Looking for the Perfect iPod case: controls accessible, small

[debrey]

Hi,

I'm looking for a case to protect my iMod (iPod Photo) plus a small amp -- ideally, quite small. I want to be able to access the iPod without having to remove it from the case. And I wan't it to be as small as possible. All I know is the Gigabag from Headroom. Anything else I should consider? Ideally I would like something even smaller and cheaper. I want it to fit right around the iPod and amp without hindering usage. I know that is probably too much to ask, but anything approaching this would be appreciated!

-- David

 

[flamerz]

Oops, didn't read it right.

 

[LDMES]

You can check my rig out:

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...200547&page=23

As for amps. I have a Portaphile. But I've heard good things about the Xin SuperMacro IV and the Ray Samuels Hornet. Both amps I'd love to try. They also make smaller amps as well. Some others use the Go-Vibe amps as well as other makes. I don't know enough about those, so you'd have to ask someone else.

Also you want to make sure to get a good IC Mini to Mini. I went with Audio Line Out after seeing alot of people using ALO cables. Ken was very helpful and while I was considering $$$ cables he convinced me that the Cryo would be right for me, and I really feel like I got my Money's worth. If you are going to go with the Gigabag, which I use myself, make sure to get a IC with Right Angle Plugs so that you can close the case.

In terms of case I bought a Contour Case but felt it was too bulky, and then I stumbled onto Vakaadoo cases and the iVak for the 4G Photo and knew it was right for me. With the cryo cable I did have to use my dremel tool to make the opening for the IC a smidgen bigger so it would fit. Now it is sweet. It protects the case and the screen. I just orderd a Custom Wheel Screen from iFrogs. So now it will be totally protected even outside of the Gigabag.

Hope this helps.

Good Luck!!!

 

[debrey]

Hey, thanks for the response. I actually looked through the whole portable rig thread trying to find solutions. Your set up does look nice and I am seriously considering the Vakaadoo. How well do you think it protects against impacts? In other words, how well does it absorb shocks? I want my iPod to really durable, esp. against accidentally being droped.

I've been considering the gigabag. How easy do you find it to use the controls on the iPod through the clear plastic on the case? Or do you just pull it out whenever you want to use the controls?

I found that case logic actually makes something superficially like the giga-bag for $10. Since it is smaller, I'm wondering if I would like it better. But again, I'm worried about the controls through the clear plastic.

http://www.ebags.com/case_logic/mp3_...?modelid=83869

-- David

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, thanks for the response. I actually looked through the whole portable rig thread trying to find solutions. Your set up does look nice and I am seriously considering the Vakaadoo. How well do you think it protects against impacts? In other words, how well does it absorb shocks? I want my iPod to really durable, esp. against accidentally being droped.

The iVak fits securely over the iPod, so it won't come off if you drop it. That being said, as it fits like a glove over it, there is no padding between it and the iPod to act as a shock oborber if you drop it. Compared to the Contour Case, I feel it would be similar if my iPod fell in both. The case will protect the iPod with regards to scratches and damage from fropping, as the case will hit the ground, not the iPod itself. If you are going to carry around your setup in something like the Gigabag then you are going to get a little more fall protection, and overall protection when it is in the Gigabag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've been considering the gigabag. How easy do you find it to use the controls on the iPod through the clear plastic on the case? Or do you just pull it out whenever you want to use the controls? I found that case logic actually makes something superficially like the giga-bag for $10. Since it is smaller, I'm wondering if I would like it better. But again, I'm worried about the controls through the clear plastic. http://www.ebags.com/case_logic/mp3_...?modelid=83869 -- David

I can access my click wheel with the Gigabag completely sealed. I do have to unzip it to get to the hold button and to turn on my amp and adjust the volume/gain knob on the amp. Once the volume is set and my iPod is taken off Hold, I zip it up and then only open it up a bit to turn the whole rig off when I'm done. No need to open it up while using my rig. Also I like the design of the Gigabag. There is a handy mesh pocket on the back to stuff my PTH and e500s into and on all four corner there are rubber protected openings that allow for me to route my cables in and out of the bag without getting in the way of the iPod or Amp.

The Case Logic Bag looks OK, but you need to find out if with the iMod iPod, an IC Mini2Mini and a portable amp, all of it will fit, as you will need the Mini2Mini and Amp to use the iMod iPod. The Mini2Mini that you choose to go with can also impact your setup, that's why I recommend getting rt. angled mini plugs on it, as regular plugs will stick up high out of the jacks. I can tell you confidently that the setup will work with the Gigabag, as it fits my setup.

