NOTE: This review is a near-duplicate of my review of Case Logic's UNP2. This is because the products are essentially identical except that the UNP1 is designed for the iPod nano, with the UNP2 design for the iPod video.
Works With
iPod nano
The Good
Affordable
Stylish
The Bad
No access to clickwheel
Screen is exposed in some configurations
The Price
US$9.99
Case Logic’s Pockets UNP1 iPod nano case is a stylish little affair with a number of drawbacks. Though it may not be a good fit for most users, it could be a hit with college students and other who take their iPods on short trips.
The Pockets line from Case Logic are a set of brightly colored neoprene sleeves designed to house an array of digital products, including iPods, digital cameras, and cell phones.
This one-size-fits-many approach is the problem with the Pockets UNP1. Because it’s not an iPod nano case first and foremost, it doesn’t have the features needed to make the experience of using it with an iPod a good one.
When you slide the iPod nano into the sleeve, there’s no way to scroll on the clickwheel without removing the iPod (buttons can be clicked, though). This is a problem, since the point of a case is to keep the iPod nano in it and protect the player from scratches, dings, and other wear. Using the Pockets UNP1 for a short trip – say walking across campus to class or on a short bus or subway trip – makes sense, but trips longer than an album will require removing the iPod to change what you’re listening may become a bit cumbersome.
In some configurations, the nano’s screen is exposed, which leaves the iPod’s screen open to scratching.
Case Logic demonstrates the Pockets UNP1 as something that is clipped to belts, bags, or backpacks by the attached carabineer-type clip. It’s a nice idea for the college campus, but I’d be a little worried about wearing my iPod on the outside of my body in a city. Though the stitching of the clip to the sleeve looks solid, I’d wager a really hard tug from a thief could tear the iPod off my body.
The sleeves look nice and are offered in an array of colors: rust (orangish), chocolate (brown), cotton candy (pink), cranberry (red), sky blue, slate (grey).
The price is low and the styling good, so for college students on non-city campuses, the Case Logic Pockets UNP1 may be a good idea. For others, though, seeking another case that requires removing the iPod nano less often during use may be a better option.
