Trading on the name of the company’s previous, protective cases for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, Case-Mate’s new Naked Case for iPod nano 4G ($20) is a clear hard plastic shell with integrated screen coverage, but no included Click Wheel protector — a surprise given the company’s typically comprehensive approach to protecting iPods’ faces. The two-piece shell slides open on the back to let you insert the nano, and frames part of its face with a ring of black. While we like the style of the Naked Case, we’re not as impressed by its bottom design, which is incompatible with oversized headphone plugs and many bottom-connecting accessories, a major difference between this and other iPod nano 4G cases. On the positive side, it does work with Universal Docks and Apple’s earphones, and the top does nicely provide access to the Hold switch while covering most of the nano’s plastic surface. Overall, though it looks sharp, protects most of the nano, and sells for a reasonable price, this version of Naked Case just barely earns our general recommendation due to its accessory issues and protection omissions; there are other clear cases in the same price range that do a better job.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Case-mate
Website: www.case-mate.com
Model: Naked Case
Price: $20
Compatible: iPod nano 4G