Brando Workshop Metal (Aluminum) Case for the 770
 

Just saw this posted on the maemo-users mailing list:

http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwmetalcase_details.php?i=74

http://tinyurl.com/elgoe

Thanks for posting this!
I've been looking for a better way to carry my 770 around when I travel to japan in september, this should do it.
Ordered!

Now this looks like some serious piece of kit, and well thought out !...

When you get yours, could you tell us :

- what the weight is compared to the stock Nokia cover,
and
- whether the lid has the magnet thingie that puts the 770 to sleep when closed ?

It would have been a nice touch if the lid could open all the way back as a prop and let the case act as a stand, but from the pictures it doesn't look like it...

Anyway it's nice to see the third-party accessories market stirring up, rather a good sign !

I was thinking that if it didnt include the magnetic screen strip, it should be easy enough to strip off some of the neoprene and stick a small magnet on without creating a bulge, so I didnt worry too much about it.

When it arrives, I will take pics and answer whatever questions people may have.

Great, thanks !

This case looks better than most other cases, I would order it right now but I can wait awhile for the review :)

What about the radio reception in the case? The antenna of the 770 radiates from the top, and that part is blocked by this case.

Check out the pockets for extra RS-MMC cards - - killer!

I wonder if the lid has a magnet on the side to turn off the screen when you close it.

I didn't get one yet, though I like the idea of how protective it is.

However, I learned that the weight is 170 grams.

That's about 6 ounces, or almost the weight of the coverless 770.

Ouch - that's bad for pockets :-)

But good for heavy-duty traveling (and the banging that all electronics suffer in my wife's bag).

Got mine in 6 days (Hong-Kong to Finland). Faster than books from Sweden.

It's pretty good. A nice rough robust, crash land in the jungle aluminium survival kit feel to it.

The lid, when open seems a bit in the way, but one can hold on to it.

I posted an idea about it here on the " Help Design A Case for Major Manufacture" thread:

http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...7&postcount=34

I got mine today.

I like it, it will probably be my 770's permanent residence (aside from when it is in the AquaPac).
THERE IS NO MAGNET. Kind of annoying, but i chopped up a refridgerator magnet, cut out a small bit of neoprene over the 770's magnet location, and stuck it on there. Now closing the lid shuts off the screen like it should! It took me 5 mins, a fridge magnet, and a razor blade -easy. Dont let this be a deal-breaker if you are interested in this chassis, it is too easy to fix yourself.

The lid does seem a little bit in the way when using the 770 (though only when trying to access the top buttons), but it is easy enough to take the 770 out very quickly, so if I am planning on using it for an extended amount of time, I would just take it out.
As shown in the manufacturer's pictures, all the buttons are accessable, and even the mic hole is unobstructed.
The belt clip is nice, and the part that attaches to the 770 screws in and out by hand. Hand-tight seems like it will be fine and not come undone by walking around. The whole rig is a little heavy in my hand, but attached to my side I dont even notice it. It isnt going to pull your pants down.
WLAN strength does not seem to be inhibited, but I havent run any test besides regular usage.

I primarilly bought this to transport my 770, as I try to keep my pockets free. The belt attachment is great for this.

I have decided against taking any pictures, because it really has no surprises from the pictures on the Brando website. Aside from the missing magnet, I am totally happy with this thing! The only problem I have now is that I have a growing collection of 770 cases and holders (Nokia felt pack-in, stock nokia cover, aquapac, and now the brando)