I’m a huge fan of Speck’s cases. They always offer great style, excellent value and superb protection. They recently rolled out some new cases for the new iPod touch and iPod nano, and they were kind enough to send along some units to review and then use.
Let’s take a look…
CandyShell for iPod Touch Gen 3
From The Company:
Never before has the flexibility and protection of a soft rubberized case been combined with the durability and scratch protection of a sleek hard shell in a seamless single-piece design… until now. CandyShell’s soft, colorful rubberized interior keeps your iPod touch insulated from life’s bumps and knocks, while the shiny outer hard shell protects it from scratches and lets you slip it in and out of pockets easily.
Lightweight, flexible one-piece design combines the insulation of a skin with the durability and sleekness of a hard shell
Glossy outer hard shell slips in and out of pockets easily and protects from scratches
Colorful, contrasting rubberized interior offers extra shock absorption from drops
Includes cleaning cloth and removable screen protector film for extra scratch resistance
Openings to all ports & controls
Available in two deliciously sweet and savory color combinations
I love the iPod touch’s thin design. It is, in fact, why I have one along with my iPhone. For game play and reading the additional thinness is always welcome. For that reason I tend to use my touch sans case most days. After all, why have a thin device and then add size and weight?
Then again, there are times when you really WANT the added protection. That’s where this CandyShell case excels. It offers great protection while being super simple to put on and take off.
The case has a hard protective shell but a soft interior that babies your touch. Getting the iPod into it is as simple as snapping it into place. Taking it out is just as easy.
While inside the case the iPod’s corners are fully protected. In addition, the case rises just far above the screen that it remains easy to access but buffered when put face down on any surface thanks to the “lay on the table design”.
The Volume and Sleep buttons are fully protected. While they require a bit more force to adjust when the case is on the design still allows for full control of the iPod.
The dock connector is fully accessible.
I like this case a lot. It offers great protection and the easy on/off fits perfectly with the way I use my touch. Best of all, this great protection and convenience comes in a case that looks great.
Normally $34.95 during the amazing Halloween Sale many are just $17.47.
Details and purchase information on Speck’s site.
PixelSkin
From The Company
Amp up your new iPod nano (5th gen) with super-Spexy, classic PixelSkin! Textured, angular design and soft silicone material make for a smooth yet strong grip and a cool armored style. Customized for your iPod nano (5th gen), PixelSkin fits snugly while allowing full access to all controls and features, including the video camera. Film away or flip through your albums knowing that your new iPod nano is protected in style.
Soft-touch tiled pattern offers added comfort and mega-grip
Lightweight design protection without bulk
Access to all ports, controls and camera
The new iPod nano is a sleek player and now with the addition of video it is more useful than ever. Having owned every generation of nano, however, I also know that the diminutive unit is rather delicate. That’s where a case like the PixelSkin comes in.
The PixelSkin offers great bump protection. The added grip provided by the large pixel design makes it less likely that it will slip out of your hand and make friends with the floor.
While in the case the scrollwheel is fully accessible, the video camera is recessed in the case and therefore protected and the lock slider is accessible as well.
In other words, the case protects the nano with no loss of functionality which, after all, is what a good case should do.
If I have any criticism of the case it is that it does not come with any sort of screen protection. With a screen as delicate as he one on the nano this would have been a welcome addition. Despite that one issue, this is one case I highly recommend.
Regularly $19.95, the Black PixelSkin is currently on sale for just $9.97. It is available directly from Speck.