Orbino Corsa iPod Touch and Sonata iPod 3G Nano Cases

I have used many well-made tech-toy cases from around the world over the years. The Corsa for the iPod Touch and Sonata for the Nano are the first cases by Orbino I have ever tried. If first impressions are as important in cases as it in the real world, Orbino leaves most others behind.

Orbino’s initial presentation is excellent. The cases came in sturdy, well constructed boxes.

Once the box top is removed, you are presented with a soft monogrammed cloth that surrounds and protects your handmade case. The velvet soft material could easily be used as a cleaning/polishing cloth.

Orbino Corsa iPod Touch Case

I have tried several Beyza pouches and the Vaja i-volution Top Holster to protect and transport my iPod Touch during my travels. The Orbino Corsa is the first open-faced case I have tried. It is nice combination of both types of cases; providing constant protection while not having to deal with the screen cover. Obviously, the lack of flip cover does mean less protection for the screen.

The Touch easily slides into the form fitting case from the top, adding little bulk to the device. The fine Italian leather
has lacquered edging and is hand-stitched. The Old-World craftsmanship is distinctive and very well done.

Once inserted into the case, the Touch is held in by a leather strap that snaps to the back. The ‘Home’ button is recessed and takes a little getting use to if you normally have direct access to the face of your Touch.

The sides of the case are hand stitched to the back, providing good protection to the sides of the Touch. The upper 15% of the device is exposed on the sides and top of the case.

Both the power button and WiFi antenna are exposed making it easy to turn the Touch on & off.

The bottom is very well protected while still allowing access to the earphone jack and sync connector. And while the sync cable fits into the opening with ease, the opening for the earphone jack initially took a bit of convincing. But with use has become easier to insert. Initially the edges around the screen were not flush with the front of the Touch. Over time the edges have layed down as the case has broken in.

The hand stitching is very nice indeed. Once again, the old world styling is a nice change.

Orbino includes a well engineered, removable belt clip, crafted in Florence and is definitely the best belt clip of any case I have ever had. It enables you to wear it either horizontally or vertically. Orbino also includes a decent screen protector that slides between the device and case.

Corsa Review Summary:

Product Requirements:
Apple iPod Touch

Manufacturer: Orbino

Price: Starting at $99

Pros:
– Quality leather
– Old world
craftsmanship
– Hand stitched
– Lacquered edging
– Perfectly fitted for the Touch
– Includes screen protector
– Good protection
– Does not add bulk to the device
– Very nicely engineered belt clip

Cons:
– Expensive
– Initially some of the edges do not sit flush against the device

Sonata 3G iPod Nano Case

Like the Corsa, the Old World charm and craftsmanship are the first thing you notice about the Orbino Sonata case for the third generation iPod Nano.

The Sonata has a tighter fit than the Corsa, but has loosened with time. However, it does take a good bit of force to remove the Nano from the case. The screen and scroll wheel have cutouts for easy viewing and control of the device.

The Sonata has a loop for attaching a lanyard. I typically do not wear my iPods around my neck but for those who do, the lanyard that Orbino includes with the case is the nicest one I have seen.

The leather wraps around sides of the Nano and is hand stitched into place. The edges are lacquered and nicely finished.

The leather wraps around the top of the Nano as well. Overall, the sides and top are very well protected. Only a small amount of the upper corners of the device are exposed.

The bottom of the Nano is completely exposed. Allowing easy access to the hold button, sync connector, and earphone jack but provides little to no protection to the bottom.

The only case I have ever used with my 3G Nano is the Incipio slipper case or more typically, no case at all. I will be using the Orbino Sonata for the foreseeable future. I like how it fits, access to the Nano’s controls, connector, and styling.

At $69 and $99, the Sonata and Corsa are definitely more expensive than most other cases out there (to include Vaja) but if you are looking for a stylish, distinctively crafted case I do recommend considering Orbino.

Sonata Review Summary:

Product Requirements:
Apple iPod Touch

Manufacturer: Orbino

Price: $69

Pros:
– Quality leather
– Old world
craftsmanship
– Hand stitched
– Lacquered edging
– Perfectly fitted for the 3G Nano
– Includes leather lanyard w/metal pendant
– Good protection
– Does not add bulk to the device

Cons:
– Expensive