iLounge

Company: Vaja

Website: www.VajaCases.com

Model: Vaja 661 Classic Case (magnet closure), Vaja 664 Classic Case (snap closure), Custom Classic Cases

Price: $44.90, $34.90, $55 - $129, respectively

Compatible: iPod 1G, 2G

Vaja Classic Case

By Dennis Lloyd

Publisher, iLounge
Published: Monday, February 10, 2003
Category: Cases - iPod 1G & 2G (without Dock Connector)

Pros: Beautiful and elegant design is reminiscent of traditional, hand-made craftsmanship. High quality and adequate protection.

Cons: Needs more leather on the sides and clear vinyl shield for LCD display.

Vaja is a company based below the equator in Argentina, where fine leather goods have been produced since the early 1800’s. Made only from the top ten percent of Argentine full-grain leathers, the Vaja Classic case is crafted with exceptional attention to detail.

I still remember the day after having opened the box shipped by Vaja, I was overwhelmed with the smell of genuine cowhide leather. The review unit I received was a gorgeous deep red, and the finish smooth and glossy. It’s a high quality case, but how does it holdup to everyday functionality?

Features and Function

I placed the original 5GB iPod into the case, and the fit was like a glove. Keep in mind this case does not fit the new, thicker 20GB model. Vaja notes that the new thinner iPod 10GB fits the Vaja Classic cases. The case covers only the lower half of the iPod when inserted. I think it would be best if Vaja added enough leather to cover the entire height of the iPod, providing full protection. For additional reassurance, I would also like to see Vaja add clear vinyl to shield the LCD display against any possible mishaps. The scroll wheel cutout is perfectly aligned and provided easy access.

The padded flip top lid is reinforced with a plastic insert, and provides added protection against bumps and drops. To secure the lid to the front panel, there is two small rectangular magnets positioned at a 45 degree angle in each of the bottom corners. There is also two more magnets on the front panel. When closed, the magnets provide a very easy method to secure the lid and it stays closed. No need to press Velcro or a snap to secure it. However, if you prefer, there is a version available with snap closure for $34.90.

On the back panel of the case is a standard metal post for adding the included swivel belt clip. My preference is without belt clip and if you’re the same, you can order one without the metal post.

Vaja Responds

The Vaja Classic case is both beautiful and functional, but I do have one minor gripe. This is a direct plea to Vaja. Please make the hole for the earphone plug larger. The audio port hole at the top of the case was the exact diameter as the Apple earphone plug, and made it difficult to plug in. I stopped writing this review and immediately emailed Vaja to make a suggestion to them to make the hole larger. Low and behold, Vaja wrote an email response telling me, after checking with their designers, that they were going to make the hole larger. Score one for the little guy! Several weeks had passed as Vaja readied the new case for release, and I finally received one for inspection. As promised, Vaja delivered an already great case with a larger diameter hole to make life easier when plugging in your Apple or any other brand earphones. Thanks Vaja.

Your Very Own Vaja

Vaja will make you a custom case. Their website is set up to take custom orders for your one-of-a-kind case. Choose your color, belt clip or no belt clip, snap or magnet closure, and your choice between personalized embossed engraving or an embossed company logo. Personalized embossed engravings are limited to 20 characters in 1 line. Custom cases range from $55 - $129 depending on your preferences.

Bottom Line

The Vaja case protects your iPod in elegant style. Its chic exterior and finish exhibits experienced craftsmanship. For everyday use, this case more than satisfies the needs of the iPodder who wants aesthetics and functionality. We hope Vaja updates the case with a clear vinyl LCD shield to make it one of the best leather cases available.