Reviews

BoxWave iPod miniSync and FlexiSkin

May 4, 2005

iPod miniSync

 
This is one of my favorite accessories for the Apple iPod, mainly because I’m doing my very best to get all of the clutter all of my life—and cords, cables, and AC adapters are at the top of that list. As you can imagine, I have a bevy of portable devices, and each one came with a sync cradle, AC adapter, cables to connect it to my computer, etc. Fortunately I don’t need all of that stuff if BoxWave has a miniSync compatible with my device.

The idea is quite simple— put a little device in the middle of the cable that is able to retract the ends when they’re not actively connected to something, leaving a small little package about 1 3/4” inches long, plus the two ends. I tried out the USB miniSync for the iPod, and it works perfectly. The connector fits snugly into the iPod and stays in place until I remove it by squeezing the small button on each side. My iPod can get songs transferred from iTunes, and the battery charges at the same time, if necessary.

It’s the perfect solution, since I don’t need to leave the iPod dock on my desk, or try to find an empty outlet to plug in the AC adapter. When I’m done with the miniSync, I just pull slightly on both ends, and the cord then magically retracts, leaving a tiny little accessory that I can easily stash in my desk drawer. No muss, no fuss, and less clutter, which is a very good thing.

The Apple iPod miniSync is regularly $24.95, but you can get it now for $17.95. A wide variety of handhelds, music players, and phones are supported.

iPod FlexiSkin

The iPod FlexiSkin is just that— a flexible second “skin” for your iPod that nicely protects your music player from everyday bumps and bruises. This particular version features a cutout on the top to insert your iPod, a cutout opening for the screen, and a port on the bottom so you can connect your iPod to a computer to transfer music or charge the battery. The click wheel is covered by a thinner layer of material, so you don’t have to worry about dust or dirt. It would be nice if the screen could be likewise protected, but since the case is translucent, not transparent, it would have ben impossible to read.

There’s a small lanyard attachment point on the side, and on the back you’ll find a couple of surprises. The case has several holes on the back to provide ventilation, and they also do a nice job of stabilizing your grip when holding the case in your hand. There’s also a belt clip attachment; it’s metal, for superior strength, but don’t worry— it’s also completely surrounded by the case on the inside and sticks out just enough on the back to allow you to attach the clip. The case rotates freely on the clip, so you can position it however you like.

Getting the iPod into the case is something of a challenge, but that’s to be expected. Just insert the device into the opening on the top of the case and then tug and pull until you get it fully inserted into the case. Once it’s in, the case firts the iPod perfectly, though you may have to adjust the screen opening a bit to make it line up exactly. All of the controls are accessible, and even though the click wheel is covered, it still works exactly as I would expect.

The FlexiCase is available for just about every kind of iPod you can imagine, from the 3rd and 4th generation to the mini, Photo, and Shuffle. Having a specific case for each model ensures that you’ll get the perfect fit for your device. And even if you don’t have an iPod, you might still find a FlexiSkin for your device, since BoxWave also offers this case for a variety of mobile phones and PDAs.

For more information or online purchase, visit the BoxWave web site.

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