Case Confusion

[whozyodaddy]

I don't have an iPod... yet. I am waiting untill they drop the prices. If they don't drop prices within a month then I will buy a 20gb iPod 3G. My question is-- whats the difference between the cases:

eXo1
eXo2
eXo3
iSkin
eVo
eXoflp

They all have similar names so it's confusing. Which one is best? If i spend $400 bucks on somethin I want it protected!!Thanks.

Also, how is the case that comes with the 20gb iPod? And how to you guys think of the Sport wrap, for when i'm running or shooting basketball hoops? Thanks again.

[halo'effekt]

eXo1/2/3 are made by Lajo, which can be found at www.lajo.biz. So you can check out pics there, but people seem to like eXo3 the most. the eXo flp is also made by Lajo, I think it's a like an eXo but just as a flipable bottom so you can dock it. The eVo made by iSkin ( iSkin is a the name of the brand ) which is 2.5mm thick ( I think while the exo3 is only .7 mm ), the case doesnt cover the buttons on wheel. You can attach a belt clip to it ( sold seperately I believe ), comes with a screen protector. You can check it out at www.iskin.com

About the case it comes with, it has a high chance that when you place the iPod in and out of the case, it may scratch the iPod, due to little particles scraping inside of the case while being moved by removal or placement of the iPod.

[noogabooga]

I will -attempt- to explain...

Once, there was a business called iSkin; they released a silicone skin/case for the iPod called iSkin eXo (or referred to as the eXo 1). It became quite popular.

One day, there was a falling out between the partners within iSkin. One party continued to use the iSkin name while the other formed a new brand name called xSkn (or more commonly referred to as Lajo).

They released new products, which by great coincidence or otherwise, were both named eXo 2. Understandably, there follow a period of customer confusion (which continues to this day) but eventually the convenient labels iSkin & Lajo were used to differentiate them.

The iSkin eXo 2 was based on the original eXo and addressed some problems of the eXo 1. The distinguishing features of the iSkin eXo 2 are a rotatable clip, beveled button access, a port cover, handstrap, and a slightly larger opening for the hold-switch. It also comes with a hard screen protector.

The Lajo eXo 2 departed from the original eXo design in that the silicone skin also covers the iPod buttons and scrollwheel. The buttons and scrollwheel still function under the thin layer of silicone.

The release of the Lajo eXo 3 quickly followed. This is a much thinner case than the Lajo eXo 2 (0.7 mm thick compared to 2 mm) and still covers the buttons and scrollwheel. There is also no clip stub protrusion at the back.

Just recently, iSkin released its iSkin eVo range for 3G iPods, which although looks very similar to the iSkin eXo 2, there are subtle differences. It can accommodate the iTrip and other top-mounting accessories, includes a new clip and a better screen protector. The range of available colours have also been increased, including glowing ones.

Hot on its heels, the Lajo eXoflp provides a convenient way to dock the iPod without having to completely remove the skin. There is a slit at the back which can be flipped out so the iPod can be placed in the supplied dock. Otherwise it looks almost exactly like the Lajo eXo 2.

so there we have it....

[VegasRobb]

Nice job, Nooga :)

It's nice to see someone tackle the issue without being partial to one side or the other.

I'd recommend this post get a new Header and stickied to help people avoid confusion.

[noogabooga]

nooo dont do that :) it would have to be more polished than what I have written above. Damn my critical eye...

[whozyodaddy]

Thanks! I understand now. Some new questions -- if the skin is thicker, will it protect the iPod more (such as when it falls)? eXo or eVo, from what I just heard eVo sound alot better. Does anybody have it and is it good? Also, what do you guys like most-- lajo or iSkin? Thanks.

@halo'effekt: thanks for clearing the confusion about the orginial iPod case that comes with it! I guess I won't use it (if) i get a 20gb.

@noogabooga: wow, thanks man! now everything is cleared up! what case(s) do you own and what one do you like most?

[noogabooga]

yes the thicker silicone would absorb more of the impact force if the iPod should strike the ground. The nice thing about the thin Lajo eXo 3 tho, is that you can double your protection by inserting the exo'd iPod (ie. with eXo 3 skin on) into another case like the standard-issue Apple case, a Macclear Zip, or other.

The best case depends on your needs and iPod-carrying habbits. For a first-time case buyer tho, you may want a good all-round case and I would suggest the iSkin eVo. If you choose to buy a Lajo case then the belt clip and screen protector need to be purchased separately - unless you dont need them.

I use an eXo 1 skin and don't feel the need to purchase a new silicone case yet. When I am on the move, I put my exo'd iPod in a Macclear Zip case (basically a clear plastic pocket), shove the Zip'ed iPod into my left pant pocket and attach the Zip case securely to my pants with a Lajo bungee. You can still use the scrollwheel and buttons thru both the Zip and eXo - the buttons are much harder to press but an eXo 3 would be ideal here. I don't use any belt clips b/c they dont seem very secure and they expose the iPod.

[whozyodaddy]

^ wonderful reply, thanks! I will consider the iSkin eVo, because it comes with the clip+screen protector. i don't care much for the clips for the same reason you don't. so it's either iSkin eXo 2 or iSkin eVo for me... would you happen to know the thickness of eVo, i checked thier website but no luck? that dual-layer is a great idea that i might do.

Also, the screen protectors, are they like a sticker-type or more of a thick glass you apply over the iPod screen? Thanks.:D

[Papa_Giorgio]

I'm thinking of getting that new iskin evo because even though my exo2 is doing its job, the metal clip kinda bothers me because sometimes the lock behind it wants to open and is not quite tight as it used to when i first got it.

The other thing is the new evo clip is plastic and in case it falls the clip might go bye-bye.

Oh well.....:rolleyes:

[noogabooga]

hmm according to one of the eVo reviews tho, the clip isnt so well constructed. I believe the eVo have the same thickness as its predecessor so that would make it 2.0 mm thick

The iSkin screen protector and the Lajo iShade screen protector are made from a very tough plastic called TPU.

The iSkin screen protector that came with the iSkin eXo 2 has 4 tiny mounts on the bottom that rests on the iPod and makes the screen protector elevated above the screen. There have been many reports that the hard nubs will scratch the iPod when the protector moves about. The new screen protector that comes with the eVo have softer mounts so that it wont scratch the iPod, hopefully.

The Lajo iShades does not have the mounts but clings (a kind of suction really) to the lcd screen when the iShade comes into contact with it. There is a procedure for putting it on that will eliminate any `wet looks`, basically little air pockets that gets trapped between the lcd screen and the iShade.

[TMatu311]

What kind of protection does the eXo 3 have for the screen itself? A seperate sleeve correct? Sorry if I missed it in the other replies.