Introduction

Vaja has done it again. Whenever Apple unleashes a new iPod product, Vaja is right there with a new version of its famous line of leather cases. The iPod in question is the iPod mini and the case to match is the new Vaja iVod mini case. The iVod is part of Vaja's iVolution line of leather cases and continues the trend of high quality craftsmanship that we've come to expect from Vaja. When we first obtained the Apple iPod mini - the player felt somewhat bare in our hands without a case from Apple. There also wasn't a case on the market that really caught out attention until recently when we laid our eyes on the iVod mini case. Now, we can't imagine our lives both without the iPod and the iVod. Come on in as we review the simple yet elegant Vaja iVod mini case.

Packaging

The Vaja iVod was shipped to us in the usual FedEx packaging from Argentina . It took about 2-3 weeks for the product to be manufactured and shipped out to us. Opening up the package, we found the now usual Vaja packaging:

Inside the box, you'll see the following:

Here's a statement from Vaja included within the case:

The box includes some public relations materials and the iVod mini case.

Specifications

The specifications for the iVod mini are as follows:

• Headphone access
• Screen protector
• Easy access to all touch functions
• Syncs and charges through travel cable
• Several colors are available
• Optional Ultra Clip feature
• Optional Personalization
• Fits the Apple iPod mini ONLY
• 2 2/8" x 3 6/8" x 7/8" inches

Overview

Make no mistake about it - the iVod mini case is a very straightforward leather case from Vaja. It takes the shape of the iPod mini and provides access to the controls, display and ports on the iPod mini. Here is a picture of the front of the case:

There is a plastic screen protector for the iPod mini display and a circular cutaway below for the touch pad dial. Note that the plastic screen protector is actually wedged between the outer leather shell and the fabric inner lining thereby securing the protector.

Here is a picture of the back of the case. You have the option (at an extra cost) of personalizing the case - here my name was etched on the back of the case.

There are openings on the top and bottom of the case. The top of the case is wide enough for you to slide the iPod mini into the case.

The bottom of the case is wide enough for you to use the iPod dock connector. When the iPod mini is in the iVod, you can sync or charge the device by using the travel cable. You can not use the iPod dock with this case over the mini.

And.. that's it! There's nothing else to it! You can customize the iVod further by attaching the Ultra Clip to the back of the case. The ultra clip is useful when you need to clip the iVod to your belt.

Usage

The first thing that stands out when one holds the iVod is how sturdy and rigid the case feels. The case doesn't bend in any particular direction when you're holding it in your hands. The case also feels substantial in your hands due to the padding that is all over the case. This isn't a thin walled case by any means! Here are some comparison shots of the case and the iPod mini next to it.

The iPod mini slides right into the iVod through the top opening. It's a very snug fit so there's no worry about the iPod mini sliding back out of the case. Here are pictures of the iPod mini being placed into the iVod.

If there is one piece of the case that may wear out over time it would be the plastic screen protector. We can imagine the screen protector getting scratched up over time depending upon usage but then again - that's the whole point of the case isn't it? You'd want the scratches to be on the protector and not on the actual iPod.

As you can see in the following pictures, all the functionality of the iPod mini is easily accessible with the iVod case in place. Using the Vaja iVod is like placing a piece of body armor around your iPod mini. You're now ready to take that mini all over town!

How's the quality of the leather you might ask? The case is clearly top notch in both design and manufacturing with a great attention to detail. In all honesty, you really can not go wrong with the iVod mini case.

Finally, Vaja is well known for providing customers with the ability to customize their cases. You can personalize the case; add the Ultra-Clip; or customize the color of the case by choosing from a wide array of color selections. There's plenty you can do if you're willing to spend the money and wait on the customizations to be manufactured.

Summary

Do you have an Apple iPod mini? Then consider the Vaja iVod case. It's an excellent addition to the already wonderful iPod mini. The case is sturdy, made of high quality leather, and a perfect fit for the iPod mini. It's getting a bit boring for us to say this but the iVod is another example of Vaja's excellent craftsmanship. If you're looking for a high quality leather case that complements your Apple iPod - then look no further than the Vaja iVod. If you're interested in the iVod, then go to http://www.vajacases.com for more information on purchasing and customizing an iVod.

If you have any comments or questions, please post them in our forums.

Pros:

• Perfect snug fit with the iPod mini
• High quality leather
• Great design
• Plenty of colors to choose from

Cons:

• The wait for the product to get to you

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