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- Product: Protection for the iPod mini
- Developer: See individual sections
- Minimum Requirements: iPod mini
- Retail Price: See individual sections
- Availability: Out now
- XtremeMac Shieldz
- STM iPod mini Cocoon
- Marware SportSuit Convertible
- Pacific Rim Magnesium Case
- Contour Design iSee-mini
- Slappa ShockShell
- Eroch Studios LiliPod
I wish my 3G iPod looked like the iPod mini. I'm not talking about size, I mean color. Shape. The iPod minis are much more striking. They don't smudge as badly. The don't collect dirt and grease. Unlike the standard white and silver iPods, they look finished. You know how all the B-17s towards the end of WWII were just silver, exposed metal because they had to be churned out so quickly and cheaply that paint just got in the way? That's how I see every iPod except the mini.
The best thing about the 3G and 4G iPods is that you can cover them up with cases. These protect your iPods, but they also give them life. Same goes for the numerous accessories available for the iPod mini. Trouble is, some of these designs actually interfere with the standard look of the iPod mini. Which ones are worth the obstruction? Read on.
Shieldz for iPod mini - $12.95
Well, I guess an iPod mini deserves a mini case, and that's what the Shieldz is. Actually, that's not true. It's not a case. It's more of a...well, shield. It's a piece of plastic that snaps onto the front of your iPod mini and shields it from smudges, bangs and broadswords, I guess. A circle is cut out around the click wheel for easy access, but the iPod mini's screen is shielded. Because the Shieldz doesn't cover the front bottom, or back, you've still got easy access to all of your ports.
This makes me wonder, though, at what point is an iPod case not an iPod case? The only benefit of the Shieldz is that it protects the screen and the front plate. Everything else, however, is still exposed to damage. This sparse design does allow for compatibility with Apple's belt clip and arm band, as well as XtremeMac's iPod mini Accessory Kit, which you'll pretty much need to make this case useful. Oh, and one other problem; because the plastic is translucent (the screen area is transparent), it can conflict with the color of your iPod (mine was orange on green, making the iPod look a light brown color). Remember what I said earlier about loving the look of the iPod mini? This case can negate that, and that's not a good thing.
iPod mini Cocoon - $39.95
Then we have the iPod mini Cocoon, which immediately implies either better protection or Wilford Brimley movies. Either way, I'm good.
The Cocoon is actually two separate pieces: a clear silicon skin that snugly encases the iPod mini (leaving the wheel, screen and all ports open). You can still kind of see the iPod mini's color through this skin, but it's not nearly as vibrant. It won't really matter, though, once you've got it in the cocoon. On one side of this is a thin strip that prevents the iPod mini from falling out when the cocoon is open, and on the other side is a small net for your earbud headphones. The fit for the iPod isn't great, but it works. When the cocoon is zippered up, there's still a crevice up top to allow access to the headphone jack and the hold button, although getting to them can be very tricky. A belt clip and lanyard hook helps to keep the case on your person.
Just like a real cocoon, the iPod mini Cocoon provides plenty of protection. Unlike a real cocoon, your iPod won't turn into a butterfly when it emerges. Rest assured, though, it'll look just as nice as when it went in, even if the cocoon itself isn't all that attractive. Two colors are available—lilac and charcoal—but they both just look like different shades of gray to me. Still, this is a good case that'll make sure your iPod is looking good and working well.
SportSuit Convertible - $34.95
Marware's line of SportSuit Convertible cases leave absolutely nothing to chance. Everything is covered, and its covered multiple times over. No exception here, where getting your iPod mini in and out of the case can be as time consuming as dressing up for a hockey game.
Your iPod mini fits inside a small neoprene case that allows for access to all ports, the wheel and the screen, but not direct access. I found it was difficult for me to fit the iPod mini in this case without needing bizarre angles to reach the bottom port (which has a nice rubber flap to protect it) or having the opening for the click wheel not quite make it to the top of the wheel itself. I also lost maybe an 1/8 inch of the screen itself under the neoprene shell.
A Velcro strip holds the iPod mini in this case, but prevents the use of any sort of top attaching iPod accessory. A cover flap can then be attached (also Velcro) for added protection and a handy earbud headphone holder, while still allowing access to the headphone jack and to the dock port. The unit ships with an armband, and various other accessories are available. If you're seriously into engaging in athletic activities while listening to your iPod mini, the SportSuit Convertible gives you the most options and the best protection. Everyone else, however, may be turned off by the inconvenience of it all, and will probably find that the Cocoon better suits their needs.
