Belkin Acrylic and Brushed Metal Case for iPod 5G, 5.5G (Clear) Reviews

• Nice case

  
  By AGBUSL8TSKU67 on 2007-01-25
  I have an 80 GB iPod. I purchased this case based on a review and based on Amazon's description. When the case arrived I thought it looked very nice. It seems to be well-built, although I would prefer to see some non-slip rubber feet on the back of it. There is no belt clip--but I did not want one. I only wanted a case to protect my iPod while it sits on my desk. Other than the lack of rubber feet to help prevent it from sliding around, this case is perfect for that. I suppose I will buy some of those clear rubber no-slip dots to put on the back of my case. I think this case looks great on my iPod. The Belkin F8Z115 comes with two clear plastic back covers, one for the shallow 30 GB model and one for the deeper 80 GB model (the packaging says it fits the 30 and 60 GB models, so apparently the 60 is the same size as the 80 GB). The case fits the 80 GB iPod absolutely perfectly. There is no movement of the iPod within the case whatsoever. If you don't need a belt clip, this is a great iPod case.
  
  

• Snazziest case available

  
  By A2J23OJE5C6N7Z on 2006-12-31
  This case fits perfectly over my 80GB iPod Video. It doesn't rattle or come loose like one other I tried (and returned). It fully protects both the screen and control wheel. I *really* like the brush metal finish -- it both looks and feels really cool. The case doesn't add excessive bulk to the iPod package (no belt clip or extras -- good for me but maybe not for you). So overall this is the best case I found and I highly recommend it.
  
  

• Almost perfect case ......

  
  By A1FBAEZSVMR7NN on 2007-02-11
  I pretty much agree with the previous posters on this product. I wanted a case to fit my 80GB iPod but I did not want belt clips, arm bands, easels, and all the other options that are available. I just wanted protection of the $350 iPod. The iPod fits snugly into the acrylic base and the metallized cover snaps over it to create a solid unit. The iPod does not move or wiggle when in the case which is a plus. There is a slight gap between the cover and the face of the iPod so it will not be scratched, another good feature. And the colored face looks good. They come in various colors; silver, pink, red, blue. Take your pick when you order, most of the colors are available on Amazon. So far so good. The only weak link in my case was the port for the headphone. I use the Shure E3C phone and it has a headphone plug that is slightly larger than the normal headphone, and it would not fit through the hole molded into the acrylic case. I took a kitchen paring knife and rotated it back and forth and in about five minutes I had enlarged the hole so that my plug would pass through it. I'd recommend Belkin make this hole a bit larger from the start. Other than that I would have given the case five stars. If all you are looking for is pure protection for the iPod this is the case for you. It looks great, too.
  
  

• Love it

  
  By AM0QLU79O05JR on 2007-03-19
  Very nice looking, close fitting with a backplate to fit either full size iPod. Screen and scroll wheel cover. The scroll wheel cover does not inhibit scroll wheel movement at all unlike some cases I have owned. Currently my favorite iPod case and I have had quite a few.
  
  

• Fantastic! Hard plastic cover that protects the screen.

  
  By A204ETWOV23HO4 on 2007-12-02
  Great product - hard plastic over the iPod viewscreen, and a good solid case all around.
  
  Like another reviewer, it took me a few moments to figure out how to take it apart to put the iPod in, but it's not that difficult. It snapped right back together, and works like a charm.
  
  Has an opening in it for access to the iPod docking thing and to the headphone jack.
  
  Excellent! I feel so much less anxious now that my iPod actually has some protection from my pocket and other possible scratching/denting/wrecking things.
  
  
• Finally, a dockable case!
  By A1ST5GMC3E6U4Q on 2007-05-01
  This is a very nice case that makes the iPod look second gen "Nano-ish" in appearance. The one problem I had with lots of other cases is that due to their bulk, you have to take them out of the case in order to dock (or just use the cable straight to the unit, which hampers convenience).
  
  The other reviewers are wrong (to a degree), you CAN dock the iPod with this Belkin case. If you have the iPod Universal dock (remote version), just simply remove the plastic "adapter" for your respective iPod model out of the dock and this case will dock fine. Now I never have to take my iPod out of the case again!
  
