Expert's Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
Carrying case for second-generation iPod shuffle and headphones.
Looking for a way to store your second-generation (2G) iPod shuffle and earbuds without the tangled mess? Speck’s TechStyle-Puck is a hard-shell carrying case designed to do just that. Inside the Puck is a plastic cradle for the 2G shuffle; the player snaps gently into the cradle for secure storage. You then wrap your earbuds around the cradle, which includes two notches for securing the cable ends. Close the Puck, zip it up, and your shuffle and ‘buds are protected.
The case itself is quite sturdy. Although I wouldn’t recommend standing on it with an iPod inside, I sat on it and dropped my laptop bag on it several times to no ill effect on the case or its contents; it should be more than adequate for throwing inside your bag. A fabric loop and included metal carabiner let you clip the Puck onto a bag or belt loop.
The Puck is a bit bulky compared to the 2G shuffle itself, but the Puck’s size lets it accommodate most earbuds and canalbuds, as well as many in-each-canal headphones; only the largest in-ear-canal models wouldn’t fit in my testing.
One side note: I mentioned that the shuffle snaps “gently” into the Puck’s cradle. In fact, gently enough that if you place a shuffle in the case by itself, it can slide back and forth in the cradle when the case is bumped and bounced. However, when headphones are also stored inside, the cables keep the shuffle from moving around. (And, to be fair, there’s little reason to buy the TechStyle-Puck if you don’t plan on storing your headphones in it, as well.) –Dan Frakes