mflat5
02-15-2006, 12:43 PM
As a former user of the original Showcase by Contour Design, I needed a new case out of whim and necessity since the Showcase does not allow for top port accessories to be used while the case is closed. I've had the original Showcase for over two years and given my extremely positive impressions of that case and their products, it was best for me to continue business with them.
I was torn between the new Contour Showcase Sport and the Tough Shell and decided to try a different direction. The Tough Shell is a worthy purchase for its durability, minimalism and functionality for my 30GB iPod Photo.
Here's my take:
Overall design / case impressions
This case is comprised of polycarbonate plastic. This material not only makes the case lightweight, but also protects generously with its ruggedness. Contour took this material and crafted a case that's minimal in design with very clean edges, and allows for the iPod to be showcased without the need for flashy exteriors. The use of this polycarbonate plastic does not seem to scratch as easily as other plastics or acrylics. Very nice.
This case is no-fuss. Not overly big, yet not rubbery or thin like some skins or leather cases, this Tough Shell case does not hide the iPod's beauty in thick layers of material nor does it create a brick-like exterior to the device.
Comprised of one large piece of material with a right-sided hinge, Contour seems to know design and not to mar the original aesthetic aspects of the iPod's strengths. This case
"molds" to the device perfectly and adds no real bulk or weight.
Since the case itself is not super slick like some acrylics, it has a nice natural grip with out extra ridges or case modifications. Very nice.
Please note that this case is not crystal-clear and has a translucent, slightly hazy milky look. This may have been decided as a nice alternative to a clear case and to protect from highly visible scratches that may occur. In addition, this translucent material causes the screen to have a slight haze, but the screen is still VERY visible and does not distort the picture. When the backlight is on, the hazy effect is almost non-existent.
**Case specifics**
The top of the case has one large cutout to accomodate headphones and the top data port.
Perfect for top-loading accessories like iTrips, there appears to be no need to remove this in order to increase the usability of added features. A big change over the original Showcase's small and obtrusive top design.
The left is comprised of a flat hinge that seems to be part of the case body itself. Matches the look and feel perfectly, and since there are no mechanical parts or screws to hold the hinge in place, it adds no snagging pieces or protrusions.
The right is comprised of a small latch that like the hinge on the left, is part of the body itself. One easy snap close and it seems strongly "adhered" into the case keeping the iPod
secure. And since the latch is the same as the rest, the flow of the case is intact and there is no design break, nor is there a "I-can-tell-that-this-is-a-latch" look.
The bottom has a nice sized cutout for a charger and perhaps some small accessories. I have not tested this on any of the newer "bottom-port" accessories that are now being made for the iPod with video, so I don't know if they will fit.
(I think that Contour made this bottom cutout for mostly cable plugs / chargers since this case is designated for 3G/4G color iPods that still have the data ports on top. And for me, many of the newer accessories for the bottom are just redesigned "top accessories" that are the same.)
The back shows off the metallic sheen beautifully with four small nubs in each corner.
Included in the packaging are four small stops and four larger stops of white rubber. I've only used the four small rubber stops and no instructions are included for them, so I'm not sure of the purpose of the larger ones. With the small stops in place, it appears to make the case less slip-proof and provides grip. Perhaps the larger nubs are used for the iPod itself for smaller thinner iPods (e.g. -- iPod 3G) to fit in this case. You may want to contact Contour directly on this issue.
Both sides of the case have small slits for the included belt clip to be attached. This clear acrylic clip snaps onto the case laterally. Since the clip is not spring loaded, it may be problematic. I have not tried this as I like to "store" my iPod while in use.
**Negatives**
These are a list of possible negatives. For me, these represent only small hindrances that may cause problems.
-milky case may not be for those who want a perfectly clear case. Like I said before, the translucent coloring does not affect the iPod as a whole and is rather pleasing
-the hinge is small and does its job, but can appear to be flimsy to some. It may lose its effectiveness over time. Unsure of this, but this is not a big concern for me as I don't plan on opening and closing the case on a constant basis. The point of this case for me was to use the iPod within its case and not fuss too much with it
-lack of "fun" features such as coloring, design changes that alter the dimensions of the iPod, built-in headphone storage, et al. This does not affect me -- the less obtrusive, the better for me
-small cutout on bottom may hinder some "5G" iPod with video accessories from fitting, but I have not directly tested this "complaint"
-no use of rubber or grippy material may turn some off
There you have it -- for around 20 bucks, you can protect your iPod and keep its sexy glory with minimal fuss. I prefer this over skins.