 

[cooperpwc]

I use the Showcase Video:
http://www.contourcase.com/showcase/showcasevideo/

Unlike many other cases, it is hinged and very easy to remove the iPod. (I use the Apple leather case for listening to and viewing podcats when I am commuting to work; switching back and forth is simple.) It supports all iPod accessories (Like the Turbodock). I have it so that it velcros to my Total Bithead. The result is a nice portable stereo for two listeners. It looks good too with the black rubber outline that matches the Total Bithead. Protection seems to be just fine.

EDIT: This is in fact the "Contour Case" (or at least one of them). It's not as thin as the Apple Leather Case (nothing else is...) but still one of the thinnest on the market. I don't think that it is too bulky.

 

[debrey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDMES /img/forum/go_quote.gif The iVak fits securely over the iPod, so it won't come off if you drop it. That being said, as it fits like a glove over it, there is no padding between it and the iPod to act as a shock oborber if you drop it. Compared to the Contour Case, I feel it would be similar if my iPod fell in both. The case will protect the iPod with regards to scratches and damage from fropping, as the case will hit the ground, not the iPod itself. If you are going to carry around your setup in something like the Gigabag then you are going to get a little more fall protection, and overall protection when it is in the Gigabag.

I have no doubt that I am overly succeptible to advertising, but I am somewhat taken in by Contour Cases claims on their website about shock absorption:

Quote:

Meanwhile, you'll still enjoy all the elegance and portability that drew you to the iPod in the first place. Cutting-edge advances like ultra impact resistance, dual injection molding and our streamlined Secure Latch all add up to a proven winner. twice as nice Shock absorbing rubber + crystal clear plastic = twice the protection.

On the other hand, if I mostly keep it in the gigabag (or whatever) and if it is more bulky...

Quote:

The Case Logic Bag looks OK, but you need to find out if with the iMod iPod, an IC Mini2Mini and a portable amp, all of it will fit, as you will need the Mini2Mini and Amp to use the iMod iPod. The Mini2Mini that you choose to go with can also impact your setup, that's why I recommend getting rt. angled mini plugs on it, as regular plugs will stick up high out of the jacks. I can tell you confidently that the setup will work with the Gigabag, as it fits my setup.

I need to keep my costs down, so although the ALO stuff looks good, I decided to go for something less than $20. Local member Soundgoon is making me a right angle interconnect -- I think it'll be great.

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have no doubt that I am overly susceptible to advertising, but I am somewhat taken in by Contour Cases claims on their website about shock absorption: On the other hand, if I mostly keep it in the gigabag (or whatever) and if it is more bulky...

2 things about the Contour Case in the Gigabag. Firstly was that in the Gigabag the click wheel looked like it was off center and like the case had shifted, due to the plastic cover of the Gigabag. It is a visual thing that bothered me, because I kept on opening my Gigabag to make sure my iPod was secure in there. Sure enough it was just an illusion, but still looked wrong. Secondly, I feel like my iPod in the iVak is as safe as when I had it in the Contour Case. Also there was appearance and I didn’t feel like there was a clean look to my rig with the contour case, as I had a white face with a clear plastic face and then black sides in a black bag. Also the Contour Case is bulkier than the iVak. In the Gigabag, I like the fact that my iPod now takes up less space and makes it look smaller all around because it is not stretching the Gigabag depth wise with my amp and iPod.
If you want the contour case I would be willing to sell you mine. I used it for less than a week and it was always in the Gigabag, so it is in excellent condition. I paid $27.00 ($20 for the case, $7.00 for the shipping) via Amazon.com and would be willing to sell it for $18 + Shipping. For me the iVak is better than the CC. You need to decide what’s best for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I need to keep my costs down, so although the ALO stuff looks good, I decided to go for something less than $20. Local member Soundgoon is making me a right angle interconnect -- I think it'll be great.

That’s great. Hope it works well for you. The Rt. Angle plug is definitely the way to go.

 

[debrey]

Okay, now i have a new worry: will a Go Vibe amp and a 4G iPod fit in the gigabag? The go-Vibe is larger than the portaphile or pretty much any other portable amp. In particular, it is 1.1 inches deep (the iPod is .75"); the full dimensions are 3.6L x 2.6W x 1.1H. I couldn't find the exact dimensions of the Portaphile, but most amps are around .8". So could someone let me know how much extra room there is in the Gigabag? Would a deeper amp work?

I'm almost sold on the contour case and the gigabag. I have been having rouble sleeping recently so I have time to waste on getting the perfect bag and amp...

