Ultimate Battle of the Clear Cases. Round 1, FIGHT!

[yem_icculus]

First post here, I've been lurking for a while, but now it's time to become an active member of the community. I don't have an iPod yet, but I'm 90% sure I'm getting a 4G 20GB for Christmas. As I don't want my new iPod to get scratched, I created this thread.


So it's down to three cases. Time to do battle. TO THE DEATH! Round 1, FIGHT!

In this corner, we have the Countour Design iSee 20!

Pros:

-Crystal clear, as far as I can tell, except for the bottom part.
-Easy insertion and removal.
-$20 can't be beat.

Cons:

-We've all read about the scratching problem by now.


In this corner, the Agent18 ClickShield!

Pros:

-Apparently doesn't have the scratching problems of the iSee.
-Seemingly durable design. Looks well built.

Cons:
-Frosted plastic (although this might be a pro, it could be cool looking).
-Two halves instead of a slide-in design.
-$28!


And the final challenger, the PowerSupportUSA Crystal Jacket!

Pros:

-Seems identical to the ClickShield, but with clear plastic.
-Comes with "2 sheets of full body film to further protect your iPod."
-$20

Cons:

-Two halves, like the ClickShield.
-Possibly flimsy design.



I think I've narrowed it down to these 3 hard plastic clear cases. Does anyone have any experience with all 3? Even if you've only experienced one, please give your opinion. Also, are these all iTrip compatible? Thanks everyone!

-yem

[dgstinner]

I have the Agent18 and know for a fact that it is iTrip compatible. I love my A18 case. I think the frosted plastic is cool looking. It hides any scratches you may have on the iPod before you put it in a case.

[mavis]

I have a CrystalJacket, and my buddy in the States bought an Agent18 for me today (shipping tomorrow) because they're not available in Tokyo.

Anyway, ATM all I can comment on is the CrystalJacket, but here's my two cents' worth. The CJ is cool, and I like it, but due to the manufacturing process (I guess) there are a lot of small scratches in the plastic, primarily on the underside. My iPod is in PERFECT condition, it's only three weeks old and it's been in a Evo2 since day one (just about) - that, coupled with my iCleaner Pro, and it looks like new. So, the scratches in the CJ's plastic are annoying. I'm guessing there wouldn't be any visible marks like that with the A18 case, because it's not totally transparent.

Also, the lanyard hole in the top left of the case it annoying. I would greatly prefer the CJ if it were the same shape as the iPod, without that annoying protrusion in the corner.

But, all in all the CJ is a decent case. I will reserve judgement until I get my A18, but I'm hoping it's even better.

[yem_icculus]

Let us know how you like the Agent18 ClickShield compared to the Crystal Jacket. I'm interested to see how they compare. Thanks a lot!

-yem

[[zerophase]]

i go for the isee... the sratches are all created whet carefull taking there ipod out...

[ramy]

Which one is bulkier- the Agent18 or the Crystal Jacket (for the 4G 20GB to be specific).


BTW: Here are my 2 cents from reading all the forums- I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE CASES-

No way I am getting the iSee- to many people complain even if it is from taking the iPod in and out of the case. I mean come on, how hard can it be?

Agent18 looks cool but I think I prefer the clear plastic as opposed to the frosted one. I want a clear case so I can actually SEE the iPod.

CJ looks cool but I really don't like the lanyard protrusion thing.

I'm waiting to see what someone who actually has both of them actually says.

Cheers,
ramy

[HiRes]

Why not the Contour Showcase?

[mavis]

Originally posted by HiRes
Why not the Contour Showcase? Part of the reason I chose the iPod was because it was relatively thin - I don't really want to defeat that by sticking it in a massive (ie, thick) case ... ;)

[ramy]

The Showcase seems too big. I'm not looking to protect the iPod from drops but more from scratches (from keys and loose change for example)

cheers

[soudlous]

I have the contour isee-20, i love it, i solved the problem of scratching by putting pda screen protectors i have for the pda on the ipod. I have lots of those,so if they have mess up i can easily replace it. My click wheel is scratchless, i've at leat has the care and gentleness to keep that part in great condition. besides this, it's all fine. I might just put screen protector all over it, like, one big sheet for the back, and one big sheet for the front, with the click wheel cut out. Well, hope that helps.

[Tomo_kun]

The iSee 20 now comes with plastic to put on the iPod before insertion

[soudlous]

I just want to confirm what the previous post said, there is indeed an insertion plastic baggie to put the ipod in before insertion into the bigger case. The baggie although good, does bunch up in the bottom sometimes and looks weird, sometimes get annoying. Look around the threads to find out more. But i love the isee-20. I'm pleased with it and i can't say more, i just went on and added the screen protector in addition to everything else. It's great.

[jeanne]

That's great. My son bought me a 20g ipod for Christmas.

[jeanne]

i see-20? Is this a case for the 20g? Need to know where I can get one. At the price of these things, you need some protection. Actually I need a lot of help? Anyone?

