Secrets of the iPod and iTunes (Fifth Edition) [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

The Clip-on iPod

It didn't take long after the first iPods shipped for iPod owners to notice the effect gravity can have on objects dropped from an inverted shirt pocket. These same owners undoubtedly noticed that when an unprotected original iPod shared accommodations with a pants-pocketful of loose change and keys, the iPod's shiny metal back came out worse for the wear.

Having paid careful attention to these concerns, Apple issued cases with its third-generation 20 and 40 GB iPods. (By default, 15 GB third-generation iPods remained unprotected, though you could purchase the case separately for $39. The iPod mini is protected only by an included belt clip, which prevents it from falling from your person, but offers no scratch or ding protection.) Although the case was stylish and provided some protection, it required that you remove the iPod to access the front-panel controls (not a terrible burden, considering that the 20 and 40 GB models also shipped with the remote control), and the case bore a clip that was too easy to break.

So all in all, an unsatisfactory casethough a free one.

When Apple released the fourth-generation iPod, it cut some costs by leaving this case and the formerly bundled remote control out of the box. Given that many people soon replaced Apple's case with one that was more robust (or simply more fun), this isn't a terrible loss. Likewise, not everyone appreciated the charms of Apple's Remote Control, so its absence is hardly a deal-breaker.

Apple's case reappeared as a bundled item with the iPod Photo. The remote control, however, remains an optional add-on for those who want it.

So if Apple's iPod case doesn't measure up, and the iPod mini is vulnerable to having its face scratched, what should one look for in a case?

What to Look For

A good case should offer the following features (Figures 9.1 and 9.2):

A system for attaching the iPod to your body (a belt clip or strap, for example)

Construction sturdy enough to protect the iPod from scratches

A place to store the iPod's earbuds (a roomy case will also hold the remote control)

These features are the bare minimum you should expect from your case. Frankly, with a piece of bubble wrap, a clothespin, and a couple of pieces of duct tape, you could construct a case that meets these requirements. Looking beyond the essentials, what else might you look for?

A way to detach the iPod from your body easily

At times, you'll want to fiddle with the iPodadjust the volume, flick on the Hold switch, or use the controls to skip a song. You'll find it more convenient to do so if you don't have to detach some elaborate harness or use a pair of pliers to pry apart a belt clip.Look for the kind of quick-release clip you find on many of today's cellular-phone cases.

A way to access the controls easily

Although the remote control has made access to the controls less necessary than it was during the pre-remote-control days, at times you'll still need to punch and scroll around the face of the iPodparticularly when you're searching for contact or calendar information. A case that opens in the front will make these kinds of operations far more convenient. You should also be able to access the audio jackand, ideally, the data/power port and Hold switchwithout having to disassemble the case.

Design sturdy enough to provide your iPod a reasonable chance of survival, should you drop it

Although an unscratched iPod has its aesthetic benefits, little good it does you if it won't play because you've dropped the poor thing and broken it. The iPod is fairly resilient, but it won't hurt to give it a helping hand by swaddling it in a well-padded case.

Design that makes a statement

Let's face ityou dropped a lot of cash on your iPod. There are far cheaper (and less elegant) music players on the market. Do you really want to encase this jewel in a shoddy-looking case? The iPod is cool. It deserves a cool case.

On the Cases

Realizing that there was a crying need for iPod cases, several companies produced some worthwhile products. When Apple rearranged the design of the iPod and issued the iPod mini, case manufacturers had to modify their designs as well. The move to the fourth-generation design initiated yet another case change. Most case manufacturers now sell cases for the first three generations of the white iPod, and iPod mini cases are more common. As we go to press, the fourth-generation iPod is new on the market, and few cases are available for it (though a case designed for a first- or second-generation iPod will do in a pinch). By the time you read this, the case manufacturers listed below are likely to offer cases for the fourth-generation iPod and iPod Photo as well.

Now let's get down to some of my favorite cases.

Cases by Waterfield Designs

Figures 8.1 and 8.2).

