Sketch

How cool is this Sketch theme? Doesn’t look as good on the Nokia as on the big screen but I kinda like it…

Watchman

The very first application I decided I needed after purchaisng the E61 was a planner / information holder and after trying various JME apps I discovered Watchman which does the job perfectly. It is also very cheap as well.

“Watchman is a mobile application that lets you store any kind of sensitive information in a secure way.”

Password protected application;

Three types of records: Login, Credit Card and Text Note; 1

Records organized in user created categories;

Unlimited number of categories with an unlimited number of records on each;

Information encrypted using an algorithm that guarantees security without compromising performance;

Application can be locked or terminated automatically after a predefined period of inactivity, requiring the user to login again;

All information can be automatically deleted after a user-defined number of failed login attempts to prevent brute force attacks;

2 languages supported: English and Portuguese.

Brando E61 Cradle

I received my E61 Cradle today and it’s lovely. I was about to write a review for this blog but then I spotted this one which has just been published- he took the works right out of my mouth I do have some other bits to add and will post these soon…

“Ever since I bought my first PDA I have been a big fan of device cradles. It helps me organize my cluttered desk while providing a natural place to put my device. In addition, the device is being charged and you can syncronize it at any time.

I was waiting for a USB cradle for the Nokia E61 to come along and when I saw one online I immediately placed an order. The packaging leaves a bit to be desired…. It’s good that Mobile Planet / Expansys do their business online and are not a terra firma…”

Proporta Alu-Leather Flip Type Nokia E61 Leather Case / E61 Aluminium Metal Case Reviews

Oh joy! Case reviewsJ Proporta sent me two of their Nokia E61 cases for review so I decided to write up a review of them- although these are for the E61 they sell many models of these type for various devices thus the review is applicable to all of the 247 sites. 

Let’s start with the Aluminium Metal Case. I personally am not a fan of metal cases mainly because my activities mean I do not need that level of protection most of the time- maybe if I start rock climbing and doing exciting things one day that will change but it all sounds like too much effort to me… 

The case itself is very strong and designed in such a way as to give full access to each of the E61s buttons- there is no cover for the keyboard part but a hard plastic clear section at the top gives added protection to the screen. 

You can synchronise the device using a cable whilst still in the case and considering it is a metal case it does not add too much to the overall dimensions. As with most metal cases the hinge is on the right which may seem odd as the majority of people are right handed. I’m not sure it makes a huge difference but left hinges seem to work better for me personally. 

So, everything is positive so far but there is a problem which is very much a personal one for me. In my opinion the case does not look very good when on the phone. The E61 is a beautiful looking machine but the case does not add to the looks at all, indeed someone at work commented that it made the E61 look like it was broken with bits missing all over the place. I’m not convinced that there is a way around that because you still need access to the functions of the device but it is a valid design point. 

All in all it is a very sturdy case which will give a lot of protection to the Nokia, especially with the foam inserts inside but from my point of view it just doesn’t look very nice at all. 

On to the Alu-Leather Flip Type Case which is the type of case I normally prefer. This type of design is just about the norm now for PDA cases and that is because it works well. From a design point of view it does make the E61 look like a traditional PDA and adds a certain amount of bulk to the dimensions. There is an advantage to this though in that the edges of the case reach past the edges of the E61- it would be almost impossible to damage the machine of dropped within the case. 

Sliding the Nokia into the case is easy and it is held in place by two plastic catches on the sides which are covered with a soft leather to ensure the sides of the machine are not scratched when inserting and removing it. 

There is room on the front part for one, maybe two, credit cards but it would be a tight fit because of the metal insert that protects the screen- this type of metal must be almost bullet proof and gives a superb amount of protection to the screen. 

Personally I prefer this case to the metal one but I’m still not convinced about the design because it makes the E61 look like any other PDA when housed. If you are not as obsessed with how things look as I am this case would be a worthwhile investment and provide all of the protection you need for your precious Nokia.

Aluminium Metal Case £21.23 / Alu-Leather Flip Type Case £22.94