Ipod cases at MacWorld Expo

[maestrosteve]

I posted this in reply to someone who asked about the Speck iskin case, but I thought everybody might be interested on my take of the cases I saw today at the Expo.


I saw the Speck ipod cases today at MacWorld Expo. I had the opportunity to compare the iskin with 2 other ipod case companies that make similar looking (skin) cases, as those companies were at the Expo selling their cases as well. Just looking at these cases on the web, they look practically the same and it's hard to compare that way. The Speck iskin case was definitely the best of these cases. A little thicker, nicer feeling, great fitting. I was just about to buy one of these, but I was overwhelmed by Speck's Flipstand case.

It didn't look that great when I saw it on the website. It totally encases the ipod, like the ipod armor case, but you can see thru it, and make adjustments without taking it out of the case, unlike the ipod armor case. When I asked the guy at the Speck booth about the case strength (because even my friend said it looked like the same plastic as a CD case and I was afraid of it breaking easily), the guy took the flipstand case and slammed it 5-6 times on the table real hard and there was not even a mark on it. That sold me, plus it also comes with it's own dock that works with the case, so the ipod never needs to come out of the case, you never even have to open it up. The touchwheel is also covered by a flip out piece that helps the ipod stand up. It also has a belt clip.

I went to then expo knowing that I was going to see ipod cases, and that I would buy one for my new 30 gig ipod, and this case was never even a consideration, but it was that good. Getting back to the iskin-If I didn't buy the Flipstand, I would have bought the iskin. I was very impressed with Speck's products and quality.

Just for the record, I don't work for Speck, I don't know anyone who does, I'm just a guy with a new ipod looking for the best case like everybody else.

The Booq case looked very nice in person, but when I put my earbuds in the case compartment, the case couldn't close all the way, or I might have bought that one. It was a close third choice, and they had it in leather for $35, and ballistic nylon for $31.

The iskins were $19 for 1, and $29 for a 3 pack (3 different colors). The Flipstand was $30.

[IlIlIlIlIl]

the Speck skin and iSkin are two different things Was the iSkin eXo on display?

[maestrosteve]

I called it the iskin, because the guy who asked about it in another post called it the iskin and I didn't remember what it was exactly called, but after checking Speck's website, I definitely meant the Speck Ipod Skin.

I didn't see the iskin eXo anywhere. I saw the DLO Jam Jacket, and another similar one that was being sold by the thinkdifferentstore, which might have been the regular iskin.

Steve

[ipodsb]

maestrosteve,

Did you have to pay to get into the conference? I wanted to go today after work if it's still going.

[phr0gg]

I bought the iSkin eXo at the expo. They had it at the think different store booth. I like it alot. It fits my 30GB iPod perfectly, the hold switch is kind of hard to access, but I have long nails so it's not a problem.

They had a very limited color selection at the booth (I bought the white frost), and it doesn't come with the "shades" or maClear, just a belt clip. I'm waiting for my LaRouge skin from acKnowledge.

[maestrosteve]

To ipodsb:

I didn't have to pay because I preregistered months ago and ended up with a free ticket to the Expo, but it is still going on today (Friday).
Bring your credit card. Lots of good deals, and a few really interesting things to see.

[maestrosteve]

phr0gg:

I was at the thinkdifferentstore booth at the expo and saw the cases there. I didn't know that what I saw might have been the iSkin eXo, I thought it was just the regular iSkin. I'm sure they had those there as well. Did you have a chance to really check it out and compare it vs. the Speck ipod skin case?

Steve

[phr0gg]

maestrosteve:

I did stop by the speck products booth, and looked at the ipod skin they had, but I didn't get to do a very thorough comparison of the two. But from what I did see, the iskin eXo seemed to be made of a better quality material and I liked that it had a belt clip and covered all sides.

[IronSerif]

maestrosteve - So you bought the case with the flipstand deal?

If you did, would u be able to get some pics together?

I'm kinda interested in that case...thanks!

[maestrosteve]

IronSerif, go to this site:

http://speckproducts.com/index.html

I wasn't too impressed when I saw it on the website previously, but when I got the demo in person, I was sold.

[luridchief]

I'm wondering if the Flipstand will work with the new iTrip. It would be great to use the "flipstand" in the car! I'm just wondering if the top will go back far enough to accomodate the iTrip.

Thanks for any info--you've almost got me sold on this one!

[maestrosteve]

I really couldn't tell you how the new iTrip would work with this case. I really haven't seen the new iTrip up close and how much space it needs around the area it plugs into, but with the Flipstand, the top flips open to allow you to put the ipod in the case, and I'm pretty sure that it would work with the iTrip with the top flipped open.

I'd email Speck and ask them. Good question there!

[maestrosteve]

phr0gg,

Now that you mention it, I must have seen the eXo at the Expo, because I remember a skin case with a belt clip, that must be it. I could see where that is desireable, and maybe when all is said and done, as long as there is a rubberized skin case, the feel or thickness doesn't really matter. After all, the ipod is still covered and protected, and a belt clip with one of these cases is great, but I still feel that the Speck skin case (at least for me) was better because of it's thickness and feel. Tough choice: thickness and great feel vs. thinner skin case with belt clip.

At least there are choices, we really can't lose either way.

Now, after talking about all these skin cases, I still feel I made the right decision in buying that Speck Flipstand. I wouldn't even care if it didn't flip, but the fact that it is entirely encased, you never have to remove it from the case, and the protection is the best I've found made it a great buy.

[luridchief]

I just ordered the FlipStand. I hope that it really does ship on the 22nd because now I can't wait!

Thanks for the info, maestrosteve!

[maestrosteve]

After using it for a few days now, I like the fact that it protects the ipod as well as the armor case, but with the armor case, you need to open it to make any adjustments and you can't see the screen.

BTW-I have the 30 gig ipod, and it fits in this case perfectly. If you have a smaller generation 3 ipod, the case comes with an insert so the ipod fits and doesn't move around. It goes behind the ipod in the rear of the case. Because the entire case it see-thru, you can see the insert, but it didn't bother me when I saw it at the Expo. I didn't know that the 30gig ipod wouldn't need the insert until I got home, put the ipod in, and there was no room for an insert.