Product Requirements:
Device:
Apple iPod 4th generation 40gb
When I upgraded from my 3rd generation iPod to a 4th generation model, I was very surprised that Apple didn’t include a slip case with it. Not that I was going to actually use one, but still! When you have a nice shiny new iPod, every fiber of your being tells you to protect it. I wasn’t about to just chuck it willy nilly into my gear bag! No sir, I was going to put it in a Vaja iVod case! Unfortunately, I had to wait awhile before said case arrived, but when it did… happiness ensued.
I love Vaja cases. Yeah, I know they are crazy expensive, but they aren’t your typical iPod case… Vaja cases have a style all their own and the new iVod Remixed case does not disappoint. Available in an insane number of colors, these cases are custom made when ordered. That means you have to wait at least 20 days before they will ship to you after you place an order.
For my review case, I picked Caterina Cedar Green for the top and Caterina Moro for the bottom. I didn’t request a belt clip as I wouldn’t be caught dead with one hanging from my jeans. I don’t wanna be Batgirl ;o) But for an extra $4, you can add an Ultra clip.
Last year I reviewed the iVod case for the 3rd gen iPod. I loved that case because it was play through and different than all the other iPod cases on the market. The only problem with the older version of the iVod was that the clear plastic front shield cracked between the buttons. There’s no worries that this will happen with the iVod Remixed, as there are no longer any individual buttons on the front of the iPod.
The case is constructed of a front and a back which can be either the same color or different, for a two-toned effect. Where the two sides meet, there is a seam, but no visible stitching. While the back of the case is hard and flat, the front is slightly poofy as it has just a bit of padding.
The iPod slides in through a top opening and is held securely in the case. So securely, that it is pretty hard to remove it the first time. After use, it does become easier to insert and remove the iPod, but not enough to ever cause the iPod to fall out accidentally.
When fully inserted, all the features of the iPod are accessible. The top of the player is open so that accessories that use the earphone and remote jacks (iTalk) can still be used.
The front has two main openings. A circular one for the touch wheel, and a square one for the display. Both cutouts are perfectly aligned. The touch wheel cutout is open of course, while the display cutout has a clear plastic protector over it.
The bottom of the case has a rectangular cutout for the docking cable. That’s right, your iPod while in this case, will not fit in the docking cradle. No real harm though as the cable easily clicks into place when you need to charge or transfer new tunes.
Workmanship on the iVod Remixed is perfect. Seriously, I can’t find a single flaw to complain about. Now I have no qualms at all when I chuck my iPod willy nilly into my gear bag. The iVod protects it from all my everyday abuse. Short from dropping the iPod on its ‘head’ into gravel, this case should have no problem keeping your favorite audio player in excellent condition for days, months and years to come.
Product Information
| Price: | $70.00 - $104.00 |
| Manufacturer: | Vaja |
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| Cons: |
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Written by Julie:
So what’s wrong with being Batgirl? Batgirl kicks butt. 😉
No really, though, I’m curious as to where other female gadgeteers keep their “wearable” gear when they have to keep it close. (I’m assuming we don’t all run around in Scott eVest clothes 24/7).
For instance, I listen to music on my Tungsten T2, but my jeans pockets are too tight to stick the PDA in, so I usually end up carrying it (as awkward as that gets).
I’m waiting on mine to arrive. I chose all white to match the iPod.
wondertwinzz:
If I’m wearing cargo pants, I put it in one of the pockets. Otherwise, it’s in my gear bag or on my desk most of the time.
Ditto! :0)
Unless I am at the dentist’s – then it is tightly gripped in my sweaty hand… :unsure:
I ordered one for my 4g 40G iPod in all black. I am a HUGE Steelers fan, and wanted one in Gold and Black, but oddly enough, they didn’t have one in a gold front and black back. It would have been perfect too, as Gold, Black and White are all Steeler colors… Oh well… All black is good.
The biggest problem I have with the case is that I can no longer use my dock with the case, and the iPod is near impossible to take OUT of the case once its in. Mine just won’t give the device up!
Have either of you been able to get your iPod in and out of the case without wanting to toss it across the room; and if so, HOW?!
Black is quite good. I ordered mine in all black, with the belt clip.
The belt clip, for the record, is very good. I’ve even found that the clip I have for my cell phone (also an ultra clip) works for the case. That way, I don’t have too many devices hanging from my belt. 😉
I’ve yet to try and get the iPod out of the case, noticing how snugly it fit when I crammed it in there to begin with. I miss being able to use the docking stand, but it’s not that big a deal, since I can connect the cable through the case.
It just takes some wrestling to remove it. It was the same for the 3g version that I had. Now it’s pretty easy to insert and remove.
I have wrestled with it for an hour or more at more than one sitting, and have only been able to get the device out once. very, very frustrating…
I also got the new rivit clip system with the case, and have found it to be much more reliable than the ultra clip that I had on a previous Vaja case. The only problem that I have with the new system so far is that you CANNOT remove the case from your belt with one hand. I have to do it with 2 hands, or I contort myself into a number of different and rather interesting positions…
Maybe you need to work on your finger muscles 😉