Installing the
Flip-Clip requires no glue, adhesive, or any other mechanical
fasteners... it simply "clips" to the top of the Visor
using a friction fit. Tactilis supplies a simple and
easy-to-follow installation sheet that also includes a $1.00
rebate coupon on the purchase of a Flip-Lid. If you look at the
top of the Visor, you'll notice that the sides of the casing are
curved like this: (____). The Flip-Clip is shaped to fit this
curvature and has two tiny locking "tabs" molded into
each side that fit in the ridges you see along the sides of the
Visor casing. The fit is quite snug and holds fairly well but
it's by no means a permanent attachment, so you'll need to
exercise caution to keep from pulling it off. This is especially
true when removing the Visor from a slip-style case.
You're literally ready to use the Flip-Clip and cover in
seconds after opening the package. Upon installing the Flip-Clip
on the Visor, you snap the cover onto it and you're ready to go.
Once installed, the IR window is unobstructed so beaming won't be
a problem, and the stylus is still accessible. Someone with
larger fingers may find it difficult to get at the stylus due to
the thickness at the side of the Flip-Clip. Any stylus (like the
PDA Panache) that extends from the top of the silo should work in
conjunction with the clip as well.
The
Flip-Clip by itself is fairly unobtrusive when installed. While
it adds a bit to the overall width, the clear plastic doesn't
distract from the looks of the Visor. Since I don't have a black
clip (nor the matching Graphite Visor), I can't say how that
particular combination would look like.
The reproduction cover is a nice way to show off the
Flip-Clip's potential. However, it doesn't come close to fitting
the Visor properly. In the closed position, there's approximately
1/8" of space between it and the Visor casing. It's also a
bit on the flimsy side. While it may be adequate for others, I'd
really like to see a better fit. According to Christian Sass,
Vice-President of Tactilis, the reproduction cover is being
offered to simply get the Flip-Clip out into people's hands since
it is already available. He promises that the upcoming Flip-Lid
will be form-fitted to the Visor shape... a "precise"
fit as they call it. I'm also hoping that it will be a bit more
solid, more like the snap-on cover from Handspring.
Usability >>