iPod case roundup: classic mashup

Although we usually group our iPod case reviews based on the type of case--leather, waterproof, exercise, and the like--when the dust settled and the teams were chosen, there were a few stray eggs...rebels without a category, if you will. I've taken these renegade cases for the iPod classic and lumped them into a group of their own. Here, we take a look at representatives from a variety of case types: an iPod pouch, a leather covering, a silicone wrap, and a protective shell. All four cases fit both the 80GB and 160GB iPod classic.

XtremeMac Verona Holster

If you're looking for a simple, professional-looking transport option for your iPod, XtremeMac's Verona Holster (US$30) is your mancase. There's nothing particularly special about it: it's a basic belt-clip pouch, made of leather, and reminiscent of a businessman's BlackBerry holder. Your iPod slides in through the top--which is open for access to the headphone jack and Hold switch--and rests on a leather strip at the bottom. The upper and lower portions of the sides are exposed to allow for easy removing of the 'Pod from the holster. The inside is lined with a soft fabric to protect your iPod from scratches, and the exterior consists of two fairly-sturdy leather panels that act as a rudimentary repellant against dinks and minor impacts.

Its downsides are mainly those obviously associated with pouch holsters. Since there's no front-side access to the screen or any of the iPod's controls, you need to remove the player from the case to actually use it. And the Verona Holster is designed for transportation; it's not a protective case--the leather panels safeguard against minor bumps and bruises, but not major impacts, and the exposed corners leave your iPod more vulnerable to impact than with many other cases.

There's not much beyond that. The Verona Holster comes in two styles: simple jet black, and brown with pink stitching. It's an obvious--but efficient--design with a sturdy belt clip, and does exactly what it's supposed to...with style.

Incase Leather Sleeve

In keeping with the "to-the-point" theme, Incase's Leather Sleeve ($30) is a no-frills case for the iPod classic that lets you see the iPod's screen, as well as access its Click Wheel and dock-connector port, without having to remove the player from the case. Your iPod's screen is protected by a layer of clear plastic. The iPod slides into the case through the Sleeve's top and is held in place by a velcro-secured leather strap.

There's a leather-covered belt-clip on the back, and the case itself is form-fitting and slick; there's no unnecessary weight or bulk, although the front is more like a solid panel, extending slightly from the edges of the iPod to protect it from cosmetic damages that may come from a fall or bump. On the other hand, the leather on the case's face is a little flimsy and weak. The area above the Click Wheel, for instance, protrudes outward, bending the plastic covering the screen and exposing the iPod to dust. The screen plastic is also easily dirtied, making it susceptible to finger smudges and dust particles.

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