Pros: A reinforced plastic security system for either 4G and 5G iPods or iPod nanos, combining a comparatively secure four-digit combination lock with a strong steel cable and a full iPod case. Provides complete access to iPod’s screen and controls while in use, available in white and black versions.
Cons: No screen or Click Wheel protection, limited top protection. Holes on both versions of the case look a bit unusual on their respective iPods; nano version in particular has a bit of wiggle room unless you supply your own protective film.
Not to be confused with the previously released metal PodSafe for fourth-generation iPods, Secure-It’s The PodSafe is a plastic iPod carrying shell design with an integrated combination lock, available in one version for iPod nano, and another that fits both 4G and 5G iPods, regardless of thickness. The 4G/5G version includes three interior sizer pads to let your iPod of choice sit snugly inside, while the nano version works with all current nanos. Each is available in black and white versions, and secured by a pop-off locking lid that can be opened only with the right combination and a pressurized button. The sturdy metal cabling is cut-resistant, and opens to let you attach a bag or other item to the case.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to test three new iPod security systems, each based on the same general concept: if you want to hang your iPod on your bag but are afraid that someone might snatch it while you’re walking, you buy one of these and enhance your security.
Below is our review of Secure-It’s The PodSafe ($40); reviews of i2 Electronics’ iLOCKr neo and Targus’ Mobile Security Lock are posted separately.
Most of iLOCKr neo’s flaws have been remedied in Secure-It’s The PodSafe, which is identically priced at $40, but takes a different approach to iPod security and protection. Secure-It has developed a two-piece solution that covers any 4G or 5G iPod in a case made from Polycarbon-strengthened plastic, using a back hatch to let you insert the iPod and small, iPod thickness-specific foam spacers to keep each iPod in place inside. An iPod nano version is also available, lacking the hatch and spacers – the nanos all fit inside. Once closed, the case has three holes: one for the iPod’s screen, one for its controls, and one for its headphone port – the nano version also exposes the Dock Connector port, while the 4G/5G case exposes the iPod’s Hold switch.
Each case is then secured with the second piece: a matching 4-digit combination lock and steel security cable, which connects to the case’s bottom, not the iPod’s. When the lock has been inserted, the case cannot be opened until a spring-loaded button is pressed on one side of the lock; similarly, the steel security loop opens only when the lock has been removed, and an eject button has been pressed. You can physically reset the lock’s code whenever it’s opened and you have the need to do so.
In virtually all regards, The PodSafe looks and feels like a better total solution than the iLOCKr neo – the case-style design offers substantial anti-drop and anti-scratch protection for every bit of the iPod save the aforementioned holes, and gives you the choice of black or white colors to match your iPod.
And it affords superior “abandoned iPod” security thanks to its 4-digit combination lock, which as pointed out in our iLOCKr neo review would require almost 3 hours for someone to crack at random. Best of all, it accomplishes this without any risk of Dock Connector damage: a failed attempt at theft might leave scratches on your iPod, but no electrical damage.
The only issues we had with The PodSafe were small ones. Secure-It’s 4G/5G compatible design uses screen and Click Wheel holes that are designed to be “one size fits all” rather than model specific, and though both iPod styles can be fully viewed and controlled from the cases, the holes look a little awkward. A fourth-generation iPod has a large frame around its screen and a bit of space under its Click Wheel; a 5G iPod has a large frame around its Click Wheel and a little space under its screen. The iPod nano version’s holes aren’t quite perfect, either: the case is a little loose, letting the nano jiggle inside and showing off a bit of extra space above both the Click Wheel and screen.
Though it would fit in each case, Secure-It provides no protective film for the iPods’ fronts – each case’s only major protectiveness omission.
