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Rhino Skin has been making ultra-tough protective cases for your portable gear since 1999 (remember the original Titanium protective PDA case for the Palm Pilot?) “Mr. Rhino” sent us the RhinoSkin iPod Video HardCase to review under one condition: that I’d stop calling him “Mr. Rhino”… whoops!
What’s in the Box?
One 100% lightweight aluminum case, belt clip, STUFFBACK label & instructions, belt clip post, and lanyard.
What’s Good About It?
The first thing you’ll notice about this case is that it ain’t messing around. The shatter resistant polycarbonate front allows for your iPod to feel like it’s totally naked & totally protected, and the tough aluminum back is cool to the touch and doesn’t scratch. The sides have quality rubber grips to prevent slippage while holding, and the top and bottom connector are exposed to allow for easy access. A lanyard loop is located at the top so you can wear your iPod around your neck if so desired. The belt clip has a removable screw-in post that connects to the rear of the case, which is great for those of you (like myself) who won’t make use of the clip. If you’re not going to use the belt clip, just unscrew the post and keep in a safe place for later. (Later as in later during that time when you still won’t use it. Whatever. Alright, chuck the belt post in the trash, see if I care!)
Your iPod slides in smoothly & securely, and won’t come loose.
There are three things I look for in an iPod case: how much size does it add, does it obscure the screen, and will it survive a direct nuclear strike. The RhinoSkin HardCase excels at all three of these. Very little extra size is added, the front of your iPod is clearly visible, and….well, you get the point.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the free StuffBak label that came with the HardCase – this security label has a unique identifier that the user must register to activate. Once activated your protection begins immediately, and should a kind soul find your lost iPod and check the website, they are offered a $20 reward plus any additional reward you specify. You pay nothing until someone declares your item as found, then it’s only $14.95 plus shipping to get your gear back. Including one of these labels with the case was a nice touch.
What Could Be Improved?
After using the HardCase for a few hours, I tried to connect my iPod to the car charger & FM tuner cable I use while driving. To my dismay the connector port wasn’t large enough for me to connect the cable – the bottom lip isn’t wide enough to allow a connection to the iPod. In Mr. Rhino’s defense I have to say that the connection port does allow for standard Apple cables to connect just fine, so it’s entirely possible that the oversight lies with manufacturers of the car charger. Either way I can’t use this case while driving and that bums me out greatly, because aside from this the RhinoSkin HardCase is the best iPod case I’ve tried so far. I can’t fault RhinoSkin for the car charger issue, as every other cable and accessory I have fits just fine. One other thing I should tell you about is the protective front: while it protects your iPod from scratching it is prone to minor scratches itself, although I couldn’t see them while watching videos. There’s no option to protect the clickwheel with this case, but I prefer cases that don’t cover the wheel.
GadgetMadness Verdict: Protect Your iPod Video from Nuclear Attack
I love this case, and won’t be actively looking for another one for my iPod video. I suppose you’d have to know me well to appreciate this statement – this is the fifth case I’ve used for my iPod video since I received it at Christmas.
RhinoSkin iPod Video HardCase Summary:
- 100% aluminum back protects your iPod but is light, strong and durable
- Clear polycarbonate front is shatter and heat resistant
- Easy access to click-wheel, function buttons, charger port and headphone jack while inside the case
- Lanyard and removable belt clip included
- Stuffbak Loss Protection Service label included with all web orders
More Photos: RhinoSkin iPod Video HardCase (30GB) Image Gallery
Buy Yours Today! RhinoSkin iPod Video HardCase (30GB) :: RhinoSkin.com
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