by Stephen Schleicher

Ever since I got my new ipod I’ve been looking for a way to protect it and keep the screen from getting all scratched up. One listener even wrote in and suggested using scotch tape to cover the screen…. Probably not the direction I would take with my $400 unit.

However, when I saw the XtremeMac Iconz for iPod series, I knew that is what I was going to buy. These are essentially slip covers for your iPod Video that completely covers the click wheel area. But because of the design you can still run the iPod without a problem with the Xtreme Mac play through design. I was a little skeptical at first, but after a few moments, it was just like running the iPod without a protective case. Now for the best part – you can get these designs with your favorite NBA Team, MLB, or in my case being a comic book geek Batman and Superman logos.

How do these limited edition covers work? We’ll I’m a slightly disappointed. While I like the design and the ability to show my support for my favorite heroes, the plastic cover seems a little cheap. It is hard to describe but feeling the covers harkens me back to some of the plastics from the 80s. Don’t get me wrong, the covers work great.

The other drawback is the price. Yes, the IConz for iPod series is a limited edition “collectors” product, but $30 seems a little high. There is so much packaging with these items that had the company decided to tone it down a little, these probably could retail for much less. Then again $30 is not too much to spend.

Because I’m not satisfied with one design – I am the type of person who will change my desktop image 3 times a week if the mood strikes – I also picked up the Xtreme Mac Tuffwrap Accent, also for $30. While the click wheel is not covered up in this cover, the material is silicon based which gives it that outdoor extreme feeling. The accent series is two toned. Black with yellow highlights is the one I picked up. There is an optional plastic screen that you can insert to protect the screen. But sadly, if you don’t use the cover, your screen may get scratched in your pocket, bag, or purse. I also noticed that the screen can easily pop out if the rubber is squeezed or pulled on.

Bottom line – if you don’t want to ruin your ipod with nicks and scratches, and you want to look trendy at the same time, then I give the XtremeMac Iconz for iPod a 4.5 out of 5 rating for the cheap plastic feel and price and the Tuffwrap Accent a 4 out of 5 rating for the optional covers that slip easily and also for the price. I’m not unhappy with these buys, but I’m not on the high from the satisfaction I received for my DLO Action Jacket I had for my Generation 3 iPod.

Coolness Roundup ©2006 Charlie White and Stephen Schleicher
No portion of this Web site or podcast may be used without the expressed written
consent of the authors.

Contact the webmaster at webmaster@coolnessroundup.com