Waterfield offers cases for all white iPod designs but doesn't currently make a case for the iPod mini.

Waterfield has two other carriers for your iPod. The first is the $35 iPod Gear Pouch. Men who are the tiniest bit insecure about their masculinity may shun the iPGP because it resembles a clutch purse. But those who aren't bothered by carrying the pouch will find it a stylish way to store not only their iPods, but also their earbuds, Dock, power adapter, and any other extraneous iPod gear that they typically shove into a spare pocket. The iPod Gear Pouch is mostly black with blue, white, red, and gray highlights.

Proving that Waterfield is more than a little enthusiastic about the iPod, it has even more recently released the $49 iPod inMotion Case (Figure 9.3). About the size of a case designed for medium-strength binoculars, this case is intended for those who wish to truck not only their iPod with them, but also a set of Altec Lansing's $150 inMotion portable speakers (discussed below). The iPod inMotion Case is predominantly black with blue, red, gray, or yellow piping.

iPod mini Arm Band

[www.apple.com]

Although Apple's $29 iPod mini Arm Band provides no protection for the face of the iPod mini, active mini users may find it to their liking. Much like with the iPod mini's included clip, the Arm Band holds the mini securely in place with the assistance of a U-shaped clip (Figure 9.4). "Arm Band" is an apt description for this device. The band is long enough to fit around the bicep of most people. The current governor of California would find it a little snug, however.

Cases by Marware

[www.marware.com]

Marware makes three models of the SportSuit case for the white iPods and three cases and a wrist band for the mini.

The $40 SportSuit Convertible Case (Figure 9.5) includes a shaped lid suitable for storing your earbuds; you can flip up this lid to access the iPod's controls. You can also get to the Headphone jack and Remote jack at the top of the iPod without lifting the lid (though you must remove the cover to access the Hold switch). The case includes a flexible belt-clip system that allows you to remove the clip and attach an armband, belt, bike holder, car holder, or lanyard. (The basic package includes a nonrotating belt clip and armband.) The design features a reinforced back and sides, and the lid is sturdy enough to protect the face of the iPod. It's a good-looking case that comes in black, navy (dark blue), blue (wetsuit blue), gray, red, and yellow. This case is available for all white iPods. Marware also offers a similarly configured case for the minithe Mini SportSuit Convertible, priced at $35.

The 4G SportSuit Basic is a $25 neoprene case designed specifically for the fourth-generation iPod and iPod Photo. It lacks storage for your headphones but does come with a flexible clip system, and it provides access to all the iPod's ports and front controls. Marware also sells the Mini SportSuit Basic for $25.

The $20 SportSuit Sleeve is a much more basic case. It includes a nondetachable rotating belt clip, a pouch for your earbuds, a neoprene exterior (with vulcanized neoprene sides), and a top flap that provides a single hole for access to the audio jack. To access the controls, you have to remove the iPod from the case. It comes in the same colors as the SportSuit Convertible Case. The company offers a similar $20 case for the mini, called the SportSuit Safari. Why Safari? These cases feature a fuzzy exterior in animal prints.

The $35 C.E.O. Classic case (which comes in two stylesone for the first- and second-generation iPods, and another for the third-generation iPod) has everything you'd want in a case: easy access to the front controls and top ports, adequate padding, a plastic screen protector, storage on the lid, and a flexible clip system. (You can put a variety of clips on the thing.) The one drawback is that it comes in a single style: black leather. If you're a vegan or looking for a more colorful case, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Marware also makes a wrist-mounted case for the iPod mini: the $30 Mini SportSuit Runabout. The $35 Mini SportSuit Convertible, which includes an armband, clip, and protective cover, looks like a better deal than Apple's armband.

