FIGURE B


No worries with this magnetic clasp. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Impressions
The leather Zodiac case from Global Source is a very nice piece of work. It's no bigger than it needs to be, yet efficiently provides a lot of features.

The Zodiac fits very well in the handheld section, with the cutouts providing easy access to all the controls. In Figure C you can see how the Zodiac fits in the case. A felt backing on the inside of the case helps keep the unit from slipping. Stiff inserts in the leather provide an overall stability to the case and added protection.

FIGURE C


This case is a nice carriage for the Zodiac that also doubles as a wallet. Roll over picture for a larger image.

I really love the wallet section. When it comes to carrying a wallet, I'm pretty light to begin with. I only carry my driver's license, insurance card, and credit card because my handheld is my address book, photo album, etc. With the SD storage slots and pockets for everything, the wallet section on Global Source's Zodiac case has allowed me to leave the old wallet behind, and isn't that what tech is all about, efficiency and convenience? If only Tapwave could pack a Verizon cell phone into the Zodiac as well.

I think the card insert has the potential to become loose and fall out when the case is open. But now that I'm finished with this review, I'll remedy that with some double-sided carpet tape.

The stylus sleeve is a slim pocket that's been stitched into the felt lining right at the fold. Personally, I think I would have moved the stylus sleeve further into the wallet section, or onto the back by the belt clip so that it didn't stick out so much. I generally keep mine in a pocket, and the stylus sticks out just enough to catch. Also, the stylus removes from the left side, which feels kind of backwards for a right-hander.

I, myself, am not real big on belt clips because I lost my first cell phone due to a belt clip. But the one on Global Source's Zodiac case, in Figure D, could be used as a pressure clamp. It's not likely to slip off.

FIGURE D


The belt clip on the Global Source Zodiac case has a death-grip. Roll over picture for a larger image.

If you're like me and don't care much for belt clips, but want the stylus holder, some judicious tugging and wiggling will remove it, leaving a thin incision that can easily be closed with a little super glue.

I give the Zodiac case from Global Source 4 out of 5. This case is almost perfect. My only real issue is with how much the stylus sticks out from the profile of the case. I certainly feel much better having my Zodiac protected with a fitted, padded case rather than floating loose in my pocket. And because of the card insert and extra pockets, I was able to eliminate one other item that I routinely carry.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

James Booth is Editor-at-Large at ZATZ Publishing. In addition to writing for Computing Unplugged and Connected Photographer, he's the author of Do-It-Yourself Wedding Photography. A self-taught photographer, James also dabbles in digital graphics and has learned to be a PC and handheld specialist through personal trial and error. James can be reached at jbooth@zatz.com.