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- Product: Protection for the fourth generation Apple iPod
- Developer: See individual sections
- Minimum Requirements: 4G Apple iPod
- Retail Price: See individual sections
- Availability: Out now
- PacificRim 4G iShield
- Contour Design Showcase
- Contour Design iSee
- XtremeMac Xtremity
- Lajo eXo 4G
With the purchase of a new 4G iPod 20GB for my wife, I also found myself in need of a new case. Because while the iPod may be many things--elegant, easy-to-use, and quite possible Apple's greatest product ever--one thing it is not is scratch resistant. So without further ado, we present the contenders...
4G iShield - $34.99
The iShield immediately caught my eye, if only because it so closely resembles the iPod Armor by Mantis (the case I use for my 2G 10GB).
The iShield comes with an attractive aluminum finish, and unlike the iPod armor, gives you access to the click wheel and a plastic screen so that you can see the display. It comes with a detachable, yet sturdy, swivel-clip with a resistant button release.
The iShield closes with a simple latch, and the inside is lined with a foam pad to cushion the iPod. For the thinner 20GB models, the iShield comes with an additional foam insert to keep the iPod firmly seated in the case. Large holes in the top and the bottom of the case give you access to all the ports (including the synching area), meaning you don’t have to take the iPod out of the case to charge it or connect it to your computer. If you do want to remove it, however, a quarter-sized hole has been cut into the back to make it easy to push your iPod out.
While easily the flashiest of the cases I tested, the iShield does have a few shortcomings. First off, the swivel clip attaches to a small nub on the back of the case, which means if you're not using the clip, there's the problem of the case catching on things in your pocket. Secondly, the latch on the lid held the case closed for regular use, however, vigorous shaking did cause it to open--but then, I was shaking it hard with the intent of seeing if it would open. This may not be ideal for people who plan on running with their iPod, but for any other use it may not cause a problem.
I liked the iShield's durable outer shell and foam lining. My wife, however, felt the aluminum shell detracted from the iPod's inherent design. But since this is my review, it gets...
Contour Design Showcase - $29.95
The Contour Showcase, by contrast, does as much as it can to blend in with the iPod design. The entire front is clear plastic, bordered in white, with a clear window on the back allowing you to see (some of) your laser engraving, as well as the iPod's size. Handy if you have more than one iPod in the house (and more than one Contour Showcase).
The Contour also features a detachable clip. This one doesn't swivel (and therefore, has no nub on the back to snare on anything), but is locked into a perpendicular position, though the clip can be positioned with the opening on the right or left.
The locking mechanism on the Contour is a two-step clip, which holds it very securely. 20GB owners will also need to use the included foam insert to hold their iPod securely. The Contour, like all the cases mentioned here, features openings to access all the ports, and a hole in the front cover to access the click wheel without opening the case.
Probably my favorite of the cases, and the one I'd use if the iPod was mine. Sharon, however, thought it gave the iPod a chunky look and didn't like the fact that it only came in white or black.
Contour Design iSee - $19.99
But if you're really a fan of the iPod's natural good looks, then what you want is the iSee hardcase. Essentially a clear plastic cover for the entire iPod, the iSee also features a detachable clip, similar to the Showcase's. As a bonus, you load the iPod into this case through the bottom, closing it with a cover that uses two plastic side prongs to hold it in place. I had to press the prongs in with a pen, making it impractical to get the iPod in and out of the case easily, however the iSee's synch port is covered by a plastic hatch, which will keep dirt and grit out of the port when not in use—a feature none of the other cases reviewed here has.
A great compromise between protecting the iPod and showing off its good looks, both Sharon and I felt it lacked something in having its own appeal. Part of an iPod case is, after all, showing off your own sense of style. Still, I personally felt this was a minor quibble in view of the port cover and the attractive price. Plus, you can see your laser etching!
Xtremity - $27.49
One of the strangest-looking cases (at least when empty), the Xtremity case is also one of the most versatile. With a cover that wraps over the top of the iPod to latch at the bottom, this case also features a detachable, rotating clip without a nub. If you use your iPod in the car, you may appreciate the fact that the Xtremity comes with a car mount. Attach the mount to your dashboard (with the permanent adhesive included), remove the clip and slide the case down onto the mount.
The clear plastic front snaps closed and has a hole cut for access to the click wheel. One problem with the Xtremity, however, is that unlike every other case reviewed here, it covers the hold switch.
Aesthetically, the Xtremity is the least pleasing of all the cases. In addition, it doesn't completely cover the iPod around the top edges, reducing its protective qualities somewhat. However, it's flexible design somewhat compensates for these shortcomings.
eXo 4G - $17.50
eXo won over Sharon's heart with it's fashion sense. She loves the ability to choose not only which color her cover will be from their extensive selection, but also the ability to choose the color of the plastic cover she can slip into the case, giving her iPod an additional level of protection and personal expression.
Me, I'm a sucker for a gimmick. The thing glows in the dark (not pictured). Who doesn't love glow in the dark? Communists, that's who, and look where they are now! Of course, the glow feature is of limited use. It doesn't glow brightly enough to allow you to read the screen, and if you turn on the backlight feature on your iPod, it outshines the glow. Bummer.
The eXo also features a detachable clip which leaves a nub, but the nub can be unscrewed if you're not going to use it, leaving the back relatively smooth.
Getting the iPod into and out of the rubbery skin can be a problem, but since you can access the all the ports (although working the hold switch may require the use of fingernails), you probably won't need to bother very often.
Clearly Sharon's favorite (as long as she could get the colors she wanted), I also enjoyed the selection and simple style of the eXo. Plus, it glows in the dark!
Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.
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I enjoyed the article. However, one caution. I purchased the Contour iSee a couple of months ago. I was happy with it—until the clip broke: sending my iPod to the floor. I brief heart stopping minute later, at least the iPod was OK. It seems that plastic may not be the best way to go. The clip broke at a weak point. I didn’t use it everyday, but users should definitely be ware. I’m in the market for a new case.