Hands-On Review of the iPod FlipStand
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Hands-On Review:
iPod FlipStand By Bill Fox Speck Products. Price: $34.95 Features: Hard ABS plastic case, dial cover flips open to make a stand, includes detachable belt clip, fits all iPod models (5, 10, 10-slim and 20 GB) We saw the iPod FlipStand case from Speck Products at Macworld 2003 SF last month and were immediately impressed with it from among all of the iPod cases being shown at the Expo. We liked its design, functionality, versatility and price. Speck Products sent us an evalution unit to try out with our own iPod, an original, non-slim 10 GB model. We have used it for a week.
The case is made from tough ABS plastic so it is very unlikely to break if it takes a short fall. It is colored bright white to match the iPod with a light gray wheel (or dial) cover. The screen area is covered with clear plastic so your iPod's screen will not get scratched. The iPod is inserted through a top hatch which flips open. The FlipStand fits the 20 GB iPod perfectly and, with one of two padding inserts, it also fits the original 5 and 10 GB iPods as well as the newer slim 10 GB model. Once our original 10 GB model was inserted and the right pad fitted, it was fairly tight. However, if one shook it, the iPod rattled slightly from side to side. We inserted a folded paper shim on one side to make it solid. The top hatch has a hole for the headphones jack but it has to be opening to use the iPod's locking switch. Initially, we found it difficult to open the top hatch with our iPod inside but it got easier to open as we used it over time. The gray wheel cover wheel pops open and rotates on it's hinge around back to make a nice stand. Unlike the top hatch, the wheel cover popped open easily right from the start. The hinge and cover seem to be sufficiently sturdy to be durable. The wheel, center button and edge buttons are all easily accessible when the wheel cover is open. A "detachable" belt clip is included in the package but not installed. It is made from the same white ABS plastic and it clicks into a slot on the back of the FlipStand. It looks sturdy enough and ABS plastic is tough. The belt clip fits belts up to 1-3/16" wide so it should fit most belts but those using extra-wide belts beware. Those on the girthy side who may put pressure on the clip may also want to be extra careful. We needed a small screwdriver to press the locking tab from the inside with the FlipStand empty to detach the clip so it won't just fall out. We have used it for over a week and will continue to do so. At $34.95, we think the FlipStand which is a fully protective case and stand is a very good buy. ### |
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February 5, 2003