Installing the FlipCover is as simple as removing the
Springboard slot cover and popping in the FlipCover. It comes
fully assembled so it can be attached to your Visor within
seconds after opening the package. Size-wise, the module cover
adapter only adds about 1/8" to the overall length of the
Visor. The cover, when closed, makes the Visor virtually the same
size as it would be with the OEM hard cover installed. There is
no noticeable weight increase, either.
The cover itself is a perfect fit on the Visor. There are no
gaps along the edges of the screen and the buttons are adequately
covered. While it appears to be not as thick as the original
cover, it is very sturdy and has almost no flex to it at all.
When closed, the FlipCover securely snaps shut using the
retention slots on the cradle connector. The tabs that allow this
are tapered so that, with practice, you can flick your wrist and
have the cover flip around and snap shut by itself (this
procedure requires some practice... don't try this at home if
you're afraid of dropping your Visor).
While the FlipCover will open 360 degrees to fit flush to the
back of the Visor, the tab where the cover snaps shut prevents
you from laying the Visor flat on a desk or table. To use on a
flat surface, you can only open the cover 180 degrees. The design
allows the use of the HotSync cradle and even external
peripherals like a Stowaway or GoType! keyboard without having to remove the
cover. Access to the stylus is not hampered and the IR window
remains exposed as well.
About the only bad news about the FlipCover is that it cannot
be used in conjunction with Springboard modules. Well, not
easily, anyway. FlipCover.com has developed a self adhesive
adapter that can be attached to standard sized modules and still
allow full use of the cover. This works well with modules like
the Backup and 8mb Flash, but cannot be used with something
like a Thinmodem (the adapter covers the connector
for the phone cable). This adapter must be installed on the
modules themselves which means you'll need to purchase one for
every module you intend to use it with. You'll also have to
remove and reinstall the cover when changing modules.
The folks at FlipCover have recently announced that another
adapter will soon be available that will allow the use of a
FlipCover with virtually any module, including oversized ones
like a SpringPort Modem. This new adapter will
attach to the Visor itself meaning you won't need to remove the
cover when swapping modules. Also, it will not allow the cover to
open a full 360 degrees... it will be limited to approximately
120 degrees or so. Unfortunately, the prototype they sent me did
not work with the module housing used by the Handspring Modem. In
fact, it won't work with any oversized module that comes flush to
the front face of the Visor (this includes all modules based upon
the ATL Battery Module housings). Zee from
FlipCover.com tells me they'll be going back to the drawing board
to resolve this issue.
Conclusion >>
