Belkin Neoprene Sports Armband for iPod nano 3G (Black/Gray)
by Belkin
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List Price: Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Belkin Neoprene Sports Armband for iPod nano 3G (Black/Gray)
Customer Review: Major usability weaknesses drag down what would be an otherwise high score.
Summary: 3 Stars
I got the Belkin armband when I purchased my iPod Nano 3G a few months ago since I would primarily be using the iPod while walking for exercise. My experience using the armband several times per week over the past 2 months is as follows:
High points:
1. The armband is much more comfortable than the AM/FM radio armband I had been wearing previously; it is easily adjustable and allows a secure fit without being painful/overtight.
2. The armband appears to be well made and of quality materials.
3. The plastic window of the armband protects the iPod from moisture/damage.
4. If I'm walking in my neighborhood, the key pocket is a convenient and secure place to store my house key.
Low points:
1. I have had substantial difficulty changing the volume of the iPod while it was in the armband--I find it nearly impossible. I may get lucky and the volume will change once in 10 times when I try.
2. I have had substantial difficulty in using the scroll button (to move up and down menu lists) while the iPod is in the armband. My understanding is that I was supposed to be able to perform the same operations on the iPod while it's in the armband pocket that I could when it isn't in the armband, but all I've been able to do successfully while it is in the armband is switch to the next song (or back) and turn the iPod off. For everything else, I must unplug the earplugs and pull the iPod out of the armband, perform the necessary operations, put it back in the armband and replug the earplugs; this is TREMENDOUSLY inconvenient while I'm walking.
3. If I am not walking near home (i.e., if I drive to the beach to walk), the armband key holder isn't nearly big enough for my car key.
In summary, the armband is well made and comfortable; if I was just reviewing that alone, I'd probably give it 4 or 5 stars. But the weaknesses in USABILITY of the iPod WHILE it's in the armband are substantial in my opinion and create a real ineffectiveness for me since I am using the iPod/armband combo for exercise (i.e., I don't want to stop once my heart rate is up to unplug the Nano, pull it out of the armband, perform the necessary operations and put it all back together).
Edited on 07/27/08 to add that the velcro on my armband has started to unravel already--the armband is brand new! I suppose it is because I have to pull the first part of the velcro through the fastening loop to get it to be tight enough around my arm to not slip down. Still, it's ridiculous for something to start falling apart within two months when I don't even use it every day.
Customer Review: Runner's Best Friend
Summary: 4 Stars
As an avid runner I had been looking for a way to bring my music along without having to hold my ipod in my hands during my workout. I saw people at the gym often using these, so I figured that it would be a good investment. OVerall, I love the armband and without it I would be back at holding my ipod in my hand, so I really could have given this product five stars. However, it had a number of downfalls that I would have liked to have known about before I made a purchase.
The biggest problem that I have with the armband is that it is too tight. While it is adjustable, for it to stay in place, the elastic feels like it cuts off circulation especially when I am working out hard. After the first fifteen minutes of my run I am in discomfort. Another downfall of the armband is that the thick plastic cover makes it difficult to make selections to change the song or volume on the ipod. Not a big deal if you have a set playlist, but if you change your mind mid workout, then you will probably just have to take the ipod out of the case.
However, the good out weights the bad with regards to this product. It is made of neoprene so it is waterproof and can protect the ipod from sweat or if you get caught in the rain. The velcro is also easy to adjust. There is also a pocket on the side for a key, which I use especially when I go on a run outdoors. If you are also using the armband outdoors during a night run, there is even reflective tape as an extra precaution. In addition, as a female I enjoy keeping the armband on while I am at the gym so that I can avoid any men that are overly friendly. This product is necessary for anyone that loves the combination of music with their workout.
Customer Review: The best one I've ever seen for the 3G
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the Belkin armband after buying a cheap Chinese model from a discount website. It was fine, for the $$ (a buck-fifty, if I recall?) but the Belkin is in a completely different class.
The iPod is inserted through a thick rubber slit in the rear, not slipped in through an open top. This slit will be pressed against your arm when wearing the band and gives the device an excellent degree of weather-protection. (I probably wouldn't try jogging with mine in a downpour, but I'll bet some people do, and this looks like it would hold up just fine.)
The tightness is infinitely adjustable via a continuous strip of Velcro material, versus the economy model I have, which comes with Velcro 'dots' only every inch or so.
I love the thoughtful slit for carrying a house-key, as many exercise outfits are not equipped with pockets (cycling shorts, in particular).
The perimeter of the plastic front window is edged with a high quality reflective border, making you more visible in dark, or low light, situations.
The bottom includes access openings for both the earphone port, as well as the hold switch.
All-in-all this is the best thought out and manufactured product I've seen of its kind, and I expect it to perform well, and last for some time.
~Dane
Customer Review: Sturdy Product And Mine Takes a Real Beating!
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this Belkin Armband from Amazon and received it at a great price with free & fast shipping.
I worked at a job that had alot of physical labor involved. I used this just for my iPod Nano3G. Kept the Nano in perfect mint condition. Plastic protective view cover was just thin enough to let you work the wheel and controls without to much trouble. I have the exact same cover as this but it's for the iPod Classic. It is bulky but then so is the Classic strapped to your arm!! The plastic cover on the Classic version is much thicker and I have a very hard time working the wheel or controls on it but this Nano version is great.
I've actually have had two of these Nano bands. The first one I literally wore it out from putting it on/off so many days and it got all frayed looking, plus from pulling it so tight around my arm it finally broke the metal strap part of it. I had liked and used it so much and that is why I bought the second one again instead of some other brand.
The present one is getting all beat looking to but it still works great and after a couple of years of hard use and bad environment the Nano still looks in mint condition. I would highly recommend this arm band but not sure if they even still make it or not here in 2010 since the Nano has changed shape again.
Customer Review: Almost right
Summary: 3 Stars
I like this product because:
1. It allows me to tightly secure the band on my arm and I don't get slippage.
2. At the risk of being called a 'wimp' (6 feet 162 lbs), I have no problem with the band being too snug.
3. It is easy to get the player in and out of the holder but it is secure and snug once it is in.
4. I can adjust the volume and select songs on the go.
My issues with the band...
1. The plastic they have used for the outer protective layer of the holder is so thick that the nano usually doesn't respond when you try to use the wheel to control volume. It takes quite a bit of messing with to get it to work. Sometimes I have to remove the iPod to make the wheel respond to my touch. That can be really frustrating and now that I've had the band for a few months, I find it more and more annoying.
2. The metal part of the band that you thread the band through is too narrow. The result is that the velcro catches on the metal and makes it very difficult to thread. Little by little, the velcro is starting to tear off the band because the metal catches the edge every time you put it on. Why couldn't they have used hard plastic with rounded edges instead of a metal piece with sharp edges?