3 iPod Nano 5th Gen Cases Reviewed

Today for review we’ve got three cases for the iPod nano 5th generation from USBFever.com. We’ve got a clear plastic case, a rubber case and an armband style case for the active lifestyle. So read on to learn more..

These reviews were done by my brother, you could say it’s his first foray into reviewing products, and there’s a few things he’s yet to learn…

 

 

Product Name:Rubberized case for iPod Nano 5th Gen

Author: Justin Augusty

Sponsor:USBfever.com



Specs and Features:


Rubberized case for iPod Nano 5th Gen

-Unique ergonomic design
– Soft and comfortable
– Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
– Light weight
– Perfectly fit
– Anti-dust
– Easy access to all ports and sockets


Price: $9.99


A Better Look at Things:


At just a glance you don’t really get a feel for it so lets find out how this case measures up. A rubberized case can hold both positive and negative aspects. While with this model you get a snug yet accessible cover. With the advent of the 5th gen nano came an on board video camera, so they added a cutout for the lens to see clearly when you taking video. The access holes on top and bottom are almost perfect however if you have a larger finger you may end up with some trouble with the top hole access to the button switch it’s a tad on the small side, but you are getting a snug fit so that’s a fact that you get.


This is a clear case so you get the benefit of being able to enjoy the color of you iPod shown through.


Testing:

So I slid my nano inside to get a real feel for it, and It had as we discussed a nice snug fit it’s not going anywhere, however one concern I had was the lack of coverage of the screen so in a trip in my pocket I needed to leave out my keys and loose change.

On shock absorption this case is great a drop on tile or wooden flooring showed it held up and completely protected my nano. Next I gave it a drop outside on the concrete and the results were great another safe landing.

As far as anti dust casing I feel the is a poor model because in testing I could leave it out and the accessibility holes at the top and bottom make it very easy for dust to make its way in through the headphone jack and USB connection slot.



Summary and Comments:

As far as cases go this Rubberized model is one that I typically go for as its a reliable model. It survived with flying colors drop testing and pocket testing. However the Anti dust test was not so good because it leave some unprotected openings.

Overall I personally like this case especially in conjunction with a simple screen protector.


DragonSteelMods gives the Rubberized case for iPod Nano 5th Gen a 4 out of 5 score.



Pros:

  • +clear case
  • +snug fitting protection from shock and scratching
  • +light weight

Cons:

  • -not anti dust
  • -access holes are a little small
  • -not screen protection.




 


Product Name:Crystal case for iPod Nano 5th Gen with Belt clip (Crystal Clear)

Author: Justin Augusty

Sponsor: USBfever.com

Specs and Features:


Crystal case for iPod Nano 5th Gen with Belt clip (Crystal Clear)

  • -Unique ergonomic design
  • With Belt Clip, lets you go anywhere with convenience 
  • – Fully Protected from bumps and scratches
  • – Light weight
  • – Perfectly fit
  • – Anti-dust
  • – Easy access to all ports, buttons and sockets


Price: $8.99


A Better Look at Things


Well here we have a Crystal case from USBfever.com, it features a number of pretty cool things. The first of which it’s clear! Who could go wrong with that, A belt clip and its a very nicely fitting model because without the aid of a flat screw driver or a butter knife you cannot insert your nano. I like that the 5th gen now includes a video camera and finally case makers are accommodating us with a cutout up until recently I couldn’t find a case designed for a 5th gen nano so I had to stick with a 4th genone which is a lot different from the 5th.


Testing:

I popped my nano inside and lets get started on the drop tests this case didnt do as well as I had hoped, on carpet I experienced no problem and tile the nano actually slid out as the case popped open and concrete did the same. Once again as far as dust goes this one is a no go it provides access to but not protection of the usb or headphone inputs. This case does provide the convenience of a belt clip but it is a bit loose and I feel like if I were to bump into someone it may fall off my belt.


Summary and Comments:

Our second foray into nano cases today was not very fruitful…

Functionally this case doesn’t do its job very well, it is light weight and convenient with it’s belt clip but not very good for protection from falls scratches or dust. Maybe a locking mechanism to the case might be a better way to go and a tighter belt clip.

Overall I’m not terribly thrilled with this case


DragonSteelMods gives the Crystal case for iPod Nano 5th Gen with Belt clip (Crystal Clear) a 3 out of 5 score.



Pros:

  • +clear case
  • +light weight, belt clip



Cons:

  • -not anti dust
  • -not good for drops or scratching




 


 

Product Name:JOGJACKET for iPod nano 5G

Author: Justin Augusty

Sponsor: USBfever.com




Specs and Features:


JOGJACKET for iPod nano 5G

Size: approx 50 (W) x 102 (H) x 3 (D) mm
Weight: approx 10 g (including armband)

 

For use with: iPod nano 5G / 4G / 2G / 1G

Package Contents:
– JOGJACKET case x1
– Adjustable armband x1
– Neck strap x1

Price: $13.99



A Better Look at Things:


This product had me very excited from when I first saw it, and it was a very interesting experience. I opened the package of the Jog Jacket to find an armband, lanyard, and universal case. The case is a plastic front with a wet suit like material backing and a belt clip and keyring.



Testing:


So I attached the nano case to my armband and off we go. Well the armband is tight yet comfortable and with many adjustable sizes, so while taking a short jog I had no problems with it staying in place. Next I tried the lanyard, this was very displeasing it sounds like a good idea but it just doesn’t feel very secure if your jogging it bounces around everywhere. Also I’d rather not have my Ipod dangling freely from my neck where if one were so inclined they could run by and yank it from me. The possibly worst part and most irritating thing about this product is the case itself to use the ipod at all you have to put a lot of pressure on the controls to slide around and all to often I found my self selecting things I didn’t mean to by accidental button presses.




Summary and Comments:


This case was a let down for me. The armband did perform well, as did the lanyard if that is your chosen method of transport but its not for me. And the most important part was the most frustrating when you design a case make sure the user can perform simple functions of the product the simple flaw of making the plastic front too thick is a major design flaw.


 

DragonSteelMods gives the JOGJACKET for iPod nano 5G a 3 out of 5 score.



Pros:

  • +armband and lanyard included
  • +armband is adjustable to 10 different sizes



Cons:

  • -case front is too thick making it almost impossible to use




Disclosure: This product was given to DragonSteelMods for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review, we do not, never have, and never will, accept payment from companies to review their products.

To learn more about our review policy, testing methods and ratingsplease see this page.


review# 639