Price:	Depends on part		Reviewed by:	Neil Brown
Supplied:	Krusell		Review date:	26/07/2005
Pros:	Wide variety of parts Solid construction Not too expensive Permanent adapter on case is unobtrusive		Cons:

Introduction Over the past week, I have looked at four cases from Krusell; three of them have one common feature- their MultiDapt connector. MultiDapt is the name given to Krusell’s patented accessory system, whereby their cases can be connected to a wide variety of adapters, including beltclips, in numerous forms, and bike attachments. I’ve tried a large number of these adapters, so I thought I’d try and provide an overview of this flexible system. The Adapters The first point of contact, so to speak, is with the small connector on the back of the individual case. Krusell have done well to keep this as unobtrusive as possible, so that those users who do not wish to take advantage of the extra accessories need not worry about having a case with a permanent plastic protrusion. This connector works in two ways- either on its own (connecting directly to the main accessory), or by attaching an intermediary, in the form of a small lug.    There are two varieties of lug- plastic and metal. They are designed to be used with different connectors; plastic with plastic, metal with metal. It is possible to use a plastic part with a metal part, but it will cause excessive wear and tear on the plastic part.   I looked at four belt-clip adapters, two belt-loop adapters, a clip for attaching your PDA to a bicycle’s crossbar, or other similar tubular construction, and a universal clip, most suited for attaching to a car.      The belt-clip adapters come in different shapes and sizes, from the most inconspicuous slide-on clip, moving through spring-clips and larger slide-on clips, right up to the more generic “clip-on” adapter, which can be seen with other ranges of cases. Each probably appeals to a different user base – the smallest slide-on clip appealed to me, simply because it can be worn without noticing it, but, it is probably not suited to a particularly rugged environment, where the more solid clip-on adapter is likely to perform better.    If you wear a belt, then you might find one of the belt-loop adapters more suitable- these are available in both plastic and steel, on a leather loop. The metal adapter is a very fine piece of kit indeed, and one which I’d be more than happy to use, if indeed I did wish to wear my PDA on my belt – with the Horizontic case, I am once again tempted to do this. If you do choose the metal loop, you will want to ensure that you use a metal lug with it- otherwise, you will probably wear through the lug in time, as you slide it in and out of place, potentially allowing your PDA to fall on the floor…    If you prefer a connector for something more active, then the bike attachment may well appeal to you. I have to admit that I am not overly keen on the idea of having a PDA attached to the handlebars, but, if you need to cycle and use a GPS system, or just can’t bear to be away from your e-mail for the duration of a bike ride, then, this might just be the adapter for you. This connector is the most solid and well-made of all the MultiDapt accessories I’ve tested, although, none of them felt at all flimsy or delicate.    The car connector is perhaps the simplest piece of kit here – it is a circular construction, into which a plastic lug can be dropped. The connector comes with screw, if you wish to attach it to something on a more permanent basis, or else there is a large sticky patch on the back, for attaching to a dashboard without a drill. Some time back, I would not have thought that a connector like this could rival a dedicated car cradle, but, having been using a system built on something akin to this for some time now, being able to clip your PDA into your car, without needing to remove it from its case is actually a huge bonus; if your choice of case can be held open on its own (or by a paperclip…), then you’re all set for a car-cradle solution, for a tiny extra outlay.   Conclusion   Without a doubt, the MultiDapt system is the most flexible range of case add-ons I’ve come across yet – there are belt-clips to suit almost every use, and a variety of other accessories.  Even though some of them are physically small, they all seem to be well made, and capable of standing up to daily abuse. I would guess that the part most likely to fail (or to be lost) would be the lug, but, they are not expensive to purchase / replace, or, alternatively, you could opt for a clip which attaches to the case-connector directly… there is a huge choice, all in the user’s favour.