Review: Case-Mate Leather Cases for iPod 5G and iPod Nano
If I had to name one thing I am always gentle with, it would be my iPod. Some would say I put too much thought into safeguarding it. Maybe it's because I think of it as more as a friend, than just a music player. I rarely go anywhere without it, even if I know it's not going to be used.. it's in my pocket.
I am a 'Mac' guy, and people turn to me to see what I am using, and ask advice accordingly. So, to stay current, I am always on the lookout for a cool new case to sport it in. More than ever, there are more and more cases available for the Mac. People from all walks of life are iPod owners, and each person has a different need.
For the longest time, the only choice was a silicone case & funky colors. Now that professionals are using iPods as portable hard drives, video demos, etc. they are looking for a more 'professional' and 'classy' look. So what kind do people equate with classy? Leather. Apple knows this, and even they came out with a leather iPod case, ridiculously priced at about $100.
Case-Mate (formerly Case-Ari) has identified this niche. They have a line of leather cases for the iPod w/ Video and iPod Nano. Offering eight different colors, you can find a selection that will fit your personality and style.
First Impressions:
When I received the Case-Mate, I immediately noticed the tough outer exterior. The leather is a soft napa leather, but the surrounding impact resistant outer shell provides a solid feeling. I squeezed it on the vertical sides, and couldn't make it flex. I like the reassurance of a rugged case. It's a nice change over the pure silicone cases I am routinely testing.
Contents: a leather case, screen protector & click wheel protector, belt clip, soft cloth, soft card (for getting the bubbles out), and a small screw that connects into the back of the case, so you can snap on the belt clip, and directions on how to use the belt clip.
Fortunately, this is no longer the clip that ships with the Case-Mate, current models are shipping with a redesigned clip. If you purchase your Case-Mate at your local Target store, you are in for a special edition, which contain a special 'Cableyoyo' belt clip made exclusively for Case-Mate. More on that later.
One slight oversight is a lack of assembly directions. There weren't any directions on how to apply the screen protectors, and it certainly would be nice to have some form of reference for a newbie. It's not rocket science, but to a novice it would be a nice addition. The little details are what separates the great from the excellent. I am an old pro, and have put on a bunch of them, so I know a few tricks applying them accurately, so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.
After I applied my 'screen protector' I slipped my iPod inside the case, which by the way is lined with a very soft felt lining. The felt provides a bit of traction so the iPod doesn't fall out, and it also serves as a way to help keep the iPod scratches down to a minimum.
All of the cutouts were precisely the right size. This is very important, because unlike silicone cases, this case has no give whatsoever. It's stiff -- so precision cuts are required. Stitching was precise, and I couldn't find any flaws with it -- it was solid. For a sub $30 case, these are very well crafted -- I was impressed.
Screen protection:
The included screen protector worked as expected. Wipe off the iPod with the soft cloth to remove any fingerprints and dirt. Line up the edges, and then apply the protector to your iPod, and then use the soft card to wipe out any bubbles. The protector covers the full length of the iPod, except for the click wheel. The click wheel protector works the same way, but you apply it separately.
Using the protector is optional, but I highly recommend that you use a screen protector, especially if you have one of the black iPod Nanos, since they will readily show their scratches. The screen protectors are made of a tough self adhesive polymer, and don't leave any residue when you remove them. Over time, you may need to replace it, and you can purchase a pack of 3 from Case-Mate.
Belt Clip - Special Edition:
I have to confess -- I am not a belt clip guy. I buy shorts with deep pockets just so I can keep my iPod with me at all times. I have never carried a cell phone or any other device on my belt, and there is a reason for it -- it aggravates me. Walking around isn't so bad, but anytime I sit down, the clipped device sticks me in the side. For testing purposes, I had to wear the CableYoYo clip around, and luckily, you can manipulate the case with a circular motion, which helps tremendously when you want to sit down. I simply turned the iPod to a horizontal position, and it no longer dug into my side. Simple but effective.
