Easy and cheap temporary protection for your 4G

[Zimberto]

While you're waiting for a good case for your 4G iPod to appear, you might want to consider this DIY one. It's made from clear plastic laminate and takes about 30 minutes to make and costs well under $10.

I bought a (16 inches x 10 feet) roll of GBC EasySeal self-laminating plastic from OfficeMax. I cut out a shape from a template (see below) and stuck it on my iPod. The plastic is fairly heavy and soft and provides excellent protection against scratches, plus it peels off quite easily when you need it to. A week later I have tried removing it and it comes off clean, no residue. No problem fitting in the dock with this on either.

Here is the template I drew for my 40GB 4G iPod, as well as instructions:

http://willywanka.home.comcast.net/iPod4Gskin.zip

The laminate works really well and provides almost 100% coverage. My advice is to not cut out the holes for the screen and the wheel since it's not really necessary. I used hair scissors to cut out the shape, nail clippers to round off the corners, and a modelling knife to cut out the interior holes. Enjoy!

Here are some pics of my "wrapped" iPod:

http://willywanka.home.comcast.net/iPod1.jpg

http://willywanka.home.comcast.net/iPod2.jpg

http://willywanka.home.comcast.net/iPod3.jpg

http://willywanka.home.comcast.net/iPod4.jpg

[JazzyMac]

Wow, you can barely even tell it's on....

[j-pod86]

will that template work for a 20 gig?

[Sypher]

Very impressive...

[Xavier]

god ppl r u really that eager to get a ####in case for ur wimpy 4g ?? god damnit be patient and stop makin stupid threads like "OMG when r the 4 g cases comin out" or "made my own 4g case", NO one ####in cares. just ####in wait.

[MuzakMan]

I use duct tape. It's sturdier...

[Flip_Me]

Originally posted by Xavier
god ppl r u really that eager to get a ####in case for ur wimpy 4g ?? god damnit be patient and stop makin stupid threads like "OMG when r the 4 g cases comin out" or "made my own 4g case", NO one ####in cares. just ####in wait.

I care, and I know a bunch of other people just want simple ways to keep their ipod safe. So, shut up.

[gobugi]

is that laminate stuff the same stuff that comes on cell phone screens?

[dwchin]

Hmm.....looks like that laminate has a mild adhesive. I'm pretty sure though you can probably find some static cling plastic type sheets that will do the same thing.

[chasezt2]

i've been using a small ziploc bag that works decent if you don't want to make something, just put a hole in for the audio cord, plus it's very cheap

[kevinv85]

Originally posted by Xavier
god ppl r u really that eager to get a ####in case for ur wimpy 4g ?? god damnit be patient and stop makin stupid threads like "OMG when r the 4 g cases comin out" or "made my own 4g case", NO one ####in cares. just ####in wait.

Sounds like someone's jealous ;)

Anyways, just calm down dude, is it such a big deal? Nothing worth getting all bent out of shape over.

[br-]

1) Is the scroll wheel covered by laminate?

2) Will the template work for a 20GB? If not, can you make one?

[Dclax07]

Zimberto---good idea

I went ahead and bought some of the stuff and completely went over my ipod, I had my mom cut holes for the hold button, etc. shes an art teacher. I just went over the entire screen and click wheel. Looks really nice, great protection. I might even clean up the corners a bit and not get an iskin when it comes out....its really nice if you look at it. it retains the "ipod" feel when your showin it off/

tip--make sure you get absolutely CLEAR laminate, the other stuff if you run your fingernail on it it creates tiny "creases" or whatever. Get the really clear laminate

[calpchen]

um ok xavier, why not just use ur time where it would actually benefit u ? seems like ur doin this to be "cool" or for ego stroking. fyi, no one cares how annoyed u are by homemade cases, and by doin this u look foolish. grow up and get over it. (http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=249180#post249180)

Nice job, Zimberto. Thanks for the template.

