SwitchEasy Biscuit (Crystal) - Mini Review

[Sebby]

I had an invisibleSHIELD on my 3G Nano up until today. I bought it because at the time there were no decent cases around. I have to say it really didn't impress me; it wasn't scratch proof and it didn't offer good protection, plus because the Nano's screen is slightly recessed, it was impossible to install nicely.

The other day I decided to order the new crystal version of the SwitchEasy Biscuit.

First of all, a look at the box and what you get:

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You get:

Screen protector
Rear protector
Cleaning cloth
Clickwheel protector
Universal dock adaptor
Lanyard
Instructions
Aftermarket headphone adaptor
Obviously the SwitchEasy


First, I took the invisibleSHIELD off my iPod and cleaned it with alcohol. Then I applied the rear protector. Interestingly, the protectors are static-based and do not actually use any adhesive, which is some ways is good.

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You wouldn't even know it's on there, would you? :)

I tried to fit the screen protector, but it's slightly too big for the Nano's screen, and because it sticks with static, all the air wouldn't come out, so I left it off. A shame, but not the end of the world.

I slid the front of the SwitchEasy off and sat the Nano in the back of the case, before simply sliding on the front. Done.

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And it will even fit nicely into the universal dock in its case.

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[Sebby]

I didn't bother to fit the clickwheel protector as I read the iLounge review and it's supposed to look cheap and nasty fitted, plus I don't really like having the clickwheel covered anyway.

So here it is with my Sennheiser headphones plugged in. Quite neat, I think.

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And lastly, a shot of the bottom with the extra protector piece fittted (which actually goes into to dock port, so it won't fall off).

Overall, I'm very happy with this case. I prefer it to the Agent 18 cases that are frosted as I feel it really doesn't spoil the iPod. It feels like it's well made, and it comes will a generous number of bits and pieces.

If you have any questions or comments, just fire away. :)

[DBeltoft]

Thanks for the 'review'.

I'm considering the crystal bisquit for my black nano, but I have a concern:

I have a Nike+ Sport Kit for my nano, and I want an armband to go with it. Have you tried fitting the nano with crystal bisquit into an armband? Any idea if that will work :confused:

[Sebby]

I can't say for certain, but I doubt it would fit as the Nike+ armbands are usually quite a tight fit. If you're going to use an armband regularly, your best bet is a clean film like the invisibleSHIELD, GuardFilm, or BestSkinsEver.

[lewis-hamilton]

I saw you mentioned the screen protector didn't fit that well so you left it off. Does the case itself have a clear, hard plastic window welded in to protect the screen (like the other Nano SwitchEasy colors on their website) or is that area cut out, leaving the screen exposed? Thanks in advance for your help with this question!

[AutomagV]

I have both the White Biscuit and Crystal Biscuit. These are my impressions. The design of both White and Crystal Biscuits look similar at first glance, however they are indeed different. The white biscuit's main piece is the front piece. This piece is what the iPod initially fits into before sliding on the back piece. The design incorporates an integrated bottom "cradle" that the bottom of the ipod naturally fits into while in the front piece. Then the back piece slides into place creating an enclosure that allows the bottom ports and wheel to be exposed.

Meanwhile. the clear biscuit is essentially two similar sized pieces that slide together. While the white biscuit has the bottom section integrated into the front portion, the Clear Biscuit is just a front piece and back piece with a seam running all around. The bottom of the case can be easily separated with a tad of pressure, creating an open gap for pocket lint and whatnot to be trapped in the case.

All in all, the clear case looks great in a vacuum without dirt and grime to show through the case while the White Biscuit is a much more well designed case preventing the muck to get trapped in the case.

If this all sounds confusing, let me know and i'll take some pics.

When the Crystal Biscuits conform to the design of the better Colored Biscuits, i'll probably pick up another one. Until then, i'd avoid it unless you like lint and dirt. The design of the colored biscuits are far superior.

[Sebby]

I'd largely agree with what you say. I didn't realise the other Biscuits were different. I haven't had any problems with lint (or "fluff" as we call it in the UK) but it's certainly not completely tight around the iPod itself.

[meteora33]

i've just recieved mine in the mail and i think it's pretty good.
the fit is nice and tight and it just looks great.

my only con about it is that it's really hard for me to re-open the case, i guess that's part of the design but its just a hassle if there happens to be some lint or dust on the screen which i could just wipe off.
does anyone know an easy way to re-open it?

thanks.

[AutomagV]

Use your fingernails and line them up with the top of the case on the front. Using your other hand to secure the back in a stable position, gently use your nails to pull the front of the case downward. With a little pressure, the front of the case should slide off. The tricky part is how the front slides into the back. If you just push down on the front and try and slide it off, those friction points will be very difficult to budge. But if you use your nails to pull the front of the case down, it should be much easier. Did that make any sense at all?

[tapout247]

Hello, i saw that switcheasy is only overseas. im in the u.s. and want to know how long it usally takes to be delivered? thanks in advance