Nov 5 2005
RadTech Sleevz for iPod
Editor’s Note: This review comes from guest reviewer, David Navarro (no, not that David Navarro) and, though this review is based on the Sleevz case for the now disconinued iPod mini, it is likely to hold valid for the Sleevz products available for all other iPods as well.
by David Navarro
RadTech’s take on the iPod case is a tight-fitting skin made of their specialized fabric, Optex, which they have dubbed Sleevz. Simple and compact, Sleevz offer style and protection without adding bulk to your iPod.
Sleevz consist of an Optex tube with a clear screen cover and textured markings for the click wheel’s position. The thin material allows perfect operation of the click wheel while still keeping the wheel covered, and the raised markings for the four click wheel buttons are very convenient for situations when you’re operating your iPod without looking. The Optex is very different from the flexible plastic which other manufacturers use for other skin-style iPod cases. Its thinness is an advantage in that it saves space and a disadvantage in that it loses shock-absorption. However, while the material may not offer as much protection from impact, it is a perfect scratch protector and is itself quite durable. Their unassuming appearance notwithstanding, Sleevz will last a long time. The coverage of the screen and click wheel are also desirable features which many iPod cases lack.
As for appearance, Sleevz gets full marks. Although it doesn’t show on RadTech’s promo photos, Optex resembles suede in texture and therefore looks pretty cool. It covers the entire iPod mini except for the white ends, so you needn’t worry about your red Sleevz clashing with your green mini. The design generally holds to the elegant simplicity which is such a big part of iPod’s appeal.
The screen cover, however, can be a problem. The flexible plastic has an unfortunate tendency to wrinkle. It clings to the screen when pressed against it, but the cling is not complete, and it leaves air bubbles all over the place which make it a little hard to read the screen. RadTech would be better off making a hard, thin plastic window which would just sit over your screen, or else developing a material which would cling nicely to the screen. The ripples in the screen cover can also cause a slight bulge in the Optex just below the screen. While this is a little disappointing, it’s a small sacrifice for the added protection to a vulnerable area.
Also, RadTech claims that Sleevz are so thin that they allow your iPod mini to still snap into its belt clip. While this is technically true, the belt clip made to fit a bare iPod mini, and thus a Sleevz’d mini does not fit well. The Sleevz get twisted a bit as you try to squeeze your mini into the belt clip, and one wonders whether repeated uses will deform the clip such that it will no longer hold a bare mini. It’s probably a better idea to take advantage of Sleevz’ compact size and just stick it in your pocket.
In conclusion, Sleevz are a great product for a customer seeking moderate protection from incidental damage to his or her iPod. It adds almost no bulk or weight, will not wear out quickly, and provides more coverage than many iPod cases. As long as you’re not taking your iPod up Everest, or using it as a hockey puck, Sleevz will serve you well.
