NOTE: This product is intended only for the 3rd Generation iPod with dock connector. This applies to all 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB models with four buttons and separate scroll wheel.

----- Is your skin too thin? -----

If you've owned any full-size iPod for a length of time, you know how easy they are to scratch. The chrome rear cover scratches incredibly easily, even laying it down on a tabletop can leave tiny scratches. While many small scratches don't hurt the iPod's functionality, it brings down the resale value and just plain looks bad. If you're a new iPod owner or looking into buying one, keep reading.

----- How easy is the iSkin to use? -----

The best way to keep your iPod safe from damage is to leave it tucked away inside the included Apple belt-clip holster. The only trouble with the holster is you can't change tracks or adjust any settings without removing the iPod from the holster. If you're using your iPod in the house or in the car you'll soon tire of sliding your iPod in and out every time you want to change something.

iSkin's answer to this problem is the EVO 3rd Gen. iPod sleeve. It's designed to clip on your belt yet still allow access to buttons and viewing screen. There are small holes in the face of the unit to reach the wheel and buttons. The iSkin EVO is thick enough it protects your iPod from anything other than a direct poke at the screen. The back is completely covered and remains scratch-free. Heat release pores built-in the back panel makes sure your little 'Pod buddy doesn't get too hot.

Obviously this isn't a very hard item to use once you have it installed. The hardest part of using the iSkin is getting the iPod inside successfully. The outer material isn't sticky, but I would describe it as "tacky". If you set this on a dashboard or console of your car, it will take a very hard stab at the brakes or go-pedal to move it. On the newest iSkin EVO the belt clip is detachable for easy removal. The actual viewing screen is guarded by a heavy duty and ultra-clear screen protector. This protector is held off the screen by four tiny soft-mounts and creates a gap between the screen and protector.

For on-the-go people the iSkin EVO now includes an integrated RevoClip for clipping to your belt or waistband. This is what iSkin has to say about their clip: We went back to the drawing board and came up with a completely new belt clip design. It’s made of a durable, non-shattering, light weight plastic polymer that won’t snap apart. The new RevoClip™ design offers one of the lowest profiles found on belt clips of its kind. It features a rotary click-lock movement that rotates 180º. All I can say is after using the original iSkin belt clip this new version is much better. More clamping power and less intrusive to your waist.

Many colors are available, ranging from Lava Orange and Vamp Purple to Carbon Grey and Arctic White. Some colors even posess glow in the dark capabilities!

----- What are the downsides? -----

With the first iSkin I had I couldn't use the Apple dock connector very easily. I purchased my iSkin eXo early in 2004, and it looked the same as the current iSkin EVO with a slightly different bottom section. I must let you know that you can't use the actual dock with the iSkin installed, only the docking cable. The other complaint I had with my iSkin eXo was the inability to use top-mounted accessories such as the iTrip, NaviPod, and the Griffin iTalk. The current model iSkin EVO has fixed this problem with a beveled top surface to protect your 'Pod yet still allow accessory attachment.

----- Bottom Line -----

For a street price of around $24 this is the best accessory you can buy for your iPod. It will not only keep your iPod looking good for years to come but it adds a stylish flair to the (nowadays) commonplace white 'n' chrome iPod. The upgrades bestowed on the new iSkin EVO have fixed all the issues I had with the original 3rd Generation iSkin eXo.

One thing to think about when choosing your color is how often you are in large wide-open public areas. A very brightly colored iPod WILL be a theft magnet, and as everyone knows these little toys are the latest rage for a five-finger discount. Overall I still highly recommend this accessory for any iPod owner, it's really that good.

Related links:

Apple iPod 20GB
Apple iPod Photo 40GB
Griffin Technology iTrip FM Transmitter
Belkin Cassette Adapter
Belkin Auto Charger
Apple Powerbook G4 17"

Recommended: Yes