Review: Brando Metal Case Is Serious Centro Protection

Posted by: weiganla on Aug 08 2008

The Palm Centro is a terrific phone, but that doesn’t mean it can take a swan dive off a third-floor balcony and live to SMS another day. And let’s not even think about all the scratches on the body and screen that magically appear like dust bunnies. So when I get a new device, one of the first things I do is start hunting for a case.

You can find leather, silicone, and plastic “crystal” cases easily enough, but if you’re really gung-ho about protecting your device, it’s tough to match the strength and durability of a metal case. Brando Workshop, a longtime favorite of Palm owners, makes an aluminium (hey, they’re British) case for the Centro designed to keep your phone safe, usable, and looking good.

Is Brando’s metal case more like the Iron Man suit or a tinfoil hat? Read on to find out!

The package includes the metal case, specifically designed to hug the Palm Centro’s cute curves, and a well-made 360 degree swiveling belt clip. Actually, well-made is a pretty good way to describe the entire setup.

The case is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which weighs next to nothing but is very strong. Even areas like the tab that snaps the case in place wouldn’t bend. Inside, a neoprene lining grips and cushions the Centro, making absolutely certain that the inside of the case can’t cause any scratches. Many metal cases do not have a lining, but it’s a great feature that helps Brando’s case stand out from the rest. The last part of the case is the built-in screen protector made out of hard, clear plastic.

To get the Centro in, you simply flip the hinged top part aside and press the phone down. The neoprene lining makes it like slipping into a glove, and the fit is very secure. The case does add 7 or 8 mm to the thickness of the Centro, and slightly less on the width. A metal tab opposite from the hinge snaps over a plastic ridge to securely close the case.

Brando has done an excellent job with the cutouts. Without sacrificing protection, every feature of the hardware is completely accessible, right down to the wrist strap attachment. HotSyncing in the case is no problem, and since Brando left an opening over the antenna with additional slits nearby, reception is not affected either.

This case is designed for heavy-duty protection, and that comes with a cost. There is some added bulk, and the cold metal of the case does not feel as good in my hand as the Centro’s smooth back. More importantly, the built-in screen protector blocks access to the touchscreen, and even though Palm button navigation is excellent, I use touch quite a bit. The right-hand location of the hinge makes this even more of a problem. I can’t reach all of the touchscreen without completely taking the Centro out of the case. There doesn’t seem to be anything in the design to prevent putting the hinge where it makes life easier for the 85% of us who are right-handed, so I’m not sure why this was done.

Even with this drawback, the Brando metal case is an excellent option for people who need top-notch protection — especially southpaws. While it won’t be the best choice for everyone, overall it’s very well-constructed, and even the belt clip feels extremely solid. The silver color complements the Centro nicely, while the neoprene lining is a standout touch. This case will outlast your phone.

Vital Stats

The Brando Workshop Metal Case for Palm Centro is $28.00. It’s available in silver or black.

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