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- Product: Protection for the third generation Apple iPod
- Developer: See individual sections
- Minimum Requirements: 3G Apple iPod
- Retail Price: See individual sections
- Availability: Out now
- Speck Products iPod Skin
- DLO Jam Jacket
- xSkn eXo 2
- iSkin eVo
- DLO Executive PodFolio
- Marware Sportsuit Convertible
- Eroch Studios LiliPod
This field has become so crowded that, pretty soon, Mac reviewers and retailers will have to hire station personnel with white gloves just to squeeze everything in.
Of course, this is good for consumers; it keeps the price down, it offers variety, and it promotes growth. In fact, one of the products we're reviewing today, the eVo, is so named because it's the evolution of a previous model. It had problems, so it was forced to adapt so as to not become extinct. All the better for us.
When I last reviewed a round of 3G iPod cases, (Apple iPod Carrying Case, Lajo eXo, RadTech PodSleevz, Contour Design Showcase and Pacific Rim iShield) I focused on three items for each: protection, functionality, and aesthetics. I'll do the same game, with a slight emphasis on functionality, as that's for what most of the models have been adapted.
iPod Skin - $18.95
Case in point, the iPod Skin from Speck Products. It has that slightly transparent rubber look and feel to it that's common amongst iPod cases, but with one change we haven't seen until recently...the bottom flips up for easy access to the Dock. Before, iPod owners had to either remove the case or stretch the wheel access hole to pull the iPod through and place it in the Dock. Now, the case is designed for that. It flips right open, which also makes for easier insertion of the iPod into the case, then flips back up for full protection. The flap did a pretty good job of staying in place when in the closed position, too.
Aside from that, though, there's not much about which to brag, here. You can find it in four colors: lime green, charcoal, clear and cobalt blue. Only the cobalt blue and lime green really stand out. The others appear somewhat dingy. The opening at the top is wide enough for easy access to the ports and Hold button, but doesn't leave room for connecting most accessories. The lips of the button holes are of the size we've seen in the past that make access to the buttons slightly awkward (you have come straight in at them), and there's no protection for the main screen. Also, although the flip bottom is great for access to the Dock, it seems unnecessary to have to bother with it if you simply want to plug in a cable or something of the sort. I'd still like to see an opening there for such devices.
The iPod iSkin is one size fits all for the 3G iPods, which is both a positive and a negative. Positive: you don't have to buy a new case should you upgrade. Negative: the fit isn't perfect.
That being said, the iPod Skin is a logical, inexpensive choice for those who want to protect their iPod from scratches, and who also use the dock with frequency.
Jam Jacket - $19.99
Then you have Digital Lifestyle Outfitters' Jam Jacket, which does the exact opposite of the iPod Skin. It restricts access to the Dock but is wide open at the top to allow for easy connection of devices such as the iTalk or iTrip. There's a whole at the bottom for access to the Dock port, but you'll have to either slip the iPod through the scroll wheel hole or remove the iPod completely to actually place it in the Dock. There's also no protection for the iPod screen. On the other hand, the area around the button holes is recessed, so the buttons themselves are easier to reach.
My worry was that, with a completely open top, the iPod could easily slip out of the Jam Jacket. Not so; it fits in there quite snugly. The Jam Jacket has the same basic look and feel as all these other silicone-ish iPod cases, and is—like the iPod Skin—hampered by a minimal selection of colors: aqua graphite and clear, none of which are all that dynamic.
So, although it offers the same degree of protection as the iPod Skin and is on the same level aesthetically, I prefer it slightly because of easier control access and because I'll more frequently want full access to the top for my accessories than full to the bottom for docking.
eXo 2 - $32.50
With the xSkin, we return to the flip open bottom as with the iPod Skin. We also return to the lack of access to the top ports...with a vengeance. The hole for the Hold button is so small that it may as well not even be there at all. You'll also be hard pressed to fit some headphones into the jack as that opening is too tight to allow access to wider models.
On the other hand, as all of the buttons and the scroll wheel remained covered by a thin layer of silicone, you're getting the maximum protection a case of this type can offer. Yes, the screen is still open, but that's the standard with these rubberized soft cases.
Some attention was paid to the back of the xSkin as well, as the combination of air holes and small, beveled feet allow the iPod to breathe while resting on a desk inside this case. Considering that so much of the case is otherwise enclosed, that's a good idea.
Although the buttons have a thin layer of silicone over them, they're still fairly responsive and easier to use than those with thick edges that prevent easy access. The scroll wheel does becomes dingy with thumb grease and such, but it's washable.
Two more benefits: the eXo 2 can be outfitted with a belt clip and a lanyard, and it comes in enough colors to keep most shoppers happy. One more drawback: the flip open bottom doesn't open as far as the iPod Skin, thereby making it more difficult to get the iPod in and out. Oh, and then there's the price. At over $10 more expensive than similar cases, there's really not enough here to justify the purchase.
eVo - $29.99
Of all the soft cases I've reviewed in this or previous articles, the iSkin eVo comes closest to getting it right. First of all, it comes in over 30 colors and designs, so it's already giving potential buyers a chance to pick a model that best suits their personality.
The eVo goes beyond that, though, eliminating most of the problems inherent in soft shell cases. First, although the silicone case does wrap over the top of the iPod, it's beveled down to a thin membrane, thereby providing easy access to the ports and Hold switch while also accommodating any third party device you may want to attach. Excellent. The holes around the control buttons are also beveled—down and slightly to the left—allowing for easier access to the buttons.