  
• Perfect
  By AFDW1X47LHDQF on 2007-08-23
  This case does everything you need it to do. The entire screen and click wheel are protected, it's easy to remove and install and it doesn't add much size or weight to the ipod. If you need to clip to your belt however, this is not the case for you. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Nicest I've Found
  By A137D1MSF63WWH on 2007-03-08
  This is an excellent case. Unlike most of the neoprene cases out there, this case does not get sticky over time. It fits snuggly, looks classy and doesn't hinder any of the iPod's ports in any way. I looked at many cases before deciding on this one and I still haven't seen one that I like better.
  
  
• Love It
  By AWF4IIWS84ERE on 2007-03-11
  Love it! It's a great case: looks really nice, sturdy - keeps my ipod protected. However the opening for the headphones could be a little bigger. I can only use apple's headphones with a straight plugin. The L shaped plugins won't fit.
  
  
• Belkin Adds to the iPod Sleekness
  By A3L291G8H0T7RS on 2007-06-19
  I absolutely love the Belkin iPod case! It protects the iPod and isn't bulky. It looks really cool, keeps the iPod's sleekness, and still allows the iPod to slide in and out of my pocket easily. I loved it so much I bought 2 other colors, which I never do.
  
  
• Fit?
  By A1NB6YH7FC4FFG on 2007-07-09
  The iPod fit well in this case, however, my fm transmitter did not work but my transmitter need to be very close to the i[od, so I don't thnk it will work with any casr. My car jack also would not fit, the hole in the case was to small, the ear phone jack fit, but the car jack was slightly larger diameter. So overall the case is a nice idea, but has very limited use.
  
  
• Not my favorite...
  By ANEDXRFDZDL18 on 2007-10-10
  I purchased this product and think it is merely okay. I was disappointed that the lack of instructions in how to pull the case open. There were none and it took me a few seconds to figure out. Also, my case had dust inside(which looked nasty once my iPod was inserted), and the clear screen had some sort of smudgeable gunk on it. My efforts to scrape the gunk off resulted in a scratch! Whoops! Well, the case will get scratched soon enough I fear. I found that I do not like the smooth texture. Its too slippery and will slide out of pockets too easily. Finally, I did not like the way the menu button protector works. It makes movement jerky and you have to press to get the controls to work. I did drop it on the carpet and it didn't protect my iPod that well. The two pieces popped open.
  
  On the plus side, the screen is clear and bright and I like the way the iPod looks in this case.
  
  Overall, though I was disappointed. When you get a new product you expect it to be clean not dusty and gunked up. I think I'll be looking for a replacement real soon.
  
  
• Great case with one setback
  By A626N88RW70HV on 2007-02-12
  I get a lot of compliments on this case. It's one of the best I have used and it covers everything, including the click wheel and screen. It comes with two case sizes - one for the 30GB and one for the 60/80 GB. The one thing that sucks is there are tiny gaps between the faceplate and the body of the case. Due to the way it is put together you get little dust pieces and particles that wedge between the iPod and the case. Solution? Take it out of the case and clean it every once in a while. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Nearly perfect case
  By A1JSJLN28S73CK on 2007-02-22
  This case is excellent. The plastic is very tough and has withstood several drops onto the hard floor (luckily the iPod also was fine). The "brushed metal" face isn't brushed metal so much as it is a pattern of circular ridges, concentric with the click wheel, so that the whole face feels like an extension of the click wheel, a subtle but nice effect. The plastic parts of the case do scratch, but of course the iPod is protected. My favorite feature is that this case also covers and protects the click wheel.
  
  Minor drawbacks: the case is thick enough that it makes the iPod feel more bulky -- indeed, it in fact makes it more bulky (my iPod is an 80 gig Video). The plastic could have been molded to more perfectly cover around the dock port and the HOLD switch. Finally, the iPod will not fit into the dock with this case on, you have to remove the iPod from the case first. There would be no way to avoid that, of course, but it's still a bummer.
  
