4G Showcase has arrived!

[ipod05]

Just received my 4g showcase today from FEDEX, awesome case!
For those of you who have previously owned the 3g showcase, the belt clip has been improved (appears as if it holds tighter and will last longer), and the foam insert for the 20 gig has been modified (you can now see the apple logo and the chrome back of the ipod.)
For new users i highly recommend the showcase. It is durable, clean-looking, functional, and adds minimal bulk to the exterior of the ipod.
The only downside i would say is that the white showcase can become dirty very easily, and the lock may not be as secure (as it is when new) after heavy use.
Overall I'd rate it a 4.5/5; it does it's job of protecting the ipod and looks good while doing it.

[JBF]

So they have some sort of silicone insert instead of a foam insert? Or is it a clear foam substance or what? Just curious.

[tboooe]

Can you please post some pix?? Their website is dreadful and does not really show any detailed images of the Showcase.

[ipod05]

the foam insert is of the same material, but it is shaped different.
it conforms to the inside lining of the case (like an oblong 'O'), thus leaving the center of the case where the window is exposed.
I don't have a digicam yet so i can't post pics, but if you haven't looked lately, look HERE (http://www.contourdesign.com/showcase/index.htm) and croll down for pics.

[ipod05]

oops, croll=scroll

[ipod05]

if you have never owned the 3g showcase before, you can look at the review here on ipodlounge (http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=1949_0_6_0_M) for more pics.
the 4g case is exactly the same except for the center cutout, the newly reshaped foam insert, and the slightly improved belt clip.
Also, on both of my 3g showcases i've noticed little abrasions (scratches) near the cutout for the buttons; i don't see this problem on the 4g showcase. It seems as if they use a different injection molding process or thicker plastic

[xtrem]

anyone know where I can get one shipped to Europe?

[Dclax07]

Originally posted by ipod05
if you have never owned the 3g showcase before, you can look at the review here on ipodlounge (http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=1949_0_6_0_M) for more pics.
the 4g case is exactly the same except for the center cutout, the newly reshaped foam insert, and the slightly improved belt clip.
Also, on both of my 3g showcases i've noticed little abrasions (scratches) near the cutout for the buttons; i don't see this problem on the 4g showcase. It seems as if they use a different injection molding process or thicker plastic

um, you said you've never owned 3g. showcases before but then you say "on both my 3g. showcases"....

[Philiboy]

Erm, no, he said IF you have never owned the 3G showcase.

Good review ipod05.

[Philiboy]

Originally posted by xtrem
anyone know where I can get one shipped to Europe?

In the UK there is www.everythingipod.co.uk.
I dont know if they ship to sweden, but if they do, its gonna be cheaper than from the states.

[xtrem]

thanks! not cheaper, but at least they ship

[random person]

The new 4G case really is terrific -- they fixed the belt clip and also you can see the back of the 'pod now. Nice and clean and durable case. When it gets dirty you just use dishwashing detergent! I still think it's the best case out there!

[Simon97jetta]

ZI was wondering if the belt clip is removable and how much bulk does it add the the case. Ive got a xtremity case on backorder waiting but im wondering is this is better. I was going to cut a hole for the click wheel in the xtremity case anyway.

[ipod05]

yes, the clip is removable, but it does add about a quarter inch of depth to the case. but hey, if you have the clip on, the bulk of the case wouldn't matter too much.

[lextcy]

So is the back of the ipod unprotected or is it a see through window in the back

Also, i presume that the ipod will not fit into the dock with the case on?

[AndyH]

Originally posted by lextcy
So is the back of the ipod unprotected or is it a see through window in the back?

See-through plastic window on the back, with raised rubber "bumpers" on either side of the window to help keep the plastic scratch-free.

Originally posted by lextcy
Also, i presume that the ipod will not fit into the dock with the case on?
Correct, although some folks have used 3G iPod Contour Showcases in the Speck Flipstand "dock". But otherwise you'll need to open up the case and remove the iPod if you want to use the dock.

[VDozier]

Got mine today. Took 2 day's via FedEx.

Let me say I am 100% a Vaja guy but this case is sweet. The foam is an oval so you can see the chrome. Top and bottom ports have full access.....nothing but for the wheel is exposed.... clip is strong and it comes off for the flat back look and feel if you prefer. I may still someday buy a Vaja but this case is #2 and #3 is miles behind. Great case...well worth the $32....$5 for shipping by FedEx 3day...which took 2 days.

