Case-Mate
Company: Case-Mate
Price: $24.99 - $29.99
http://www.case-mate.net/

If you are looking to buy a new case for either your iPod nano or the full size iPod Video, you can’t go wrong with a Case-Mate. Both the nano and Video iPod versions are identical to each other in craftsmanship and esthetics; the only difference is size and $5.00 in price. So rather than talk about each separately, I’m combining them into one review.

First, each case is made from impact resistant plastic that is then wrapped in nappa leather. The cases come in a variety of colors, and for this review, I had the black case for the nano, and the orange case for the Video. The cases feel very durable, not at all cheap or flimsy. I would have no problem trusting that my iPod is protected using either case. They also ship with a clear see-through screen for protecting the scroll wheel and the screens, so if you put the nano in your pocket, for instance, you won’t have to worry about a penny scratching up your screen.

Each Case-Mate comes with a durable belt-clip for those who like to take their iPod with them.

They are attractive. I like the look of these cases. I wasn’t so sure about the orange color at first, but once I put my black 60Gb iPod video in it, it looked better than I thought it would. Very nice. In fact, even Chad Perry, my Podcast partner, remarked that the orange Case-Mate was “sweet looking.” No higher praise can be had.

Both iPods slide into the top of the Case-Mate, and fit very securely. There was no worry of the iPod slipping out of the case. It does take a little effort to slide the iPods back out again, but that’s a good thing. There’s also an opening at the bottom of the cases to allow you to plug a docking cable in, so to charge your iPod, you don’t have to take it out of the case.

When Apple released their own iPod cases back in February, I’m sure a lot of iPod vendors held their breath. Case-Mate has nothing to worry about. At a quarter of the price, for the level of attractiveness, protection, and durability, the Case-Mate iPod cases are a much better bargain.

I do wish there was some way to close the front of these cases, but the included clear sheets do offer decent protection for the screens.

I like these cases, and for the quality and price, I highly recommend them!

MyMac.com Rating: 4.5 out of 5