[Tomo_kun]

Originally posted by jeanne
i see-20? Is this a case for the 20g? Need to know where I can get one. At the price of these things, you need some protection. Actually I need a lot of help? Anyone?

www.apple.com/store

[soudlous]

Originally posted by jeanne
i see-20? Is this a case for the 20g? Need to know where I can get one. At the price of these things, you need some protection. Actually I need a lot of help? Anyone?

http://www.contourdesign.com

[MBHockey]

i own both an iSee-20 and an Agent18 clear case. Hands down the Agent18 is better. It doesn't get scratched, it doesn't have that ugly, discolored rubber thing on the bottom of it, and best of all, it DIDN'T scratch my LCD like the iSee-20 did.

The iSee 20 is just a horrible design because you have to slide the iPod in and out of it. Dirt and other debris that is caught under the part that covers the iPod LCD is then pressed against the screen and dragged while the iPod is inserted and removed.

[jeanne]

Thanks guys but I am really stumped. I need a good case that will protect my pod. I saw a girl in Toronto who had a pretty flowered one but I lost her in a crowd before I could find out about it. Help help help? All this talk about baggies and scratches and thick skinned....I'm completly lost. Old and decrepit I guess.

[soudlous]

Alright well to continue the discussion. I think the agent-18 is a great case. the design, yea the slipping in and out sucks, but a screen protector, such as the one sold at www.trendygeek.com and the baggy the isee-20 now comes with is very protectable against sliding in and out of the baggie.

The agent18, ok, fine. it's ####ing awesome i can't lie. I just got one from a friend and used it for a while. It is frosted color, but clear not like a different color all together, kinda frosted like those stained glass designs but without actual paint. It is a two peice design, where there is no sliding of the ipod.

Personally, for me the decision was, the frosted look, or the very clear look. I chose the very clear. isee-20 is clear and not frosted, allowing you to see the ipod as it was meant to be, at least as close as you can get because it's clear. But the Agent18 is very good. Its such a hard decision. My isee-20 has behaved with me, i put some protective screens on it and it hasn't gotten scratched, only scratches there are the ones before i put any protection on it, and those are only hair line scratches. Ah i've written so much, just wasiting time, giving my thoughts on this. Better or worse? i don't know, contour design isee-20 has done modifications and with a little tweaking of yoru own you can get a good case.

I guess , if you are looking for a case , no extras like belt clips with it, the agent18 is great, it's no hassle, carefree design and system. Just put it on, and go. No scratching no sliding around, with a frosted look. If you into the ultra clear look, and are willing to get some screen protectors and invest some time into tweaking the case so it's protecting the ipod to satisfactory conditions then the isee-20 is the way to go.

Ahh that's enough. You can of course do a search in ipodlounge forums and find many pics and reviews from people. I myself collected and reviewed at least 30 threads. Lataz guys. Have a good one. Don't flame me.

[jeanne]

so I guess the secret is in the search. You've given me some great advice and I appreciate it. Many thanks and party on!

[jeanne]

no one answered me about the flowered case. Where, how much? I know it is available because I saw it. Does anyone out there know about it or where I can get it? Waiting with baited breath

[OrangeBlossom05]

Flower case, eh? My initial thought was the Miyavix Kimono Fashion Case. It is the only case I know of that has flowers on it. Here is the review link:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=6191_0_6_0_M

Hope that helps!

[jeanne]

Many thanks..it's cute but not the one I saw. That one was made of some sort of shiny material like the iskin on the ads (on the side) but had flowers on it...right inthe material it was made from ...not decals. Anyone?

[jeanne]

I see a lot of ipod covers on ebay? Anyone have these? What are they like? Will have to forgo the flowers and just get something that will protect this machine.

[mcbain]

iSee got a better grade than agent but im still deciding, i see is so cheap!! and looks cooler but u guys say it can scratch

[OrangeBlossom05]

I just got a Contour Design Showcase and I really like it. True, it does add some thickness to the case, but it is protective. I know some people say it does not have click-wheel protection, but I think this is minor considering everything that it does offer. Plus you can always just buy some wheel film for it. I just kept the film that originally came with my iPod on the wheel and it works fine. Hope that helps!

[jeanne]

I just found some interesting (cheap) cases on ebay at a site called bid-on-this-now. Apparently they are new. I am bidding on them if anyone will check them out and tell me what they think. I would appreciate it as time is of the essence. Thanks!

[jeanne]

is anyone there? I only have a day or so to bid on these cases. Has anyone looked and can anyone tell me if they are ok? I need help and lots of it! Many thanks!

[mdscriber3]

Perhaps it was Lajo's iPodArt:

Check out his site ... they are expensive, tho (I think like $55.00?)

www.lajo.biz


Pam :)

Originally posted by jeanne
Many thanks..it's cute but not the one I saw. That one was made of some sort of shiny material like the iskin on the ads (on the side) but had flowers on it...right inthe material it was made from ...not decals. Anyone?

[jeanne]

This stuff is starting at $3.99. That's not expensive but is it any good?

[mdscriber3]

Originally posted by jeanne
This stuff is starting at $3.99. That's not expensive but is it any good?

When you go to his website (www.lajo.biz), I'm talking about clicking on the iPodArt banner at the top. It will list his products that have the iPodArt on them and the new florals run about $55.00 and there are other patterns, too. Those were the ones I was referring to. But I'm not sure if that was the one you saw.

Pam :)

P.S. Yes, his cases are nice. You can do a search here and find many reviews on his silicone cases.