Reviews

Weather Resistant Cases for the Apple iPod

May 12, 2005

OtterBox for iPod

The OtterBox for iPod is a ruggedized option that provides plenty of protection and water resistance. The case is made of very thick plastic with a rubber gasket that completely seals the case. On the front you’ll see thinner clear plastic “windows” for the screen and click wheel, which means that you can use your iPod fully while in this case. The headphone port is on the top, of course, and on the back you’ll find a removable belt clip. In order to insert your iPod into the case, pull up on the two small tabs at the top to release the catch and then pull the two halves of the case apart. The interior is made of softer rubber, with foam on the back to cushion the device. Your iPod will fit perfectly in the space inside— and be sure to plug in your headphones and press the cord through the round hole in the top of the case, at the back. In order to put the case back together, align the lip on the bottom of the front half of the case in the proper slot on the back half of the case, press together, and then push down the two small tabs on the top to seal the case together.

The whole package is surprisingly light, and works like a charm. I had no problem at all seeing the screen of my iPod, or using the click wheel to change songs, raise & lower the volume, etc. The belt clip is nice and wide, and flexes easily to go over the thick waistband of a pair of sweatpants if you’re working out, but that’s not your only option. The OtterBox folk make a rather nifty optional Flexible Armband that attaches easily to the back of the OtterBox for iPod; just remove the belt clip by pulling up on the release latch and sliding the clip out, then slide the case onto the attachment clip on the armband. It’s sewn into place, so you don’t have to worry about your iPod shifting or creeping around your arm as you move. Even better, there are little nubbins inside the armband that also help to increase traction. I tried it out myself on a jogging trail near my home, and I can gladly report that the armband works great—I loved having my favorite music with me, and didn’t have any worries about my iPod being damaged in any way. Since the case is completely sealed, it would be just fine in a light shower; the hole for the headphone cord is so small that hardly any moisture could get in unless the case were submerged in a puddle for anything more than a few seconds.

The only very slight negative is that you have to be careful which headphones you use with this case. I typically use the retractable miniBuds from BoxWave, but since the jack is at a right angle, they won’t work with the OtterBox. You’ll have to use headphones with a straight connector, such as the ones that originally came with your iPod. Aside from that small caveat, the OtterBox is a great choice for any active individual who wants to keep their Apple iPod safe from the elements. OtterBox offers a variety of models to fit the various iPods, including the mini and the Photo, with prices starting at $29.95. For more information or online purchase, visit the OtterBox web site.

LiliPod

The LiliPod is similar in nature to the OtterBox for iPod, with a few important variations. It’s also made of white plastic, though it isn’t as thick as the OtterBox and therefore doesn’t offer the same crush resistance. In essence it’s a bigger version of those little “beach safes” that people hang around their necks to hold their keys and cash while they’re at the pool, lake, or ocean. That makes sense, as the LiliPod is meant to be a completely waterproof case, and on that front it certainly succeeds.

Open the case with the clasp on the the side, pulling apart the two halves which remain attached to the hinge on the other side. The interior of the case is lined with strategically placed foam to prevent scratches. The iPod goes upside down in the LiliPod, and it takes some force to push it past the foam and connect it to the headphone port on the inside of the case. That port is the reason the LiliPod is marketed as being completely waterproof, since it is completely sealed. All you have to do is plug your headphones into the port on the outside of the case in order to enjoy your tunes. In order to close the case, you have to press your iPod toward the hinge so that the top of the case can swing over and be closed with the latch. You can hang the LiliPod from the attached lanyard or use the belt clip on the back, neither of which is removable.

The LiliPod is a fun and elegant solution to protecting your iPod from the water, and it even floats if you drop it off your boat. The only downside is that you can’t control your iPod while it’s in this case, so be sure to have some lengthy playlists, or be prepared to live “dangerously” and shuffle all of your songs. You can learn more or purchase one for $39.95 at the LiliPod web site.

Conclusion

The case you choose depends entirely on your needs. The OtterBox case is water resistant, not waterproof, but it does provide an exceptional level of protection while also allowing you to control your iPod while it is in the case. It also is a bit more versatile since you can purchase an optional armband attachment The LiliPod is a bit more stylish, completely waterproof, and allows you to use any headphones you like, but you can’t change songs, increase the volume, or even turn your iPod off without completely removing it from the case. At first glance, it seems that the OtterBox for iPod is geared more toward an active person who works out regularly and wants more protection than a rubber skin or leather case can offer, while the LiliPod may be the better choice for the frequent boater, skier, or water sport enthusiast.

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