Speck Products iPod Video ToughSkin w/ Belt Clip - Black Reviews

• A Must Have for Ipod Owners (5thGen)

  
  By APTO3R7UNWEKR on 2006-01-15
  Bought this case (the black one since I bought the black 60 GB iPod) at a nearby Apple store, and I gotta say that I'm very glad I went with this case. I had a really hard time deciding between Agent 18 Videoshield or this Speck Toughskin, but the extra 10 bucks for the Speck Toughskin is worth the confidence/stress relief that I might accidently drop/scratch my only two week old iPod. I like the fact that it leaves enough space on the top and bottom for the hold, headphones, and usb ports, but not too much that it looks kinda empty on the top. And also, the black rubber doesn't look dirty/attract dust unlike a lot of other cases. For the 30 GB people, there's an extra padding of rubber to put on the back of the iPod to fit it into the case nicely. For the 60 GB, don't use the extra padding or else it won't fit into the case. The case comes with a screen cover that I like because it doesn't actually touch the iPod screen (but gotta be careful whenever taking it out and vice versa); no scroll cover, but doesn't matter because I kept the original protector for the front that came with my iPod. One more thing, there's a lil clear plastic thing that sticks out at the back (for the belt clip), but I use it (with the belt clip) as a stand whenever I want to watch movies or something without holding the iPod up/tilted all the time. I will post up some pictures of the case if I have time. Great product!
  
  (If still unsure about which case to buy, go to apple.com and find the many cases available at the online store and read the reviews there.)
  
  

• great accessory

  
  By A266XSUS1YA9WA on 2005-12-31
  Yeah, it makes the iPod a little bulkier but I am so glad I got a ToughSkin. The rubber bumpers on the side help protect it against drops. The rubber casing gives me a better grip on the iPod.
  
  I've tried some of the other cases. Some were just a thin layer of rubber that helps protect against scratches mostly.
  
  I had another one that was made of solid aluminum but the hinges snapped.
  
  I wish my friend got a ToughSkin but he dropped his iPod video after only 2 days. Apple won't replace it because it was user damage. It would've stood a better chance if he had encased it in a ToughSkin.
  
  I have complete confidence in my ToughSkin.
  
  

• THIS THING SUCKS

  
  By A3DKPAARLV7O1T on 2006-11-17
  Hi my Names is John.
  Yea I know everyone is giving this a 5 star or 4 star rating, but I think this thing sucks. Don't get me wrong, when you first get it the thing is AWESOME. It is cool lookin, it protects the lcd screen well and all of the rest of the iPod. But what happens overtime. Lets take a look.
  1: The case becomes loose.
  2. the protective screen moves around cuzz it looses its stickyness and scratches the LCD screen.
  3. It gets dirty REALLLY easily and you cant get it off.
  4. It makes the Hold switch hard to get to.
  In my opinion get something scratch proof from Agent 18 OR xtrememac
  
  
  

• Great durable case, weak belt clip

  
  By A1DC2JW1A0OR65 on 2006-01-16
  I really love the case. I was in a hurry to get something to protect my 60GB 5G iPod, and this was all I could find, so I just bought it. I was wooried about how bulky it was, but after having it for several weeks I really love it. The hard cover screen protector does it's job very well and with the rubber casing that resembles a tire tread, I can put my my at ease knowing a soft fall or bump won't cause any damage to an expensive device such as the iPod. It does make a nice sleek ipod bulky and heavy, but I'm happily willing to deal with that for the peace of mind it provides.
  
  My only complaint is in regards to the belt clip. I had trouble from the get-go getting comfortable that the iPod was "clicking" into the clip, so I'd always check it to make sure my iPod wasn't loose and subject to falling off. After only 3 weeks, I hit it a bit funny, and the thing snapped off. In looking at the pieces of the clip, it is really made with a cheap plastic material and this should be better for the price.
  
  On the otherhand, I appreciate how the belt clip connector that attaches to the iPod is something that is completely stable within the case, and is not screwed or stuck on in a manner that will come loose over time.
  
  Overall, a very solid case that puts my mind at ease. However, the belt clip should be improved for future products.
  
  Final "reminder" of sorts. You can not put the iPod into a docking device (universal dock, iHome, and other accesories) with the case on, it's simply way too big. If that is important to you, you will need to take it out of the case each time...which is a bit cumbersome in my opinion, and probably will weaken the rubber case over time.
  
