Introduction

My first introduction to a Vaja case was about a year ago when a coworker of mine from my previous job showed me his new HP iPAQ PDA. Ironically, I was more interested in the cool looking case that he had used to protect his PDA than the PDA itself and that’s when the name “Vaja” first came to light for me. Vaja has built a small name for itself by manufacturing custom made cases for various devices such as cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players out of genuine cowhide leather from Argentina. I held off at the time from getting a case from these guys since I was in the process of getting a new PDA. As the months went by, Apple introduced the 30GB iPod and I got one for myself. However, I realized that something other than the included Apple case was needed. It was time to check out Vaja again and see what they had in store for the iPod. A trip to VajaCases.com revealed a number of very cool looking cases for many different products including the Apple iPod. The order was placed for the Vaja 667 Classic iPod case and today we’ll take a look at what this leather case is like.

Ordering the Case

The first step in obtaining a Vaja case involves taking a trip to their online website at vajacases.com. I opted to get a custom built 667 Classic case for the Apple iPod. Make sure you get the right sized case for the iPod that you have because the new iPods do come in different sizes based on the hard drive size. You can select a number of different options such as the color of the leather; whether you want it with embossing or not; whether you want a credit card slot on the inside of the flap cover; whether you want a belt clip attached; any personalization made to the case; and any matching pouch for the case. A customized case is much more expensive than a pre-made case but that’s to be expected. After the order was placed, it took approximately three weeks for me to get the case in the mail via Federal Express. It took a tad bit longer to get this case sent out to me since the case was still so new for the 30GB iPod. No worries there since I still had the Apple case to utilize.

The Mailman err FedEx guy arrives..

The FedEx truck pulled up yesterday and I got this nice FedEx bag:

Inside the FedEx was a cool black box used to hold the Vaja case. The back of the black box has a short written statement about the workmanship that is involved in each case.

The box containing the Vaja case	The back of the box

I quickly opened the box up and there lying in the tissue wrap was the beautiful Classic case for my Apple iPod. I opted to get the Vitelino Apple color since I wanted something different than your normal black or brown leather product.

 

As you can see the leather has a nice shiny embossed look to it. You can always ask Vaja to customize your case to not have any embossing. The case has a simple design which includes a snap closure that comes down to protect the screen and buttons of the Apple iPod.

The front of the Classic case	The back of the case

On the inside, you will see a soft leather lining which you can always replace with a matching leather lining as well. The top flap of the case includes a sleeve to hold items such as a credit card or a business card.

The inner lining	and some words from the makers

Slide the Apple iPod in and you’ll notice that holes are cut out precisely where there are ports on the iPod. Thus you can charge or upload music while your iPod is inside the case. However you will not be able to place the iPod on its cradle with the cover on since the device becomes way too bulky for the cradle.

The bottom cutout for	the firewire connector

The top headphone jack

Inserting the iPod into the Classic case is a bit tough at first since the fit is very exacting. However this should get easier over time since leather stretches and wears out over time. (and I love the way leather wears out like that!) In the meantime, it’s a bit of a chore to get the iPod removed from the case. You’ll need to push the iPod from the bottom of the case upward in order to get it out.

Sliding the iPod into the case	and viola!

The case is not as rigid as the Apple case that is included with the iPod. This is not a case that will necessarily protect your iPod from someone deciding to sit down on it. However this is a case that will keep your iPod clear of scratches and scuff marks over time. It is also a beautiful and attractive addition to your svelte iPod.

We'll finish things off with some pictures of the Classic case from various angles and a picture of a leather tag that came inside the packaging.

Summary

The Vaja Classic case for the Apple 30GB iPod is a pure work of art. When you place the Apple iPod inside this case, everything just feels complete (ok that was cheesy). From the port cutouts to the leather lining to the glossy embossed leather finish, the Vaja case is one sweet addition to iPod. A Vaja case isn’t cheap – especially when you custom build one - but then again the Apple iPod isn’t exactly cheap either. Don’t have an iPod? No worries - Chances are, Vaja has a case for that cell phone or PDA of yours too! Drop by their site and take a look around. As far as I’m concerned, Vaja cases are the way to go if you’re looking for a fine, high quality leather case for that portable device of yours. If you have any comments or questions, please post them here.

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