XtremeMac cases

[www.xtrememac.com]

XtremeMac makes a couple of interesting iPod cases. The first, the $30 Xtremity iPod Accessory System, is designed for third- and fourth-generation iPods and will likely fit the iPod Photo. It features a plastic holster design that can be used with or without a clear plastic cover. This cover has no holes, so you must unsnap it to access the iPod's wheel and navigation controls. The back of the case includes the SecureSlide system for attaching such accessories as a belt clip, battery pack, or lanyard. If you prefer a more traditional look, check out the company's $30 Deluxe iPod Case, which is available in black leather only.

If you have a first- or second-generation iPod, check out XtremeMac's Designer iPod Casea solid case for only $13. Such a deal!

Contour Design cases

[www.contourdesign.com]

If you'd like to show off your first- or second-generation iPod (5, 10, and 20 GB models only) even when it's tucked snugly into its case, check out Contour Design's completely clear, $30 iSee case. The case provides access to the ports and controls; it features a low-profile clip and four small plastic feet on the back (a nice idea if you don't want your iPod skittering across an airplane tray table). Accompanying the iSee is a small white plastic case for the earbuds.

If you have a third- or fourth-generation iPod or an iPod Photo, take a look at Contour's $40 Showcase case. Much like the iSee, the Showcase attempts to show you as much of the iPod as possible while also pro tecting the device. The Showcase's rubber edges make it easy to grip, and the clear front includes holes for accessing the iPod's controls.

Lilipod hardshell case

[www.lilipods.com]

If you seek the ultimate in iPod protection, check out Erock Studios' $40 Lilipod. Resembling an oversize cigarette lighter, the Lilipod encases your iPod in a 2mm-thick, watertight hard plastic shell (Figure 9.6). If you routinely take your iPod skiing or rock climbing, or if you fall way over to the extreme end of the clumsiness bell curve, the Lilipod is the case for you. Once the case is closed, you have no access to the controls or ports. Then again, if you did, it wouldn't be nearly so protective.

iPod Armor

[http://matias.ca/ipodarmor]

Matias' $50 iPod Armor case has slightly less chance than the Lilipod case does of surviving a nuclear winter. Unlike the Lilipod case, this one lets you access the top and bottom ports of your iPodthough not the front controlsonce it's closed. It cushions your iPod with a layer of dense foam.

Matias also makes the iPod Armor mini and Clear iPod Armor mini. These $50 cases look great and offer serious protection to your mini.

Incase Belt for iPod

[www.goincase.com]

Suppose that you want to take your white iPod jogging, to the gym, or on a bike ride. An iPod clipped to your belt may just get in the way. What you might find more suitable is a fanny-pack arrangement such as the one provided by the Incase Belt for iPod (Figure 9.7). As the name implies, this $25 nylon-and-neoprene carrier belt was designed to hold any iPod. Just press the iPod's Play button, shove the iPod into the pouch, belt on the carrier, and start working that cardiovascular system.

No, you won't have easy access to the front controls (though there are special holes cut into the thing for earbud access), but when you're on a cross-country bike ride, you really shouldn't be taking your hands off the handlebars to fiddle with the iPod's controls anyway.

The "anything's better than nothing" solution

A quick crawl through the local electronics mart will reveal lots of other ways to protect your iPod. That padded PDA case will do in a pinch, or perhaps the generic $12 MP3 and MiniDisc player case would work. And if you just want something to keep your iPod from being scratched when you throw it into your backpack, how about that cheap camera case?

The fact is, if you don't care about access or style, you can put your iPod in anything more robust than a paper bag that will accommodate a standard deck of playing cards. Only you know how much abuse you're going to direct at your iPod and the level of protection you need.

Skin Game

Skinsthe thin plastic or rubbery sheaths designed to protect your iPod from scratchesare very popular among iPod owners, and for good reason. Because skins aren't designed to protect your iPod from serious bumps and bruises, they're quite sleek and pleasing to the eye.

That said, I recommend that you purchase a skin only if you promise to buy a real case, too. Skins offer scratch protection only. Should you drop your iPod when it's encased in a skin, you'll get no more protection than if you dropped a naked iPod. To help ensure your iPod's long and productive life, padding is paramount.