I have an iPod Classic 160GB which is nowhere near even half full of music and photos. It is my third high capacity music player and my favourite by far. I've had lots of lower capacity players too, but since getting the iPod in July this year I've really not carried these at all. Having every tune I own to hand, plus being able to bore people with photos is too tempting!
I've not accessorised the iPod beyond getting a clever plasticy material to cover it with. This forms a sort of 'second skin' and protects the iPod from scratches. It is a super way to protect the device because it doesn't add any bulk at all or interfere with usability.
Cases and accessory specialist Proporta, with whom I've had a good business relationship as an IT Journalist for many years, recently sent me a couple of iPod Classic 160GB cases to try out.
Here's my verdict.
Leather Style Protective case
This is a top-loading case with a fully protective flip over lid which is held in place by a magnetised clip. There's a viewing area for the iPod screen and a circular hole so you can access the front controls. The inside of the lid section has a couple of slots where you can store bits and pieces. The material looks like leather but it is synthetic.
I really like the flip over action of the lid, and the level of protection offered to the iPod is admirable. There is a handy cut-out section on the top so the headphones aren't obscured and another at the bottom so you can attach the charge/dock cable.
This is a neat solution but it adds that little bit too much bulk to allow me to easily carry the iPod in my jeans back pocket or jacket pocket.
Playback Pack
This is essentially a plastic case that looks like an old fashioned cassette case. It is transparent and has a round hole so you can control the iPod without removing it from the case. Headphones and Hold button holes allow you to access those features and there are two holes so you can access the charge/docking port too.
The reason there are two holes for the charge/docking port is that when you open the holder to 45 degrees and it doubles as a desktop stand allowing you to view the iPod screen easily and allowing you to charge or dock from this position. The kit is provided with a pair of headphones and a headphone splitter.
The stand concept is clever and the case could be ideal if you want to put your iPod in a bag or rucksack for traveling and keep it well looked after. But for use in a pocket it is a bulky solution.
Maya Case
This is a simple leather top loading pouch with a velvety interior and gold exterior. There is a hook on the back so you could attach the pouch to something - your belt for example - though you'll need an accessory to make that happen.
Oddly for such a non-blingy person I really like this. The simplicity of the idea appeals. There is no way to access the iPod controls or charge/dock port when it is in the pouch but the headphones slot and hold button are accessible.
I've not accessorised the iPod beyond getting a clever plasticy material to cover it with. This forms a sort of 'second skin' and protects the iPod from scratches. It is a super way to protect the device because it doesn't add any bulk at all or interfere with usability.
Cases and accessory specialist Proporta, with whom I've had a good business relationship as an IT Journalist for many years, recently sent me a couple of iPod Classic 160GB cases to try out.
Here's my verdict.
Leather Style Protective case
This is a top-loading case with a fully protective flip over lid which is held in place by a magnetised clip. There's a viewing area for the iPod screen and a circular hole so you can access the front controls. The inside of the lid section has a couple of slots where you can store bits and pieces. The material looks like leather but it is synthetic.
I really like the flip over action of the lid, and the level of protection offered to the iPod is admirable. There is a handy cut-out section on the top so the headphones aren't obscured and another at the bottom so you can attach the charge/dock cable.
This is a neat solution but it adds that little bit too much bulk to allow me to easily carry the iPod in my jeans back pocket or jacket pocket.
Playback Pack
This is essentially a plastic case that looks like an old fashioned cassette case. It is transparent and has a round hole so you can control the iPod without removing it from the case. Headphones and Hold button holes allow you to access those features and there are two holes so you can access the charge/docking port too.
The reason there are two holes for the charge/docking port is that when you open the holder to 45 degrees and it doubles as a desktop stand allowing you to view the iPod screen easily and allowing you to charge or dock from this position. The kit is provided with a pair of headphones and a headphone splitter.
The stand concept is clever and the case could be ideal if you want to put your iPod in a bag or rucksack for traveling and keep it well looked after. But for use in a pocket it is a bulky solution.
Maya Case
This is a simple leather top loading pouch with a velvety interior and gold exterior. There is a hook on the back so you could attach the pouch to something - your belt for example - though you'll need an accessory to make that happen.
Oddly for such a non-blingy person I really like this. The simplicity of the idea appeals. There is no way to access the iPod controls or charge/dock port when it is in the pouch but the headphones slot and hold button are accessible.