Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
I ordered the Nano Tubes from Apple the same day I ordered my Nano, thinking I would get the Nano and Tubes on the same day. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case, and the iSkin Duo Nano was released before my Nano Tubes shipped, so I placed an order for it with the Cerulean headphones that were 50% off with purchase of the iSkin. Both of the Nano Tubes, and iSkin with Headphones shipped to me on the same day, and I received them the same day.
I was originally planning on returning the Nano Tubes, and keeping what I thought was going to be the superior iSkin. The Nano Tubes came in first, and I decided to try them out. I was actually very impressed with the nano tubes. THey provide absolutely excellent body protection to the ipod, and the feel of it is perfect. I sometimes have to remind myself that it is a rubber case on my ipod, because it honestly doesn't feel like one. It has a very solid feel to it, more so then the original iskin did on the 3G model (the previous iPod I had).
The iSkin came in later in the day, and I took it out of it's case, and was shocked at what i found. The case feels very very flimsy, almost slick in a way in comparison to the texture of the Nano Tube. Getting the Nano in there was a pain, and added quite a bit of heft to the size. THe first layer seems too small to fit the Nano, and was a struggle to get it in there, and getting the inner layer inside the outer layer was just as much of a struggle. Once everything is put together, it felt very very flimsy, almost gelitin like. The iSkin tries to match the attention to detail that the Nano had, like the etched out buttons, and what not, but when the ipod is in there, the buttons don't line up. Whats worse, the wheel cap that is suppose to go over the layer of rubber over the wheel won't let you use the wheel at all, defeating the purpose of having it on there. When i tried to remove the screen protector, it slipped under the skin, and I ended up scratching my nano up just trying to get it off. The "High Definition" head phones sound NO different to the stock head phones at all. No difference, whatsoever. I am returning mine as soon as possible, and encourage the rest of you to stay away from the Duo Skin case.
[2269 byte] By [
vigilantx] at [2007-11-10 22:51:25]
# 1 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
The only thing that kept me away from the tubes because it dosen't have a screen protector
dor17 at 2007-11-15 15:45:53 >
# 2 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
I know what you mean. I'm planning on picking up one of those 3D screen film things at the Apple Store. They are suppose to work well, and are reapplyable.
# 3 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
This is very interesting. I should be receiving my Duo either today or tomorrow. I will have to see for myself what you said is true. My main concern is the fact that I don't think that I will be able to use my landyard headphones with it. So I might have to either modify my Duo's bottom so that the lanyard headphones will fit, or just return my headphones. Most likely I'd return the headphones, even though I love them, but it would be nice to have my $40 back. I really want to get rid of my loading dock, since I know it's going to be of no use to me once I get my iSkin in. I like the look of the Tubes from apple, but like dor17 said before me, I don't like that it doesn't have a screen protector. My nano has some very fine scratches on the screen, but you can only see them if you have it in the correct angle in the light. However, I wouldn't want them to get any worst that they are. I'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for your review. I'll have to post mine here once I receive it.
Kitsu at 2007-11-15 15:47:51 >
# 4 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
The Apple Tubes really are very high quality. They actually make scrolling easier, given the perfect alignment and the different rubber density. The hold switch is easy to use. The dock port is free to use, and it will work with oversized headphones. The feel in the hand is substantial, yet soft and pleasant. They do not attract any lint whatsoever. And the Pink one (the one I purchased from another iLounger) is adorable! Sadly, i couldn't get a whole package of them -- but I'm glad I bought the singleton!
What I did was put the Power Support screen protector on the front and back, and now the whole thing is solidly protected. You can also get screen protectors -- multiple sets of them, actually -- for less than $10, and they definitely do the job. Originally I thought the Nano tube and screen protector would be a good temporary solution, until I got a "proper" case like the iSee, but now I'm thinking that this combo works so well there is no reason to get a case that adds bulk to the Nano.
If you're on the fence about Tubes, and can actually purchase them, I highly recommend them. They are well worth the money, and you will be highly pleased with the results.
# 5 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
Where can I order the Power Support thing you were talking about?
# 6 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
Would you recommend the iskin at all? I don't want the tubes because of the lack of belt clip.
The other case i'm considering is the incase neoprene sleeve, It won the ipod nano case of the year. But user reviews said that it's a pain to get in and out which you have to do to charge and sync it. I'm sure it's easier then the iskin though.
# 7 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
It depends. The iSkin for the Nano was a disappointment to me by iSkins standards. The case feels very very flimsy in your hand, and even more so when the iPod is in it. I personally wouldn't recommend the iSkin at all. It feels very very rushed. The exposure of the Nano Tubes may also be affecting my judgement. Personally, I can't justify paying $30 for one skin that feels like garbage, and is a pain to use, when I can get 5 for $30, that to me, are absolutely perfect. Is the Nano Tube perfect? No. The only real down fall is the lack of a screen protector. I'm planning on getting a film based one though for it soon enough so that is taken care of. The Nano Tubes is what I was expecting from iSkin, and the iSkin was what I was expecting from Apple. I pretty much did a complete 360 in what I thought I was going to like. The iSkin makes your nano, well, not so nano-ish anymore, especially when compared to the Nano Tubes. To give you an idea of what to expect, go find some really really cheap swimming goggles, and feel the eye rim. Not the rubbery goggles, but the plastic. It has a weird, almost slimey texture to it. The Incase sleeves are awesome. I've seen the Leather Folio case, and the wallet, and I've seen pictures of the Neoprene. If it were me, I'd get either a Nanotube or an Incase.
