FIGURE A

The Rhinoskin Cockpit is a real piece of solid workmanship, if a bit clunky. Click picture for a larger image.

The Cockpit is opened in clamshell fashion, as if it were a book. While closing it makes a loud clanking sound, which is bound to attract attention at any meeting. Some people may find this characteristic to be a bit obnoxious, but being a loud person, this appealed to me.

Other neat features of the case are a clip on the inside cover for a few business cards, and a cutout in the neoprene lining for storing a hidden credit card or two. I also ordered the Clip-Pak accessory, which is made out of cordura fabric. It looks nice, but it's a bit difficult to stuff the Cockpit into and the metal clip is a little too tight when clipping the case to your belt, but this may have to do with the fact that I'm kind of a big bulky guy. I find myself using the Clip-Pak more as a cover to prevent scratches to the Cockpit when I put in my metal attache case.

The case, of course, is heavy, and at $99.00 it's also a bit pricey for the casual PalmPilot user. Sure, it costs 1/3rd of what a PalmPilot Professional costs, but if the information on your PalmPilot is more valuable than the PalmPilot itself, it's a bargain when you consider the protection you're getting. The only other downside besides the case's weight and expense is that it adds bulk as well, so you can't exactly slip it in your shirt pocket. I never carry my PalmPilot that way for fear of damaging it, so it's not really a problem for me.

The Cockpit is lined with neoprene foam, and my PalmPilot Professional fits in snugly and is removed for hotsyncs and modem sessions quite easily. The buttons and stylus are unobstructed from use, but you do have the hold the case on the flat of your palm when it is opened -- you can't just grasp it in your hand. The case is also designed with right-handed people in mind. Lefties can change the orientation by inserting the PalmPilot inverted, but this blocks access to the stylus.

Palm III owners can be assured that the newer unit fits just fine, although to gain access to the stylus, which is now in the back of the unit, you'll have to lift your Palm III slightly out of the case to reach the stylus with your finger. Being that the Cockpit was designed originally for the older form factor, you won't be able to use the IR beaming functionality when the Palm III is inserted in it, but it's a small price to pay for klutz-proofing your prized toy.

All in all, I'd say the Rhinoskin Cockpit is an ideal accessory for those who want the ultimate in protection who don't mind compromising some of the Pilot's portability, or use their Pilot in hash environments -- in my case, that's my desk or my coat pocket.

Jason Perlow is a computer consultant and freelance writer living in the NYC metro area. He can be reached via email at the incredibly cool address of jason@argonautsystems.com.