The Observer, September 29, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 5
Griffin's new toys for iPod Nano satisfy all tastes
click to enlarge
Since the release of Apple's new iPod and Nano models, owners of older generation iPods and the now-extinct Minis have despaired at the increasing rarity of accessories to fit their iPod needs. My review of the iPod Nano products from Griffin Technology will do nothing to assuage those laments.
Cases for everyday use:
iClear
Appearance: The iClear is a plastic transparent case that fits snulgy over the Nano, covering everything except the click-wheel. Unfortunately, this detractsslightly from the aesthetic appeal of the Nano.
Usability: The case is very straightforward. It is light, small and really lets the Nano be as attractive and functional as it was made to be. One thing I didn't like is that it takes a little bit of work to unsnap the case from the Nano.
Price: $19.99
Final Rating: 7 ½ /10. The iClear is a small case that gets the job done. It's not the hottest case, but I can recommend it to those who are more concerned with functionality.
Trio
Appearance: The Trio is a tight-fitting leather case that covers the screen with soft plastic and leaves the click-wheel open. It comes with a detachable belt clip and a wrap-around leather screen protector. Unfortunately, when you have neither on, there is an ugly metal notch visible on the case. I don't really like my iPod to scream "I love leather!" but other than that the case looks good. Bonus for those who don't have one of the new colored Nanos: the Trio comes in 7 colors.
Usability: Unfortunately, using Nano while its in the case requires you to unclip the wrap around screen protector. Like I said, you can take this off, but it just starts to get ugly. Other than that, the case performs well. The screen is easily viewed through the plastic and no buttons are obstructed.
Price: $24.99
Final Rating: 7/10 I don't think leather matches the Nano too well, and you need to move things out of the way to actually use it. You're more likely to drop your fragile Nano when you're fooling around with all the bells and whistles attached to the case.
Bookcase
Appearance: This black hinged case looks strange at first. To get your iPod in or out, the Bookcase opens just as you would a book. Another bad thing about the case is that it's big – about half an inch both horizontally and vertically bigger than the Nano. It has no covering over the click-wheel and a thin plastic covering where the screen is.
Usability: I didn't really like the way the Bookcase opens and closes, but once you get past that it works nicely. You don't need to move or change anything on the case to use your iPod. Also, the Bookcase has an interesting feature that reroutes your headphone plug into the top of its case, a nice feature if you don't like plugging your headphones into the bottom of the Nano.
Price: $29.99
Final Rating: 6/10. If you can get past the weird book feel to it, the Bookcase is a good case. I couldn't, so I'm going to tell you to stay away.
Cases for sports and other activities:
Tempo
Appearance: The Tempo is an armband-style case and gave me a great first impression from its looks. It is black and made of stretchy material which makes it comfortable to wear. The small, tight-fit pocket that holds the iPod is clear and still looks great when your Nano is inside.
Usability: I was surprised with how well the case performs. I went running with it and it doesn't bob around my arm at all. Also, the iPod was very easy to use while inside the case. The material is thick, soft, and stretches, so it was very comfortable on my arm for a long period of time. Don't drop the armband though; while it is a case, it's not going to do much if you throw your iPod down a hill. It will protect the iPod from bad weather and sweat, but not much else. The Tempo is even machine washable so it won't smell after those tough workouts.
Price: $24.99
Final Rating: 9/10. It is built well to do most activities in and out of the gym. Plus, it looks cool.
Other accessories:
iTrip
Appearance: The current incarnation of the iTrip is sleek and small, and fits the look of the Nano perfectly. It is a base-station version of other iTrip models, meaning that the Nano actually rests inside of something slightly bigger than itself.
Usability: The iTrip is an FM-transmitter, meaning it works like a mini-radio station. It will send radio signals out to your car radio, or any other radio for that matter. The quality isn't CD-level, but it's pretty good for its purpose. Sometimes you need to change the frequency that the iTrip is outputting by playing with the settings, but this is rare. Just don't choose something popular like 96.5 FM and you will be fine. The model that I tested has an optional car-charger adaptor (and there are other models that have this built in) and I highly recommend that. The iTrip will eat your iPod batteries away.
Price: reviewed costs $49.99; recommended version with car charger is $69.99.
Final Rating: 9 ½ /10. If you want to listen to your iPod in your car, get this right now. It works great, is easy to use, and is much cheaper than other options to listen to your iPod in the car.
