iPod Armor vs. PodPaq
After dishing out that much for a 3rd gen, 10gb iPod there was no way I was not going to get a case. There was also apparently no way I was going to make up my mind which one, so I ordered both. This is my first iPod (and obviously the first case).
Round 1: iPod Armor by Matias (http://halfkeyboard.com/ipodarmor/).
I ordered the Armor case August 28th, it arrived September 3rd via UPS. $49.95 + $10 freakin' dollars for shipping. When I first saw it, I was surprised how big it looked even in the plastic case. You better be one of those baggy-pants people to carry this thing in you pocket often. Once the iPod was placed inside, it didn't quite so big anymore. There was hardly any room leftover inside. I've never handled a 30GB iPod, but it must be a close fit.
Once the iPod is in there, it is not going anywhere. The foam lining on the inside keeps the iPod firmly in place. There were no problems accessing the Hold switch or headphone jack on top. The metal case locks firmly in place and does not look like it is going to open on its own anytime soon. To remove the unit, you have to push up slightly on the plastic piece and then push the iPod forward with your index finger. I found it a little difficult at first, but I think with use the foam will gradually loosen and take the shape of the iPod. I had a PDA case (http://www.saunders-usa.com/rhinoskin/prod.cfm?cat_id=5011&prod_id=5089) very similar to the iPod Armor case and once the foam lining broke in the PDA snapped right in place. Also, remember I am giving this thing the kid glove treatment in case I have to return it.
I don't see how there is anything else that could give the same amount of protection as this metal coffin. The metal does not give much so you should not be able to smash the iPod inside. It also does not add too much more weight IMO. The finish on the Armor is not polished smooth but not what you would call rough by any means. Either way, it seems like the case may get scratched up over time.
One immediate complaint may be button access once the iPod is locked up in the case. True. You better have a remote if you plan on using this case. It is too hard to open one-handed. You might as well just drive into a tree first and get it out of the way. And if you just leave it open, then what is the point. Also, while I do not see how this case could have been made smaller, it definitely adds some bulk.
I like it. Since I usually have my iPod thrown in the man-purse with a bunch of other stuff or in the car, this was just the kind of case I was looking for. On the other hand, the PodPaq has a flap that lifts up and possibly eliminates the need for a remote. The PodPaq is supposed to arrive on Friday.
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~rregets/ipics/armor_003.jpg
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[3204 byte] By [
yo$$arian] at [2007-11-9 13:44:28]
# 2 Re: iPod Armor vs. PodPaq
Next, yo$$arian will compare a SUV and a sports car for us :D.
I won the PodPaqNappa, although I probably should have bought it earlier myself. I'm not so hard on my equipment that the Armor would be useful for me, and I got the Best Buy warantee just in case.
The things I like about the PodPaq:
* secure beltclip
* removable flap allows scratch/light impact protection or easy access
* light magentic clasps to hold down flap are easy to work with
* iPod easliy removed from case for charging/syncing, since Apple recommends not charging in-case.
* the logo is radially symmetrical, just like my initials (MOW)
# 5 Re: iPod Armor vs. PodPaq
Round 2: Podpaq by booq (http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=58)
This one took a few day longer to deliver since it was out of stock when I ordered it.
If I was surprised at how big the iPod armor was, then I was really surprised that the Podaq was even bigger with the cover attached. Regardless, it still looks smaller for some reason. The nylon material seems durable. Overall, the case was put together well and looks like it should stand the test of time. It would probably make a good case even without the removable cover.
The magnetic closures that keep the flap closed hold firmly, but are easy to flip open single-handed. The headphone/remote opening at the top of the cover is simply a hole cut in the material. An oval was cut out of the outside layer of material. A slit was made in the inner layer. It is still easy to poke the headphone jack through and plug it in. Why couldn't something similar have been done at the bottom of the case? The firewire opening is cut out of the elastic which makes up the sides and bottom of the case. I have to figure out some way to seal this opening since we all know better than to charge while in the case, right? The belt clip knob on the back does not stick out that far. You hardly notice it whent the case is laying flat.
One of my main worries for this kind of case was that the iPod would bounce around inside and fall out easily. Wrong. The inside is lined with leather which keeps the unit firmly in place. My 10GB model fits inside almost perfectly. I assume the elastic sides of the case would stretch to accomodate the 30GB iPod. The iPod is easy to remove, but not so easy that it slides right out. Unless I am missing something, the inside pocket is nearly worthless. Except if you just don't plan on closing the case. Maybe a better idea would have been to have the pocket on the outside. The button cutouts allow for easier access by touch only.
One gripe so minor it hardly bears noting: When in the case the iPod sits down in the case a tiny bit too far, the button and wheel cutouts do not line up exactly right.
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~rregets/ipics/podpaq_004.jpg
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Verdict: Podpaq. It easier to handle and easier to look at. Plus, I already have a metal case for my PDA - a necessity to protect the potentially fragile screen. The last thing I need is two metal cases banging around all the time. Why don't I drag some tin cans around behind me too. Also, the not quite smooth finish of the iPod Armor case bugs me for some reason. And it doesn't hurt that the Podpaq is notable cheaper too. I was also concerned with heat buildup in the Armor case over the long-term, regardless of the manufacturer's claim that it should cool better in their case. The Podpaq is more of what I am looking for. If you don't mind a little extra bulk, you can't go wrong with the Podpaq.
