What is it? The Ti Slider / ClipPak bundle is a package deal that Rhinoskin sells for the Palm III, Palm V and Handspring Visor, which includes the Ti Slider Hardcase (already reviewed by Bill Griffith), a black nylon belt case and a metal stylus.

	The Ti Slider / ClipPak Bundle

I'm an ER nurse, and I use my Palm III several times a shift.. That means I pull my P-III out in an environment that's not always safe for electronics. Early on I noticed a tendency to drop the thing at bad times, so I looked for a case. I wear a waist-pack over my scrubs at work, and I wanted something that would hang on the belt (the pack is full of EKG dividers, reflex hammer, tape, a Tarascon, a Sandford etc.). My first case was a vinyl case made by Case Logic. It had a nylon webbing belt loop that would unsnap so I could take it off without undoing the belt. It worked, but the P-III fell out of the case more than once, (admittedly only when I held the thing upside-down when it was open, but still...). Also, the vinyl started tearing at the attachment point for the strap. I decided to upgrade. I had wanted one of Rhinoskin's titanium cases since the first one came out. When they improved it by making the Ti Slider, I decided that titanium was the way to go. The only problem was that my waist-pack wouldn't hold any more stuff! A trip to rhinoskin's website revealed that they offer a bundle including the Ti Slider, a metal stylus that is more easily accessible when the palm is in the case, and (taa-daa!) something called the ClipPak. The ClipPak is made of what looks like ballistic nylon, has a sturdy spring steel clip, a soft fleece-like lining and is (surprise!) exactly the right size to hold a Ti Slider. The case stays on my belt, and I just pull out the P-III. I don't have to take anything off my belt, which I think is what contributed to the demise of my old case. The bundle is available for Palm III and V, and also for the Handspring Visor. You can get the pack in any color you want, as long as its black (apologies to Henry Ford).

I've had the set for a few days now, and all I can say is, wow. The case is, as far as I can tell, bulletproof. Those of you who work in a knife and gun club (East LA, Detroit, etc.) should consider wearing it over your heart - it might save your life! The clip pack stays on my belt, yet can be removed without unbuckling. It is well stitched, and is held shut with a large patch of hook-and-loop fastener. Finally, the new stylus is a cool silver metal, with a plastic (nylon?) tip. It has a nice solid feel, and I swear my graffiti has improved, possibly because of the finer tip. One nice bonus is that unscrewing the end of the stylus reveals a reset pin - that's right! You'll never have to hunt for a paper clip again! I'm only sorry I waited this long.

• An accessible, tough case, a great stylus with a reset pin.
• Stylish black case that goes with everything.

• Heavy and bulky
• Titanium is a fingerprint magnet. (Not that its a major problem, it wipes clean
• Expensive ($112.95 for the bundle before shipping and taxes

I give the bundle five stars. Anyone who uses a Palm OS PDA in an environment that might be dangerous to electronics, yet needs accessibility should get one.

Keith Anderson is a Nurse Practitioner who is currently working as a registered nurse (don't ask!) in the Emergency Department at a small community hospital in Southern California. He loves both the life sciences and gadgets, and asks too many questions. He is married to a doctor (of history) and is owned by a psychotic cat with narcolepsy. He can be reached at keithrn@earthlink.net.