Please stick any and all reviews about iPod cases here.
My review:
Incase Leather Folio
I bought my new 30 GIG iPod about 3 weeks ago, but was horribly disappointed by the cases available in Japan, so I ordered one off the Apple Store US and had it shipped to my parents home in Milwaukee where I would be spending Xmas. I chose the Incase Leather Folio, which retails for $34.95 off the Apple Store. I choose it for several reasons: First it reminded me of my old iPod case which I've had for nearly 3 years now. Same overall design and sexy looking leather. Second, it protected both the screen and the scroll wheel. Lastly, it had an opening on the bottom so I could connect my iPod cable without taking the iPod out of its case.
Actual Usage:
The case is made out of fine black leather and looks quite nice, though the Incase logo looks rather dumb on the outside of the case. The colors of the logo look rather odd next to the fine black leather, almost cheapening the product.
The case is a standard flip case, but unlike many cases I've seen, it flips from the bottom and not from the top. This is nice because you also insert the iPod from the bottom which leave the iPod port open for connection to your computer. The downside to this is two fold: First Incase decided to place the bet chip on the flip part of the case, which means if you have your iPod on your belt you have to take it off to get to the controls. Secondly, I always have a weird feeling that the iPod is going to fall out, even though it fits in quite snugly. I also find it quite odd that a case with a high level of craftsmanship Incase decided to use Velcro to secure the flap, especially when the belt clip is attached to the flip part of the case. If I was using my belt clip every day I would fear for velcro failure, which would mean that my iPod might fall off. I'm puzzled as to why Incase didn't go for a magnetic grip or a snap button, seeing as how velcro does fail over time. Plus it makes that annoying sound. Through props to them for making the other half of the velcro, the part on the front side of the case, nicely done. Very stylish and well put into the leather.
The inside of the case is just as nice as the outside, meaning there is a little logo on the inside as well though not as big. The iPod screen cover is built in and quite high quality. I have had no problems at all viewing video through it. The scroll wheel cover is a layer of hard plastic, which you can slightly see the iPod controls through. In the center of the wheel cover is a round bit of leather that covers the middle click button. A rather nice tough. The downside to this nice protection is that you have to relearn how to use your wheel. The amount of pressure needed to activate the wheel and scroll effectively is much higher and takes a while to get used to. But then again this is what I expected seeing how it is plastic. I guess the upside to this is that not only will your iPod wheel stay clean but the difficulty of your wheel will probably deter people from playing with it.
The top of the case has a single strip of material securing your iPod into place, and the flip velcro latch lays right across it. No problem there. On the left side is an open area for your Hold button, which isn't quite large enough. Part off the button is slightly covered by the fabric strip. The right side open area for your headphones is perfectly fine.
So overall the case is good, but with several flaws. The case is a wonderful work of craftsmanship that protects your iPod, screen, and wheel. The downside is the fact that Incase decided to use velcro, put its logo in a bad spot on the case, and that the wheel protection also makes wheel usage difficult at first. Was it worth $35? Yes it was, and it still is probably the best folio case I've seen thus far.
Top
