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So now that you've just plunked down hundreds for that new smartphone, how do protect it from damage? One option is to firmly resolve never ever to drop it or get anything on it—easier said than done depending on the environment you work in (or even how much of a klutz you are). Or you could get an Otterbox, a rugged case designed to protect your pricey delicate device from damage while still allowing you to actually use it.

We looked at the Model 1921 ($129.95), which is designed for the Palm Treo 680/750/755, but there's also a version (Model 1920) built for the older 650/700 models. Otterbox also makes versions for specific BlackBerry and HP iPaq devices, as well as a generic PDA model and protectors for various kinds of gadgets, including iPods.

Getting our 755 into (or out of, as may be appropriate) the hard black-and-gray plastic Otterbox case (which is also available in yellow and includes a removable belt clip) was a cinch-—you simply pop the latch and slide the phone in. (You do need to remove the stylus first, which gets stored in a clip on the case exterior.)

A transparent plastic window protects the Palm's display, but you can flip it up when you need touch access to the screen, which is still protected from moisture beneath a water-resistant membrane. (The Otterbox isn't designed to be submerged however, so don't try to take it snorkeling.)

The Otterbox case has its own keyboard and side buttons that when pressed directly manipulate those on the Palm device. They all worked very well, and the keyboard even retains the backlight, though it's somewhat dim—especially on the edges. Even the camera lens gets a window, though you do lose access to the self-portrait mirror.

You can sync and charge your Palm while leaving it inside the Otterbox, since the connectors are accessible behind a door. In fact, the only time you'll need to remove the phone is to get access to the memory card slot.

An Treo ensconced within an Otterbox certainly becomes bulkier (5.16 x 3 x 1.96, HWD), but it's a great way to protect your device from rain, dust, and impacts.

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