  
  

• Great Product

  
  By AVF8K0ZIAIFIQ on 2006-01-30
  I bought the black toughskin to protect the black 30G video ipod, mostly the screen.
  I am a professional photographer who bought a video ipod to use it as a mobile viewer and storage companion. I might just fill up the 3G card I have, you never know. I've already dropped it while it was in the case. The case is tough enough for me. It will get abuse being in my camera bag. I trust the toughskin will protect my investment. Thanks, I hope this review helped.
  
  
• Good case
  By AURXI1FMFDIX4 on 2005-12-09
  A lot of people are complaining about this case, but I think it gets the job done. I don't really use the belt clip, so I don't know how that is. The screen protector is good, but it's also where my only complaint comes up. I think the screen is made of two layers of plastic, and a small piece of dust is stuck between them. This probably just happened when it was manufactured though. If you need a case for your iPod video immediately, than this is a good solution.
  
  
• Body Armor for iPods
  By A3GJBXSOTBQ63I on 2006-06-12
  This cover fits so well, you'll come think it was part of the original iPod. I toss my 60G Video iPod into my laptop case to take it to work; into my gym bag to take it to the gym; I move it around on my 'less than clean' desk. I was worried about scratching up the screen and the finish of the iPod so I shopped around for a case that would protect it and offer some extra protection for occasional drops(none yet... knock on wood). No pun intended, this case was the 'perfect fit'.
  
  It takes a little bit of effort to slide the iPod into it and slip the screen protector over, but it is WELL worth it. Make sure that the outside of your iPod is clean before you put it in, just to prevent any stray piece of grit scratching up the case or screen as you slide it in.
  
  The case is thick rubberized material with a nice grippy feel. Because it is more clingy to surfaces than the polished metal back of the iPod I'm certain that it has saved my iPod on several occasions from being knocked off the desk. It adds a nice solid feel to my iPod without interfering with access to the ports, lock switch or click-wheel.
  
  I would recommend that when you charge your iPod that you take it out of the case though. Heat build up can degrade the battery(which is why you shouldn't leave it in your car in the sun either). However that is true for any external case.
  
  Another thing that you might want to do is remove the post the belt clip snaps too. My iPod spends zero time on my belt, and is usually found on my desk, so the post for me an is annoyance. the material stretches quite easily and it's a simple matter to pull the small end through the hole that it goes into.
  
  
• Very Happy With Purchase
  By A1143YEAZYMYHJ on 2006-11-14
  I purchased this a few days after getting a 30gb Ipod Video. I am very happy with this toughskin, and the belt clip is a great feature. The case really is the best available in my opinion. It is easily removable if needed. I give it 5 stars! Thanks for a great product.
  
  
• Totally scratches the IPOD
  By A2JW885ERCUVRE on 2006-12-05
  I have 2 kids that each have the 30G IPOD and got this case to protect it from getting scratched. WRONG choice!!! Each IPOD is terribly scratched from this product. We have discontinued using them and feel sad for wasting so much money on two of them. The screen protector moves around, dirt gets under the rubber and acts like sand on the IPOD, and it is so hard to get in and out of pocket it isn't worth the headache anymore.
  
  I gave it one star because if you do drop the IPOD you may have a chance at recovering it undamaged.
  
  
• Scratchless
  By A2C264HY1HHZVX on 2007-03-06
  I bought this product when I got my 80 Gig iPod... Since then I have used it extensively and have no scratches on my iPod. I have even dropped it several times. I tried 3 other cases/skins before this one and I wasn't satisfied with any of them. The belt clip can easily be removed so if you are only looking for a case, then it is still a great purchase.
  
  
• You need this !!
  By A175S5912LRSEX on 2006-08-25
  This little suit of armour and a Belkin Ipod overlay equals total protection for your Ipod. I didn't like the plastic overlay that comes with the ToughSkin for the video screen (doesn't fit that well and I always felt like it was going to fall out). No protection for the operating wheel gizmo with ToughSkin, either. Enter the Belkin overlay-cover the front, slide it in the Toughskin and that covers it all.
  
  
• Not their best case, but still my favorite
  By A2V06GQDBB2EDS on 2007-01-10
  I've owned four iPods and this is my third Speck ToughSkin case, so you know I like the product. I move around a lot and occasionally drop my iPod. ToughSkins provide good protection/cushion around the edges and screen which is where you need it. And the silcone material makes for a secure grip in your hand.
  