  
• Simply a great case
  By A7HO0ZFJDTJRG on 2007-03-08
  The very first thing that I noticed about this case was its beauty. Although it adds a little to the ipod it certainly keeps it stylish. It is great because there is no need to take out the ipod in order to charge it or add more songs. The protection over the clickwheel is a great surprise and hardly any other cases have this unique feature. I have the 30gb ipod and i strongly suggest that if you are getting an ipod, get this case along with it.
  
  
• Overall good product
  By A1M0SHSXRI3GDH on 2007-03-12
  Good product, great combination of screen protection along with a small flexable piece to cover the keypad.
  
  
• Solid and Tight
  By A3I2ZFS714SMKQ on 2007-03-21
  The display and click wheel are covered and enclosed. Click wheel still works - very sensitive with case on. Acrylic back may get scuffed, but metal front looks sharp.
  
  
• Niccccceee
  By A39QO0KHROWNLN on 2007-03-27
  this thing is nice, i would have gave it 5 stars but when i received it, it had a scratch on it, but i was too lazy to return it. but honestly this is worth the money. the case has scrathes all over but it still looks nice and my ipod still looks new
  
  
• Great case
  By A2GS5HP1Z4LASB on 2007-04-11
  The case is great! It looks great, and is functional. It doesn't add any bulk to the player. THe screen is scratched up a little already (from being in my bag) but that is OK. At least the IPOD screen isn't getting scratched! I really like how the click wheel is protected, too.
  
  
• Nice case
  By AZB5JGCYNI9YS on 2007-05-07
  The metal case makes the iPod Video look like a bit high class =), and I like the feel of the case as well. It was a little hard to get the iPod out of the back part of the case, but otherwise, very nice product!
  
  
• Great product!
  By AS5L6B8G9CSQL on 2007-05-09
  Beautiful case- clear, colorful faceplate, strong, exact-fitting. This will protect my iPod which is an investment. Belkin products are great. *** NOTE- 80GB iPod owners - there is a second back to the case inside the box. It is clear so it looks like the packaging. The back that comes with the cover is for the 30GB and will not fit the 80GB. Look inside the packaging.
  
  
• Nice looking case, scratches easily
  By A11QZFZ52VCLC6 on 2007-10-14
  Hi, I just bought this case from Amazon. Overall, this is a very nice looking case with a sleek aluminum front(I have the red version), and a clear acrylic backing. There are two inserts included in the package. One for the 30GB ipod, and one for the 60/80 GB ipod. I dropped my ipod onto tile floor once, and it was completely fine. So it provides relatively good protection against normal use. I can't say the same if you dropped it on concrete, but its fine if you take average care of your ipod. One downside to this case is the scratching problem. It scratches almost just as easily as the ipod itself. When you first attach it to your ipod, it looks great because of the flawless screen cover. However after about 6 months of daily use, the screen protector and clear backing becomes distributed with small scratches. You can still see the screen very well though, so there is no worry. Great case(if you take care of your ipod), and for a great price. Recommended! 4/5 Stars
  
  
• my notes on use with 80gb 5.5g iPod
  By A1BIUVIVA1FVIT on 2008-01-05
  I purchased this case for use with my 80GB 5.5gen iPod video.
  First, a clarification of the listing page: though the case is listed as "Belkin F8Z115 ... (Clear)," the front of the case is the metallic silver color shown in the photos. I wasn't sure which it would be when I ordered and it didn't matter to me, but I thought it might be misleading to some.
  
  PROS:
  - The front of the case is a single piece of acrylic (plastic) that covers both the click wheel and the screen completely and seamlessly. No messing with peel-and-stick screen protectors.
  - The inside of the case front is softer acrylic, which is kinder to the screen.
  - I have found the click wheel to be very responsive through the case; at first, I pushed harder--thinking I would need to--but in fact it seems more responsive with the same light touch one would use on a bare click wheel.
  - Looks good, feels solid.
  