Magnesium Case - $29.99
The iPod mini Magnesium Case is something different altogether. It offers completely encased protection, but via a hard shell. The back is magnesium, tinted to closely match the color of the iPod mini. The front is clear plastic, covering the screen but allowing access to the click wheel. A wide open top allows for connection to any iPod accessory that needs top access, but I found that the hole cut into the bottom for the docking port wasn't wide enough for all devices.
A belt clip ships with the unit and can be easily screwed into the back. The advantage of this is that there's no nub sticking out the back of the case, and the belt clip is much sturdier than most when fully screwed in. I was also impressed that, despite the snug fit, it was easy to get the iPod mini and out of the Magnesium Case. Although there's not much protection here from shocks and drops, I really liked the styling of this case and it's all-around convenience. It's not for the exceptionally active or adventurous, but it's a cool, safe way to get your iPod from home to wherever you're going.
iSee-mini - $19.95
The iSee-mini is kind of a cross between the Magnesium and the Shieldz, only with less magnesium and more shielding. This cover is a completely transparent plastic that snaps slips around the iPod mini, and the back (also transparent plastic) snaps into place as with the Shieldz. The result is complete protection that allows the beauty of the iPod mini to shine through.
The screen is protected and the top ports are easily accessible, but the cut in the bottom is perhaps a bit too small for easy connection of devices to the dock port. What I really like here, though, is the beveled lip around the click wheel hole that allows for easy, comfortable access to the click wheel. You can tell that Contour Design knows a thing or two about ergonomics and functionality.
Without any padding, you may think there's not much holding your iPod mini in this case. Not true; snapping the back plate into place takes care of that, and it's only after unsnapping that plate that you'll be able to get your iPod back out. There's a slight notch at the top for attaching a lanyard, but no belt clip or armband to speak of. The iSee-mini therefore isn't great for transportation, but it'll allow your iPod mini to look its best when sitting on your desk.
ShockShell - $34.99
The iSee-mini may allow your iPod to look its best, but the Slappa ShockShell is the best looking case, I think. These things are wild, there's no way around it. They completely cover your iPod mini, so nothing about its personality shines through. However, the the ShockShells have enough personality of their own.
From butterflies to mod swirls to those wacky gang tattoo type things, there's a design here for just about everyone. But these cases are about more than the design. They have a protective EVA interior, an anodized aluminum core (around the back and sides only) and a rubberized PVC outer body. The company boasts that iPod minis can survive a three foot drop while in these cases, but I wasn't about to test that claim.
The iPod mini fits snugly in the case, and the click wheel and top are exposed for easy access. Unfortunately, the screen is also exposed. I would like to see some sort of transparent protection there. On the other hand, this is one of the few cases in which the opening to the dock port on the bottom appears wide enough to accommodate all third party devices.
A belt clip ships with the unit, but it's fairly flimsy and leaves a large white nub sticking out the back when the belt clip isn't attached. Still, of all the iPod mini cases I've examined, this one has the best balance between protection and style, and it's a great way to carry around your iPod if you don't plan any heavy activity. I just hope that Slappa keeps those designs coming, and that they make these cases for the 3G and 4G iPods which beg for life from cases such as this.
LiliPod - $36.99
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 mini 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, thanks in part to a compression clamp and rubber o-ring that won't allow leaks.
A jack built into the case connects to your headphones, so you can still listen to your iPod mini...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, there you have it. Seven cases, some of which make me wish I could keep the iPod Joe gave me to write these reviews just so I could carry it around in these. 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. Study them all, then decide which best fits your balance of aesthetics/functionality/protection. With the number of iPod mini cases available, there's bound to be something for everyone.
Recap:
- XtremeMac Shieldz - 2 out of 5
- STM iPod mini Cocoon - 4 out of 5
- Marware SportSuit Convertible - 3 out of 5
- Pacific Rim Magnesium Case - 4 out of 5
- Contour Design iSee-mini - 4 out of 5
- Slappa ShockShell - 5 out of 5
- Eroch Studios LiliPod - 4 out of 5
Tags: Reviews ď iPod Reviews ď
