Review
- Proporta GBA
SP Aluminum Case (Added
4th December 2003)
Introduction
I don't know about you but my GBA SP stays in my
pocket twenty-four hours a day. Unfortunately, it also
shares the same pocket as my keys. As you might have
guessed (and looking at the picture below), the shared
accommodation has resulted in some rather unsightly
scuff and scratches on the finish of my poor SP.
I've only had my SP for five months and although
I wanted desperately to provide it with some sort of
protection, I was hesitant, as most of the SP cases
I've seen were all either too bulky or poorly designed
for quick access. Luckily for me, however, Proporta
has just released their new GBA SP Aluminum Case and
were kind enough to send us a review sample.
My
unprotected SP.
Features Of The Proporta
Aluminum Case
According to Proporta:
"The Proporta protective aluminum case offers
your Game Boy Advance SP unrivalled protection against
scratching, dropping, wear and tear, game-related tantrums
and acts of indiscriminate violence. Its sleek lines
perfectly follow the shape of your game console, cutouts
give access to all ports and controls and you can even
choose between a metallic blue or silver finish. Not
only that but because it's made of aircraft grade aluminum,
it's very light."
- Made from aircraft grade Aluminum. - Available
in the 2 original GBA SP colors (Cobalt Blue & Metallic
Silver). - Easy install and removal. - Cut outs
for easy access to all buttons, switches & ports.
Installation Of Proporta
Aluminum Case
Fitting the SP into the case is very easy. First,
open the case. Next, open you SP and place the screen
side first under the lip of the case. Once you've got
it aligned, gently squeeze the rest of the SP into the
case. The Proporta case has been specially designed
to fit the dimensions of the SP perfectly, so there
is no doubt whatsoever that everything will fit nice
and snug. It'll only take a few seconds, after which
you're SP will not only be well protected in its new
aluminum case, but will also look "funky"
as well.
Fitting
the SP into the case.
Nice
and protected.
Cutouts
provided for easy access.
My Time With The Proporta
Aluminum Case
The inevitable response I get whenever I show off
the Proporta case is, "Wow!!!". No doubt about
it, the case is sleek and unique and all my friends
are quite jealous that I have one.
Aside from the good looks though, the case has also
done well to protect my SP and after 3 weeks in my pocket
along with my keys, the aluminum finish of the case
shows only minimal visual damage, testament no doubt
to the quality aircraft grade aluminum used in its construction. I also dropped it
a few times, and I'm glad to report that nothing untoward
has happened to the case and more importantly, my SP.
It isn't invincible of course or water proof and
the case will not help if your SP gets run over by
a truck or falls down a well. But for normal everyday
use, the Proporta case offers more than adequate protection.
Another thing I liked about the Proporta case is
that it doesn't add any unnecessary bulk, thanks to
its custom fit and use of sheet thin aluminum. It will
of course add just a few millimeters to your SP's overall
dimensions, but because I have big hands, I found that
this was actually a blessing since it made my SP more
comfortable to grasp while playing.
I was initially concerned, however, that the case
might hamper access to the SP's controls, particularly
the L & R buttons and game ports. Well, let me tell
you that my concerns were irrelevant. The Proporta case
has cut outs and nothing important on the SP is blocked,
which means easy hook up for a multi player game or
a quick recharge without ever having to remove the case.
Final Comments About The
Proporta Aluminum
Case
Proporta are well known for their high quality PDA
cases and accessories, and this Aluminum Case is their
first product for the GBA SP. For a first product, however,
it is amazingly well made, and due no doubt to the wealth
of experience they already have in the PDA market. Proporta
knows what customers want and their aluminum case is
exactly what I've always wanted for my GBA SP. After
all, the SP isn't exactly cheap, and the Proporta Aluminum
case is in my opinion, one of the best currently available
to protect your investment.
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