Prior to Apple’s release of colored second-generation iPod shuffles, JAVOedge introduced JAVOClearCase ($8), a simple snap-on translucent plastic shell that provides an opportunity to customize the color of your silver shuffle. Available in an affordable 7-pack ($8) with a variety of colors – orange, red, magenta, blue, neon green, clear and smoke black are all inside – JAVOClearCase can also be used with the newly colored shuffles, but you may need a color chart to figure out how the different colors will blend. Its single biggest benefit is its orange shell, a color not found in any other shuffle color-changing kit we’ve yet seen.
Although marketed by JAVOedge as a case, the JAVOClearCase is actually a one-piece shell, made of a hard but light-weight durable plastic, providing coverage for parts of the shuffle’s face, while leaving the rear clip, top and bottom faces mostly uncovered. The JAVOClearCase snaps easily on and off for quick color changes – nice for shuffle users on the go – and its top and bottom each cover a little under half of the shuffle, the top interfering with the ability of oversized headphone plugs (but not Apple’s) to be properly plugged in.
Users will find that the JAVOClearCase otherwise integrates well with the shuffle: controls and switches are easily accessible, while the case is contoured to fit securely to the shuffle, and won’t come off accidentally. Unfortunately, as with JAVO’s JAVOShield and other shuffle cases, it must be noted that full Apple Dock access is not available while the shuffle’s inside the case. Users will either need to remove the shell or consider a third-party cable/USB key if they want to keep JAVOClearCase on at all times.
Additionally, we were impressed with how well JAVOClearCase’s array of orange, neon green and blue shells work well with both the silver shuffle, and their respective shuffle counterparts. Putting the orange shell on a silver shuffle gives you a pretty close approximation of the front of the orange shuffle, minus the Play/Pause button, and blue looks similar, too. Green is a stronger, brighter shade, and there’s a clear option if you want to keep any shuffle protected, but looking largely like itself.
Like JAVO’s JAVOShield, red and smoke black colors are available here despite the fact that they are unavailable – at least currently – as colors for the real shuffle, and look quite nice when paired with the silver shuffle. For now, snap-on options like these are as close as we’ll get to black and red shuffling, though JAVOShield does a slightly better job of matching the original look of a shuffle.
Aggressively priced at $8, JAVOClearCase is an exceptional value for instant second-generation iPod shuffle color pizzazz – seven shells for this low price give you a way to change your shuffle’s looks every day of the week, an especially good value for silver shuffle users. Although not every color of the JAVOClearCase will look good paired with the newly colored shuffles, for the price, it’s hard to go wrong here if cosmetics are what you’re seeking; JAVOClearCases are much less expensive and a little more protective than the all-metal JAVOShields. For protectiveness, however, they’re very limited, so look to Power Support’s Silicone Jacket for the second-generation iPod shuffle instead.
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Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: JAVOedge
Website: www.JAVOedge.com
Model: JAVOClearCase
Price: $8
Compatible: iPod shuffle (aluminum)