There is one noteworthy concern I noticed while using the CableYoYo belt clip. I found out that it's called a belt clip for a reason. Normally, I hook the clip onto the denim of my pocket, and that generally works pretty well. However, the CableYoYo doesn't provide a bottom lip to 'grab' around the outer seam of the pocket. As easily as it slipped on, it slipped off even easier. Next, I tested it properly, and slipped it onto my belt. This provided a more secure grip, but still with ease, I could take it off. Not necessarily a flaw, but it is something to be mindful of.
The best feature of the CableYoYo clip is the ability to wrap your earbud cord around the belt clip, when you iPod isn't in use. Currently, if you want the CableYoYo belt clip, you need to buy your Case-Mate from your local Target store. On the front of the window on the package, there will be a little indicator noting the inclusion of the CableYoYo belt clip.
Belt Clips... be careful:
If you recall, I mentioned directions on how to use the belt clip were included in the box. Directions on how to use a belt clip? Yea, I was thinking the same thing. Trust me.. you need them. The belt clip that was sent with my sample was from the first generation of the case. It is horrible. In Fact, I had to mess around with it for about 10 minutes to release the iPod. It wasn't just me either, I had other people try. To my knowledge they aren't currently shipping this version with new orders.
If you are buying one of the online versions, you should receive their newly designed belt clip. While it looks much better, has a 360 degree swivel, and appears to be of higher quality..I wasn't impressed with it either.
To attach it to the case, you take the circular part of the clip and screw it into the back of the iPod case. Next, you simply slip the iPod into the belt clip - quick and easy. It makes a click to let you know that it is secure -- or so I thought. During testing, the iPod Nano fell off of my belt 4 times!! Getting in and out of a vehicle, walking the dog, etc. The problem is that the clip easily unlatches. There needs to be more resistance or a release button, something to keep it securely locked into place. I literally could take my finger and 'flick' the nano out of the belt clip.
It's not all bad -- the best part of the clip is that it is very secure on my belt -- it even has the portion of the clip that grips underneath the belt, which keeps it in place. This would be a great clip, if only the case would remain locked into the clip. I tested this clip for about 4 hours.. and when the iPod unexpectedly released the last time, I decided to take it off.
Belt Clip Summary:
I have tried three clips with these cases. The CableYoYo clip proved to be the best. Case-Mate needs to find a design that isn't too difficult to remove, and not so easy that your iPod is potentially going to fall out. 
To be on the safe side, I took the belt clip off, and threw the iPod into my pocket. That's one of the nice things about the Case-Mate, it's versatile, and was designed to be used by everyone. Simply unscrew the tiny screw from the back, and now you have a perfectly flat backside.
Using the Case:
The top of the case is totally open, and initially I was concerned with the possibility of my iPod dropping out. If I held it upside down, I could shake it out a little bit, but overall it was pretty snug in the case. I don't plan on holding my iPod upside down and shaking it on a regular basis, so I think this was an adequate stress test. You never know.. you might be on a roller coaster and forget to put the iPod in your pocket. It could happen.
Stylish:
Style is very important to me. iPods draw attention your way. While people are looking at the iPod, they are also eyeing up your case. Since leather cases are in the minority at this point, you receive even more attention. The question I kept getting was, 'ooh.. is it real leather?'. My response - 'smell it.' If it passes the 'sniff' test, that will answer the question. As strange as that is, you'd be surprised how many people you can get to smell your iPod -). To quote Case-Mate: ''Premium full-grain sheep hides from the world's most respected tanneries constitute the leather exterior of our case.''
My testing found that the leather is smooth and soft, and should hold up with day to day use over an extended period of time.
Dock:
At this time, I didn't have any dock accessories to test the case with. The bottom opening is more than adequate, so I don't think you would have any trouble, but I can't provide any affirmations on that. If you know something that would be pertinent, feel free to tell me your experiences.
Summary
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