I think the only difference between the 40GB and the 20GB is the thickness. That would mean only a minor modification to the template, right?

Also, the mild adhesive on contact paper is supposed to come off easily, right? It shouldn't be a problem for removal.

[Zimberto]

Originally posted by Xavier
god ppl r u really that eager to get a ####in case for ur wimpy 4g ?? god damnit be patient and stop makin stupid threads like "OMG when r the 4 g cases comin out" or "made my own 4g case", NO one ####in cares. just ####in wait. Just because you don't care doesn't mean that everyone else doesn't, you egocentric ####! :D

[px2so]

lol, could u answer the two question? Will this work for 20GB 4G iPods as well?

Also is there any concern with the overheating? or just heat in general?

[gaurav]

Very well done. Its sleek and looks great, this would avoid the ugly smears on the shiny back of the pod!!!
Great Lateral Thinking!!

[buffett]

What a great idea--thanks so much!

I used cling vinyl bought at a crafts store (Grafix brand, about $3 for a dozen sheets) and this template. Looks great, not a single scratch, doesn't budge.

I cut out an extra 1.5" square to stick over the docking port. It peels off and resticks on easily and is virtually invisible.

I also found that first thoroughly cleaning the ipod and cling film makes the stuff almost completely disappear when it's stuck on. I was a little too eager with my first attempt and the few specks of dust underneath ruined the smooth effect.

I'm so happy with the cling vinyl that I'm planning to use it in conjunction with whatever case I get for extra protection, at least for a while. It'd make a great cheap, thin, and attractive screen protector, and a little piece of the stuff on the back would protect from the Iskin Evo clip scratches that have been reported.

[socaldj22]

Well i just finished wrapping mine, looks like I didn't print out the template the right way, but I fixed it, mine doesn't look as nice as the original one, but it gets the job done. Thanks for doing that

[newtype]

Hmmm.. good idea :D If I come across some of this stuff, I will pick it up. Otherwise, I'm sticking with my (mostly) naked iPod. PDA screen protectors rule!

[Flammadeao]

is there another template for 20 gigs?

[BRBJackson]

Nice job, Zimberto! Have to make a run to Office Max tomorrow :D

[duobeef]

I just got my iPod two days ago, it has only minor scratches on the back...may I ask why you go to this much trouble of making home-made things and all? Is it to prevent scratches? I do plan on getting a new silicone jacket, probably the iSkin one. But I don't understand why you don't just use it as it was meant to be used until the cases come out.

[buffett]

duobeef--to each his own of course, but for me it was seeing a friend's scratched-up ipod soon after I splurged on mine. It's not hard to protect, and scratches really affect its considerable cosmetic appeal, so why not? Once there are good cases out, I'll get one.

On a more practical note, resale value is higher for relatively pristine ipods.

[px2so]

Originally posted by duobeef
I just got my iPod two days ago, it has only minor scratches on the back...may I ask why you go to this much trouble of making home-made things and all? Is it to prevent scratches? I do plan on getting a new silicone jacket, probably the iSkin one. But I don't understand why you don't just use it as it was meant to be used until the cases come out. Because we can.

[duobeef]

I think I might go out to OfficeMax and get some of that stuff, but I have a 20Gb. Does that template fit the 20Gb? Also, I have a few scratches on my iPod. Like, none on the front, but maybe 12 little scratches on the back, to where you can only see them if you hold it a certain way. Is that incredibly bad?

[px2so]

Originally posted by duobeef
I think I might go out to OfficeMax and get some of that stuff, but I have a 20Gb. Does that template fit the 20Gb? Also, I have a few scratches on my iPod. Like, none on the front, but maybe 12 little scratches on the back, to where you can only see them if you hold it a certain way. Is that incredibly bad? Why go through all that trouble?

[duobeef]

Go to what trouble? I'm asking if it's really bad that I have those scratches. Is that much to be expected? Also, I decided to use this DIY skin, so I"m going to OfficeMax soon, but I"m asking if it fits the 20Gb.