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iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?

Hello! I recently purchased my first ever non-disc MP3 player, a 40gb iPod, 3rd generation. Now, I'm currently in the market for a very quality all-encompassing protectivecase (with belt clip) and hi fi portable headphones.

The standard, included, case is servicable, but provides inconsistant protection. I ordered the Jam Jacket on advice from a friend, and am bitterly disappointed by the fact that it does not protect the screen, has no belt clip capacity, cannot be used in conjunction with other iPod cases (such as the included case), and ultimately tends to attract hair, lint, and particles thanks to the rather sticky nature of the material's composition. In other words, it was a $25 piece of garbage.

I'm currently looking into Lajo's iSkin Exo and/or Zip Case. I have a couple of questions, and am hoping that this community could help me out.

1.) Can the iSkin Exo, Screen Protector, and Zip Case be used together, for optimal protection? Can someone please provide a brief explanation on how they work? Lajo's site isn't as informative as I would hope! ;)

2.) I noticed that the iSkin Exo comes with a Zip Case already. Is it the model sold on the other part of the site that comes with the belt clip built in, or not? Because if the iSkin and Zip Case can be used together, I'd still need the Zip Case (which I presume would be the external of the two) to be belt-attachable.

3.) What material, exactly, are the iSkin Exo, Screen Protector, and Zip Cases made of? How durable / shock resistant are they? Are they prone to ripping or stretching? Are they easy to clean? Are they prone to attract particles and dirt ala the Jam Jacket?

4.) I understand that Lajo is constantly revising and improving the iSkin. Should I expect something new very soon worth waiting for, or should I opt for an Exo or Exo + Zip Case combo soon? I'd really love to have a fully functional and working case on hand ASAP.

5.) I'm NOT interested in colors. I want to maintain the look and appeal of the iPod as much as possible. So, what color(s) iSkin, Screen Protector, and Zip Case should I be looking for? I couldn't quite determine which of the non-colored Exos was most neutral as far as color is concerned...

6.) Though I'm not an active sportist, just how shoddy is the iSkin / Zip Case belt clip? I won't exactly be running around or jogging, but I will be using this clip for all day every day, so I do need something durable and supporting.

7.) If someone has any recommendations other than the iSkin, Screen Protector, or Zip Case, I'm definitely open to those too.

Thank you guys so much in advance!
[2785 byte] By [Mejilan] at [2007-11-9 14:07:11]
# 1 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
From what I've been hearing, the eXo is not for you. I've read that the belt clip is plain junk. Due to the silicone material the belt clip stretches it and makes the ipod feel like its on a piece of string. If I were you, I'd wait for Lajo's case made for sports. Not quite sure when its coming out, but he has mentioned it couple times.
Hobo_Phil at 2007-11-15 15:43:26 >
# 2 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
Look at the Booq nappa case. It is gorgeous and is extremely well made. To add to its appeal, there is a 15% discount available now.
Lyda at 2007-11-15 15:44:26 >
# 3 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
Booq Nappa? Is that available from the Gear Guide here? I'll check it out, thank you.

Edit - $45 for a leather case that doesn't even cover the entire surface area of the iPod!? No thanks!

:)
Mejilan at 2007-11-15 15:45:25 >
# 4 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
You may want to look at a few cases.

1. The Marware CEO Classic Case. It's a leather case that has removeable lid and multiple clip options.

2. If you want a skin, then either the Exo or the skin by Speck products. The Speck skin is said to not attract as much dust or dirt as the Exo. However have heard it may not fit the 30/40GB version well as they only make one size.

3. Another option (that I am looking at) is the Timbuk2 case. It's a pouch type. Still researching it but few posts I've found have liked it.

4. Incase belt pouch.

Basically I am looking to do a combination. I will have the Exo skin for normal use around the house and then drop it in case for outside use WITHOUT having to take off the skin. The Timbuk2 and Incase belt pouch seem to be able to accomodate this. Am leaning toward the Timbuk2 case due to smaller size but Incase is nice as well. Don't have either yet so can't really comment on quality of case...yet.
cbb77 at 2007-11-15 15:46:29 >
# 5 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
Thanks for giving me the benefit of your own research cbb. I checked up on Marware and according to their site, their CEO line only fits the 5-20gb models. Some of their other products don't even have any model specfications, and the only shots of iPods I saw are the old 1st and 2nd gen models. So, I'm not too sure about them. Looking into the Timbuk2 one now. Speck looks no good either for me, btw. Thanks again! :)
Mejilan at 2007-11-15 15:47:28 >
# 6 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
I guess I should wait for the xSkn to be unveiled?

Or seek an alternate solution...
Mejilan at 2007-11-15 15:48:27 >
# 7 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
http://www.sfbags.com/

That's what I settled on. Though, perhaps 'settled' is misleading. It's pretty much everything I wanted. :) I hope.
Mejilan at 2007-11-15 15:49:31 >
# 8 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
Going back to the Exo: as mentioned, I don't really get it. They have these ishade things: i know they change the screen color, but how are they applied and do they help protect the screen? And the exo, from what i can tell, is just a rubber sleeve, right? anyone have any answers to these questions or anything else to add about these cases?
GotMilk158 at 2007-11-15 15:50:34 >
# 9 Re: iSkin? Screen Protector? Zip Case?
rubber it is not big different in price and quality of rubber and silicone.
Lajo at 2007-11-15 15:51:30 >
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