  Unfortunately, with the switch to the new 5th gen (video) iPod, Speck has dropped the optional flip-up cover for the wheel, which I loved since it meant never having to deal with the hold switch. Perhaps even more unfortunate is the fit around the screen. Because the video iPods are thinner and have screens that go right up to the edge of the device, it means the ToughSkin has less to grab onto when it wraps around the edge. Consequently, the edge of the case can pull away from the hard plastic screen protector, leaving a gap through which dust and dirt may get in.
  
  Nevertheless, I'm sticking with Speck, still the best of four other brands of cases I've tried.
  
  
• Will Scratch the Back of Your iPod
  By A23LQ26I6GDJE1 on 2007-03-19
  In general, I agree with the reviews for the product. The rubber case and screen protector are well-designed enough to protect the iPod, at least the front of it. The back of the iPod is a different story.
  
  If you have a 60GB or 80GB iPod, the back of the iPod is completely exposed to the belt clip, which will scratch your iPod. I got the case a couple of months ago, and have left my iPod in it since. When I finally took my iPod out of the case, I noticed a circular scratch deeply etched into the back. If you do get this case, I'd suggest placing a scratch protector or something on the back of the iPod.
  
  
• Hard to get on
  By A1H78438Y2ZEH3 on 2007-05-20
  This thing is tuff, but you have to have to struggle to get it on, since it is made of rubber. It is make pretty cheap as well. No way it is worth $30. And it is even harder to get it off. If you have some sort of base station or charger (I have a pair of Logitech mm50 speakers), you cant plug it in with the skin on, you have to take it off. Only buy this if you plan on never hooking it up to a pair of speakers. Mine just sits on my desk, since I dont want to take it off and put it on every time I want to plug it into my speakers. Buy a thinner skin, this one is way too thick.
  
  
• Excellent protection for you Video iPod
  By ACA8CVTJGL10M on 2006-04-14
  Can be charged/synced with this cover on. Great, thick protection. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Good Product
  By AI6CZ1N2HRMNI on 2006-05-21
  Overall this is a very good case. It provides excellent protection and everything on the iPod is accesable. My only problem with this case is that it does not allow you to use an iTrip. The rubber on the bottom is so thic that you are not able to plug in an iTrip. That disapointed me when I first tried it since I use my iTrip so often in my car. Everything else about this case is great but for that I am disapointed.
  
  
• about average
  By A12GQKJI1ARMB7 on 2006-06-25
  Before I bought my iPod, I bought this first. I heard to many horror stories of people dropping and scratching their iPod, I knew I had to buy something to protect it.
  
  I only gave it four stars because it come up short. In order to truely protect the iPod inside, the designers should have made sure that it rubber flaps that would close any open surface to protect it from sand, rain. Right now there are exactly three open surfaces. One of them, the most important, is on the bottom where you need to conect the iPod. The other two are on top, where the headjack and the hold botton are located.
  
  If you live in a harsh environment, or a deployed to harsh environment (Iraq, Afghanistan, or other areas such as Kosovo, S. Korea or training centers) you will want something that protects your iPod from all weather conditions.
  
  While it comes close, it does not go the final distance.
  
  Also, I am afraid that the constact pulling in and out of the iPod will eventually cause the rubber to tear. I need to take the iPod out of its protective case in order to put it into my Belkin car tunes.
  
  For the person that said they found it difficult getting their iPod out of the case, not sure where you had a problem. I had no difficulty. Maybe you bought the 60iPod, and are using the 30g protective cover.
  
  If you want to protect the back from scratches (although I do not see how that person developed that problem either), just keep the the little removable piece of rubber inside the protective cover.
  
  
• Good enough for me
  By A3U0T1NRG8G75E on 2006-07-25
  It took me 4 months to commit to a case for my 30G iPod video, but I finally bought this, and am not unsatisfied.
  
  1) The skin makes my iPod look like military issue, which is neither good nor bad.
  
  2) It's unfortunate there aren't two sizes, since the extra slice of rubber for the 30G bulks it up a little, but I suppose it beefs the protection up a little, too, which isn't necessarily bad. I won't be tossing my iPod like a hand grenade, but my terror level has dropped noticeably now that it has some body armor.
  
  3) I suspect the plastic belt clip won't last heavy users forever, but I don't really care as I don't wear my electronic accessories on my belt. The swivel dojobber the clip attaches to can be removed, but only by removing the skin itself, which is not particularly difficult but not something you want to do more than once in a while.
  
