Friday, October 5, 2007

One iPod with Extra Glaze, Please

Since the dawn of the New Millennium, our iPods have been put on this earth to serve us well. They provide entertainment in the form of music, video, and games. They give us important information wherever we may be through Podcasts. Because of this constant dependence that we developed on our iPods, it takes a toll on the small device as well.

The iPod is known to be a sensitive device, and a fragile one at that. Many users have reported that even when in a protective case, the iPod can still get minor scratches on its surface. In 2005, online news reports have gathered complaints from iPod Nano owners about the screen that scratches so easily. Some of the buyers even returned their Nanos to the stores due to this problem.

So Apple has been bragging about the great features of its iPod, and how versatile it is when it comes to providing entertainment, but how do you remedy the scratchy scenario? Good thing smart iPod followers came up with great accessories that give your iPod the extra nine lives it deserves.

First up, we’ve got the iGlaze. No, it’s not a sugary coating over a hot doughnut. It’s a nifty protective shield from the Moshi/Aevoe company, which prevents scratches on your Nano’s surface. At the same time, it does not compromise the clarity of the display or the sensitivity of the jog dial controls.

The iGlaze retails at about $27, and is available at iPod stores or online. It comes in five colors, and you can simply stick it on the front plate of your iPod Nano for added protection. The iGlaze adds an additional 0.7 millimeters to your Nano. It has a see-through window that protects the screen, and the bottom part is colored and houses a protective cover for your jog dial. An already scratched iPod Nano can look new again just by sticking on the iGlaze, and if you want to change the color again, you can easily remove it, too.

Another popular screen protector sold online is the invisibleSHIELD, which sounds like its straight from a Fantastic Four comic book. In reality, the materials used on this shield are similar to what the military uses for protecting helicopter blades. These clear adhesive films simply stick on the surface of your iPod to give it a longer-lasting life. The invisibleSHIELD offers custom-made cuts for any electronic device that needs protecting, like PDA’s, mobile phones, and others. They even have one available for the touch screen of the iPhone. It retails at $19.95 per piece for the iPod.

In 2006, Griffin Technology also came up with an iPod scratch preventer, called the iClear. It’s a custom-fitted transparent polycarbonate case that encloses your Video iPod, 1st generation iPod, or even your iPod Nano. It does not add bulk to your unit, and does not cover the jog dial nor the LED screen. There are openings on the sides to accommodate the headset, the dock, and the switch. You can purchase the Griffin iClear case for about $20.

The iSkin Company, which designs protective cases for Apple products and even portable video game consoles, came up with a twist to the ordinary polycarbonate shell for the iPod. Their iSkin Claro is a polycarbonate case outside lined with a 0.5 mm silicone layer inside. You simply snap them on together to encase your iPod. There are also windows for your LED screen, jog dial, and access for your headset and cables. When in the iSkin, your iPod can also be upright with the integrated kickstand. It costs around $40 for each iSkin Claro, but you can also purchase Claro Slims, which come in different colors to enhance your case.

You no longer have to complain about your ultra-vulnerable iPod getting dings, scratches, and cracks. If you take the time to know the good stuff that can offer your device protection, then your iPod will surely be thankful. It’s a wise investment that is worth every cent. Our devices will stay with us as long as we know how to care for them. Your portable player will be more than happy to give you years and years of the entertainment you need.


http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/one-ipod-with-extra-glaze-please/#more-37