tarheelsXL
08-16-2005, 01:45 AM
Alot of people seem to be recommending these hard-shell leather cases but there are hardly any reviews or other information regarding itzkitz's iPodkitz (www.itzkitz.com) so I thought I'd try and help fill the void...
Pics:
iPod Photo 20gb + iPodkitz (white/gray) (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz.jpg)
iPodkitz opened (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz2.jpg)
iPodkitz comes packaged in a nice iPod-esque tin container that holds a retractable USB2.0 cord, a Sumajin cord wrap, a plastic belt clip and the beautiful leather case itself - an awesome value for $39.99 (free worldwide shipping)
The case (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz3.jpg)
Holding the case in hand, the first thing I noticed was how good the quality of the white upper leather - easily comparable to Vaja's offerings. In fact, leather quality-wise, I'd go as far as to say that iPodkitz is almost, if not as good, as Vaja's cases. As you can tell from the pictures, the white portion of the case is slightly padded - though not to the extent of Vaja. This can either be a good or a bad thing as it probably doesn't feel as "puffy" or provide as much drop protection as Vajas but in return, it only adds minimal bulk to the iPod. Don't get me wrong, iPodkitz will still provide more than enough protection for most iPod users. One note, the build-quality isn't quite up to Vaja's level (which is pretty much perfect), but it is still excellent (a little bit of glue residue which can be removed and a few small scuffs on the screen). Not too big of a deal considering how much I paid for it.
iPod Photo in iPodkitz (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz4.jpg)
It fits my iPod very snugly, like (I'm starting to sound like a broken record here) a Vaja. It is open on the top to allow the user to slide the iPod in and once in, it will not come out even if shaken. The lips overlap the top of the iPod just a little to provide some protection and the clickwheel hole is cut / aligned perfectly. The screen cutout is lined up pretty well for the most part except the top edge, which is off by about 1 mm. The inside is lined with some soft satin like material. There is also a cutout on the bottom for the dock connector - the size of the hole is pretty generous. As a whole, the case feels very solid and secure.
Side view (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz5.jpg)
Last look (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz6.jpg)
The belt clip is optional - when it is on, it's pretty secure but I did not like the bulk it adds to the case and I'll probably leave it off unless I really need it.
I should mention that the attached plastic screen protector on my case had excessive glue residue on the side edges and some oily substance smeared on it. I'm wondering how it got on there since it came with a protective wrap over it... I was able to wash all the oily substance off with a damp towel and some of the glue but it put a blemish on an otherwise beautiful product. I e-mailed itzkitz about it and I'm awaiting their response
I haven't mentioned it yet but the Sumajin Smartwrap and the retractable cord are pretty nice pack-ins... I find the wrap useful, the retractable cord? Not so much but that'll differ based on your needs.
For $39 and free/quick shipping from HK (just 6 days to reach the states from date of order), it is an unbeatable value. I'd rate it a notch below Vaja cases but then again, Vaja cases cost twice as much...
Pics:
iPod Photo 20gb + iPodkitz (white/gray) (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz.jpg)
iPodkitz opened (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz2.jpg)
iPodkitz comes packaged in a nice iPod-esque tin container that holds a retractable USB2.0 cord, a Sumajin cord wrap, a plastic belt clip and the beautiful leather case itself - an awesome value for $39.99 (free worldwide shipping)
The case (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz3.jpg)
Holding the case in hand, the first thing I noticed was how good the quality of the white upper leather - easily comparable to Vaja's offerings. In fact, leather quality-wise, I'd go as far as to say that iPodkitz is almost, if not as good, as Vaja's cases. As you can tell from the pictures, the white portion of the case is slightly padded - though not to the extent of Vaja. This can either be a good or a bad thing as it probably doesn't feel as "puffy" or provide as much drop protection as Vajas but in return, it only adds minimal bulk to the iPod. Don't get me wrong, iPodkitz will still provide more than enough protection for most iPod users. One note, the build-quality isn't quite up to Vaja's level (which is pretty much perfect), but it is still excellent (a little bit of glue residue which can be removed and a few small scuffs on the screen). Not too big of a deal considering how much I paid for it.
iPod Photo in iPodkitz (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz4.jpg)
It fits my iPod very snugly, like (I'm starting to sound like a broken record here) a Vaja. It is open on the top to allow the user to slide the iPod in and once in, it will not come out even if shaken. The lips overlap the top of the iPod just a little to provide some protection and the clickwheel hole is cut / aligned perfectly. The screen cutout is lined up pretty well for the most part except the top edge, which is off by about 1 mm. The inside is lined with some soft satin like material. There is also a cutout on the bottom for the dock connector - the size of the hole is pretty generous. As a whole, the case feels very solid and secure.
Side view (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz5.jpg)
Last look (http://home.comcast.net/~tarheelsxl/itzkitz6.jpg)
The belt clip is optional - when it is on, it's pretty secure but I did not like the bulk it adds to the case and I'll probably leave it off unless I really need it.
I should mention that the attached plastic screen protector on my case had excessive glue residue on the side edges and some oily substance smeared on it. I'm wondering how it got on there since it came with a protective wrap over it... I was able to wash all the oily substance off with a damp towel and some of the glue but it put a blemish on an otherwise beautiful product. I e-mailed itzkitz about it and I'm awaiting their response
I haven't mentioned it yet but the Sumajin Smartwrap and the retractable cord are pretty nice pack-ins... I find the wrap useful, the retractable cord? Not so much but that'll differ based on your needs.
For $39 and free/quick shipping from HK (just 6 days to reach the states from date of order), it is an unbeatable value. I'd rate it a notch below Vaja cases but then again, Vaja cases cost twice as much...