Review: Griffin iClear for iPod Touch

Sometimes you get a product to review mere days before the iPod it is designed for gets replaced. This was the case for us with Griffin’s $20 iClear for iPod Touch, which takes most of the same ideas from the previous iClear, but brings them to Apple’s touchscreen-equipped iPod.

Most of our prior review remains the same, as the product works in the same way, but includes a cleaning cloth and static peel screen protector. Why you’d need a screen protector is an issue up for debate, since the iPod Touch’s screen is glass, unlike most screens that need protection. The cleaning cloth is a nice addition, preventing dirt and other particles from getting trapped between the iPod and the case during installation.

The main idea of the hard plastic cases are to protect your iPod better than a “peel and stick” shield, but still let Apple’s industrial design show through. Instead of having it bundled up in a thick case, your iPod is only a few millimeters thicker and looks like an iPod, except with a transparent shell. Two halves snap together to completely cover the front and back of the iPod.

The top of the case protects fairly well, only exposing the Sleep/Wake button. The bottom is fully exposed to allow use of any headphones you’d like or Dock Connector-mounted accessories (but mostly no docks). The back of the iClear is translucent, rather than completely clear. The frosting hides fingerprints, and still allows you to see the engraving/print on the back of your iPod. We really like this feature.

Finally, it is worth noting that the iClear is about $5 cheaper than its competitors, although it does not include a belt clip nor the provision to add one. There is a version that will be available soon with an armband for about $10 more. Furthermore, you cannot only use one “half” of the shell at a time, requiring you to completely remove the case when using certain docking accessories. If you can live with this, and aren’t too rough on your iPod, the iClear is a decent mix of features and price.