Last year, we reviewed Contour Design?s Showcase iPod case. We said it was the best case available and recommended it to every user. When Apple announced the 4G iPods, Contour was quick to release an updated Showcase to fit the new design. Although no feature enhancements have been added with the introduction of the 4G Showcase, it still remains one of our top choices for iPod cases.

Contour’s latest case is called the “iSee.” As the name states, the case is completely transparent, allowing you to show off your iPod in true form while protecting it with the case’s sturdy plastic material. Available for both 4G iPods and iPod Minis, for the most part, the case improves upon where the Showcase fell short.

The iSee allows users to use popular iPod accessories including the iTrip, Belkin Voice Recorder and various car chargers, while at the same time protecting your investment. However, the iSee still uses just a basic belt clip, making this case unsuitable for high paced activities such as jogging.

Getting started with the case is simple. Remove the plastic cover at the bottom of the iSee and slide your iPod inside the case (regular iPod model), then clip the cover back into place. The iPod fits perfectly into the case, another bonus provided by hard cover cases over soft cover cases. Contour?s mini case is slightly different. The back snaps off and then you slide the iPod mini through the top of the case. We tested the case’s ability to maintain its form by dropping it from waist level. The iPod case survived the fall and remained in one piece, while the mini case?s back fell off. That?s all there is to it.

Contour continues to impress us with its cases. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they truly do protect your iPod from everyday scratches to the occasional drop. If you need a hard form case, seriously consider one of Contours products.

The iSee sells for $19.95 and is available for the original 5/10/20 gig iPod models (non-dockable only), 20/40 fourth generation iPods and the iPod Mini.

Pros:
- Allows you to show off your iPod
- Perfect fit to iPod
- Protects iPod from scratches

Cons:
- Belt clip not suitable for runners/joggers

4.5/5

Contour Web site






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