Pocket 6k Pro questions

So I bought my son a Pocket 6k Pro and a set of primes as his 18th birthday present.
I have a few questions that hopefully you guys can help with.
First, the software is 8.1. Has 8.6 never come out of beta? It's been a year.
Second, he has put on a Smallrig cage. He wants to remove the rubber cover over the USB, HDMI, and Microphone connectors. Is there a way to do this without damaging the cover in case he wants to put it back on in the future?
I am also hearing conflicting answers on using a T7 drive vs a T7 shield. I have a shield for my Pyxis, but he has a regular T7. I think he said it doesn't work on the Pocket 4k they have at school, but it seems to work on the Pocket 6k Pro. Should he expect any issues using the regular T7?
Also, I need a recommendation for a case where he could leave the cage on. Does anyone have a similar setup and can recommend something?
Thanks,
Cheers,
Corey
I have a few questions that hopefully you guys can help with.
First, the software is 8.1. Has 8.6 never come out of beta? It's been a year.
Second, he has put on a Smallrig cage. He wants to remove the rubber cover over the USB, HDMI, and Microphone connectors. Is there a way to do this without damaging the cover in case he wants to put it back on in the future?
I am also hearing conflicting answers on using a T7 drive vs a T7 shield. I have a shield for my Pyxis, but he has a regular T7. I think he said it doesn't work on the Pocket 4k they have at school, but it seems to work on the Pocket 6k Pro. Should he expect any issues using the regular T7?
Also, I need a recommendation for a case where he could leave the cage on. Does anyone have a similar setup and can recommend something?
Thanks,
Cheers,
Corey