  CONS:
  - The case puts some pressure on my screen in just one small spot, which distorts the image there a bit. Mildly distracting.
  - The case picks up fingerprints almost as easily as the mirrored back of the iPod, so if you're worried about that be forewarned--especially about fingerprints on the inside of the case back when first encasing the iPod.
  ----- As other reviewers have noted:
  - If dropped, the two parts will almost inevitably come apart. The iPod is unlikely to pop out of the back half of the case however, affording some protection still.
  - The fit of the back clamshell is so snug, it's a bit unwieldy to get the iPod out of the case back--not an issue for me, but would be for those who use docks.
  - The access holes to the headphone jack and docking connector are only large enough for the Apple-supplied headphones and the Apple docking cord. Aftermarket accessories may not fit, including most other headphones, without modifying the case. This seems to be common of nearly all cases for iPod.
  
  WISH IT HAD:
  - I have not found any cases for iPod that cover the docking connector when it's not in use. A gate that keeps dust out of the port would be a very welcome addition.
  
  
• Warning - does NOT fit iPod Video 80 GB
  By AUYN9N1RBUNQD on 2008-03-26
  The title says it all. I purchased the case and it doesn't fit. I notice some reviews mentioned that their box had two inserts - one for the 30 GB, and one for the 60/80 GB version. Mine didn't. No instructions, bare packaging, doesn't fit.
  
  Buyer beware.
  
  
• a great design!!
  By A2054GN73HHR8Q on 2007-02-07
  considering some the other "safe and protective" cases on the market. this was a godsend.
  i happened to see it in a store, (and it was overpriced) and i found out that borders/amazon had it. i took a chance and purchased it, and have been using it ever since
  
  
• Decent, could be better.
  By AN5B3S3ONXQXP on 2007-02-08
  Overall this case does the job, keeps the ipod video pretty snug and protected in a hard plastic casing. My only complaint is how easy the hard plastic over the screen scratches. I keep my ipod in my pocket and just from the inside of the pocket there's tiny little scratches all over the screen cover. Not that big of a deal but sometimes it shows up when watching movies and the screen darkens. They could have used the glossy type plasic you see on cell phones and such to prevent scratches a bit more. Other than that, this is a nice case to protect the ipod video.
  
  
• Excellent IPod Accessory
  By A3DJQGOIEIUOYC on 2007-02-15
  This cover for my 30G black IPod is great. It doesn't attach to your belt, so if you need that, look elswhere. Otherwise, this is the best looking and best protecting IPod case I've seen.
  
  
• Excellent Case!
  By ABKGCTPH479D7 on 2007-02-15
  Have been using this case for 3 weeks now and have not found any flaws with it! My 30gb 5th gen. Ipod fits beautifully. I especially like the cover over the click wheel. Click wheel performance is not diminished at all. My prior case was a leather style case and I always had problems connecting my data link cable to it because the opening was not the right "shape". The rectangular opening on the Belkin works perfect. Lots of positive comments from people who see the case too (I have the brushed metal version). Great case...hightly recommended.
  
  
• Speaker jack
  By A3SJMGOPGLR3RW on 2007-03-11
  Because the case has dimensiopnality to it it generates a smaller length for an external speaker system jack to fit in the iPod. So unless it is pushed down hard and kept down a connection won't be made
  
  
• Defective Product - Prevents use of docking station, a/v out, iTalk mic
  By A1Y1ZZKSQB1WY9 on 2007-03-12
  Warning - your iPod may already be stuck! Good luck trying to get your iPod *out* of its case once it gets into it. Why, you ask, would you want to get your iPod out of this sleek looking case? Perhaps because, like me, you realize that the case's thickness prevents the use of the docking station (but not the cable by itself), Apple's A/V out cable (which goes into the headphone jack), and Griffin's iTalk voice recorder.
  
  If you only plug headphones into your iPod, then the case is great. If you have any inklings of a plan to use any accessories beyond just the headphones, avoid this case.
  
  
  
  

• Apple 30 GB iPod AAC/MP3 Video Player Black (5.5 Generation)
• Apple 80 GB iPod AAC/MP3 Video Player Black (5.5 Generation)
• Belkin Protective Screen Overlays for iPod 5G, 5.5G (Clear)
• Apple iPod classic 80 GB Silver (6th Generation)
• Belkin Acrylic and Brushed Metal Case for iPod 5G, 5.5G (Pink)