SpeckProducts iPod nano Cases

Reviews: Multimedia

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David Graham
Kurtis
SpeckProducts
Sep. 11, 2006

Specifications

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nano iGuy

Speck states "Meet iGuy- the first bendable, posable friend for you and your iPod! Not only is iGuy fun, he's fully functional- offering great rubberized protection, docking capability, and screen protection for your iPod nano."

The nano iGuy is an interesting study in design and function. Most similar to the Gumbies of yore, the iGuy is Speck Product's take on form complementing function. Crafted out of white silicone, the iGuy comes with a screen protector to keep your friends from putting their grubby mitts on the delicate nano's screen. The iGuy is split right above the knees to allow for the (relatively) easy insertion of your iPod into his muscular frame. However, be aware that the slick chrome surface of the nano is no match for the silicone of the iGuy and you will spend close to 5 minutes trying to get your nano all the way inside.

The screen protector is a nice touch with a small silicone gasket on the side facing your nano's screen (another protective element) and hard ABS plastic facing out to the world. There's the requisite cutout for the nano's click wheel just below. The iGuy's right leg is hollow, allowing for the use of headphones and the arms are fully movable, with a small metal wire inside each to allow for 'posing.' In a pinch, you can wrap your headphones around the iGuy's arms as a means of storage. Up top, the iGuy has a notch cutout for user access to the lock switch. It's a little tight up top and it does take a fingernail to get down there to access the switch. To charge your iPod, simply 'bend' Mr. iGuy over and plug him in. It's that simple. What isn't simple is removing your iPod should Mr. iGuy become boring. Again, the chrome + silicone recipe means that you're going to spend a good 5 minutes trying to cajole your precious cargo outside the confines of Mr. iGuy's silicone innards. I hear that butter helps, if it's any consolation. (Ed - I couldn't help but feel a little dirty when I was inserting my ~~unit~~ nano into the iGuy for photos.)

When passed around to the other users, the general consensus was that this was a 'cute' case that didn't really meet any performance expectations. It was 'fun to look at' but no one wanted to actually use it for their iPod. All said, at the end of the day, this was the case my 16 month old daughter wanted.

So, in summary: Good, novel design coupled with poor ergonomics and size. Best to save your money for one of the other skins or cases.

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Page 2 of 9

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: nano iGuy
Page 3: nano iKitty
Page 4: nano FunSkin Grass
Page 5: nano FunSkin Cloud
Page 6: nano ToughSkin
Page 7: nano See-Thru 3 Pack
Page 8: nano SkinTight Series
Page 9: Conclusion

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3 User Comments

1 - Posted by handrail on September 11, 2006 - 10:44 pm

i love it that you insert the nano into the cat's bum. nice touch.

2 - Posted by Kurtis on September 11, 2006 - 11:47 pm

hey, i only photographed the process. iguy's ipod insertion procedure was a little graphic too.

3 - Posted by handrail on September 12, 2006 - 9:06 am

yes. they should sell iLube to help the process along.

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