Review
- GBA PVC Case With Detachable Belt Clip
(Added 8th June 2001)
Introduction
 If
you've ever been to Singapore or Hong Kong or Japan,
you would have seen cases like the one in the picture.
In these countries, such cases are very popular and
are used by mobile phone users to protect their mobile
phones. Most of these cheap but durable PVC cases,
also come with detachable belt-clips, which you can
clip on your belt or back-pack for fast and easy access
to your mobile phone.
Now, thanks to some ingenious 3rd party manufacturers
in Hong Kong, GBA owners can also buy these PVC cases
which have been custom made to fit their new and shiny
GBAs.
Purpose Of The GBA
PVC Case
As you can see, the purpose of the PVC Case is to protect
your GBA from common nicks and scratches. It also comes
with a detachable belt-clip, which you can clip almost
anywhere.
Features Of The GBA
PVC Case
The GBA PVC Case is light and durable. It covers
nearly 90% of the GBA, the exception being of course
the cut-outs for the necessary buttons like the shoulder
buttons and the directional pad as well as the extension
port and ear-phone jack.
Most importantly, the GBA screen is fully covered,
and because the case is clear PVC, there is no problem
seeing what's happening on the screen
A detachable belt clip is also provided, which will
allow you to keep your GBA close to you during travel,
and easily accessible during lull times like waiting
in line or riding the train.
The case comes in several colors like blue, clear
and purple to match your taste or GBA color.
Using The GBA
PVC Case
The case is very simple to use, and you only need
to slip it on for immediate protection and portability
(see pictures below). The fit is snug and perfect, and
securely fastened by a Velcro strip. The cut-outs for
the GBA's ports and buttons have been accurately measured,
so you don't have to worry that it will not fit.
The belt-clip is also very easy to use. It slips
on and off the case like butter, thanks to it's spring-action
locking mechanism. The spring lock is also very secure,
and you need never fear that your GBA will fly off the
clip during strenuous activities. The clip itself attaches
like a clothes peg, but one that has a much harder spring
to ensure a better grip on your belt or whatever it
is clipped on.
Pros Of The GBA
PVC Case
This one of the simplest and easiest case to
use. There are no moving parts, and because it comes
in one piece, slipping it on and taking it off couldn't be easier.
It is light and durable, and does not add any bulk
to the already petite GBA. Also, I like the fact that
unlike some GBC cases I've seen, this case actually
have precise cut-outs for the necessary buttons, switches
and extension ports. I hate cases that are nothing more
than clear plastic Glad-Wraps without the cut-outs,
or those that have cut-outs that don't even come close
to where the buttons are.
The belt-clip is another great feature, but I guess
it's because I'm an exhibitionist. I like nothing more
than to show off my GBA, and what better way to do it,
than to have it clipped on my belt for the world to
see. But, aside from that, the belt clip is helpful
for quick storage on the move and quick access when
required. If you've ever had to dig through tons of
garbage before finding your GBA at the bottom of your
back-pack, then you'll know just how much easier it
is to have the GBA clipped to your belt instead.
Cons Of The GBA
PVC Case
To tell the truth, there isn't much that I could
find wrong with the GBA PVC Case. One minor complaint
is that the battery compartment is covered, so you'll
need to unstrap the Velcro strip for every battery change.
Some users might also notice a little more glare
from the screen because of the plastic covering, although
for me, it was negligible and outweighed the protection
it afforded against scratches (which I hate the most).
Take note, however, that the GBA PVC Case isn't made
to protect against knocks and bumps, so don't drop your
GBA and expect this case to protect it. (Later on, I
will be reviewing some cases that protect your GBA against
knocks and bumps, so look out for it)
Final Comments
How can you fault a product that is cheap, well constructed
and of outstanding value? You can't, and so I'll have
to declare that the GBA PVC Case is the next best thing
since sliced bread... well, for me anyway.
But seriously, if you're getting a new GBA, then
you should consider getting this case as well. It's
a good investment, one that will not only help to protect
your GBA, but also make it easier for you to show it
off to everyone in the neighborhood.
Pictures
Click on pictures for larger view:
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