Innopocket Black Magnum Treo 650 Case Review
If you are in the market for a case that delivers maximum protection for your Treo 650 smartphone, look no further. The Innopocket Black Magnum is the “tank” of Treo 650 cases. Its rugged exterior is constructed 100% from magnesium. Now how’s that for tuff!
The Black Magnum case is hinged from the side and opens to reveal a neoprene coated inside that pads your Treo 650. There is a screen window made of hard plastic that is very clear. To me it felt as though I was looking at the device naked in my hands. However, I can imagine the window becoming scuffed over time.
There are cutouts for hard keys that align neatly with the buttons. My fingers felt a bit cramped when using them, especially when placing and receiving calls.
On the side is a cutout for the volume keys. Most people will find the side cutouts easily accessible.
At the bottom of the Black Magnum case are cutouts for the power and audio slots. These slots are sufficiently large to allow for charging / syncing a Treo without removing it from the case, and can accomodate headphones.
There is a cutout area on the top for the SD slot and volume mute switch. I found it easy to change SD
cards and mute the sound on the Treo whenever necessary.
On the back of the Black Magnum case are two built in slots for storing extra SD cards while on the go. This is a great add-on feature for people who listen to mp3’s or watch movies and require additional storage capacity.
The Black Magnum case is also equipped with a belt clip. The belt clip doesn’t have to be used. The manufacturer provides a small screw that you can install or not install that interfaces with the clip.
Carrying this case every day was a change for me. The manufacturer points out that magnesium is 37% lighter than aluminum. But both aluminum and magnesium cases are heavier than leather ones. That said, Treo owners who want rugged protection will clealry find the tradeoff worthwhile.
Pros
1. Magnesium body provides great protection.
2. Clear visible access window.
3. Storage for extra SD cards.
4. Cutouts align well.
5. Removable belt clip.
6. Neoprene coated interior padding.
Cons
1. Cutouts for hard buttons is on the small side.
2. Heavier / bulkier than leather cases.
Conclusion
The Innopocket Black Magnum Case is a well-constructed “tank” of a case that provides maximum protection for your Treo at all times. I give it two thumbs up.
If you have a very active lifestyle, pick yourself up an Innopocket Magnum. Your Treo 650 will thank you for it!
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True story: I once dropped my phone from the second story of my house onto tile flooring. I didn’t phase me, but everyone else flipped out. I went downstairs and grabbed, and showed everyone it was just fine, minus a paint stratch. It is a tank. I’ve had it for quite some time now, and I love it.
Nice story! Man thats one heck of testimony if I do say so myself! I hope mine never falls 2 stories but if it does I hope its protected by the “Tank” lol.
I got 2 of these last year. I like the flip hinge compared to its aluminum counterparts. My only gripe is the wearing off of the paint. I didn’t even have to drop or scratch it onto anything…
The case provides great protection, but can be really frustrating to use. The case is very thick around the cut-out for the phone buttons, and I find it very difficult to use them with the door closed. On top of that, the case’s earpiece holes don’t come close to lining up with the earpiece speaker - I have to turn up the volume to hear it as well as when it’s out of the case.
I like the idea of the double hinge system that allows the door to fold completely around the back, but they didn’t get it quite right - it doesn’t fold a full 180 degrees and therefore sits at an odd angle on it’s back when you open it. This is without the belt clip button installed - it’s worse with it.
A truly rugged case, but the weak link is the plastic belt clip. I broke it the first week I had the case. Now if they came out with a titanium belt clip…..
i bought this case for use during outside activities such as biking/jogging/yardwork/etc in order to protect my treo from heavy damage. works well in the protection part but functionality deminished while trying to use the treo frequently during those activities. i vowed just to be more careful and get handset insurance through my provider instead of using the case. my main problems with it have been stated. volume of handset, buttons are difficult to use with door closed. opening door all the time is a hassle for me. this case is not for me but i dont regret the purchase and do not advise against anyone else using it. just not very practical for me.
I got the Magnum for Christmas. It chips far too easily. The parts are glued on and come off after a drop or two. My card holder came off after the first drop from my waist. I glued it back on but the cards aren’t secure any more. Part of the hinge came off on the second drop, so the door doesn’t line up or snap fully shut without effort. On the last drop, the phone came completely out of the case on the ground and got pretty scratched up. Also, the metal case reduced my signal to nothing in weak areas. I would have to take the phone out of the case to get a call through. Still searching for the perfect case.
I must agree with the complaints about the belt clip and the plastic parts. My INNOPocket’s belt clip had fallen apart and come unglued after only a few hours use!
One of my plastic hinges broke off. I put tape on the rod so the face doesn’t fall off. I’m going to use a cut coffee-straw and superglue to keep the hinged lid from randomly sliding off the case and for some semblance of functionality.
I liked it before it fell apart; this product is a fighter with a glass jaw.