A quick thanks to Ka Wang Yee from JAVOEdge for providing me with the JAVOHolster for the the review. Without it, this review would not have been possible.

The package arrived a week after it was shipped from JAVOEdge and was enclosed in the USPS shipping box wrapped in plastic packaging.

Here are some pics of the JAVOHolster by itself

The JAVOHolster is a rigid yet flexible rubbery shell case with a belt clip. Simply fit the Treo 650 or the mobile device it’s designed for, making sure that the clips are holding the device in place and attach it to your belt or pants with the belt clip.

The JAVOHolster is made out of hard polycarbonate ABS plastic (similar to the material used for car bumpers) and sprayed with a rubber silicon mix coating to provide that rubbery, grippy feel that I really like. The case is black in color with a full felt lining at the back where the Treo screen and keypad will touch, providing an extra layer of protection against scratches, shocks, bumps, scrapes. The shell wraps around the bottom corners to provide just enough of a “hold” or clasp on the Treo yet still allows for easy removal when required. The top of the holster has a hook-like clip that keeps the Treo in place. To remove the Treo from the JAVOHolster, simply press inwards on the square tab of the clip so that there’s room for the Treo to slide out. Then, pull the Treo outwards for easy removal. To place it back, slide the bottom of the Treo into the shell first, press on the top clip to allow for the insertion of the Treo and let go of the clip while pushing inwards on the Treo to allow the clip to clasp the Treo into place.

Here are some pics now with the Treo (taken with a Zire 71 so the pics aren’t as nice)

Video review of the JAVOHolster

JAVOHolster video review at YouTube

Click on the above link to be taken to YouTube’s page where you can view the video review.

Once in place, it feels as snug as it can be. Shaking the JAVOHolster, I didn’t notice any movement in the Treo, probably partly due to the slightly grippy silicon coating material that does a bit to “hold” it as well as having the corners and the top clip that braces the Treo from any movement.

The material provides for a very flexible yet sturdy and rigid mould that shapes to the Treo 650 to give a very snug fit. The idea is similar to that of a car mount for the Treo or cell phone where you “fit” the Treo in the shell except that rather than mounting it on your car, you can clip it on your belt or pants.

Unlike the car mount where the screen is facing you, this case is meant with the screen facing inwards, or in other words, the back of the unit is facing you, thus protecting the delicate glass screen. This serves first to protect the Treo, and second, while you have the Treo clipped to your belt, what are the chances that you need to have access to the screen?

With minimal material getting in the way of access to the Treo, the JAVOHolster provides a sturdy, durable alternative to owning a hard shell case that doesn’t get in the way.

One thing I’ve noticed is that when removing the Treo from the JAVOHolster that if the Treo is turned on (ie. an alarm has gone off) that the Alt button does get pressed giving me that Alt button screen. I guess maybe the case is too snug of a fit. That’s hardly much of a concern though as it doesn’t happen all the time, just occasionally.

With a material that is similar to those used for car bumpers, I can feel quite safe that even if the case was dropped on the floor with the Treo (although I have no intention of doing so) that it would do a good job of cushioning the shock.

For those who wish keep their Treo with them without buying a hard case that becomes part of the Treo when you need to use it, the JAVOHolster may be something they may wish to consider. The JAVOHolster will stay clipped to your belt while you remove the Treo to make that phone call or look up information and when done, goes back securely clipped in the case and to your belt. Out of sight and out of mind and yet still protected.