Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black)
by Speck Products
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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 Speck ToughSkin Rubberized Case with Belt Clip for 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G (Black)
Customer Review: Fits 7G iPod as well
Summary: 5 Stars
I ordered this, hoping that it would fit my brand new 7G 160GB iPod. It does. Apparently the iPod is a little thinner than the previous 160GB, requiring a rubber shim (included) in the back of the case. To my mind this is a good thing, since it gives the iPod a little more cushioning. Some may complain about the bulk, but it's no larger than my old 60GB in its case. It will still fit easily in a pocket.
Protection looks good. The screen protector has a little gasket to keep it from scratching the screen. We'll see how that works over time, but it appears to stay in position without slipping around. I have no trouble operating the click wheel either. The belt clip has a sturdy spring along with a quick-release button.
Like most other cases on the market, you'll have to remove this one if you intend to use the iPod in a dock. Not a problem for me, but it might be for others. My need was for a tough case that would allow me to operate the iPod without having to open a front cover. So far, so good.
Update, Aug 27, 2010: I finally got the test I'd dreaded as my iPod hit the floor. It fell about three feet onto industrial carpet (concrete 1/4" beneath) and then took a bounce. After uttering some unpleasant language, I took the iPod home and ran a number of tests (including a full surface check with TechTool Pro). No errors and so far, no misbehavior. A fall like that can crack a circuit board, which will typically manifest itself in intermittent errors. That may turn up over time, but at this point my faith in this case has been strengthened and I'm raising my rating from 4 stars to 5.
Customer Review: Great Protection
Summary: 4 Stars
This case adds some industrial strength protection to your Ipod. I love that it keeps the Ipod from sliding around in the car, on the plane, off your desk, etc. Not only is it durable but it can also take some abuse. The openings for all of the ports make them easily accessable but I don't think you could use it with any type of docking station. There is also an opening for the control wheel.
The are a few drawbacks that keep me from giving this item 5 stars. First is the fit and the protective window. Since this thing is made to fit the 80,120, and 160 GB classics it comes with an insert that is marked for the 80 GB version. When I put my 120 GB Ipod in this case it was a loose fit and the window would not even begin to stay in place. So I put the insert in and it fits much tighter now, the window is pretty secure but the whole thing is also thicker now. Not a problem for me but some people might not find it appealing. Like other people have said your best bet is to put your Ipod in the case a leave it, the rubber at the top of the protective window is not very thick and will distort easily allowing dirt and dust to get inside the case and scratch the screen.
The belt clip is also a drawback, this part of the case seems like it was made by a totally different company, it seems very cheap and I don't know how much I trust it with $225 worth of Ipod swinging around on it, even though this case would probably save the Ipod if the clip failed. It is just a chance I don't want to take.
Customer Review: Keeps iPod safe and secure, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
Bought this to protect my iPod Classic 6th Generation (160GB). Eligible for free delivery (over $25) thru Amazon from mygearstore.com; was delivered a day early- kudos for that!
I have read reviews before I bought this stating it loses its shape quite easily. I find that true: when sliding the iPod in (and installing the screen protector) the slilcone unavoidable stretched, at the top lip of the "screen window", maybe 1/16 of an inch. Not a big deal now, but this could become a bigger issue of the iPod is removed and re-installed (not planning to do that any time soon).
I have not tested how durable (or reliable) the case will protect, but am confident that it will keep my iPod safe and secure. The rubberized texture prevents it from slipping from your hand, and the screen protector is solid; no need to worry about scratches on the iPod screen itself. One drawback: the case prevents smooth passage into (and out of) pockets; the slilone exterior "catches" on the fabric. This can be overcome with a small turn of the hand (back and forth) while inserting into a pocket. But, constant catching and "pulling" in and out of pockets could potentially increase the loss of elasticity (as mentioned above). I could utilize the belt clip, but that is not practical for me, so I removed it.
This item should keep you iPod safe and cozy, but might not fit the way it used to after a while...
Customer Review: Great case. Not so great belt clip.
Summary: 4 Stars
The case is 5 stars.
The only new thing I have to say about the case is that I really like the fact that the button for the belt clip is anchored inside the case. Most of the other cases I've owned have had the button glued to the case - and, sooner or later, the glue weakens (usually resulting in the cased Ipod falling to the ground).
The actual plastic alligator clip is not so great -- 2 to 2.5 stars because it isn't very durable.
I've had two clips fail for the same reason. To open the clip so you can slip it over a belt, you need to press on two extensions at the top of the clip. Both clips failed when one of the extensions cracked - so that the clip could not be opened.
Since I had to order replacement clips from the manufacturer, I know how long each one lasted.
Clip 1 -- 49 days before failing
Clip 2 -- 40 days before failing
To be fair, I use my Ipod a lot. I operate the clip at least a dozen times a day. Even so, I don't have a crushing grip.
The case can, of course, be used without the clip. But having the attachment button sticking out of the back of the case actually makes it a little inconvenient to shove the case into a pocket.
The replacement clips are relatively cheap (around $2 each when I ordered them) but with shipping, the cost is around $5 each - depending on how many you order.
Customer Review: Nice case, strange clip
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a really cool case for an iPod Classic (I'm using it with a Classic 160GB iPod). It is, incidentally, black as described--I'm not sure why the photo has such a brownish cast to it. It is a dark, matte black. It protects the iPod really well, but doesn't seem to interfere with operation.
The case is great, but I got it because it was one of the few cases with a belt clip, which is how I like to wear my iPod. The clip is strange--a kind of whitish plastic that doesn't really go with the black case, and it's really big and awkward looking. And it protrudes rather clunkily from the case--almost an inch. So your iPod is going to be hanging at an odd angle if you wear it on your belt. There seem to be no instructions on how to attach or use the clip. I could figure out how to attach it easily enough (it slides onto a bit of metal that protrudes from the back of the case), but it took me a while to figure out how to secure it (there is a sort of button or lever at the top of the clip that must be pushed when sliding the clip onto the case; releasing it will secure the clip).
It's a mystery to me why it seems to be so difficult to make a decent iPod case with a built-in belt clip. Until such a thing comes along, this one will be okay. It's a cool-looking case with a dorky-looking clip, kind of like a Harley with training wheels.