Sena iPod nano MagnetFlipper

Keeping your iPod nano protected is one thing. Keeping it stylish is another. Cases that allow you to do both are few and far between, but the Sena iPod nano MagnetFlipper manages to accomplish just that. This full coverage leather case keeps your nano resting comfortably and accessibly, despite a few minor quirks.

The case is simple enough: a pleasant-feeling leather sheath with a small flap that covers the lower two-third of the nano, leaving the screen visible through a clear plastic window. The construction is of good quality; the back, front, and flap of the case are all sturdily rigid, providing a degree of cushioned protection, and the stitching is even and subtle. Inserting the iPod into the case may take a little effort at first, due to the leather’s stiffness, but after a while, the material softens and the process is much easier. Likewise, taking the iPod out does require a bit of pushing and pulling from both sides, but it’s also reassuring to know that the nano fits snugly inside. The flap that covers the controls is firmly secured with a pair of strong magnets embedded in the leather. While it’s easy enough to flip the protector down with one hand while holding the nano in the other, the strength of the magnets makes it a slightly more challenging operation with one hand alone, and I would caution against trying to do so while using the iPod in your car, or during any task that requires your full concentration.

With the flap up, the iPod’s dock port is inaccessible, and the nano is not dockable while in the case. However, with the flap down, it’s easy enough to attach a sync cable, or even a third-party adapter such as SendStation’s PocketDocks. The headphone jack is available with the flap up or down, though if your headphone plug is bulky or L-shaped, you may need to adjust it in order to open or close the flap.

While there is a cut-out provided for the hold switch, the way that the leather bunches up around it means that those without long fingernails may have trouble operating the switch. Then again, as the flip cover is fairly sturdy, it’s unlikely that anything will trigger the iPod’s controls while the cover is closed.

All cases add some bulk to the svelte nano, but I found the MagnetFlipper’s increased thickness perfectly acceptable; after stowing it in a pocket, I still forgot the nano was even there. If simple and sleek is the watchword, the Sena iPod nano MagnetFlipper fits the bill. –Dan Moren