“I have tried three cases for the tiny Pi Zero now, ModMyPi, Pimoroni Pibow Zero and the Zebra Zero Black Ice. Of the three the Pimoroni is the one I have not kept. The Pimoroni Piblow, is VERY similar to the 4 layer ModMyPi. However uniquely it uses a one piece layer two that simply fits snugly aground the zero, and does not clamp it firmly like the recesses cut on the other to boards do. This means having the spend a couple of minutes dismantling the case every time the microSD needs to be changed. This may be a good or bad thing for some folks. The screws are not reset, or special like the others. GPIO access is slightly better than the ModMyPi, at the expense of leaving the pins exposed on one side. Venting and LED visibility is also the worst of the three. Hence this is the one I have put back on eBay and already resold. I'll stick with the other two cases that I'm happier with. In Contrast the Zebra is the smallest of the three same size as the Zero (68x31mm), and the thinnest. It uses the boards mounting holes for the screws, and hence the case simply sandwiches the board between layers one and two. The Screws themselves are very well selected been metal with a screw through female socket design that allows another screw to be inserted to securely mount a pHat. A really nice touch. Unlike the other two cases the layers of the Zebra are different thicknesses. The transparent top and bottom layers are very thin, while the middle thicker black layer comes in two parts, with recesses neatly cut where needed. The thinness of the top layers does make removing the backing films quite tricky, but once done it reveals the neatest label printing on the top of the case of all three. GPIO access is excellent, with my soldered on headers projecting above the case. Like the Pimoroni there is full access to the microSD card, a big factor for me. The inactivity LED is also clearly visible outside the case. Lastly the Zebra comes with a heatsink that fits really neatly through the case, while probably not needed this is a really nice touch. Lastly the ModMyPi Case uses four plastic bolts outside the board, and hence is quite a bit bigger (75x36mm), and stands a whole layer higher than the Zebra. The plastic bolts are cleverly recessed half into the outside layers, a nice touch. MicroSD card access is good while the GPIO headers are the most shrouded of the three cases, been up the the top of the headers on all four sides. Top venting is good, but the inactivity LED is a bit hidden only been vewable from the top. Of the three this is perhaps the stoutest feeling case, but I have to say the icon printing on the top is the worst and most "fuzzy" of the three, made especially hard to read as the icons are above reflective silver parts of the board. Of the three this case will be the one that I use for more robust projects away from my desk.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“As described. Not very tight because of flimsy screws.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“A nice looking, easy-to-assemble case. It consists of 4 layers of plastic held together with 4 screws - the clear layer comes with a layer of white backing plastic on it that needs removing, which seems to have confused one of the other reviewers. The only feature missing is that it would be nice to be able to access the sd card without having to disassemble the case.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Quality item”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I am totally new to tech stuff and went for this because The blurb states that the PiBow Zero case has a "Clear top and base leave Raspberry Pi Zero visible" which left me rather excited. The base is however not clear and the top is either a white cover or a rather exposed green frame which I feel doesn't fully protect the Pi Zero. The case also locks in the microSD card which means you either treat it like a hard drive and add stuff to it via a memory stick or you have to keep opening it every time you want to add something off your PC. For an early version it is ok but I expect better designs will be coming out, hence only 3/5 stars. Not awful but not great either.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This case is visually stunning, light and does the job of protecting the PI Zero. I like that Pimoroni have gone with the "zero" theme and opted for cold, cool, colors. The case is exceptionally well built, and each layer is numbered to aid assembly. It can be a bit fiddly to get the bolts and nuts on - I recommend putting a rubber band/hair tie/whatever around the middle of the stack of layers as you do this. It's a shame the microSD card is encased as I frequently need to reimage, which means taking the entire case apart and then rebuilding it. At £4 a case, I decided to correct this using a hacksaw. There is great GPIO access In summary, great purchase.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This case is visually impressive. I like the cool blue color scheme associated with "zero". The case is exceptionally made. Each layer is numbered for easy assembly, although it can be a bit fiddly keeping it all together whilst tightening the nuts - I recommend a rubber band/hair-tie/whatever you have handy around the layers while you do this. This is just a side note on what is a really great purchase, but if you are like me and frequently need to re-image Raspian, then the lack of microSD card access means that you will have to disassemble the case everytime. Although I've had a naked Zero for some time, I've never had an incident of the microSD card falling out or coming loose. But for £4 you could always break out a hacksaw!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Pibow Zero W Reviews