[d00d]

I've been looking around for not only replacement earbuds for my iPod, but a case. The included one is fine, but I'm constantly pulling the iPod out of the case to press the buttons. I also worry about sitting my iPod in the cupholder in front of my radio for use with my iTrip. I've been looking around and the iSkin Exo2 seems really nice. However, you can't use the iTrip with it and there have been some reports of the plastic screen protector actually scratching the area around the screen where its feet sit. I've also read about a DLO Jam Jacket case, which uses similar material, but lacks any screen protection or belt clip. On the upside, it allows the iTrip to be used with it. I like the silicon/latex material that's being used in these products but there are tradeoffs. The Xtremity also looks nice and gives access to the iTrip (or at least it looks that way), but it uses regular old plastic and rubber and seems to add bulk. Does anyone have any recommendations. I'd prefer some rubber to a leather case.
D'oh! I posted this in the wrong forum. Chris, could you move this to the portables forum?
Thanks Chris.

[Chris Breen]

Sure, and I'll drop in a recommendation as well.
I'm keen on the iPod Case from Waterfield Designs.
Chris

[Peter]

d00d,
You want to have a case that protects but also doesn't bury the iPod to the point of it being a hastle to use. Check out the Jam Jackets. They can be purchased from Apple.

[firebolt]

Marware Sport Convertible

[juli]

i use the jam jacket and cut a pda screen protector to fit the screen.

[Dan Frakes]

I second Chris' recommendation of the Waterfield case. If you're looking for a variety of good cases to chose from, check out Part 1 of my iPod Gift Guide for TidBITS, which lists a number of cases that I really like; they differ mainly in the amount of protection (and, thus, bulk) they provide:
http://db.tidbits.co...cgi?tbart=07464

[d00d]

Thanks guys. This will give me something to think about. The Waterfield case looks nice, but I'm unconvinced about cloth. I'm thinking about dropping my iTrip compatibility and using the Belkin Tunedok in my car. The exo2 looks really nice, but I'm worried about the scratchings. I'd love to hear about some experiences with it as well as experiences with other cases. Keep them coming!

[Iccy]

If you want a iPod cover that protects it from scratches and dings, why not use a rubbery silcone iPod skin. They are inexpensive, light weight and comes in a variety of colors.
Visit Speck Products. I use one for my iPod and I just put it in my Parka pocket and I do not have to worry about any scratches.

[d00d]

I looked at the Speck cases, but I've read that they don't fit that well and don't protect the LCD. I've been actually comparing those skins with those by iSkin, Lajo (formerly with iSkin), and the DLO Jam Jacket. The DLO looks nice because it still offers access to the iTrip, but it doesn't have a screen protector or dock connector protector. The Exo2 by iSkin looks to be the most feature filled, but I'm indecisive. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Iccy]

I forgot to include where I got the LCD cover for the iPod.
Go to Hoodman USA, this is where I purchased my LCD cover for my iPod. I also purchased a cover for my Digital Camera's LCD and I found out that it also fits well with my iPod. You get 12 covers, so if it wears out, you can easily replace it.
About the iPod skins, the Speck cases fit well with the 3rd generation iPod. My friend has a 2nd generation iPod and he returned the Speck iPod skin because it does not fit well with his iPod. If you have a 3rd generation iPod, the Speck iPod skin is very durable and competitively priced.
d00d, I think all these iPod accessory companies have good products. Just get the coolest looking iPod skin /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif and let the worries of scratches and dents melt away.

[d00d]

Oooh! Good tip on the LCD cover. I was going to use a cover from my PDA but cut it to size. This is a much better solution. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[TheNewSteve]

I just ordered a clear white ExoSkin2 with a screen protector, belt clilp (removable), you can plug the dock connector in even though you can't actually dock it (there was another company taht you could dock with, but i didn't like the belt clip post sticking out of the back and you had topurchase the belt clip thing separately.
The iSkin website also included for free with my order a clear zip case that fits either the iPod or the iPod's AC adapter, cable, and headphones. It's a promotion they have going right now.
I'll let you guys know what I think.

[d00d]

I broke down and bought the same exact thing (I think I'll get a LCD cover because the feet of the hard plastic cover of the Exo2 can cause scatching I've read). I'll share my thoughts as well. I also bought a Belkin Tunedok for in the car for use with the iTrip, but I'll start a different thread for that.

[TheNewSteve]

I got the iSkin case and am not afraid to take the iPod out anymore. It is a very well, designed case.
Pluses:
-Great protection, I like the screen protector.
-The beveled holes for the buttons make it so that you don't need to leave the hold button on. This is good because to make it easy to use while out with the supplied holster, you need to use the remote, which is entirely too much cord length and doesn't really clip on that well. The remote is going to be better suited to switching tracks in my car with the TuneDock (which I haven't even tried fitting in yet with the iSkin (don't have it installed in my car yet as I don't have a CD player with an input jack yet, it's kind of on the back burner). So you can simplify (and improve the audio quality of) your setup by eliminating the remote.
Negatives:
-The clip design seems sturdy except for the integrity of the actual metal clip. Mine's already bent outward a little and the design is a little poor as it won't really catch itself sliding up off a belt if you were to be running or something. I only trust it while walking to have the clip actually clipped onto my belt and pants.... there is a lot of space. It's fine, but if it gets worse I'll have to order another one or something.
This is a great case, it really makes you feel that the dock is insignificant. I was thinking of selling mine, although now I am thinking of taking the white plastic cover off to use with the iPod in the iSkin. The only real benefit of the dock is the headphone-sized audio out that bypasses the iPod's audio circuitry for better sound when plugged into a stereo than when plugged into the iPod's headphone jack. It seems necessary before you get the iPod when you think to PDAs and stuff that you need to see the screen while it's syncing, but the iPod just says "do not connect," so there's really no functionality to seeing the iPod screen while docked, unless you just really want to see the charging status (boring after a couple hours).
/forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Good case, I'm happy. If the clip does wear out, I could always just remove it and use the iPod in the iSkin in the old holster case that comes with the iPod. I really have to give kudos to Apple for not supplying a useless crappy case with the iPod like the one that came with the Dell Axim or other PDA type devices, although I did get some very small screen scratches just from using the holster. I feel great about iPod security now with the iSkin, though. Highly recommended. There are some alternate solutions that allow you to dock with a skin on (at the cost of the screen protector, though, which was a big thing for me with this- although it wouldn't be very hard to remove it from the skin, it'd take about 1 second, although contrary to the iSkin's documentation, I am not sure about the long term effects of regular removal/re-insertion of the iPod in the skin on it's dexterity).
Hope this helps.