  4) I hope the screen protector is replaceable at moderate cost, but the Speck website doesn't mention one. Oh well.
  
  Summary - no post purchase blues.
  
  
• Safety assured
  By AJCCDWMFR8V29 on 2006-07-25
  The toughskin was a great choice for someone like me, who has a tendency to drop things into bags and drawers and such. I've had my Ipod in this since moments after opening it, and my screen is scratch free and should remain so. My only complaint is that I cannot dock the Ipod without removing the skin, and that's a cumbersome task. For those who are less than graceful, however, this product provides a bit of insurance against klutziness.
  
  
• It works!
  By A215WK3EK5SG0G on 2006-08-21
  I had my ipod resting on some exercise equipment. Bad idea! Of course it fell. But the Toughskin did its job and there was no damage. I like the overall feel of the covering, too. It's easy to hold on to & the belt clip is convenient. Plus all the controls & connections are accessible, so I've haven't had to take the Toughskin off yet.
  
  
• great case, but needs to lose weight.
  By A302E0JR7PW2AS on 2006-12-10
  This case is great at protecting your ipod, in fact this probably has the best impact protection of any other ipod case that I've seen, however it's not without some negative aspects. First off, this case is a bit bulky, which is a problem for me when putting in or taking out of my pants pocket. I'm aware that the extra rubber is what makes it impact resistant, but it also adds some inconvenience. Secondly the case leaves scuff marks on your ipod during removal or insertion, this isn't that big a deal...as it's not permanent, but may be more of a problem if you plan on taking your ipod out of the case frequently. Overall, the case does a great job at keeping your ipod safe, but it's just a tad bit bulky for my taste.
  
  
• Fits Great On My 30gb iPod!
  By A3ITEA2F2FK8AL on 2006-12-14
  I'm not sure what the difference is between what I have and some of the other reviewers, but I have absolutely NO problems with this case on my 30gb iPod. Granted, I'm 31 years old and take good care of my toys, but I would highly recommend this product! The screen guard fits snugly on top of the iPod screen and doesn't move around on me. I also have no problems with the iPod itself inside the case as the insert makes it fit perfectly. As far as the bulk/weight is concerned - it's the Video iPod, not the Nano. You know what you have, now invest in its longevity.
  Take care of your electronics and everything should be fine. Use this case and you're only improving the odds.
  
  
• Protect your pod
  By AEHZTE816QUW3 on 2007-01-15
  Between my wife and I we've toasted two iPods because we've dropped them without having significant protection. It really ticks me off how overly expensive all these solutions are, but hey, they're cheaper than buying a new iPod.
  
  This case offers good protection and a comfortable, slip-proof grip. All the features of the iPod are accessible without removing any part of the sleeve. My only gripe about this case is that the lense slides around, but it is not significant enough to be annoying.
  
  One more thing, the round belt clip mount on the back can be removed easily if you don't want to wear this on a belt.
  
  
• This was PERFECT for me ...
  By AIOB0HWU6CZBG on 2007-02-08
  I tend to be a little tough on things. I'm usually in a rush and I'm not particularly graceful -- let's face it - that combo can make the life of my iPod a little precarious. I needed something that would allow me to take my iPod with me (tossing it into my coat pocket, onto my car seat, etc), and ensure its "safety."
  
  The Speck toughskin has more than once saved my iPod's skin - best example: with the car door, I managed to knock my iPod out of my hand, sending it smacking into the cement wall of my garage, and landing on the cement floor. The rubber toughskin essentially acted like a shock absorber. My iPod was no worse for the experience.
  
  Because of it's design, you do have to take the skin off when you want to dock it. And it's a little bit of a challenge taking it off - it's actually easier putting it back on. But I have to say, the challenge makes me feel more assured that it's not going to be slipping off on me.
  
  The screen is actually protected by a fitted plastic cover - which will help keep your iPod's "face" scratch-free.
  
  This isn't a complaint for me since I wouldn't use it anyway, but my belt-clip broke the first time I tossed my newly clothed iPod into my coat pocket.
  
  
• OK
  By A1C30HBB9OPXP9 on 2007-02-11
  I got this for my granddaughter because I thought it would help protect her Ipod but she was not thrilled with it...I guess it was not "cool" as it was a bit bulky..Oh, well, I guess grandmothers don't always know best!
  
