Review: DLO PodFolio for iPod nano

Flip cases, especially the leather variety, have been available for the iPod since the first version of the white gadget flew off the shelves in 2001. With the current iPods, this is no exception. These cases do a pretty good job of protecting against problems, but sometimes take away from the iPod’s appearance. Digital Lifestyle Outfitters offers a $30 leather flip case for the iPod nano, and we had a chance to try it out.

The PodFolio for iPod nano looks like just about any other flip case, just nano-sized. This soft leather case has a flap to protect the entire “face” of the iPod, and looks rather classy when closed.

PodFolio

PodFolio (open)

PodFolio (back)

One thing to note about the PodFolio is that it stays closed with a magnet. Anyone who is paranoid about data loss can rest assured, since the nano is flash-based. This seems like it will be more durable than Velcro or snaps, but we haven’t been using this case for a long enough time to exactly tell.

The screen and click wheel are protected by a layer of clear plastic, which we’re still on the fence about. It does provide good protection, but it can obstruct use of the screen and Click Wheel and a nasty scratch could render the case useless (although it would protect the nano’s screen). Perhaps having the screen protected, but not the Click Wheel, like the larger version, would have helped, but this is the major negative of the case.

The other annoyance is that the only openings on the case is the top (to allow insertion and removal of the nano) and the bottom corners. The right corner opening is a big larger to allow headphones to plug in. To use anything with the Dock Connector, one must remove the nano. This is not the easiest process, and usually requires pushing on the bottom corners to push the nano out.

The nonremovable belt clip is competent, and covered in leather, a nice change from the plastic or metal clips that look out of place on other cases. It does not stick out enough to be a problem when not in use.

Overall, the PodFolio is a great choice, as long as you know the little drawbacks. It protects the nano fairly well and looks good doing it.