AAUG Reviews

by Guy Okada, AAUG Member

On a recent trip to the Apple Store at their campus in Cupertino, California, I picked up a new 3rd generation iPod nano. I love the newest nano because it i so compact but it is also a challenge to handle without a case. When Belkin released their Leather Folio case for this nano, I jumped on it.

Leather Folio comes in three colors according to their website but the packaging indicates three colors: Cameo (pink), Persimmon and Black. I have the black version with chocolate edges and it is very attractive and complements my black nano well. The leather case opens like a tri-fold wallet and the nano slips into the case from the center. The inside lining of the case is suede and a magnetic closure keeps it shut. I liked the clear screen protector but am less enamored with the label that says “Belkin Los Angeles Since 1992″ that is glued on the inside of the case. Just a small label saying “Belkin” would suffice. The outer right side of the case also has a small folded tab with the Belkin name on it. This label is unnecessary and detracts from the sleek lines of the case. The headphone jack is easily accessible but to dock the nano you will need to take it out of the case.

Overall the case fits nicely, is well made and is very attractive. The one drawback is the clickwheel access. First of all, my fingers are a little thicker than most and the combination of the thick leather and the small clickwheel requires that I use the very tip of my finger to navigate the clickwheel. This is compounded by the fact that the leather case has a fold on the right side (opposite the side that you slip the ipod into the case) and this causes the iPod to sit slightly to the left of the leather cutout to see the ipod’s face. As a result, the clickwheel is about 1/8 of an inch offset to the left thus putting a small part of the clickwheel under the leather cover. This makes it even more difficult to use the clickwheel. I use the right half of the clickwheel because the left side is almost unusable. Someone with small or slender fingers will probably have an easier time. Moving the cutout area of the leather case slightly to the left would make it look less symmetrical but it would be more functional.

I have included a photo I look of the case with my nano in it. It shows some of the things I have written about including the two Belkin labels and how the nano sits slightly off centered.

Overall the Belkin Leather Folio is a well made product which protects my nano well. Despite the minor design flaw I will continue to use the Leather Folio as it looks very classy