If a Vaja is too much,which for me it was at this time,then this is the case.

On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being perfect I give it:

for function/ease of use-5
for looks and how it complements the ipods looks-5
for durability- ? /only had it a few hours
for how well it will protect the ipod-4.75* (best guess)
for value vs. cost-4.5 /easily worth $32,I would probably pay $40 max.
does add some bulk/weight but for all it offers that is more than acceptable. I like that the clip is removable and how the rear opening has plastic....in the online pics it looks like it's a vent port which would have been fine but leaves the chrome open to scratches.

Just very pleased all around....fast arrival...better than advertised....is much cooler in person..pics do NOT do it justice.

This case is best for people who #1 want protection w/o hiding the ipods good looks.

I have some crappy pics taken with my cellphone.





pic1 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/pod2k4/70be0ec7.jpg)
pic2 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/pod2k4/f2168c0d.jpg)
pic3 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/pod2k4/fc80c70a.jpg)

[Philiboy]

Originally posted by xtrem
thanks! not cheaper, but at least they ship

I didnt mean cheaper case wise, just thought the carriage might be cheaper from the UK rather than the states.

Anyway, hope you get one sourced from somewhere.

Mines due to arrive today. Cant wait.

[Philiboy]

My Contour has arrived!!!

Fantastic case. Very impressed.

First job was to take off the belt clip, I wont use it, and it does detract a littl from the case overall so off it came. iPod in, using the included foam insert for 20GB models and hey presto!!

The iPod still looks the bollocks but is now fully wrapped up in cotton wool!

Id reccmoned this case to anyone.

[lextcy]

If someone could provide some high res digital pics of the ipod in the case, that would be really great :D

[Philiboy]

I would take some with my camera (its fairly good), but I have no way of uploading. I dont have a website or anything.

[lextcy]

Could u upload it to the galleries on this site and then link from there?

[Philiboy]

Ill take some pics tonight and try and get them up asap on monday or maybe even tommorow.

[VDozier]

"I dont have a website or anything."

No need..use a free image hosting site like photobucket. Register a free acount..set up an album...upload the pics and post the link here.

:)

[sovereign]

How easy is it to remove the iPod from the case? I intend to use the dock for the line out, etc. and do not want a case which limits this ability too much.

[Simon97jetta]

I just got mine about a half hour ago, and when comparing it to my dads xtremity case,i can only say that the contour case is everything the xtremity case should have been. Its a thing of beauty, as for removing, the clip to secure the case shut is somewhat tight, but once opened it is very easy to remove, ive just done away with my dock all together now that i have the case.

[random person]

sovereign -- It is super-east to remove the Ipod from the Contour Showcase. There's a nifty latch that is bombproof when closed and easy to open. Then you just lift the Ipod out! The whole thing takes about two seconds.

[Galley]

The side latch is one of those double-action ones like you find on a fishing tackle box. The belt clip is easily removed and can be attached in either direction. :D

[Philiboy]

Its a great case, easy to get the pod in and out, and feels so solid when its all closed up. Looks good too. I dont have a dock so its not an issue, but the usb and firewire sync cables plug in super easy even with the case on. as do all the top plugs etc.

[DrPepper]

Will iTrip fit on top of this case?

[Simon97jetta]

no it doesn't. but i still love the case.

[Evolution]

I'm waiting on the Icewear 4G release before I decide between between the Showcase and Icewear? Anybody have any info on that? The biggest differences I see between the Showcase and Icewear are the easy top access on the icewear vs. the covered screen on the showcase. Also, I think the icewear would wash more easily, but I'm not completely sure.

[Philiboy]

No, Im afraid not.
At least I really dont think so.
As far as I can see from the pics of the iTrip, the device fits as near to flush as possible to the top of the pod.
The Contour case does allow access to the top ports, but the case extends so that only small devices or connectors like the headphones or remote will fit in the gap.

Sorry about that.

[romeoso]

My first post. Hopefully this is some kind of contribution to the iPodlounge community. I tried to take as best of a picture I could with my digital camera. I could only upload these photos to my yahoo album. If anyone has a better storage site, just yank'em off my album or PM me for me to email it to you.

http://photos.yahoo.com/romeoso@sbcglobal.net

My first iPod. My first iPod case. And i'm lovin' it. I was hoping that the black contour case would be available in stores, but white was all they had.

