iPod case

January 2, 2005 7:45 AM

I need a case for my iPod. [+]

For Christmas I got a full size (40GB) iPod, the one with the click-wheel. I need a case to put it in so it stays pretty. I don't really have any requirements, I just want to see what you guys like or dislike. When I checked Best Buy they only had one case/armband thingy for $30. I assume there is something better out there.

posted by Who_Am_I to technology (17 answers total)

Check iPodlounge for reviews of every single case that will fit your iPod. Your iPod falls in the "4G|HP iPod (with dock connector)" category.
posted by riffola at 7:55 AM on January 2, 2005

I ordered the Speck Products SkinTight... but it's being delivered tomorrow. The reason I got it, though, is because most cases don't allow you to use the dock without totally removing them; since you (like me) got the 40Gb iPod, you got a dock with it, and it'd suck to not be able to use it easily!

I'll check back in once I get my skin tomorrow, and let you know what I think.
posted by delfuego at 8:40 AM on January 2, 2005

Ha. I got a SkinTight for the exact same reason as delfuego. Then I got an iTrip, which is the best FM transmitter I've found for the iPod, and now I'm on a search for a protective case with full top and bottom accesibility. Just something to consider.
posted by Buzz at 9:07 AM on January 2, 2005

I'm thinking of getting an exoflp, since it promises iTrip and dock functionality. It wasn't available when I got an exo3, which you can use with the iTrip, but not the dock unless you would like to really stuff the iPod in it. The exo3 is a nice skin, but it's not think enough for much drop protection, but great for scratches and normal wear & tear.

But riffola is right, ipodlounge is the place to go.
posted by dual_action at 9:41 AM on January 2, 2005

Agree 100% with the iPodlounge recommendation. First place to go with almost any iPod question.

That said, I've had a Contour Showcase for almost a year. I recommend it highly if you're the sort of person who tends to drop expensive things while walking and doesn't mind taking it out for use in its dock, iTrip, etc.

DO NOT buy the white, however -- it gets really, really grubby looking.
posted by gnomeloaf at 9:54 AM on January 2, 2005

Who', how do you see yourself using the iPod? This is likely to determine which way to go with the case. The hard Apple case came with my iPod, and initially I liked the stiffness of the sides (because I was tossing it into my backpack) and the belt clip. Later, I found that it occasionally popped off my belt (!!) and didn't allow for easy song-changing access when using the iTrip in my truck, which has been a recent change in my listening habits (I used to listen to it on the bus). Also, just the process of sliding it in and out of that case has led to some dulling of the metal on the back and some minor scratching of the display. I realized I wanted a skin tight, semi-permanent case with easy access to the controls plus a non-slick surface so it won't slide around in my truck.

Last week I ordered an iSkin Evo for my 3G iPod (I found it cheaper on Amazon than on the iSkin site). It hasn't been delivered yet, but I think it'll accommodate my new needs. It doesn't have the flip-out bottom of the exoflp, but apparently you can stretch out the hole on the bottom (yeesh, I just made the goatse connection there) to use the dock. The iSkin people and the exoflp people used to have a collaboration then split, so the products are pretty similar, with the exoflp people offering more colors (but a complicated website; wish I'd seen the one page summary dual_action links to!).

Finally, here's one more vote for ipodlounge to help you get an idea of what your options are (particularly once you've considered what other attachments you might also want to add to the mix).

Enjoy!
posted by kimota at 10:08 AM on January 2, 2005

After doing some reading on ipodlounge, I decided on a Showcase for my 4G iPod and I'm happy with it. I tend to drop things so I was looking for something heavy duty and this seems to be perfect.
Gnomeloaf is right and the white does get very grubby looking.
posted by whatideserve at 10:39 AM on January 2, 2005

I use the iSkin evo 2 for the 4G iPod. It gives good protection, has a non-scratch screen cover (it really is non-scratch) and also has access for the dock connector and iTrip on top, through cut-outs and flaps. Comes with a belt clip which is slightly flimsy but works.

Like everyone says, look at Ipodlounge and consider how you'll be using your iPod. Are you going running with it? Will you be wearing it on your belt all the time? Do you have a remote, in which case you don't need access to the buttons as much? Will you be fine with a lighter rubber case or do you want a hard case for better protection? etc.
posted by adrianhon at 11:25 AM on January 2, 2005

I keep my iPod protected in one of these padded "scuba-suit" cases -- it is okay and it protects well. However, I carry it and all of my accessories (headphones, firewire, charger, iTrip, PowerPod) in a Clive "Large Player" shoulder pack. The best thing is that eBags is closing out this model, so you can get one for $8.99.
posted by grabbingsand at 1:33 PM on January 2, 2005

I went to a local Hmong arts and crafts store (Hmong ABC in St. Paul) and bought something that was designed to be a small purse, which has a string and is embroidered with a really pretty case. Not high-tech at all, more of an artsy vibe to it, but it works well. If you wanted to get something really different, you could go to the local ethnic crafts store in your area (if there is one) and look around.
posted by mai at 1:56 PM on January 2, 2005

I'm pretty happy with the iSkin.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 2:05 PM on January 2, 2005

I love my iPod Case. In case the link doesn't work, it's the black clip-on case which the iPod slides in and out of. I got mine free with my iPod, so you may already have one. I walk an hour a day, and this thing sticks to my belt perfectly. If I need to get my iPod, it just slips easily (yet firmly - cue swiss toni quote) out for changing of playlists, etc. I love it.

I've seen and tried to use the rubber all over sleeves that some people seem to prefer, but for me, the apple produced iPod case is simple, effective and brilliant.
posted by seanyboy at 2:20 PM on January 2, 2005

I actually have an iSkin in for a 4th Gen 40 Gig iPod, in the color "Sonic" (blue) that I don't need. I ordered it from them a few months ago, but accidentally ordered the one for the iPods with the click wheel, and since their return policy absolutely SUCKS and I missed the window of opportunity because my mail is horribly slow (they give you 30 days from order date to return it, I was out of town and missed the deadline), I decided to keep it and sell it on eBay or give it as a gift or something. I know I won't get what I paid for it on eBay, but whatever. If you're interested, contact me, otherwise it's going on eBay this week.

For the record, I did get the one that I needed (same brand, my sister bought it off Amazon for me for Christmas), and I like it a lot. You can't use the dock with it unless you stretch it around the bottom, but it has a flap on the bottom where you can connect it without the dock. I got mine because I hated having to slide it out of that black Apple case to change songs or whatever, now I just pull it out of my pocket, plus it's now totally protected from scratches.
posted by AlisonM at 4:55 PM on January 2, 2005

I use the iSkin for my 4g 20gb and am very happy with it. I removed the plastic belt clip and use only the case and the screen protector.
posted by jeffmik at 1:48 PM on January 3, 2005

Ditto on what jeffmik sez (altho mine's for a mini). The plastic belt clip was annoying, and kinda weak. Seemed like it would snap off, so I took it off and am very pleased with the remaining iskin and screen protector. S'great.
posted by stray at 2:44 AM on January 4, 2005

iPod Socks
posted by Lleyam at 5:54 AM on January 9, 2005

Found this on an errant google search.

1) Counter Showcase. Awesome.

2) White gets really grubby. Mine is about a.. um.. dingy beige right now. They say soap and water will clean it. Um. Hmm.

I didn't get Black because I didn't want to disturb the ipod look, but I'm starting to think grungey beige is going to disturb it just as well.
posted by cavalier at 1:55 PM on November 17, 2005