Works With
Fifth-generation iPod (iPod video)
The Good
Keeps its promise - keeps iPod dry underwater
Unique product
Good underwater sound quality
The Bad
Case and headphones are sold separately, making the final price higher than it at first appears
The Price
US$89.99 for case
US$39.95 for headphones (required for underwater use)
If you’ve got a burning desire to take your entire music library with you underwater – whether that’s in the pool, the ocean, or just the bathtub – the H20 Audio waterproof iPod case for the iPod video is for you. This watertight case, when combined with underwater headphones, lets you use your iPod safely and with good sound quality in water up to 10 feet deep.
The case, like its sibling, the H20 Audio for iPod nano, is a clear, hard-plastic case that houses the iPod and protects it from water. The waterproofing arrives thanks to a rubber "T-seal" at the case’s edges that keeps water and other kinds of moisture out. Waterproof controls and the SealTight headphone jack complete the protective casing.
To get the most out of the case, you’ll need to use H20 Audio’s underwater headphones, which are, frustratingly, sold separately. When you do use them, though, you’ll find that listening to music underwater sounds great (listening on land isn’t as nice, though, so only use these beneath the waves). When listening in water, use the included earplug adapters, which prevent water getting between the headphones and your ears.
The H20 Audio waterproof iPod case comes with a neoprene armband to secure it to your arm while swimming. You can also just let the case float, tethered to you via the stretchy headphone cord. Serious swimmers may find that the case causes too much drag, but recreational users should be happy with the trade-off.
The H20 Audio case for iPod video does what it sets out to do and does it well. With it, you’ll be able to safely take your iPod in the water, listen to music, and avoid damage. The price for this is a bit high, though, and when combined with the headphones, the combination will set you back over US$130. Still, if you’ve got the money and the desire for a waterproof iPod case, the H20 Audio will be great for you.
