What are Bun-Js?


Bun-Js are elastic holders designed to grip Treo 600s and Treo 650s tightly without interfering with the normal operation of the phone. You can purchase them with a variety of lanyards and belt clips, enabling you to wear your Treo around your neck or to hold your Treo with a wrist strap for added security on the go. Bun-Js are an exceedingly popular accessory in Europe, where over 3 million have been sold! They were introduced in the U.S. market last month.


The mytreo.net/store folks love Bun-Js so much that they created an exclusive arrangement with the manufacturer. You won’t find them anywhere else within the Treo community!

Here is what I have to say about them:


Initial Impression



Immediately I wondered, “How do I fit this into that?!?” It’s easy. Just use your fingers to slide the case up.

Some of you know my sense of humor…that little guy sitting on the face of the Treo reminds me a whole lot of the jeuvenile monster from the movie Alien when it sat on someone’s face to plant its seed.





When I picked up the Bun-J silicon sleeve and held it against my Treo, I thought, “It’ll never fit.” There is no give whatsoever. But as I got used to the product, I realized that really is plenty of room to slide your Treo inside the double loop.


How far do I slide it? Where do I stop?

You are supposed to slide it until the top “loop” becomes parallel with the bottom of the screen, and the bottom “loop” sits just above the top row of keys, with the center part completely covering the 5-way pad.

Positives

The little silicon sleeve holds tight! I’m not sure why a Bun-J adapter it was included in the package because there is a nice little hole in the sleeve for the hook that comes on the lanyard. I like that you can use any lanyard with the Bun-J, including one that comes with the Boxwave FlexiSkins. Another big plus is that the Bun-J sleeve fits beautifully under FlexiSkin cases, and probably fits perfectly under most cases for double security.

While you can use your Bun-J sleeve with any lanyard, the ones that come with Bun-Js are brilliant. There are many styles that will be introduced into the U.S. market this year, and I can see myself buying several. As you can see from the following photo, my review unit is a Crystal lanyard that is black velvet with some nice sparklies. It’s definitely my style. There are other styles more appropriate for men as well.

The silicon sleeve seems to stay pretty clean. I haven’t noticed dust and cat hair clinging to it, which is a miracle in my house. If you do get anything on it, it washes well. Just make sure you dry it thoroughly before replacing it on your Treo.


As I mentioned, it fits securely underneath most cases, and after I spent a week testing out the security of the Bun-J, I did return it to a case. However, when used alone it gives you an extra grip, and a sense you are holding something substantial in your hand.

Negatives



Your biggest worry when wearing the lanyard is that you’ll forget it’s there and your Treo will swing into something. Another drawback is that, if your Treo freezes or goes into a loop, it could take you some time to get the back cover off. That being said, I discovered that the traction of the silicon sleeve actually helped me get the cover off more easily than trying to press with just my fingers.


Because it fits over some of the keys and the 5-way pad, it takes some getting used to. If you adjust it properly, you’ll hardly notice it, even underneath a skin.


Also, the metal clasp at the end of the lanyard is difficult to operate with one hand. That means that I either have to take the lanyard off from around my neck without detaching the Treo to lay it on my desk to charge, or I have to pay close attention and use both hands. I’m used to either the clip kind of lanyard, or a hook with a thumb lever. This hook just has bumps on either side.

Conclusion



Everybody needs a bun-J for their Treo, their Ipod, their LifeDrive, their digital camera; whatever you carry that’s precious. With so many styles to chose from, and the option of laynard or Zipp, there’s sure to be one to fit your taste/style. I’m already thinking of these as great stocking stuffers!



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Filed under: Accessory reviews