Podstar iPod Video and Nano Case Review

Hardware

Written by Maxit

Article Index
Podstar iPod Video and Nano Case Review
Page #
All Pages

Price: $33 / £17
Supplier: Podstar
Manufacturer: Podstar

iPods have revolutionised the mobile music industry with their iconic design and ability to deliver vast amounts of music on the go. A fashion statement and expression of style, they are a part of many peoples digital lifestyles. The iPod isn't cheap and the first thing most users think about after purchasing one is protection. A drop here, a scratch there and your nice new shiny iPod is ruined. Casings and protective shells for iPods are nothing new but the range has always been somewhat limited. Grey, blue, black, sporty black, hard shell. Not exactly awe inspiring or original. Enter the protective casings from Podstar.

The Podstars are not your average run of the mill design. Each one comes with little rubber horns for ears and a rubber horn spiked tail. Elaborate designs, devilish personality, individualism and a healthy dose of attitude make them stand out way above the crowd. Each design is a collector's item and limited in number with serial numbers in the form of dog tags to identify each model. In years to come they could well become collectibles like Swatch watches and beanie babies.

The case range covers iPod video up to the large 60GB units, all the way down to the iPod Nano. Designs include darkside, nightstalker, sideshow, reaper, crimsomniek, splatterfest and various other original monster themes to create your own iPod personality.

Podstar sent us the Splatterfest model with a limited edition collector card telling us all about this little monster.

Real Name: Wants to be known as Freddy Leatherface Spaulding, for obvious reasons
Age: 25
Occupation: Horror Movie Fan, Wannabe B-Movie Star
Personality: Raised in a highly-disciplined household, Splatterfest compensated for his repressed upbringing by indulging in an endless stream of horror flicks, from classics like the Living Dead trilogy to modern slasher movies. He fancies himself the next Bruce Campbell, and wishes Peter Jackson would do another zombie movie. Likes: What else? Horror flicks. Oh, and Rob Zombie.
Dislikes: Happy endings, censorship
Tagline: Be afraid. Be very afraid Or Ill eat

Original and humorous touches make the whole owners experience very enjoyable.

The whole package is very well done and oozes quality. A dog tag with limited edition identification, small carabiner, trading card and screen protector are all included in the price.

The case itself is made out of a tough rubber material with textured sides for easy grip, secure horns to the sides, a rear rubber spiked tail and fancy graphics around the jog wheel. The horns and tail should be tough enough to withstand all but the most extreme levels of abuse. The rubber is nice and thick to stop any knocks or dents to the iPod and the optional glass screen protector can be fitted to protect from screen scratches. The hook on the back is very handy for securing your iPod to belts or jeans with the handy carabiner making attachment a doddle. A extra rubber insert is included for 30GB iPods so that they fit nice and snugly inside the case.

Podstar Nano Case Protector

Access to all the major functions including screen, jog wheel, dock connector port, headphone port and hold switch is provided so you never have to remove the iPod from it's protective case. If you have an older generation of iPod you may find the holes for the hold button and headphone socket the wrong way round. Our test iPod photo 60GB had them the other way round. While annoying it didn't prevent any major functionality.

The only area the case doesn't protect is the jog wheel. In use, this acutally makes more sense as plastic shields never look or work correctly. If you are the kind of person who eats a jam donate before playing with your iPod, you probably won't like this. Dock connector coverage is provided by a neat pop open rubber flap and allows simple access when required.

The Bottom Line

Podstar have created a unique and unusual product away from the conventional protective iPod casings on the market. The attention to detail from packaging to product shows these guys are passionate about their iPod protection. While the monster/horror theme might not appeal to everybody out there, those who like their iPods with a little spice and horny character will simply love these casings. Limited edition runs of each design make them a real collectible of the future and add to the appeal of the product.
The build quality is great with tough rubber protection and glass protection screen to guard your iPod.

The range is fully compatible with the iPod Video and iPod Nano series of mp3 players and is available to buy directly online from thepodstar.com or all good shops. The only problem you'll have is deciding which case to choose!

Pros