Xtreme Roundup: iPod Cases from XtremeMac

Xtreme Roundup: iPod Cases from XtremeMac

XtremeMac has blossomed into a major force on the iPod accessory scene over the past year or two, though I'm not quite sure what happened to the "Mac" part of their operation. No matter - the XtremeMac folks have been turning out some very clever, eye catching, and innovative iPod gear as of late, and were rocking a huge booth at last January's MacWorld San Francisco expo.

So what to do when a box full of the company's current line of iPod cases - no fewer than six of 'em - lands on your doorstep? Test 'em out and round 'em up, of course. Here's a roundup review guide to XtremeMac's Class of (early) 2006 iPod Cases:

Note: Most of the cases below are also available in nano-sized versions. Check XtremeMac.com for availability. Compare prices at PCPrices/Mac.

Iconz for iPod with Video

Pros: Batman, Bart Simpson, Dwayne Wade ... Dress Your iPod Like Your TV Heroes! Bottom Dock Access.
Cons: No Belt Clip. No Frills.
In Sum: Cute, Clever, a Little Pricey for What You Get.
Pricing: $24.99-29.99
More Info: Product Page

The Iconz series of iPod cases are officially licensed, limited edition sleeves featuring logos and images of everyone from Batman to basketball stars Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. The sleeves are made from silicone that allows for "click-through" control of your iPod's click wheel and features top-panel control cutouts and an open bottom panel that makes it easy to dock your iPod while it's still in the case. While thirty dollars seemed a little pricey at first for a very minimalist sleeve (the sports models are only $25), Iconz are all about the style and kids, sports fans, and other pop culture mavens are sure to get a big kick out of them. That being said, the sleeves do provide a nice snug fit and good protection against scratches. The Batman model sent to me has very stealthy style and is well made. A belt clip option might have been nice, but a removable hard plastic screen protector is included.

Microshield for iPod with Video

Pros: Hard Plastic Protects Your iPod; Two-Part Case is Versatile
Cons: Review Sample Had Some Trouble Staying Snapped Shut; Belt Clip Doesn't Swivel
In Sum: New Take on the Hard iPod Case
Pricing: $24.95
More Info: Product Page

The Microshield is a hard plastic case that comes in two sizes for the 30- and 60 GB iPod with Video. Unlike other hard plastic iPod cases, the Microshield is a two-piece design with front and back plates that snap together along the sides of your iPod. The front and back pieces can be used alone or together, and two back pieces (one with and one without a non-swiveling belt clip) are included. I had some trouble getting my review sample to stay snapped shut, but this seemed to be a manufacturing defect and not a design flaw. The open top and bottom panels may not appeal to some, but they did make it easier to dock my iPod with the case on.

Microglove for iPod with Video

Pros: See Through Screen and Wheel Covers Provide Full Protection; Sporty Look; Carabiner-Style Clip
Cons: No Top-Panel Access to Hold Switch
In Sum: Mountain Climber? iPod Owner? Here Ya Go!
Pricing: $24.95
More Info: Product Page

The Microglove is a neoprene and microsuede case that comes in a one size fits both iPod with Videos style available in five color combinations. XtremeMac sent me the black and gray model, and while I liked the rugged, sporty look, several of my friends sure didn't. Beauty's in the eye of the beholder, but the fact that the one-size case was a little too loose around my 30GB iPod wasn't in doubt. Neither was the fact that while the velcro-secured case provides full-body protection for your iPod, the lack of a Hold switch cutout made it pretty difficult to flip that key toggle on and off.

Microfolio for iPod with Video

Pros: Leather. Looks Like a Wallet, Holds an iPod.
Cons: Leather. Looks Like a Wallet, Holds an iPod.
In Sum: Some People Dig the Leather Look, Some Don't. Well Made Case, in any Event.
Pricing: $39.99
More Info: Product Page

Tuffwrap//Accent for iPod with Video

Pros: Snug Fit; Click-Through Wheel Protection; Open Bottom For Docking.
Cons: Um ... Just Not My Style.
In Sum: I Love My Sleek, Sexy iPod. This Case is Neither Sleek nor Sexy.
Pricing: $29.99
More Info: Product Page

Iceframe for iPod nano

Pros: Clever and Cool. Interchangable Parts in Colors. Solid Protection.
Cons: Not for Everyone. Confusing for Some, Even. No Belt Clip.
In Sum: I Like This One.
Pricing: $24.95
More Info: Product Page

This is something a little different, and it's a cool idea. The Iceframe is a hard shell plastic case for the iPod nano that comes with four interchangable sets of color accent posts and wheel rings. So while the case is always clear and your nano is always either white or black, sometimes your posts can be red and your wheel ring blue. Or your posts white and your ring black. Or your posts four different colors and your wheel ... well, you get the idea. Fun. Wish it had a belt clip. Headphone jack is a little small and didn't work with some third-party phones.

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Get the best price for your new iPod at PCPrices.net/iPod

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Noah Kravitz is the Reviews Editor for PBCentral. A writer, educator, and musician, he lives in Oakland, CA and is the author of Teaching and Learning with Technology.