Pros: Unique metal-reinforced leather case for the iPod with belt-friendly flip-open design, strong integrated belt clip, nice looking and feeling leather. Easy to open and put your iPod in; good concept on protectiveness. Includes an iPod screen protector.
Cons: Bottom corners and top of iPod are exposed. Belt clip can’t be detached.
A couple of weeks ago, we looked at two black leather iPod mini cases from Targus; today, we look at the full-sized iPod versions of both cases, concluding with the Flip Case ($29.99).
We update the text of our earlier iPod mini review only to note the differences between different product sizes and fits, which for this case are a bit more significant than for the Slide Case (iLounge rating: B+).
The Flip Case ($29.99) is a single piece of black leather that has been reinforced with metal and internally padded with soft, velvety fabric to prevent scratches to your iPod. Two sizes are available for full-sized iPods: “small” and “medium,” each tailored to different iPod models. Small cases fit all past and current iPods and iPod photos 30GB or lower in capacity except for the third-generation 30GB iPod, while medium cases fit all past and current iPods and iPod photos 40GB or higher in capacity, plus the third-generation 30GB iPod. An clear plastic adhesive screen protector is also included as an extra bonus.
You insert your iPod into the side of the Flip Case with four total U-shaped tongs that grab and hold the iPod in place.
Interestingly, this is the case’s “front” side – the “back” has two more tongs that fit in-between the front’s four, closing the front and back together while protecting most of the iPod’s sides. The back side includes a sturdy, leather covered metal belt clip that cannot be removed. Both sides are joined by a soft leather bottom part that has a reasonably-sized hole for the Dock Connector, and is more protective of the iPod’s bottom than the open area on Targus’s Slide Case
Targus designed the case so that the belt clip half would remain on your belt, while the other half would open up upside down, exposing the iPod’s screen and Click Wheel for easy access. The tongs system works well to accomplish that goal, not scratching or scuffing the iPod’s body in any way, but also gripping it quite well when closed.
The full-sized version of the Flip Case is actually a bit more protective than its iPod mini equivalent.
