Contour Showcase Sport designed for 5G?

[Hrothgar]

On the same day they announced the 5G iPods, Contour unveiled several new cases on their site, including the Showcase Sport, which they say is designed for the "newer, thinner iPods," though not the "5G" or "video" explicitly. Up until last week I was going to get a 60 gig photo with the original Showcase but now plan to get the 60 gig video with the thinner Showcase. It's supposed to come out Oct. 26.

Anyone care to share opinions on the Showcases?

[Inspired]

It's very clear on the website that the Contour Sport Case is for 20GB Click Wheel iPod, 30GB iPod Photo and 20GB iPod with color display only.

[Hrothgar]

Originally posted by Inspired
It's very clear on the website that the Contour Sport Case is for 20GB Click Wheel iPod, 30GB iPod Photo and 20GB iPod with color display only.

It's clear NOW, but when the sport case was first announced on their site (and when I made that original post), the 5G iPod had not been introduced and they had not added that information. But thanks for being a snot.

[HelloKittyN]

When are they coming out with 5g cases? I hope it's within the month. I have a black 30gb model and I don't want a bulky/colorful case. Just something that will showcase the unit as it. For me the black color enhances the video viewing experience, making it feel as if the screen is larger.

[LauraQ]

I e-mailed Contour and they replied that none of their cases support the iPod 5G. They are hoping to get one out soon, but didn't give a timeline.

-- LauraQ

[rrappel]

I sent off an Email to Contour Design regarding cases for the 30GB iPod w/ video and their availability; here is their response:

We completely understand your desire to protect your iPod. If we didn't, then I don't think we would be able to make the quality iPod cases that we do. Rest assured though, that we are hard at work designing a case or two for the new iPod video. While I don't have any release dates yet, I'm sure they're burning the midnight oil to get the new cases out before Christmas. So keep an eye on our website. As soon as we have any information it will be posted there. In the mean time, if you're looking to use your iPod, you may want to check out our Showcase 4G. Technically, it is compatible with the iPod video. The iPod fits securely and safely in the Showcase, but it does not look 100% attractive because of the new design of the iPod video. The video has a flatter face and more display screen which is why our engineers are hard at work re-designing. We are not satisfied with "technically compatible". We want 100% compatibility AND style!

As an aside, I've had very good luck with any dealings I've had with Contour Design...

Thanks,
Ron

[Breeze]

rrappel:

A few weeks ago I purchased the Contour Showcase for the 4G from the Apple Store. I returned it the same day.

AT FIRST, I was heartened to learn that included in the package were several foam pads, in differing thicknesses; I thought that the right pad(s) would confortably accomodate a 60GB 5G.

HOWEVER -- even with the proper pad installed, the distance between the front of the 5G and the face of the Contour was AT LEAST 1/4 inch.

From experience ... you HAVE TO wait for a 5G!

Hope this helps!

[rrappel]

Thanks for the info Breeze. To be honest, I'm partial to the Agent18 case since I loved the one I had for my 20GB iPod Color and will probably wait for either that case or the Contour 5G before buying. But your experience with the the Contour 4G case is something I think Contour would be very interested in hearing. The person at Contour who responded to my request was Brian Grant; his Email address:

briang@contourdesign.com

You may want to pass your experiences on to him so they are aware of the problem and won't continue to recommend this solution.

Thanks,
Ron

[Breeze]

rrappel:

Just did! FYI the reason why there's such a 'gap" between the 5G face and the front faceplate of the current Showcase is simple: the 4Gs have a "curved" face ... while, as you know, the 5G face is totally flat.

Therefore, a case with a curved face WILL create clearance when housing an iPod with a flat face.

Let you know if and when Brian Grant responds!

[Inspired]

Originally posted by Hrothgar
It's clear NOW, but when the sport case was first announced on their site (and when I made that original post), the 5G iPod had not been introduced and they had not added that information. But thanks for being a snot.

Next time if you have found the solution yourself, just update your first post instead of calling people names who are just trying to help you out. I think that remark about "being a snot" was very uncalled-for.

[tvaughn333]

I realize the Showcase is a popular, highly rated case, but you may want to call Contour before you place your order to find out if they've corrected a manufacturing problem that was prevalent in the 3G Showcase models.
I purchased from their website and got my 3G case a few days later- very prompt. When I opened the box the first thing I thought was they had sent me a seconds or blem. The case had what looked like cracks radiating out from each and every one of the 4 small button holes and also the large opening for the wheel. I called Contour and politely asked what the issue was with this and was informed that this was a problem with their manufacturing process and all of their Showcase models unfortunately had this, even though on their website they call themselves "leaders in high-tech plastics". At first I was told that I could return it for a refund, but after being put on hold for a moment I was told that this was a clearance item and couldn't be returned. Two things bothered me about this; 1), the "cracks" were inconspicuous in the product images on their website and 2), nowhere when I ordered did it say it was a clearance item and the standard warranty or return option didn't apply.
One of the basic tenets of a successful business is working on satisfying your customers in the products and services you deliver.
The Showcase is a clear winner for protection of the ipod, but this aesthetic problem is totally unacceptable for the front of a product like this in my view, YMMV.
So over the price of one case, and not making an effort to work something out mutually agreeable, Contour have lost repeat business from myself and possible future sales from anyone I might have referred to their products, possibly forever.

[EGT]

I'm just bumping this to see if anyone knows what's happening (if anything?) regarding the Contour Showcase/sport?

Have Contour dropped them for the 5th Gen line or something?