Reviews

Bellagio Designs Cases for the Apple iPod

June 13, 2005

From left to right, the three cases are:

• Flip style with Clip


• Top Loading style with clip, model B


• Book style without clip

Each of the cases is made of genuine leather with contrasting white stitching, and also features an elastic gusset on the sides to accommodate several different iPod models. My review is based on a 4th generation 40GB iPod, but the cases are designed to accommodate any 10/20/40 GB model.

Flip style with Clip

This case has a front cover that flips up to access your iPod; it’s padded to provide extra protection. There’s a small Bellagio logo disk on the front, and a cutout on the top allows you to access the headphone jack and hold switch. The case closes with a snap tab that folds under the bottom of the case. The interior of the case is lined with a soft black material that makes it easy to slide your iPod in or out. The front of the iPod is left basically uncovered, though I was very glad to see a plastic insert that covers and protects the screen. The coolest feature is at the bottom of the case— a small compartment secured with Velcro provides storage for your ear buds, making this case a great “all in one” solution for carrying your iPod on the go. It’s longer than traditional iPod cases, so if you’re looking for the smallest case possible, most likely none of the Bellagio models are right for your needs. This case is available for $34.99.

Top Loading style with clip, model B

This case was designed with more active users in mind, or those who will normally put their iPod/case in a larger gear bag. Since there’s no flip cover, the front of the iPod isn’t as completely protected as in the other cases, though this case also has the plastic screen protector insert found on the other models. What this means is that once you clip the case to your belt, the iPod is more accessible and easier to use when you’re on the go, since you won’t have anything getting between you and the click wheel or screen. One potential disadvantage is that there is nothing securing the iPod inside the case, so it could come out. The elastic gussets on the side of the case do seem to grip the iPod rather tightly, and it’s unlikely that your music player will come out unless you hold the case upside down and shake it, but the possibility still exists. You can get this case for $29.99, and a special version without the ear bud storage compartment at the bottom of the case is $24.99.

Book style without clip

This case is virtually identical the flip style case, though of course the cover is attached to the side of the case instead of the top. This means that it also suffers from the same slight shortcoming of the top loading case, as nothing actually secures the iPod in the case. I also noticed that the cover flap was a little difficult to close when I put in my 40GB iPod, though I’m sure the leather will loosen up over time.This case measures 5.5 inches long, just a bit under 2.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches thick. The book style case is available only without a belt clip for $34.99.

Conclusion

If you want a case that stores your iPod and your ear buds, then one of these premium leather cases from Bellagio Designs should certainly do the trick. The prices are reasonable and the leather quality/workmanship is top notch. I’m slightly concerned about an iPod coming out of two of these case models accidentally, but that is fairly unlikely to happen (unless you really work at it, of course). You can see more pictures or purchase one of these cases at the Bellagio Designs online store.

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