[Editors’ Note: On November 1, 2006, iLounge published The 2007 iPod Buyers’ Guide, with more than 30 brand new, capsule-sized product reviews – only for products we considered to be amongst the very best we’ve seen throughout the year. The short review below is excerpted from the Guide, which you can download here.]
Slimmer than Vaja’s iVod but similarly protective, Orbino of Italy’s Cambio case combines a precious metal ring – here, palladium – with classy hand-stitched leather to create a knockout, iPod-matching case.
You can choose from four classic leather colors –
black, brown, saddle or cognac – or pay extra ($30) for your choice of a different custom leather. A jewelry-class detachable belt clip is included, as is a non-adhesive plastic insert for screen and Click Wheel coverage.
Apparent immediately is the fact that the case is light on top protection – just like Vaja’s cases, you just pop the iPod inside and leave its whole top surface and side corners exposed – and we weren’t super impressed by the plastic insert that protects the iPod’s screen and Click Wheel, all reasons this rated a B rather than higher.
However, to the extent that you’re looking for a case that’s very flashy and don’t mind risking some iPod scratches, this one’s a stunner, making a strong first impression even though its price has gone up since first announcement earlier this year. You’ll get a certificate of authenticity in the box, and unlike many such certificates we’ve seen, this one actually looks like it’s worth keeping.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Orbino
Website: www.Orbino.com
Model: Cambio
Price: $89+
Compatible: iPod 5G
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