idee iPod Skin

The idee iPod Skin is a silicone “skin” case for 5G iPods. An adhesive, thin-plastic shield is included to protect your iPod’s screen. The iPod’s Click Wheel is exposed for easy access, but that also means it’s unprotected. The top edge of the case is also open for insertion of the iPod and for headphone port and hold switch access.

The back of the case provides two slits that allow you to thread your belt through, and the top has a small loop for use with a lanyard (not included). Your iPod’s dock-connector port is accessible behind a small flap on the bottom of the case that folds back. The sides of the case are much thicker than the other case surfaces — partly because of thick “gripping” ridges on each side, but also because of a groove on the right side designed for wrapping your excess headphone cord around and a slab of thick rubber on the left (apparently added to keep the case balanced). The added bulk on the sides of the case makes your iPod feel very different, more like a PDA than an iPod.

idee’s iPod Skin’s main feature, the headphone-cord groove, can be both appealing for convenience purposes and unappealing because it adds so much bulk to your iPod. If the latter is not an issue for you, this is an excellent, functional case. –Derik DeLong