Proporta 2G iPod shuffle cases

Manufacturer: Proporta.com Ltd

msrp: $8.95 US, £4.95

Manufacturers have been quick to offer protective cases for Apple's small iPod shuffle. The 2G iPod shuffle has a shiny aluminum finish, which seems scratch resistant but, if dropped, I am certain that it would mark in some way. Proporta has released a variety of iPod shuffle cases. This review covers the Steel Sleeve, Crystal Sleeve, and Silicone Sleeve.

Steel Sleeve

The 1/16" thick Steel Sleeve is available in four colors, black, pink, blue and green. The steel case is powder coated, with a glossy paint finish. It is lined with soft felt, so that when you slide in your iPod shuffle, it will not scratch. The top, bottom, control buttons, and the clip on the iPod shuffle are totally exposed, so the Steel Sleeve only protects the main face and edges. This is welcome protection though, and does give you some peace of mind.

Crystal Sleeve

The Crystal Sleeve is made of polycarbonate plastic and comes in much brighter colors, red, orange, blue, green and a smoky gray/black. The Crystal Sleeve snaps onto the Shuffle and offers a little more protection than the Steel Sleeve. The plastic covers part of the top and bottom edges of the iPod shuffle, so if you did drop it, it is unlikely that the edges would take any damage. The clip and controls are still exposed, but there is no way around this.

Silicone Sleeve

Last on the list is the smooth Silicone Sleeve, also 1/16" thick. This is available in grey, blue, black, green, and pink. It completely covers the face of the iPod shuffle, the top, bottom, and the sides. There are cutouts for the top controls, and the headphone port, but the clip remains uncovered.

Of the three cases, the Silicone Sleeve is my favorite, because it offers the most coverage, which in turn equals greater protection. The only likely damage if dropped would be to the clip. This case deserves a 4-Star rating.

My Recommendation

All of the Proporta cases are good, but when inside any of them, the iPod shuffle cannot be put in its mini-dock. I like the Silicone Sleeve the best, because it offers the most protection, and is the easiest to remove to dock and synchronize your iPod shuffle.