Contour Showcase
Review

Contour Showcase for iPod
Price: $19.95 US
Company: Contour Design, Inc.
http://www.contourdesign.com

I love my iPod, but the slipcase that Apple ships with the iPod is horrible. First, you can only access the music controls by removing the iPod from its slipcase. Second, it doesn’t secure the iPod. If you pick it up the wrong way, it is possible for the iPod to slip out. Third, the power port is also blocked by the slipcase. This means that if you listen primarily in your car, like I do, the case is useless.

The Contour Showcase solves all these problems exceedingly well, and comes with a belt clip. I haven’t had a chance to use the belt clip, but I wouldn’t think twice about shooting hoops with my iPod clipped to my belt. With the Apple slipcase, I felt safer keeping the iPod in my pocket. Another nice feature is that the belt clip is removable if you do not need it. This item is smartly designed.

The exterior is a soft rubber grip surface. It actually makes your iPod feel better, even though it increases the bulk. I had stopped using my Apple slipcase altogether. The iPod is sleek, and I don’t find the greater size of the Coutour Showcase objectionable. It feels much safer and easier to handle.

The case can accommodate any size late generation iPod. There is a grey rubber spacer that sits inside the case for thinner 15Gig iPods like mine, but for the 30 and 40 Gig iPods it is not necessary.

One of the best things is that the case has a clear cover with access holes. I appreciate the controls lock switch that Apple provides, but I seldom use it. This case allows you to handle your iPod easily, and not accidentally push a button and change a setting. The clear cover is thick, so the iPod buttons are recessed. If you have thick fingers, you may find them set too deep. Personally, I like the fact that you have to be a little more deliberate in pushing the buttons. You can easily put it into your pocket and not hit a button accidentally.

The power port at the bottom of your iPod is accessible, as are the ports at the top. Plugging in my power and cassette adapters when in the car is not a problem at all.

The one thing you do give up is the ability to drop your iPod into its dock for a quick charge. Of course, you couldn’t do that with the Apple case either. You can get your iPod out of the Showcase quickly and easily with the secure latch on the side. I hope they will make a specialized dock to go along with the Showcase (hint, hint). That would be the best of both worlds.

It comes in White only. (Why must everything be white?) It is made in Taiwan. Cost is $39.95

They call it the ultimate case for your iPod. I would have to agree.

MyMac Rating: 5 out of 5