iLounge

Company: Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO)

Website: www.DLO.com

Model: HipCase

Price: $30

Compatible: iPod nano 4G, iPod classic

DLO HipCase for iPod nano 4G and iPod classic 120GB

By Jeremy Horwitz

Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Friday, January 2, 2009
Category: Cases - iPod classic, Cases - iPod nano

Sold in two versions for the iPod nano -- a leather version and an "eco-aware" version made from a natural, corn-based fiber -- and eco-aware versions for the iPod classic and iPod touch (not shown), DLO's latest HipCase ($30 each) is yet another pedestrian flip-style case of the sort that we've become utterly bored by. Each has a built-in belt clip and opens to reveal the screen and controls of the iPod, which are normally obscured by a large front flap. The new cases are modestly redesigned from earlier HipCases released last year.

Rather than fully re-state what we’ve said before, our HipCase review will be very brief. While these cases provide substantial protection for these iPod models, they do so in a lazy, inconvenient manner that we find difficult to recommend given that other cases do the same without making your iPod’s screen and controls difficult to use. The HipCases also present docking and accessory compatibility challenges; their only added utility comes in the form of a rear-mounted belt clip that is non-detachable.

We consider the HipCases to be low priced, fine quality leather cases that we wouldn’t use ourselves or—given all the great options out there—recommend to our readers. If the days of the PDA flip-style case aren’t already numbered, they should be.