Matias iPod Armor

We usually put all iPods together in the iPod Super Review but since the next review is so far away, we will be reviewing iPod cases as they are released. Matiasí iPod armor is a case that has been around for a while and we have finally gotten our hands on one to review. In my experience most media groups reviewing this case are raving but I am not convinced. There are some imperfections I would have changed on this case before shipping. No doubt this is an extremely versatile and high quality iPod case but issues are there as with all cases. Keep in mind; peeves of mine donít necessarily have to be yours.

MORE...

Matias has the best protection of any other case that is for sure. The aluminum takes a lot to bend and the inner cushioning your iPod receives helps against scratches and damages if you run over it with your bike, step on it or drop on the ground while in the iPod armor. I like to see the screen but this is a trade off for total protection. I also like to have a clip for my belt. Matias includes one but it is a stickable knob that goes on the back that you attach a clip to. I am afraid any pressure on that clip and the adhesive is lost. A great feature of the case is no confusion where compatibility is concerned. The iPod armor fits all iPods 1st Ė 4th generation including the photo. It does not work with the iPod mini or shuffle but every normal iPod works and that is a huge number. I hated buying cases for my third, fourth and photo generations of my iPod. One case purchase three times costs almost 100 dollars over the course of two years.

The top of the case is open and reinforced with non-padded plastic. If padded, removing the iPod would be difficult since it relies on getting your fingers behind the iPod from the top of the case and pushing down and out. The opening allows for access to the headphone jack, hold switch and remote control port. The bottom of the case has an easily removable latex piece allowing for docking without removal from the iPod armor. The latex piece is very flimsy and may catch on things while walking and gets pulled out. On top of that, I saw no disclaimer on transferring music while in the case. The iPod cannot disperse heat properly while in the armor and it may damage the iPodís components. Charging and using iSync are fine while in the case but if you are doing major moving of files from the computer to your iPod, remove it from the iPod armor.

Matias has released a solid case with few negatives. If you let your music play without a lot of fiddling, the case is for you. You canít remove the front face so open lid play is limited to being at your desk and not while active. The iPod takes a bit of work to remove from the case on some of the iPod generations and syncing in the metal case is not recommended. For $49 dollars, you should make sure this case would work for you before purchasing. http://ipodarmor.com .