Sideslip9
05-13-2008, 09:03 PM
After reading the favorable iLounge review of the iSkin case, I bought one for a used 5G I'd just gotten.
The fit is tight - as if the iPod had been dipped in silicone. The clear cover fits equally well and generally the design/build quality is very good. The iPod feels secure; the silicone provides an excellent grip and virtually eliminates the possibility that the iPod will slip out of my hand while trying to hold onto a briefcase, slide through a subway gate and slide the button to engage the hold lock all at the same time.
The review lauds the thin skin over the hold button as providing protection from dust and scratches while allowing full functionality. I didn't find this to be the case. After trying for almost a week I could not slide the hold buttton over through the, albeit thin, layer of silicone protecting it. Protecting the hold button from dust and scratches seems a little anal to me, so I cut out the bit of silicone covering it. The button works freely; I haven't noticed an egregious dust build up yet.
The one real complaint I have is the belt clip. It seemed less well thought out than the rest of the case. The plastic clip flexes to slide over a belt as opposed to a knob attached to the case that slips into a separate clip (like the old Piel Frama and xTrememac leather cases - I've had each). It was a struggle to slide it onto the belt, more difficult if the belt is thicker. The lock that secures the clip to the case is flimsy - as opposed to the clever, discrete, removable, and sturdy brass knurl knob/clip of the Piel Frama case - and not altogether easy to engage and disengage.
Today while rushing out of the apartment, I caught my headphone line on the doorknob and the clip broke without much resistance. I doubt if I'll try to replace it - seems too much trouble, I'll probably just break it again and, from a purely design point of view, it just seems an uncharacteristicly inelegant component for a case that is just the opposite. I'd buy another iSkin in a minute - provides great protection, is low profile and fits the iPod better than anything else I've seen. What's the inherent design problem here? I find that belt clips afford much better and quicker access while, say, doing laundry or food shopping, than having to dig around in a pocket, pull the pod out to do whatever and fumble around to stick it back in a pocket.
Can I get an Amen (or a suggestion for a case that's the equal to the iSkin with a smart belt clip)?
The fit is tight - as if the iPod had been dipped in silicone. The clear cover fits equally well and generally the design/build quality is very good. The iPod feels secure; the silicone provides an excellent grip and virtually eliminates the possibility that the iPod will slip out of my hand while trying to hold onto a briefcase, slide through a subway gate and slide the button to engage the hold lock all at the same time.
The review lauds the thin skin over the hold button as providing protection from dust and scratches while allowing full functionality. I didn't find this to be the case. After trying for almost a week I could not slide the hold buttton over through the, albeit thin, layer of silicone protecting it. Protecting the hold button from dust and scratches seems a little anal to me, so I cut out the bit of silicone covering it. The button works freely; I haven't noticed an egregious dust build up yet.
The one real complaint I have is the belt clip. It seemed less well thought out than the rest of the case. The plastic clip flexes to slide over a belt as opposed to a knob attached to the case that slips into a separate clip (like the old Piel Frama and xTrememac leather cases - I've had each). It was a struggle to slide it onto the belt, more difficult if the belt is thicker. The lock that secures the clip to the case is flimsy - as opposed to the clever, discrete, removable, and sturdy brass knurl knob/clip of the Piel Frama case - and not altogether easy to engage and disengage.
Today while rushing out of the apartment, I caught my headphone line on the doorknob and the clip broke without much resistance. I doubt if I'll try to replace it - seems too much trouble, I'll probably just break it again and, from a purely design point of view, it just seems an uncharacteristicly inelegant component for a case that is just the opposite. I'd buy another iSkin in a minute - provides great protection, is low profile and fits the iPod better than anything else I've seen. What's the inherent design problem here? I find that belt clips afford much better and quicker access while, say, doing laundry or food shopping, than having to dig around in a pocket, pull the pod out to do whatever and fumble around to stick it back in a pocket.
Can I get an Amen (or a suggestion for a case that's the equal to the iSkin with a smart belt clip)?