The iTrip doesn't fit over the case since there's a bit of space from the top of the iPod to the top of the case. This obviously doesn't dock and does give the iPod a slight bulky look. The belt clip's grasp is pretty firm.. I sometimes struggle trying to take it off.

I own a 20gigger, and the foam insert sufficed to not make the iPod "jiggle" within the case. It seems to be holding pretty comfortably without causing too much pressure.

Spent my money well on this great case.. I guess in time they'll have more colors available like they did with previous contour cases.

Hope these photos were a bit of help to those that requested pics.

[Philiboy]

Great post romeoso. Save me the job of finding somewhere to upload my pics. Yuor right, its a truly great case.

[gr8pumpkin]

Wow, those are some excellent photos romeoso. Thanks for posting them. I wasn't sure if I wanted one of these but now that I've seen your pics, I'm going to get myself a black one. Contour Design should pay you commission.

[DrPepper]

So I called Contour and spoke with a sales rep. A new case that allows the iTrip to be used with the case and iPod should be coming out in the next few weeks.

[MajinX]

can anyone who has this case (even if its the 3g one) post pictures, especially if they have the black one (i want to see how the black looks specifically)?

and how much bulkier is it than the ipod its self?

[MajinX]

can anyone who has this case (even if its the 3g one) post pictures, especially if they have the black one (i want to see how the black looks specifically)?

and how much bulkier is it than the ipod its self?

[redsoxs]

Looks like one of the best cases aside from the cocoon

[POSH]

Hi, just wanna know for the belt clip, can I mount it on my belt vertically instead of horizontally?? :confused:

[Simon97jetta]

no.

[Lovelove]

I just got this case and I LOVE it. It feels really good in your hand, and the overall design is just very sleek. It looks almost dorky, because it makes the iPod so much bigger (more so for me, since I have a 20) ??? someone just thought I had a really really old version of the iPod, ha. It's dorky in a good way, though.

[MajinX]

you get the black or white one?

i think the black would look more like the ipod was encased, while the white would just make the ipod look huge.

can you post pictures? how much bigger is it? How about a picture of the ipod beside the closed case to see the size difference?

[Lovelove]

I got the white, so it does mostly just look bigger ??? I'll post pictures later today comparing the size.

[MajinX]

thanks =)

[romeoso]

I posted a link in this thread to some pictures I took of the white contour case. Here it is again for any other pic-seekers.

http://photos.yahoo.com/romeoso@sbcglobal.net

[MajinX]

indeed, ive already seen it, but im keen to see an ipod beside a closed one to see the size difference, both a top view (left right, up down difference) and a profile view (thickness difference).

[MajinX]

indeed, ive already seen it, but im keen to see an ipod beside a closed one to see the size difference, both a top view (left right, up down difference) and a profile view (thickness difference).

[Galley]

My only complaint with the case is that the Belkin Audio Cable won't fit. :(

[okandroid]

^ are you talking about the belkin car charger? Because if it doesnt then That ruins my wanting to buy it because I use the car charger/line out all the time

[ipodmongrel]

Hey, I have an easy way for us to get some free stuff - at least from here out. I boght my Showcase yesterday from audio-outfitters.com. No particular reason except they came up first in Google, and the site was better than the mfg's.

Anyway, got my notification of shipment today (the next day) along with an offer:

"Referral Program

AudioOutfitters believes that taking care of our customers is a top priority. If you are happy, then we hope you will consider future purchases with us. We also encourage you to tell others about our store. As an incentive to promote referrals, we will offer you a FREE earphone splitter for any referral of new customers that results in a purchase from our website. The earphone splitter is completely free and includes free shipping. You can either have the referral put your name in the notes of the sale or you can send us an email notifying us that someone you know make a purchase. Thank you. "

So there it is. If the next person who buys from them can say I referred you (which is now technically true), state that you did so here. Then the next one who caught this thread can do you the favor and leave a post. And on and on, until the last guy of course, but isn't that always the way??

Anyway, I'm "bird234 at earthlink dot net" (anti-spam format of course).

Thanks!!

[markjval]

I received the black Contour Showcase in the mail today! Very nice case - really highlights the iPod. However, I'm not too thrilled about the removable clip. The clip really doesn't open enough to slid on a belt. Other than that minor nag, the case protects the iPod, looks great and has a nice grip to it.

