OtterBoxes

Although PDAs are relatively fragile and don’t get along well with water, you can find products on the market to protect them when exposed to harsh environments. Among my favorites are OtterBox cases. For a well-spent $20–25 for the lower-end models, these plastic containers defend a PDA or other electronic devices from Mother Nature as well as not-too-careful owners.
OtterBox has two products that let you operate a PDA (including using its stylus) while encased in a waterproof and crushproof housing. One model, the Armor 3600 shown in the figure here, has a waterproof portal that allows you to connect the PDA to an external GPS receiver with a serial cable. There are also accessories that accommodate the oversize external antennas of GPS receiver cards and sleeves. Tests performed by the U.S. Forest Service indicated no satellite signal degradation when GPS receivers were used in the Armor cases.
The Armor series of cases do add bulk to the size of your PDA. However, considering the protection that they offer, the rugged cases are well suited for anyone who wants to venture out into the wilds and use a PDA without worrying about it breaking. A 3600 Armor model will set you back about $100; OtterBox also has other Armor cases from $20–50.
I like to think of the OtterBox Armor products as accessories that turn your meek and mild PDA into a tough and rugged Humvee. To find out more about the products, check out www.otterbox.com