Works with
iPod Classic
The Good
Protects screen
Snug fit, with soft foam-lined interior
Includes dock connector cover plug
The Bad
Leaves clickwheel unprotected
Styling is a little plain
The Price
US$24.95
Core Cases’ Aluminum Slider iPod Classic case provides reasonable protection for the iPod, but loses marks from me for not protecting the clickwheel and for its somewhat plain styling.
The case is made from two pieces of anodized aluminum — one a soft-foam-lined tray that the iPod Classic rests in, the other a cover that slides over the tray and locks into place. The fit is very snug. Normally that’s a good thing, but in this case, because the fit is so tight and the sliding cover’s edge a little thin, I’d be worried about scratching the face of the iPod when removing the cover. I haven’t encountered any scratching, but it doesn’t seem impossible, either.
Still, the case has a sturdy, easy-to-grip feel and the aluminum certainly provides confidence that the iPod inside will be protected from scratches, dings, and dents — at least on its body and screen, that is.
The case doesn’t cover the clickwheel, leaving it open to scratches or water seepage. Unprotected clickwheels are a pet peeve of mine in iPod cases, especially when other case manufacturers have devised ways to protect the clickwheel while still making it functional.
Besides that omission, the Aluminum Slider Case offers all the features you’d want, and then some. It allows access to the hold button, headphone jack, and dock connector. It even comes with a little plastic plug that fits into the dock connector to keep it clean when not in use – a nice touch.
While the style of the case, which comes in black, silver, pink, and red, is acceptable, it feels a little plain, a little boring. It would be nice to see some verve in future versions of the case.
Ultimately, Core Cases’ Aluminum Slider iPod Classic case is competent and acceptable. And while it’s not likely to change anyone’s conception of what an iPod case does or can do, it should provide decent protection of the iPod Classic for most users.