I loved my 3G iSkin, it felt like sturdy rubber. I dropped my ipod plenty of times, and it didn't affect it. The iSkin Nano to me, is a monstrosity. I don't know why they had to do the double layering thing. I actually blame the dual layer thing for it feeling like slimey cheap plastic. The protective wheel is a joke too. It doesn't let you use your ipod while it's on, even though the advertisements say you can.
I have seen the Agent series, and I like those as well, though I wouldn't buy one. They add too much to the size of whatever you use as well. Also try out the XtremeMac iConz cases. they look good, and protect the screen.
# 8 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
so the iskin cover for the whell is bad?
because i was think about to get this case
# 9 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
the wheel cap? I didn't care for it. iSkin claims you can use the click wheel with the wheel cap in place, but it isn't true. You can basically click, but not scroll
# 10 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
Well now after reading some of the ppls responses I won't buy the iskin
dor17 at 2007-11-15 15:55:08 >
# 11 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
Originally posted by vigilantx
Where can I order the Power Support thing you were talking about?
powersupportusa.com/products/
# 12 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
Ok, I received my iSkin Duo last night. Overall I think that it is a great case. It gives you the best possable protection that is avaivable for the nano. The only thing that is exposed is the hold button. I admit it has some tiny flaws, but you would have to be a totally anal person for it to drive you crazy. But then again most of you nano owners are (omg, if I turn my nano at a 39.7 degree angle directly under a light, I can see a scratch).
First off, the 'inner' skins tries to mimic the click wheel. I was able to line up 2 of 4 of the outlined Menu, |<<, >>|, and >|| buttons. So two of them have a slight double image effect, while the other two look crystal clear. I really think they could of left the outlines out.
Secondly is the click wheel cover. It's a cheap piece of plastic that is not needed either. However, to those of you that say that you can't scroll with it, are full of bs. I admit you have to get used to it at first. Pretty much, you just have to apply a slight extra amount of pressure to get it going. It's not nearly as bad as everyone is making it out to be.
Lastly it's a lint whore. But just about any case made out of silicone will be.
Overall this is a fantastic case. It's does add a slight amount of bulkiness, but not really. Pretty much it adds 2mm on all sides, it's still tiny as hell. The screen protector is heavy duty. The belt click is outstanding. I was very skeptical about using a belt clip, but I used it last night while working out, and I couldn't even tell that I can it hanging from my waist. The belt clip has a very tight grip, so I didn't have to worry about it falling off. If I were to go by ilounge's rating system, I'd give the iSkin Duo an A-.
By the way I got the Artic Frost. It's a very clear baby/sky blue color. It pretty much looks clear with the bluish color outlining the nano, when you look at it straight up. I'll probably eny up ordering either the Carbon Blast or Sonic Boom within the month, so I can switch things up as little.
I have no doubt that the Apple Tubes are great, but I have yet to see on in person. So I can't compare it right now.
Kitsu at 2007-11-15 15:57:04 >
# 13 Re: Nano Tubes vs. iSkin
I don't know. I may have liked the iSkin if I hadn't opened the nano Tubes first. I decided to give it one more try before mailing it back for my refund.
Here is my final thoughts on it, after looking at it with a clear head.
The primary reason I got a Nano, as opposed to any other iPod was that for me, it was finally small enough to be in my pocket, but not felt. I use to carry a Tungsten E, 10GB 2G iPod, and a Nokia phone that was massive. It was a burden to carry my stuff around, considering I wear jeans so often. I got rid of my Tungsten E, and Nokia, and replaced them with the Motorola Razr, and use the PDA capabilities of the Razr, since I had such little needs for a full functioning PDA. I WAS using a 3G iPod 20GB, with an iSkin on it, because at the time, the iSkin didn't add a noticeable amount to it's overall size. But I could still feel it in my pocket. I got the Nano, and I have been using the iPod sock with it, and I now carry everything and don't even realize it. It is great. I can put the Nano Tube on my iPod, and I still don't feel it in my pocket, even with the sock over that. The iSkin is a totally different matter though. I can definitely feel it, and it is a struggle to get it out of my pocket. It's the texture. The Nano Tube has a much more rigid feel, which is probably why it is easier to get out of my pocket when not in the sock.
Everyone has different needs. Personally, I am going to get the 3D Film cover for the Nano, plus the Nano Tubes. It will give me everything I need.
I will be looking at the Agent 18 case once they start shipping. The images I've seen looks like a good hard case that doesn't add a lot to it's size, which sounds great. For now, I am happy with my solution.