-- David

 

[otprof]

I am interested in this thread as well, except that I'm looking to carry a 5G iPod with an ALO dock and Go-Vibe amp. How does the Gigback work with the iPod dock connector rather than an IC from the HP out? Any other suggestions?

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Okay, now i have a new worry: will a Go Vibe amp and a 4G iPod fit in the gigabag? The go-Vibe is larger than the portaphile or pretty much any other portable amp. In particular, it is 1.1 inches deep (the iPod is .75"); the full dimensions are 3.6L x 2.6W x 1.1H. I couldn't find the exact dimensions of the Portaphile, but most amps are around .8". So could someone let me know how much extra room there is in the Gigabag? Would a deeper amp work? I'm almost sold on the contour case and the gigabag. I have been having rouble sleeping recently so I have time to waste on getting the perfect bag and amp... -- David

I measured my Contour Case and it it 1" Deep.
I measured my iPod in the iVak and it was 7/8" Deep
I measured my Portaphile PV2^2, at the end caps 1" Deep, the body is 7/8" Deep

I was able to fit the Contour Case and the Portaphile Amp in the Gigabag, though the Contour Case was pressed out against the plastic cover of the Gigabag, whereas my setup has my iPod just pressing gently against the plastic. It doesn't feel very stuffed. With the Go-Vibe I would assume it would fit and be just a smidgen tighter in there, and will look and be, more bulging. You could offset the increased depth of the Amp with a smaller depth case.

 

[debrey]

Thanks! So your Contour case and Portaphile fit in there alright, it was just a bit off center, right? So hopefully a Vaakadoo (or smaller) case and a Go-Vibe should work.

-- David

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks! So your Contour case and Portaphile fit in there alright, it was just a bit off center, right? So hopefully a Vaakadoo (or smaller) case and a Go-Vibe should work. -- David

It fit. The case was fairly stuffed. Maybe a bit off center, more like not only the front but part of the sides were pressed up against the Plastic cover. Yes I believe you shouldn't have a problem fitting your Go-Vibe and iMod iPod in a smaller case in the Gigabag.

BTW if you decide to Rockbox your iMod iPod, I suggest using the Rockbox version with the No Frequency Scaling compiled by Mikeage. With the version downloaded from the rockbox site, my iMod iPod would stop playing after a few songs and reset itself. With the Mikeage version of Rockbox, I have not had that problem and have played my iPod alot without any glitches.
You can get it here:
http://mikeage.net/content/rockbox/index.php
and make sure to download the color-noscaling version and not the 4G version, as the 4G version is for the non-colour 4G.

Hope this helps.

 

[debrey]

Argh! I can't decide what to do! I think I'll like the Go-Vibe better (so hard to say just from written descriptions). But I don't want an overstuffed bag -- I want it to fit comfortably.

Probably I'll just get the LDM+ and be done with it. I really liked the Shure's over the Ety's, which leads me to believe that I like a "musical" sound much more than an "analytical" one. That is one way I've seen the Go-Vibe and the LDM contrasted. Then again, since I have the Shures in my set up, it is not like the LDM+ is going to make it un-musical...

Anwyay, it hardly matters that much. the LDM is 20 dollars cheaper. I suppose I could go with that and then get a Xin amp in a while anyway (which is what I'd eventually like to do).

-- David

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Argh! I can't decide what to do! I think I'll like the Go-Vibe better (so hard to say just from written descriptions). But I don't want an overstuffed bag -- I want it to fit comfortably. Probably I'll just get the LDM+ and be done with it. I really liked the Shure's over the Ety's, which leads me to believe that I like a "musical" sound much more than an "analytical" one. That is one way I've seen the Go-Vibe and the LDM contrasted. Then again, since I have the Shures in my set up, it is not like the LDM+ is going to make it un-musical... Anwyay, it hardly matters that much. the LDM is 20 dollars cheaper. I suppose I could go with that and then get a Xin amp in a while anyway (which is what I'd eventually like to do). -- David

Don't get yourself too worked up about it. If you want the Go-Vibe go for it, it'll fit in the Gigabag, just go with a smaller case. Incased in the Gigabag, I wouldn't worry too much about the protection issue, cause in a case and the Gigabag, you're investment should be safe. with the case go function, form, fit and style. With the amp go with your gut. (I'd go straight to the Xin myself

...though I can understand the money issue with that choice) What I've found through age is that you may as well go with what you want because if you don't later you'll just wish you had, and then it'll just cost you more money...for some that's the Head-Fi experience.