Small feet and air holes on the back allow for good airflow, but the best feature of the back is the belt clip. When not attached, there's nothing there to indicate that a belt clip is even a possibility. However, the eVo ships with a thin, plastic disc that can be slipped inside the case. Two pegs stick through openings on the back of the case, to which you can easily and securely attach the pivoting belt clip. The clip is certainly sturdy enough, without the bounce you often get from belt clips on other soft cases. However, the clip itself doesn't open very wide and is perhaps a bit smaller than it should be.
Another great feature is that the clear plastic shield for the screen now has a wider edge so it's held in place better by the case, and it also has feet to keep the plastic off the screen, thereby stopping moisture from collecting under the shield and mucking up the display.
And hey, have you lost that little plastic protector for the Dock port? No worries. The eVo has a flap that fits snugly into the Dock port to keep it safe, thereby eliminating the need for the protector. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to Dock the iPod when it's in the eVo. You have to pull the iPod out through the wheel hole, which I never like to do.
So, yes, with all the improvements over previous iSkin models, eVo's an appropriate name here...even if that lower-case E, capital V thing is just plain dorky. When will the marketers of the world realize they're not nearly as clever as they think are?
Executive Podfolio - $34.99
Here, we step it up a bit. I mean, shiny, colorful iPod cases are sufficient for students and...well, me, but how about business people on the way to a big meeting? Shouldn't they be able to listen to the Dead Milkmen's Metaphysical Graffiti before closing that million dollar deal? Yes. And so, we have the Executive Podfolio.
This case looks more like a money clip or wallet than an iPod case, and is the next logical step up for those who liked the styling of Apple's iPod case but who want a bit more functionality. The Podfolio is made of hand sewn leather and sports magnetic snap locks. A pouch on the front can be used for ear bud storage, while pockets on the inside can store business cards, credit cards, iTunes gift cards, etc. This is all well and good, but it suffers the same pitfalls as some of the soft shell cases: the iPod has to be completely removed in order to be docked, you can't connect third party devices to the top, and there's absolutely no access to the Hold switch while the iPod is in the case.
I can't imagine that people will take advantage of the "wallet" features offered here, but I guess they're doing the same with Palm device and cell phone cases. Of course, those are inherently useful to some people to begin with, while the iPod is mostly for entertainment. Still, if style is more important than functionality, and if you want to make your iPod look like something you might actually need to bring along on business trips, the Executive Podfolio serves its purpose.
Sportsuit Convertible - $39.95
From the board room to the weight room, we now go the Sportsuit Convertible. Known in some circles as "the Swiss Army Knife of iPod cases," this case contains everything except your corkscrew and bottle opener...although I wouldn't be surprised if these accessories came separately.
Through the wonders of felt, rubber and velcro, the Sportsuit Convertible can be used in just about any form. The cover (which has room for storing the ear buds) can be completely removed for easier access to the iPod controls, or it can be left attached for better protection. In fact, there's hardly a piece on this system that can't be removed and reattached. And yet, there's still no easy docking capabilities. You have to remove it completely for that, and the snug fit of the case makes this a bit more of a chore than it should be. It's a fair trade-off, though, as you want that snug fit in a case designed to be used when on the go.
And when they say on the go, there, they mean it. Optional accessories for the Sportsuit Convertible include a car holder, swivel clip, lanyard, bike holder, etc. Along with the included arm band, that pretty much covers any activity in which you'd want to use your iPod...except for swimming, of course, but we'll get to that next.
Aside from no docking abilities, the only real complaint I have with the Sportsuit Convertible is that moisture tended to collect under the plastic view screen. Otherwise, it's a solid case that's good for both travel and exercising. Oh, and it's available in black, blue, graphite, red and yellow. Are those colors sporty?
LiliPod - $39.95
And finally, we close with this unique item. It's really not even in the same league as the others, and it doesn't try to be. You wouldn't want to bother with this if you're just going for a jog or taking the train into work, but, if you're going kayaking or chasing tornados, here's your case.
Forget about access to ports and docks. Forget about even being able to control the iPod after it's in the case. The LiliPod completely encases the iPod in 2mm of hard plastic and foam that provide a secure, water-tight environment for your iPod. Yes, water-tight. Nothing's getting into this case, and nothing's getting out.
Except for sound, of course. A jack built into the case connects to your headphones, so you can still listen to your iPod...provided you've got water proof headphones or don't care if they get wet. Whichever way. The point is that if you're in an environment where your iPod is likely to get wet, the LiliPod will protect it. Take it to the beach. Take it out in the rain. Take it to the kitchen sink. You're covered.
Aesthetics? Throw them out the window, that's not what the LiliPod is for. It comes only in white, and it's shaped like a Zippo cigarette lighter. Nothing to brag about here, but you won't be caring about looks when you're the only person in your party able to listen to the Dead Milkmen while ascending Mount Rainer.
So, what is that? Seven cases? Man. Last time I did this, there were five. Before that, four. Now, we've also got all the cases fir iPod minis. It's insane, but we're here to keep it all under control for you. Remember that the Think Different Store carries more iPod cases than you would think humanly possible, but be sure to check these reviews (and the customer reviews inside the store) before you buy anything. The field may be crowded, but choosing the right iPod case is still easier than getting a seat on a Japanese subway train. That's what reference in the opening paragraph was about, you see, in case you missed that.
Recap
- iPod Skin - 2 out of 5
- Jam Jacket - 3 out of 5
- eXo 2 - 2 out of 5
- eVo - 4 out of 5
- Executive PodFolio - 3 out of 5
- Sportsuit Convertible - 4 out of 5
- LiliPod - 4 out of 5
Tags: Reviews ď iPod Reviews ď
