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Volume Number: 23 (2007)
Issue Number: 02
Column Tag: iPod

Some of Our Favorite iPod Cases and Accessories

The choices are plentiful. Here are some of our favorite finds.

by Neil Ticktin, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

As anyone who has been at the last few Macworld Expo's will tell you, Expo has a ton of exhibitors that are showing iPod related products. For MacTech readers, it's generally not a matter of if you have an iPod, it's how many? We thought we'd tell you about some of the more interesting or favorite iPod cases we came about at Expo.

RadTech Sleevz for iPod:

RadTech has been making great Mac and iPod stuff for years. The Sleevz product is a simple, clean form-fitting protective sleeve to protect the iPod case, display and controls. It fits an iPod like a skin, and doesn't add to the size of your iPod. There are "windows" for port access. You can use the controls directly through the sleeve case. The display is protected through a clear, double-polished 8mm vinyl display window. The case does not come with a clip, but you can use it with the Apple-supplied iPod clip cases -- it just fits inside.

And, the Sleevz itself is made of RadTech's Optex Super80 material. If you aren't familiar with this material, it's RadTech's "specially formulated" fabric that you can use for optical-grade polishing. In other words, it will safely clean, polish and even buff marks away. We've been using these fabrics in their laptop products for years, and it is simply a terrific material. Price: $20.95. For more information, see http://www.radtech.us/Products/SleevziPod.aspx

iSkin Claro and Claro Special Edition

The Claro iPod case is a clear polycarbonate case with an iSkin silicone layer to provide shock and surface protection. The hard case is scratch resistant, and adds only minimally to the size of the iPod. The click wheel stays functional, while still protected. iSkin has an innovative low profile, combination belt clip and "kick stand" on the back of the Claro. Price: $39.99 for iSkin Claro, $44.99 for Claro Special Edition (black and red). For more information, see http://www.iskin.com/claro/

Krusell Music Series Premium Leather Cases:

If you are looking for a case that's very functional, yet professional looking, you may want to take a look at the Krusell Music Series Premium Leather Cases. These cases are well constructed with high-end styling. They are made of genuine top-grain, drum-dyed Swedish leathers. Inside, they have micro-fiber surfaces to prevent scratching of your iPod.

But, aside from the styling, what really is interesting about these products is Krusell's "Multidapt low-profile mount system". This is a universal mount system that can be used with over 25 Krusell Multidapt accessories ranging from windshield holders to arm straps to car hold kits to swivel and bike clips. Price: $22.95. For more information on the iPod case, see http://www.radtech.us/ and for more information on the Multidapt accessories, see http://www.cases-cradles-cables.com/

iSkin eVo3 and eVo3 Special Edition

The eVo3 is a silicone protector combined with an ultra-clear, scratch resistant screen and face protector. The silicone protects the click wheel while staying completely functional. The front face plate gives full frontal protection of the iPod. The finish resists scuffs and scratches. Once you put it on your iPod, it stays in place well. The belt clip is made of a low-profile polycarbonate and rotates to give you the best angle ... even with the larger iPod Video.

The eVo3 works with Apple Universal Dock, so there's no need to take the eVo3 off when you want to dock. Price: $34.99 for iSkin eVo3, $39.99 for eVo3 Special Edition (black and red). For more information, see http://www.iskin.com/eVo3/

TRAFFICJamz Wireless FM Transmitter + iPod Charger

FM Transmitters for your iPod have been around for a long time. Newer Technology, however, has combined a charger, and the wireless FM transmitter, into a simple, low cost solution. It's basically, literally plug and play. Plug it in, connect it to your iPod, select the frequency, tune your radio to that frequency, and play. It works at a distance of 3-10m, which is more than enough for car use. The output frequencies are 88.1 to 107.9 Mhz. Price: $34.95.

For more information, visit http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTechnology/TRAFWHT/

NuPower ViDEO+

If you're looking for your iPod to be untethered for a longer period of time, Newer Technology has a rechargeable battery pack for your iPod Video. You can use it either as a way to extend your viewing/listening time to 16 hours of extra video viewing, or 80 hours of extra music. Or, you can use it as a way to charge your iPod Video's internal battery (provides up to three full charges). It charges using your existing connections and cables. And, it comes with a matching detachable & rotatable belt clip and silicone protection sleeve.

Price: $59.99.

For more information, visit http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BATIPVPLSSV/