Axio Deluxe Case for iPod 5G

Axio’s Deluxe Case for 30GB iPod 5G is at its heart a silicone “skin” case, but, unlike most skins, features a rigid, polycarbonate face; that face is available in five styles — flowers, camouflage, stars and hears, “robot,” and plain white — and protect’s your iPod’s screen behind a clear window. An opening in the face provides access to your iPod’s Click Wheel.

The Deluxe Case slides straight on and hugs the sides of your iPod. The case’s silicone portion covers your iPod’s back and sides. The sides of the case are very thick — the company actually refers to them as “bumpers.” The back of the case features a belt loop. The bottom has an opening to provide access to your iPod’s dock-connector port, while the top features openings for the player’s headphone port and hold switch. Unfortunately, due to the depth of these holes, manipulation of the hold switch is nearly impossible. On the other hand, the case’s headphone-port opening is larger than that of many other cases; all but the largest miniplugs will fit.

If you’re willing to put up with some extra girth around the edges of your iPod, and can overlook the poor access to the hold switch, the Axio is a good, protective case. –Derik DeLong