7 March 2005
by Noah Kravitz
Reviews Editor

iPod Protection for the Trail or the Streets

Marware was at MacWorld in January, showing off their extensive line of Laptop and iPod cases. I had previously reviewed their SportFolio PowerBook sleeve back in 2002, and have been a fan of their products ever since. They were kind enough to send samples of their newest iPod cases for review: the TrailVue for 4G iPod, TrailVue mini, and MetroVue "Guy Pack" for mini.

Marware's TrailVue series are foldover iPod cases made from rugged nylon with a stylish striped design. The $34.95 4G Case features a black and red design to compliment the U2 Special Edition iPod, while the $29.95 TrailVue for mini is sized to fit iPod's smaller sibling. Both cases feature a mylar sleeve that secures the player inside of the case while allowing access to the click wheel and screen, and a headphone opening so you can use your iPod while the case is closed. A velcro closure secures the case when shut, and Marware's excellent Multidapt clip system allows the case to connect to the included spring (belt) clip or a host of optional accessories including bicycle and dashboard clips.

I'm very impressed with the TrailVue. iPod cases seem to come in three flavors right now: Fabric cases, skins, and hard shell cases. Fabric cases offer a nice blend of lightweight style and protection, and the TrailVue series' sturdy nylon construction provides both. The nylon exterior of the case wraps around the iPod's sides on the 4G version while the mini features clear mylar sides to "show off" your iPod's colors. The difference is minor, as both models offer ample protection from scratches and bumps -- Marware did an excellent job with the construction of its TrailVue cases, and the Multidapt system is a unique value-add, especially if you use your iPod at home, in the car, and on foot or bike.

TrailVue for mini is available in seven color combinations, including the very handsome gray/red sent to us. TrailVue for 4G is only available in "U2" black/red, though Marware does make a host of other cases that fit the 4G model.

The MetroVue series of cases for iPod mini are something of a budget line. Priced at $39.95 for a three-pack, MetroVue offers a way for the fashion-conscious iPod mini owner to have a case to go with every outfit (or get a single case on the cheap by splitting a pack with two friends). The MetroVue is very similar to TrailVue in style and design, but is made from a noticeably thinner nylon exterior casing. Closer examination reveals other construction differences, including silkscreened stripes where TrailVue's are stiched in, lack of a rubber grommet around the headphone opening, and a few other missing details that seemingly help to keep costs down.

MetroVue is by no means a badly made case, but at $13 or so each you do get what you pay for. Where TrailVue represents one of the better fabric cases you can buy for your iPod, MetroVue is more of a light duty accessory, notable for its fun three-pack marketing -- the cases are available in "Guy Pack" and "Girl Pack" color schemes.

All of Marware's products are available direct from the Marware Store and also from major electronics retailers (compare prices at PCPrices). Items purchased direct form the online store feature a thirty day money back return policy.

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Noah Kravitz runs the Technology and Culture blog Threebase.com. He is an educator, musician, and writer who lives in Oakland, CA and is the author of Teaching and Learning with Technology.