyone has unique needs and expectations from a case, and my needs dictate that any case I use on a regular basis be able to fit the extended battery.  So, for now, I will be forced to keep my fingers crossed that Noreve will redesign this case to fit the extended battery.  Until then, this will still make a fantastic alternate case.

Vital Statistics:

Name: Noreve Leather Case for Dell Axim x50-x51 Series

Manufacturer: Noreve Saint Tropez

Available from: Noreve Saint Tropez

Price: 39.90 Euros (about $50.25 USD) 

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