(note: I purchased this case on amazon.com and paid less even with shipping. Check the Internet for possible cheaper prices)
Any other questions? Please feel free to ask...
I was torn between the new Contour Showcase Sport and the Tough Shell and decided to try a different direction. The Tough Shell is a worthy purchase for its durability, minimalism and functionality for my 30GB iPod Photo.
Here's my take:
Overall design / case impressions
This case is comprised of polycarbonate plastic. This material not only makes the case lightweight, but also protects generously with its ruggedness. Contour took this material and crafted a case that's minimal in design with very clean edges, and allows for the iPod to be showcased without the need for flashy exteriors. The use of this polycarbonate plastic does not seem to scratch as easily as other plastics or acrylics. Very nice.
This case is no-fuss. Not overly big, yet not rubbery or thin like some skins or leather cases, this Tough Shell case does not hide the iPod's beauty in thick layers of material nor does it create a brick-like exterior to the device.
Comprised of one large piece of material with a right-sided hinge, Contour seems to know design and not to mar the original aesthetic aspects of the iPod's strengths. This case
"molds" to the device perfectly and adds no real bulk or weight.
Since the case itself is not super slick like some acrylics, it has a nice natural grip with out extra ridges or case modifications. Very nice.
Please note that this case is not crystal-clear and has a translucent, slightly hazy milky look. This may have been decided as a nice alternative to a clear case and to protect from highly visible scratches that may occur. In addition, this translucent material causes the screen to have a slight haze, but the screen is still VERY visible and does not distort the picture. When the backlight is on, the hazy effect is almost non-existent.
**Case specifics**
The top of the case has one large cutout to accomodate headphones and the top data port.
Perfect for top-loading accessories like iTrips, there appears to be no need to remove this in order to increase the usability of added features. A big change over the original Showcase's small and obtrusive top design.
The left is comprised of a flat hinge that seems to be part of the case body itself. Matches the look and feel perfectly, and since there are no mechanical parts or screws to hold the hinge in place, it adds no snagging pieces or protrusions.
The right is comprised of a small latch that like the hinge on the left, is part of the body itself. One easy snap close and it seems strongly "adhered" into the case keeping the iPod
secure. And since the latch is the same as the rest, the flow of the case is intact and there is no design break, nor is there a "I-can-tell-that-this-is-a-latch" look.
The bottom has a nice sized cutout for a charger and perhaps some small accessories. I have not tested this on any of the newer "bottom-port" accessories that are now being made for the iPod with video, so I don't know if they will fit.
(I think that Contour made this bottom cutout for mostly cable plugs / chargers since this case is designated for 3G/4G color iPods that still have the data ports on top. And for me, many of the newer accessories for the bottom are just redesigned "top accessories" that are the same.)
The back shows off the metallic sheen beautifully with four small nubs in each corner.
Included in the packaging are four small stops and four larger stops of white rubber. I've only used the four small rubber stops and no instructions are included for them, so I'm not sure of the purpose of the larger ones. With the small stops in place, it appears to make the case less slip-proof and provides grip. Perhaps the larger nubs are used for the iPod itself for smaller thinner iPods (e.g. -- iPod 3G) to fit in this case. You may want to contact Contour directly on this issue.
Both sides of the case have small slits for the included belt clip to be attached. This clear acrylic clip snaps onto the case laterally. Since the clip is not spring loaded, it may be problematic. I have not tried this as I like to "store" my iPod while in use.
**Negatives**
These are a list of possible negatives. For me, these represent only small hindrances that may cause problems.
-milky case may not be for those who want a perfectly clear case. Like I said before, the translucent coloring does not affect the iPod as a whole and is rather pleasing
-the hinge is small and does its job, but can appear to be flimsy to some. It may lose its effectiveness over time. Unsure of this, but this is not a big concern for me as I don't plan on opening and closing the case on a constant basis. The point of this case for me was to use the iPod within its case and not fuss too much with it
-lack of "fun" features such as coloring, design changes that alter the dimensions of the iPod, built-in headphone storage, et al. This does not affect me -- the less obtrusive, the better for me
-small cutout on bottom may hinder some "5G" iPod with video accessories from fitting, but I have not directly tested this "complaint"
-no use of rubber or grippy material may turn some off
There you have it -- for around 20 bucks, you can protect your iPod and keep its sexy glory with minimal fuss. I prefer this over skins.
(note: I purchased this case on amazon.com and paid less even with shipping. Check the Internet for possible cheaper prices)
Any other questions? Please feel free to ask...