Pacific Design Contour Sleeve

Pacific Design’s Contour Sleeve fits both the first- and second-generation iPod nano. It will appeal mainly to those looking for a slick leather case, and those people should be pretty happy with it. Still, it has a few shortcomings that you might want to take note of.

The Contour Sleeve comes in your choice of two-tone color schemes: either black with a gray stripe, or pink with a white stripe. There’s a flexible-plastic screen protector built into the case, and openings for your iPod’s Click Wheel and hold switch. The bottom of the case closes using a Velcro tab that keeps the nano in place after you slide it in, and there’s also a carabiner clip for attaching the case to a belt, bag, etc.

My major complaint with the Contour Sleeve is that, despite its name, it doesn’t really “contour” to the iPod; the case’s loose fit makes the svelte nano seem bulky. It’s also fairly easy to push the nano too far into the case, resulting in the Click Wheel and screen not lining up with the corresponding openings in the case. The carabiner clip is also made out of plastic that feels less durable than the metal version we’ve seen on other cases. Finally, the lack of protection for the Click Wheel is a minor strike

Overall, the Contour Sleeve is a decent leather case, but it’s not so attractive or so packed with features that I would automatically recommend it. –Dan Moren