What separates any old case from a Newton case? Aside from PC card slots the answer would have to be the harnessing system or the way the case holds the Newton. If a case does not effectively accomplish this task then you risk damage to your Newton from sliding around or accidentally falling out. If your case doesn't harness your Newton well then you may as well purchase an inexpensive alternative such as a floppy disk holder or a day planner binder.

Purchasers of cases from the new Apple MessagePad or Calise line may have been surprised by what they saw when opening up their brand new case for the first time. A very unfamiliar harness system made of elastic bands that attempts to accommodate MP110-2100 Newtons (shown above). The upside to this design seems to benefit the manufacturers of the case more than the end user, although the new prop is handy. A universal harness mechanism benefits Newton case manufacturers because it eliminates the need for making special cases for the different form factors of the MP110-130 versus the MP2000/2100. It reduces expense and increases the target market. The major downside to these elastic bands, besides the confusion of what each band is for, is that once the Newton is in place, it wiggles around and offers less security. There is also a lot of stress placed on the Newton covers hinge which can eventually lead to cracking or breakage. This is not a good prospect when considering that these lids are virtually impossible to replace.

PDA Concepts feels it is important that MessagePad owners have a good choice as to what harness system they choose to invest in. There are differences between the form factor or size of MP110/120/130 Newtons and the MP2000/2100 models and there are good ways to hold each type of Newton. PDA Concepts presents the best way to harness the MP2000/2100 with it's genuine all-leather holster. This dual end holster type design securely holds the MessagePad in place until the user is ready to remove the Newton from the holster or the holster from the case. The holster (shown below) is included in the Hand Stand case. The holster is also sold separately and is available to Apple and Calise case owners who wish to upgrade their current harness system. If you have one of these other cases and would like to upgrade then you may request case upgrade details here.