iLounge

Company: J.R. Hill & Company

Website: www.jrhillandcompany.com

Model: iPod Sleeve Deluxe

Price: $39.99

Compatible: iPod 1G, 2G

J.R. Hill & Co. iPod Sleeve Deluxe

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By Dennis Lloyd

Publisher, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, December 25, 2001
Category: Cases - iPod 1G & 2G (without Dock Connector)

Pros: Handcrafted fine leather will last and protect your iPod for a long time. Easy access to all iPod button functions.

Cons: No holes for FireWire port and “Hold” switch. Old school styling doesn’t do the iPod design justice.

Old school craftsmanship meets high tech wonder.

Though many mind it’s not-so-modern appearance, the case does what its supposed to ...protect your iPod as well as provide for full functionality.

Features

While handcrafted of fine black leather, the Sleeve Deluxe has many desirable features in an iPod case. In the middle of the top cover flap, there is a convenient hole for access to the headphone input. The front of the case has a clear vinyl “window” for viewing the iPod’s LCD screen and a circular cut out for easy access to all the iPod’s navigation buttons, including the scroll wheel. A metal belt clip is provided on the back of the case. Though not a big deal, an access hole for the FireWire cable and a cut out for the “Hold” switch would have been a nice convenience. You have to open the cover-flap each time you connect your FireWire cable and every time you use the “Hold” switch.

Fit and Finish

Tight stitching and the lasting quality of leather will make this case endure the rough times. The fit is very snug (maybe too snug), yet forgiving; the sides are made of elastic cloth, allowing the case to expand a bit. Taking it out of the case was similar to a “Push-up” Popsicle; it’s so tight it had to be helped out by pushing on the bottom of the sleeve. Even if there weren’t a cover flap, your iPod wouldn’t accidentally pop out of the case.

Conclusion

All in all, if you don’t mind its old world flavor and a couple of minor features missing, this case will protect and serve your iPod for years. And like any well-made fine leather product, it will wear well and become a “second skin.” Your iPod will play on-and-on in comfort. The Sleeve Deluxe is a bit on the expensive side at $39.99, but after all it is a handcrafted leather case. You could also opt for the basic iPod Sleeve model at $29.99, but it doesn’t have any access to the iPod’s buttons. Watch this page for another upcoming leather iPod case review, but this one is made of Italian leather.