Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black)
by Speck Products
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Speck ProductsBrand: Speck
Edition: Electronics
Model: IC-BLK-TS
Publisher: Speck Products
Studio: Speck Products
Music Label: Speck Products
Product features:
- ToughSkin is one of the most protective cases around that gives you full access to all controls
- Case allows full access to headphone jack, hold switch, scroll wheel, and bottom port
- Removable screen protector constructed from clear, hard plastic with a soft rubbery ring around the back
- Removable belt clip included
- Designed for both the 80 GB and 160 GB iPod classic
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black)
Customer Review: A great protective case for your iPod (as long as you don't need a fancy looking case).
Summary: 5 Stars
The Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black) is a great way to protect your iPod against the everyday wear-and-tear as long as you are not looking for a posh looking case OR you can deal with the looks of this one.
Let me explain why I'm saying this. The case seems to be mostly made for practical purposes, those are: protect your iPod physically and (hopefully) last you for a long while but it can make your iPod look like a Husky or Tuper tool that belongs in a toolbox, which is why I jokingly call this case "a macho case" among my friends who own iPods.
The case is made of hard rubber that seems perfectly able to stand bumps and gentle hits, I wouldn't recommend tossing your iPod with this case against the ground and expect it to bounce back at you intact but it could make a critical difference between a good scare and a good cry if (heaven forbid) you ever drop your iPod to the ground.
The case has holes to expose the places you'll be using frequently (Click Wheel, headphone port, Hold button) and the connection port, which means you don't have to remove the case everytime you plug the iPod to the computer. Unfortunately at this time I haven't been able to test it while using a docking station yet to check if the case obstructs or not, but once I do I'll update this review.
The case comes paired with a protective screen for the iPod's screen (obviously). The iPod's screen seems to be just as fragile and easy to scratch as the LCD screen of my DSLR, which means that covering it with something hard is practically a must in order to avoid light scratches, hard scratches or (heaven forbid) a cracked LCD screen. The protective screen covers the ipod's screen completely and appears that Speck wanted that the screen and the case formed a kind of seal around the LCD screen but I don't know why it doesn't complete the seal the area around the screen in my case. there is space everywhere except at the bottom of the screen, no matter how much I press the rubber around, it will move away from the place where it should stay put.
One drawback from the screen protector (as with most of them) is that it can create glare that makes the screen hard to see, this is mostly noticeable when using a low power output of the LCD screen or if you check the ipod for the time. Personally I find this a nuisance I can bear, because I prefer the screen protected than having it exposed.
Finally, the case brings a clip you can remove. The clip allows you to carry your ipod at your waist or other places. You can remove it by pressing a spring in the same clip and it disattaches from the rest of the case. The only thing left is the plastic where the clip attaches but it's not too obtrusive.
There are two things that you must observe with this case:
1) The iPod classic (in my case, a Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (7th Generation) NEWEST MODEL )will not fit on it's own within the case, it will be thinner than the case. Fortunately, Speck provides you with a rubber thin plaque that compensates for that extra space and the iPod won't dance around inside the case with it. As a plus, it provides a bit more protection to the back of the ipod, which is where the HD is located, therefore a sensitive location.
2) The case increases the overall size of the iPod. This may pose a problem if you like to carry the thing you in your pockets or in narrow places.
Like I mentioned in the beginning of my review, the look of this case is more of a tool found at a workshop than a cool-looking accessory. If you're looking for a case that will make the iPod look as an item from a sci-fi movie, you'll have to look elsewhere. The case is designed with practicality and safety of the device it will hold in mind.
So far I've been very pleased with the product, it has kept my iPod safe so far and it doesn't seem it will break anytime soon, which is something I wanted to avoid. I've seen very cool looking cases breaking or cracking too easily with mild use and I didn't want to be replacing the case every 2 months. So far I've had this case for a month but if I have any problems with it in the long run, I shall report them here.
If you favor practicality over looks and want a case that will protect your ipod from bumps, scratches and small drops, I seriously recommend checking this case out. I find it has more pros than cons, but it's ultimately up to you to decide what you want in a case for your iPod.
In the meantime, I recommend this case.
EDIT (Feb 4th 2011): After having taken out my iPod for cleaning and having inspected the case a bit more closely, I've found a few things worth mentioning:
1) The clip holder that's left if you remove the clip can also be removed, you just press against it so the clear plastic part will cross to the other side and it's off, so if you'd like to use the case without the clip, you can actually do it. The hole left is covered by the plastic plaque.
2) The plastic plaque works better if the side with the Speck logo is facing down and the smooth side is the one touching your iPod's back.
3) Regarding the LCD protection screen: After having looked at it more closely, I've realized that it has a groove on it that acts as a gap between the protective screen and the LCD screen of the iPod itself. I'm thinking that this was done in case that if the protective screen was cracked, that the impact wouldn't reach the LCD screen. This is smart thinking by Speck I think.
There is another plus; usually protective screens for LCD screens that have a gap allow for dust to get inside that gap and eventually attach permanently to the LCD screen because of the static build up they gather over time. Today I had to remove the protective screen to check the LCD screen and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was completely clean and unmarked. This is because the protective screen is surrounded by a thin black plastic that acts like a gasket and seals the area around the LCD screen, so there is no way dust can enter to gap left by the protective screen. Remember that I mentioned above that the rubber of the case doesn't seem to create a gasket around the protective screen although it looks like it was intended that way? Well, the protection has that gasket, so even if the rubber of the case doesn't cover the edges of the protective screen, your LCD screen is still protected. Another plus point of this case.
I recommend this case even more after having realized all this.
More Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black) reviews:
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Description of Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black)
Get style worthy of an iPod, and the protection your iPod needs with Speck cases. The Speck iPod Classic ToughSkin gives tough, great-looking rubberized protection against scratches and impact for your iPod Classic. Comes with a convenient belt clip. Available in Black and Clear.If you like to show your iPod classic tough love, then this is the case for you--and your player.
Made from a strong, tear-resistant material, the ToughSkin boasts rubberized corners to provide extra protection from life's little bumps.
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