Belkin Leather Flip Case For iPod w/ Dock Connector Case MP3 Player

Author's product rating:   

Sound Quality	Satisfactory
Comfort	Good
Looks & Design	Excellent
Durability	Excellent
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Sturdy but light and protects the pod
Disadvantages:	No access to controls while in case

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

While I'm more than happy with my ipod there has always been one aspect that bugs me a bit. Where are you meant to put it while in the process of being mobile?

Choice is basically in your pocket - or leave at home!

So being a keep fit type of guy, this was a challenge. I've always felt a bit nervous having this in my shorts pockets when in the gym - just waiting for it to fall out if I get over enthusiastic. Then there would be tears, I'm sure.

So when buying my latest ipod, I decided to address this concern.

I found this Belkin carry case in John Lewis, Edinburgh and it looked just what I was after.

The case comes in various shades - there's black, balck or if you rally prefer, there's black - as you can tell from the photo - and interestingly has dimensions marginally larger than the ipod. I suppose this extra millimetre or so is planned to allow you to squeeze the ipod inside. Clever that, huh?

Anyhow, you slip in the ipod until the screen is visible through the plasticky screen on the case and then fasten closed with the aid of two discreet side velcro thingies.

Then basically that's it.

There is a pretty sturdy clip on the back for attaching to a belt or trouser/skirt/shorts waistline. That solved the portability aspect and can't wait till I try it out at the gym.

The other interesting feature of this is that you actually don't have to fully remove the ipod from the case to dock/recharge batteries or any of that stuff. There's a gap in the base of the case for the charger to fit. When docking, you do need to unfasten the velcro and let the front come down - ipod still secure though in the case.

There's space to the top of the case for the earphones - handy else there'd be little point if you coudn't listen! and also access to the 'hold' button.

The case is leather and very soft leather at that - not that that's a problem, adds to the quality of the finish.

Because the case is sturdy, it does provide added protection should you drop it - the very reason I wanted one - being nervous about that potential eventaulity.

I paid £19.99 at John Lewis which I think is fair - especially as I saw something very similar but not leather on-line for £30.

I would recommend this for anyone who wants to protect their ipod and have it a bit more portable.

Note: I am lost as to why Ciao ask me to rate the sound quality of this. It's a case - yes a case. To my knowledge, a case does not make any sounds - although I'm not going to experiment. I have rated it satisfactory on sound for no other reason that it would be wrong to say poor.

John Gordon 2005