Speck Products FunSkin Cloud for iPod nano

Like its sibling, the FunSkin Grass, Speck Products’ FunSkin Cloud is intended to bring a whimsical slant to your iPod case. But whereas the FunSkin Grass resembled kiddie-toy Bristle Blocks, the FunSkin Cloud looks more like something produced by the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man in cahoots with the Michelin Man. Oh, and I guess it kind of looks like a cloud too.

Featurewise, the FunSkin Cloud is pretty much identical to the FunSkin Grass. It has openings for the top controls; dock port and headphone jack on the bottom; and Click Wheel and screen on the front. A hard, clear-acrylic screen protector is provided; you fit it in place after sliding the nano into the case. There’s also a removable swivel belt clip that clicks onto the back of the case.

Although the cloud-like texture of the case doesn’t extend as far as the grass on the FunSkin Grass, the material is still thick enough to protect your iPod from scratches, dents, and drops. It’s also grippy enough to feel secure in your hand when you’re holding it. The screen protector is a welcome addition, but, as with the Grass, I wish that Speck had included more robust protection for the Click Wheel; it’s recessed into the case, but an adhesive film cover would have been welcome. The belt clip is useful, but it adds a fair amount of bulk, and the swivel mechanism rotates freely so it won’t stay in whatever position you turn it to.

Overall, the FunSkin Cloud is a solid case for a good price that will not only provide protection to your iPod, but also make it stand out. It’s easy to recommend, especially for Ghostbusters fans. –Dan Moren