[markjval]

I received the black Contour Showcase today in the mail today! Very nice case - really highlights the iPod. However, I'm not too thrilled about the removable clip. The clip really doesn't open enough to slid on a belt. Other than that minor nag, the case protects the iPod, looks great and has a nice grip to it.

[juju banton]

I got my contour black case today and then i saw that someone mentioned them making one that fits with itrip. I NEED more info on that. If that is true then I am going to return mine and get the one that fits with itrip!

[Galley]

Yeah, the clip is very difficult to get on your belt, but hey, it's probably not gonna fall off accidentally, now is it? ;) I just leave the clip on my belt, and remove the case if I need to.

[gr8pumpkin]

I too received my black 4G Showcase yesterday and am very impressed with it. I was worried because I saw the post above about the Belkin Auto Kit charger not fitting with the 4G showcase. I just received my Belkin Auto Kit charger today from NewEgg ($28.99 after shipping here (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=55-999-613&DEPA=0)) and am pleased to report that it connects just fine with an iPod in a 4G showcase. The dock opening at the bottom of the 4G showcase is more than enough to allow the Belkin Auto Kit charger to connect to the iPod inside.

[Lost Pup]

Just ordered my case today. It is so hard to protect the screen from scratches.

[okandroid]

Damn, I really cant decide on the Iskin or the Contour. Id really like protection, but I use it in and out of my pocket all day so Im worried about it being large. Its good to know the belkin charge works with it though.

[Evolution]

can anybody take pics of the ipod in a black showcase?

[MajinX]

its unlikely too many people have the black showcase yet, since most orders are shipping out this week of the black ones.

[sovereign]

Pics pulled.

[mp3mooch]

thanks for posting the pics sovereign, I think i might be getting the black case.

[MajinX]

sweet pics. more please?

just wider angles or something?

its looking good though..

[sovereign]

xxx

[sto0pybo1]

that looks pretty nice... one question though... even though there is a foam insert... can the ipod be scratched in there?

[sovereign]

You do not need the foam insert with the 40gb. There are small bumpers all around the corners/edges of the case. I am not concerned about the Ipod getting scratched in this case.

[MBHockey]

i just picked up this case, i was at the local apple store looking at the new g5 imac, turned around, and saw the showcase case there on the rack. I wasn't even looking to buy a case, but i was shocked at how small it looked, picked it up, played with it for a minute, and bought it.

i really like this case. It's sturdy, has a great belt clip, access to the dock connector, and looks very nice. $30 what a deal!

[Galley]

For now I've been plopping my iPod into my drink holder in the car until I can come up with a better solution. I have had problems with marks on the white case. Soap doesn't always take them off, but light fluid usually does. I hesitate to put any more fluid on the rubber, that could damage it. From the photos, the black case looks better than I thought it would. I guess I should've gotten one of those instead.

[okandroid]

That case looks the ipod look like friggin james bond its awesome. Like a little iTux. He just needs a bowtie now. I think Im gonna get the black one so I can have protection.

[okandroid]

I want to buy a black showcase but Im wondering whats the best place to buy it, i.e. cheapest and fastest shipping. Thanks.

[Galley]

Originally posted by okandroid
I want to buy a black showcase but Im wondering whats the best place to buy it, i.e. cheapest and fastest shipping. Thanks.

I paid $5.29 for standard shipping from Contour. Is 27 hours fast enough delivery for you? :D

[Hammrtime]

I just got the white one from the Apple store in my area,it is a VERY nice case !! very happy with it.

Hammr

[okandroid]

Originally posted by Galley
I paid $5.29 for standard shipping from Contour. Is 27 hours fast enough delivery for you? :D

How far do you live relative to them? And that would be about 38 bucks then right?

[MajinX]

im in canada and there was a thread about being pegged with a 30 dollar tax charge through fedex.


i have to find a place to ship it through UPS or something.

a little help?

[iMod]

Anybody know when the Showcase that accomodates an iTrip will come out? Is there a "release" date yet?

[okandroid]

I dont think there will be one.

[iMod]

Originally posted by DrPepper
So I called Contour and spoke with a sales rep. A new case that allows the iTrip to be used with the case and iPod should be coming out in the next few weeks.

Well, according to DrPepper, there will be one. I'm returning my case today and waiting for the iTrip friendly one to come out. It can't come fast enough!

