difusi nanoValet

Typically I use a lanyard with my iPod nano, so I don’t have much need for an iPod case, but I was taken recently with a new case from Kansas City peripheral maker Difusi. It’s not very often that I’m impressed with a company’s product before opening the packaging — usually only with Apple products — but the nanoValet was able to pull that off thanks to impressive polish and finish on the packaging.

A nice looking product doesn’t necessarily equate into a great overall product, but my first impressions of the nanoValet turned out to be correct. After opening the nanoValet, I discovered a very soft black leather case. (I’m not a big fan of neoprene sleeves or hard plastic or metal cases — I want a regal-looking case to match my iPod.)

The iPod nano fits snuggly in the nanoValet, but not so tightly that you’ll have trouble getting the iPod out if you need to. The flipcover fully covers the front of the iPod and snaps into place easily using a magnetic clasp. With the cover closed, you have access to the iPod’s hold button on one end and the headphone jack on the other. When opened, the iPod’s scroll wheel and screen are exposed. (Although you do have access to all of the iPod’s ports while encased in the nanoValet, you can use the dock connector only when the flipcover is opened.)

Something else that impressed me about the nanoValet is the options the company gives you for carrying it around with you. The nanoValet comes with a belt loop, key clip, removable hard plastic holder with spring clip, and an eight-inch carrying strap. –Jim Dalrymple