Questions about Matias's iPod Armor

[steponsnyder]

After hours of research, I think I've finally decided on protection for my iPod...I want to give it maximum protection, and I think the Armor's the way to go. I have a few quesitons:

What's the best way to protect the iPod's actual screen when I take it out of the armor? iShades, etc?

Is there any other protection I need to buy for my iPod that can be used in conjunction with the Armor?

Is there any way to have a skin equipped on the iPod while it's in the armor?

So the armor's innner foam layer is all that touches the actual iPod, right?

What are the biggest criticisms of the Armor?

Does it really provide the awesome heat conducting abilities that Matias's website says it does?

Anyone have any horror stories about how they dropped their Armored iPod once, and Armor saved the day?

Is the $50-with-$10-shipping price tag worth it?

[tribot]

Originally posted by steponsnyder
After hours of research, I think I've finally decided on protection for my iPod...I want to give it maximum protection, and I think the Armor's the way to go. I have a few quesitons:

What's the best way to protect the iPod's actual screen when I take it out of the armor? iShades, etc?

Is there any other protection I need to buy for my iPod that can be used in conjunction with the Armor?

Is there any way to have a skin equipped on the iPod while it's in the armor?

So the armor's innner foam layer is all that touches the actual iPod, right?

What are the biggest criticisms of the Armor?

Does it really provide the awesome heat conducting abilities that Matias's website says it does?

Anyone have any horror stories about how they dropped their Armored iPod once, and Armor saved the day?

Is the $50-with-$10-shipping price tag worth it?

Well....to sum up msot of your questions in one answer, the ipod armor is rather impractical. Unless you're the kind of person whom brings their iPod to work everyday with a 200song playlist and just leaves it there, enver fiddling with volume or anything else, the armor is just too bulky. It's a bit on the heavy side, and it is VERY good protection for the iPod. However, on the other hand, i STILL wouldnt drop mine down the stairs in it

As far as that heat conduction thing... Have you ever really had a problem with your iPod getting hot while you're listening to it? Plus, if you think about it, the back of the ipod is a very conductive metal, and it will conduct heat just as well. It's designed for that.

Bottom line, I do not believe that the $60 total is worth it. Spend the $20 on a skin if you really need practical protection for your ipod. the armor is just too goofy! ;)

[DLeeWebb]

I disagree with the evaluation above. I have two iPod Armor cases. I have the older style Armor for my 1G iPod, and the newer version Armor for my 3G iPod. I do not find the Armor to be "bulky" at all. It adds very little to the overall dimensions or weight of the iPod. It adds less when compared to an iPod in any case that provides any protection whatsoever. The slight sacrifice caused by the insignificant increase in size and weight is well worth the increase in protection. The iPod Armor doesn't look as pretty as a "naked" pod, but it does look better than any of the many cases that I have tried. It is easier to install and remove the iPod from the Armor than from many of the cases that are regularly discussed in this forum. I don't have a feel for the heat conduction issue because it never seems to be an issue. I am familiar with Matias' website and my gut feeling is that they exaggerate on this point. I would not heave my iPod against a wall with the armor, but it's the best protection your going to find. I have tried the iPod Sleeve and the eXo3 with the Armor. The fit of the iPod in the iPod Armor case is so exact that these cases cannot be used in conjuction with the iPod Armor. The newer Armour with the covered docking port hole is the greatest. [...I don't think that you can get the older version anymore] I absolutely do not take the iPod anywhere unless it's in it's Armor. Use it with the remote attached, it's an awesome set-up in a pocket. iPod Armor is well worth the money. :D

[steponsnyder]

Thanks for the comments and criticism from both sides--

I think I'm going to get it. Bottom line, I don't want anything touching my iPod except for my fingers.

I figure I don't need a skin, and that wouldn't provide too much protection anyway...plus, there's the whole lint issue.


But I still have one question -- what should I buy to protect the iPod screen when I do take it out of the armor? Will an iShade fit on the iPod if it is in the armor? Or do I need to get one of those PDA static cling plastic cover sheet things?