  
• It works well for me
  By AQ856J37NQ46P on 2007-02-12
  This cover looks like it will take a beating. The iPod fit into it easily and it seems to provide good protection. It does add some extra thickness to the iPod, and it's surface has some grip to it, making it somewhat more difficult to get in and out of a pocket. The belt clip looks brittle, but has worked well so far.
  
  
  
• Very good product.
  By A1R40I31OM8VXD on 2007-02-24
  I have a 30G ipod and I couldn't find a case that worked well AND looked good until I found this one. It looks great, the belt clip is removable and the screen protector has a rubber gasket to keep dirt away from the screen instead of crushing dirt against it. Also, the ipods with more memory happen to be a bit thicker than mine, and this worried me a bit. But the guys who designed this thing really thought it through. It's made to fit the thicker ipods but it comes with a piece that fills the gap for those of us who have the 30G. It works great, I recommend buying it.
  
  
• No Docking Station? Then they're for you!
  By A2V2IZG8TKBHDK on 2007-04-03
  I love this little thingy. But there are problems if you
  
  1) own a docking station
  
  2) want to dock your iPod on docking station after coming back from work or school (this time your iPod is sitting in this case)
  
  3) you want iPod videos on your big TV screen through your iPod docking station's a/v outputs
  
  all these three activities require your iPod to be out of the case and believe me, you will be making more scraches trying to put your iPod in and out of the case. If you own the 80gb iPod, it makes it even harder because the iPod is quite tight in this rubber case. I sensed I might break the iPod by trying to get it out of this thing.
  
  well, otherwise, if you will not be using docking station or a cradle, then this is yours. Make sure that you intend to keep it in the case forever because it is a hastle putting it in and out.
  
  One bonus for you though, ever thinking of buy a Bose SoundDock, then this case work on it without the iPod out of the case, only if you didn't use the dock adapter.
  
  
• It's like a sumo-suit for your ipod
  By A3V75RUFO1VHTY on 2007-04-10
  As a recent convert to the church of ipod, I was rather worried about the durability of what is essentially a small fragile hard drive. But no more. The ToughSkin is a great assessory to the ipod. The heavy, yet flexible rubber is over a 1/4 inch thick in places, especially at the corners where you would expect the most impact.
  
  Due to the nature of this rubber, it holds onto your ipod pretty snug, but is still loose enough to give it that extra bounce when you drop your pod. This is useful, as the rubber isn't exactly sticky, but it definately grips your skin and the cloth of your pocket. I use this at the gym and I often end up pulling my pockets inside-out extracting the thing. Also, due to the stretch, it is very easy to peel it back and extract your ipod thru the hole for the screen. The screen cover fits snuggly in that hole and has yet to come loose, or fall out when not forced. I might add that this is only an impact resistant cover, all the holes and the control disk on the front are exposed, it is NOT WATERPROOF.
  
  There is a rubber spacer that fits in behind your 30gig to keep it snug, you remove it to use this cover on an 80gig'er. There is a belt clip that I use daily, the little circle/nub it clips onto is easily removed from the cover if you don't need it. So far I have not had any problems docking my ipod with the rubber on it, but I could see how it might get in the way of tighter fitting docks, as it does make the ipod thicker and wider by some degree. Again, this is easily resolved by how quick the rubber can be peeled back and the ipod extracted.
  
  While this is the only ipod cover I've ever owned, I've compared it to all my friends' the we all agree that if you're at all afraid of dinging up your pod, this is the way to go for maximum protection.
  
  
• Will Damage the Back of Your iPod
  By A3JRJSM0KXYV40 on 2007-04-29
  There is a clear plastic piece on the back of the case that is used with the belt clip. This plastic piece will rub against the metal of the back of your iPod and leave a scratched circle. It even left a faint circle of scratches after I put on a fairly tough decal from Decal Girl on the back of my iPod
  
  The plastic circle even managed to rip the decal. This was after I tried to put a layer of clear scotch tape over the plastic piece to help with the scratching.
  
  Part of the clear plastic piece that I'm trying to describe can be seen in one of the user photos. The other side is a larger, flatter plastic circle that contacts directly with the iPod.
  
  I would not recommend this product for use with the belt clip.
  
  

• myvu Solo Plus Edition ( MA-0495)

• Apple 30 GB iPod AAC/MP3 Video Player Black (5.5 Generation)
• Apple 80 GB iPod AAC/MP3 Video Player Black (5.5 Generation)
• Apple USB Power Adapter for iPod (White)
• Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)
• Speck ToughSkin Case for iPod nano 2G (Black)