Ever since I purchased the Sprint Mogul, I have been hunting for the perfect case.  I have tried numerous cases, most of which I have reviewed (or am reviewing) both here and at Gear Diary.  So far, though, I have not found my perfect case.  I’m not really sure what my perfect case would entail, but I am certain that I will know it when I see it…kind of like the Supreme Court’s definition of obscenity.  Maybe I am too harsh a critic, but what I have found is that many companies simply do not make cases specifically designed for devices with sliding keyboards.  So, I have been left with various pouches, and other ill fitting items.  Today, my search takes us to the BoxWave Active case. 

At first glance, this may appear to be just two flimsy, brown pieces of plastic and a belt clip, which snap onto your device.  In fact, however, it is the first case I have found which allows you to access the screen and keyboard without opening a cover or removing the device from the case.  Now we’re talking.

OK.  So, as you can see, the BoxWave Active case actually comes in two parts.  One snaps onto the back of the Mogul, and the other snaps over the face.  When I first started using the case, I was afraid that it would not snap securely onto my device, causing it to fall.  Not only did this prove not to be a concern, but also I found the sides gripped so tightly around the edges of the Mogul, that I was afraid I would break the keyboard trying to get the case off.  Once this thing is on, it is on for good.

On all sides, the case has cutouts for each of the buttons and other controls.  I was pleased to find that these cutouts gave each button a nice wide berth, meaning there was plenty of room to reach it with my finger.  Unlike most hard shell cases, there is also a cutout for the screen, meaning there is nothing to open or move in order to reach the screen.  Of course, this also means that your screen is not protected by the case, so I do recommend using a good screen protector along with it.

This brings us to the coup de’ grace, the feature that sets this apart from every other case I have found.  Since the case comes in two pieces, there is a seam where the keyboard slides.  This means the case will allow the keyboard to slide, unimpeded without opening or removing the case.  This is exactly the feature I have been waiting for, and I absolutely love it.

On the back, there is a slot where you can attach the included belt clip.  I do not tend to use these plastic belt clips because I am notorious for breaking them.  Instead, I found a nice pouch style case with a leather belt clip built in and put the Mogul and Active case in that (thanks to XDALaw for that idea).  if you do plan to use the included belt clip, however, it looks like a standard plastic clip.  The grommet seems to be secure, but not so tight that it would not come back out when needed. 

The other thing I should note about this case is the complete lack of padding.  The case really is a thin sheet of plastic which hugs the edges of your device.  While this design will protect against dings and scratches, don’t even think about dropping it.  This case, unlike some other hard cases, will offer virtually no protection against accidental (or purposeful) dropping. 

Overall, I found this case to be every bit as functional and convenient as I expected.  It is easy to access all of the controls, and it does not add any significant weight to your Mogul.  Of course, the best feature is the ability to slide the keyboard without opening or removing the case.  This is absolutely perfect for me.  And as long as you can refrain from dropping it, it should be perfect for you to.  In fact, when you are using your Mogul with the Active Case, the case becomes practically invisible, protecting your device without you even realizing it is there.  Every case should work this well.

Vital Stats:

Name: BoxWave Active Case

Manufacturer: BoxWave

Where to Buy: BoxWave

Price: $29.95 (currently on sale for $24.95)

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