Das Blau iPod nano wrap

Das Blau’s iPod nano wrap may appeal to the fashion conscious looking to find a case for their nano that will match their chic Italian leather wallet, but it’s a little short on the features of convenience that some might look for in a case.

The case’s construction is simple: a piece of genuine leather with velcro closures that wraps around the nano. Inside is a clear plastic sleeve with an open top and bottom. You slide the nano into this sleeve and it clings to the nano. A tiny leather flap at the bottom is supposed to prevent the nano from slipping out, but it seems a little small to expect it to perform such an important task; thankfully, the plastic sleeve clings tightly, as it’s most of what keeps the nano in place.

The main downside to the Das Blau Wrap, as with many cases of this type, is that the nano’s front controls are inaccessible while the wrap is closed. You can, however, access the hold switch and, of course, the headphone jack. Once opening the case, it’s easy enough to use the nano’s controls through the plastic sleeve, though the clinging does tend to create small bubbles of air that can make it hard to read the screen. On the upside, the thick leather and closed nature of the case makes it an excellent choice for those looking for protection with a little bit of style.–Dan Moren