Those wanting a simple yet fashionable case to protect their 5th gen iPod nano need look no more than Griffin’s iClear Shade case.

The case is a two-piece snap on plastic shell that is easy to apply. While all snap-on cases may take a bit to align every corner properly, with this case it was easy to do so. The case leaves the top and bottom of the nano completely free for headphones and dock connectors and easy lock access, so it makes life a little easier to take off when necessary.

The case also has a built in screen protector, so users don’t have to worry about scratching up the screen. This case also seems to be much tighter than others, so there isn’t any visible space that dust can sneak through to under the case. This can also be because of the case being open only and precisely on the click-wheel, so there isn’t any space directly beneath the screen. The hole for the video camera is also precise and spot-on – no extra, unnecessary space here.

The case itself is just a basic clear case, however Griffin decided to make even such a simple case stylish. The bottom half of the case begins to fade to a black – meaning that when it’s put on any color iPod, the bottom will fade into black. It’s a splash of style on what is traditionally a basic plastic case.

So those that are looking for a simple case yet want something trendy without being super noticeable should opt for the Griffin iClear Shade case.

Original article: Beatweek Magazine

Have you ever wanted to add some flair to your iPod nano but was afraid to have something permanently on it and commit? With Contour Design's new iSee Inked cases, that is no longer a problem.

This iPod nano 5G case is a simple, 2-piece snap on of clear plastic but with one special thing - 'inked' designs on the clear plastic that will add some instant style to your iPod! With the various designs inked onto the plastic, once the case is on your device, it will look like a naturally etched design on the device itself, but without the permanent damage.

While giving the device a bit of artistic flair, the plastic is pretty durable for everyday wear-and-tear. It offers full body protection, including the screen. Whereas other cases will leave the screen part open, this one covers the screen with its plastic, so there isn't really a need for a separate screen protector. The case leaves the access ports open and easily accessible - no need to remove the case to sync the device.

Now, while the 2-piece snap design of the case is convenient, it can be a bit tedious when first installing the case. It took me several tries to get the corners to snap together and be aligned properly. The first few times I kept noticing that there was a space left in one of the corners. Nothing serious, but a bit time consuming to get it perfect.

Since this is clear plastic, scuffs will also show up on the exterior. But not much can be done about this, and it is better than getting the device scuffed up. I did notice though, that there would sometimes be some dust or lint that manages to get stuck inside the case, showing up on the plastic where the screen is. This would mean that there's enough space for little particles like dust to get in, and the only way to get rid of such particles is to remove the case, clean, and put it back on.

For what it's worth, Contour Design has a good case here, despite the minor annoyances. The designs alone make it worth the money. It will certainly let your iPod nano stand out amongst the crowd, where iPods are everywhere.

3.5 / 5

Original Source: Beatweek Magazine (formerly iProng)]]>http://appleisms.com/product-reviews/rss-comments-entry-6622662.xmlCasesLuxecaseiFrogziPod nanoiPod nanoiProngreviewChristine ChanWed, 03 Feb 2010 11:15:24 +0000http://appleisms.com/product-reviews/2010/2/3/ifrogz-luxe-ipod-nano-5th-gen-case.html345106:5696198:6543779 

For those that have a 5th gen iPod nano, a case to protect the device should be high on the list. With a wide assortment of cases to choose from, finding a good case can be hard. But for those that want simplicity, there's the iFrogz Luxe case.

The iFrogz Luxe is a simple 2-piece snap on case that consists of a clear plastic shell for the top half of the nano with a rubberized bottom half for the scroll wheel and video camera on the back. The two pieces slide into each other until it snaps closed, so installing it on your device is easy enough. Removal is just as easy - pushing the black piece down will allow the clear piece to slide right off.

The design of the case is meant to keep it simple - clear on the top to keep out of your way, and rubberized grip on the bottom where your hands will be to control it. The rubber has a soft-to-the-touch feel, but it won't get dust and lint stuck in it's grip, so it's pocket-safe. Both pieces allow for access to all ports without having to take the case off, so the iPod can be synced or docked, though the case will add some bulk to the device so for speakers and other peripherals, it may need to come off.

The only cons with this case is that the clear plastic will show scuffs easily and there is also no built-in protection for the screen. The Frost version of the Luxe will disguise the scuffs a bit more than the clear plastic. As far as leaving the screen exposed, dust particles can be getting stuck on the screen constantly, and even sneak under the edges of the plastic. So be wary.

Overall though, this is a simple case that provides decent protection from everyday wear-n-tear, and it's stable enough for drops with the secure sliding enclosure lock.

3.5 / 5

Original link: iProng Magazine

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Magellan Premium Car Kit is a solution to fit any iPhone or iPod Touch user that has the Magellan Roadmate app or any other navigation app from the iTunes App Store.

The biggest plus about this car kit is that it can be adjusted to fit all iPhones, regardless of whether they are in a case or not. From naked iPhones to those in body films such as the InvisibleShield and the like, and to those that are in silicone skins to hard cases (and all in-between), most of them will fit into the Magellan Premium Car Kit without any trouble (maybe not huge things like the Otterbox Defender case).

The car kit has a built-in additional GPS receiver so that it enhances the device's GPS signal. And it actually works. In a spot where I normally did not receive a clear GPS signal and had to wait until I got one again, with the car kit I was actually receiving a clear signal. Navigation went without any problems.

There is an enhanced noise cancelling speakerphone so that any calls that are made with the phone in the cradle is crystal-clear sounding. There is also an amplified speaker with volume control to enhance the voice guidance. These worked well in my tests, as it was normally hard to hear the directions without raising it up all the way. Calls were clear sounding with the noise-cancellation as well.

There is a Bluetooth feature on the car kit, though I was unable to try it out myself as I lack a Bluetooth headset. But this feature will allow those with Bluetooth the freedom of hands-free calling.

The unit is very secure with the suction cup on the windshield (optionally your dashboard), and the ability to rotate the device to portrait or landscape modes is very useful. There is also a 3.5mm audio line out so it can be connected to the car stereo system, as well as a car charger to mini-USB port so the device can charge while it's within the cradle. A LED at the bottom of the unit will let you know the status of power and Bluetooth.

For the iPod Touch 2nd gen owners, you'll be glad to know that this car kit can turn your iPod unit into a portable GPS system, though the Magellan Roadmate app is required in order to do this (unsure of other navigation apps).

For $130, this may seem a bit tough to swallow. But if you are serious about your iPhone being your all-in-one convenience tool, then you should consider picking one up. It only enhances the experience of making your iPhone your GPS system.