[g_bruin]

I just received my black case and it is sweet!! Very snug fit and nice look to it. If you are looking for a hard case, this is it.

[batboy]

I've got to agree with every one here. I love the 4G Showcase! I got a black one, and it's exactly what I needed. I had a 3G version, and my main complaint was that the white rubber part attracted too much grime. Well, for the 4 G I got the black version and my problem was solved. Great job Contour!

PS: I also got my wife one for her pink colorwarepc 4G, and she loves it as well.

[Phoenixfury]

I feel like such a dummie. Maybe this was covered and please forgive me if I skimmed over this. I just recieved my Showcase 4G today and can't figure out how to open the thing. It didn't come with any instruction at all. I'm clueless. I don't want to damage it by prying every which way, but I did do a little prying. I don't know which way to push the latch. Can someone that owes one of these cases please enlighten me?

[Phoenixfury]

I feel like such a dummie. Maybe this was covered and please forgive me if I skimmed over this. I just recieved my Showcase 4G today and can't figure out how to open the thing. It didn't come with any instruction at all. I'm clueless. I don't want to damage it by prying every which way, but I did do a little prying. I don't know which way to push the latch. Can someone that owes one of these cases please enlighten me?

[Phoenixfury]

Nevermind I figured it out. :) However for those of us who don't know, well I'm not going to tell you!

Just pull up on the side of the pins. :)

Well I've already double posted so I'll just add to my second post. :)

Since figuring out how to open the latch (which I felt sheepish about) I had gotten a real chance to toy around with my new case. This case fits pefectly around the iPod and of course leaves the scroll wheel exposed, but to me that makes it perfect! The only problem is there seems to be either a substance or scratches just above the scroll wheel.. I already tried hot water and dish soap, but they don't seem to go away. I almost suspect it's a hard glue... Maybe I just need to use a bit more elbow grease when I clean it.

Otherwise it is exactly as the pictures show, and how it was reviewed here on the iPod Lounge. I really like this case a lot, it fits very comfortably on my belt.. That is when I can get it on my belt.. The clip is hard to get around my belt for some reason, so I wind up having to run my belt through it. Maybe over time it will loosen up, but for right now, it's just too darn stiff. That's not entirely a bad thing though, at least I know it won't go flying off my belt because it was loose.

I had stated in the iPodbattery thread that I might see if I can get this case to work with the battery. I initially thought that the back of the case was left open.. Nope, hard plastic just like the front. I suppose I'll have to find another way to mount this case to the battery when I get it.

[Galley]

The latch can be a little tricky at first. You gotta lift up where the arrow is, push the latch left, and then back to the right.

[Col.K0rn]

I was lurking about the boards, and decided to get one of the Contour Showcase cases for my iPod. I love it, and I am a hard customer to please. It was a toss up between the evo and the showcase, but I have to admit, I like the added protection of having the extra barrier of protective plastic surrounding my music machine. I don't believe the evo would protect my investment much should I have the ghastly experience of dropping it. :eek:

I wasn't expecting the outer covering to be rubberized, but man, I have got to say the name "Showcase" definitely is perfect. The asthetic beauty of the iPod is reserved, and as read another post, "It looks like a little tuxedo". That is, if you choose the black case. I chose that color due to the fact that I didn't want dirt to show up on the outside.

Sign me as a very satisfied customer. Don't delay, get one today.

[Elithrar]

I screwed around with a 3G showcase -- no more 3G iSkins to be found in Aus. Apple stores -- and that clip isn't user-friendly, but lets you rest safe in the fact that it won't pop open by accident.

Suprisingly, the Showcase was way lighter than I first imagined. Too bad they didn't have colors other than yellow and pink, otherwise I might've bought one. Anyone know any sites selling 3G showcases?

[K1W1]

Originally posted by Elithrar
I screwed around with a 3G showcase -- no more 3G iSkins to be found in Aus. Apple stores -- and that clip isn't user-friendly, but lets you rest safe in the fact that it won't pop open by accident.

Suprisingly, the Showcase was way lighter than I first imagined. Too bad they didn't have colors other than yellow and pink, otherwise I might've bought one. Anyone know any sites selling 3G showcases?

I was in Streetwise (http://www.streetwise.com.au) in Melbourne the other day and they had plenty of 3G iSkins. they also had 4G Contour cases but I can't recall whether they had 3G's. Check out their web site.