Incase Leather Sleeve

Incase’s Leather Sleeve is a no-frills case for the iPod classic that lets you see the iPod’s screen, as well as access its Click Wheel and dock-connector port, without having to remove the player from the case. Your iPod’s screen is protected by a layer of clear plastic. The iPod slides into the case through the Sleeve’s top and is held in place by a velcro-secured leather strap.

There’s a leather-covered belt-clip on the back, and the case itself is form-fitting and slick; there’s no unnecessary weight or bulk, although the front is more like a solid panel, extending slightly from the edges of the iPod to protect it from cosmetic damages that may come from a fall or bump. On the other hand, the leather on the case’s face is a little flimsy and weak. The area above the Click Wheel, for instance, protrudes outward, bending the plastic covering the screen and exposing the iPod to dust. The screen plastic is also easily dirtied, making it susceptible to finger smudges and dust particles.

All in all, though, the Leather Sleeve–which comes in black, green, purple, and brown–is a good, professional-looking protector for the iPod classic. –Dan Pourhadi