Working close by my favorite Zune Rocker, Cesar, is Drew, the Zune 3rd Party Accessories Product Manager here at Microsoft. He set me up with a few of the slick cases available for the Zune 4/8 to see how I like them. What do you guys think??
So we have two covers from Incipio, a Belkin leather case and arm-band style gym cover, and an Agent 18 armband/belt clip hybrid. Let's check them out.....
Incipio Duke Wallet Case for Zune 4GB/8GB:
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Pros:
- Adds a classy feel to otherwise sometimes bland cases
- It feels pretty well made, I don't think it will fall apart after a few clips in and out
- Even though it flips to cover the screen, it still includes a plastic clear screen guard for when you do open the cover
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Cons:
- Since this is personal opinion, I'll be honest and say it's just not really my style... feels a bit more like what you ladies would use and keep it in your purse. I keep my Zune in my pocket, so I would prefer a sportier/slimmer case
- The snap-top, while a nice-looking format, is not the quickest way to access the Zune controls
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Incipio Orion Slim Sleeve Case for Zune 4GB/8GB (Pink):
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Pros:
- Mega-simple design... you slip it in, you're done
- I love love love the flap on top to remove the Zune from this case; many of the other cases are very snug and make it tough to remove easily... all you do is pull it up and a little cloth patch inside the case pushes up on the device without damaging it. Bonus points for being clever!
- Not too thick, yet still slightly padded
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Cons:
- It is what it is... purely a case without access to any controls while the Zune is inside
- It's pink... but you can get it in other colors, so that solves that problem
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Agent 18 Scorpion Diamond Kit for Zune 4GB/8GB
This case definitely has an interesting approach... as you can see, it doubles as a case with a belt clip and it fits snugly into an armband holster as well. I originally thought a metal-clip would be uncomfortable and perhaps even dangerous, but it was actually light and non-intrusive. I also found this to be one of the best form-fitting cases I played with. The buttons matched right on and it felt like the overall protection was pretty good.
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Pros:
- Doubles as a belt-clip case or an armband sports holster
- Form fitting soft rubber
- Easy access to all the buttons and connectors
- Light, non-intrusive
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Cons:
- You cannot remove the belt clip to fit it into the arm holster, makes it kind of large
- The screen has no cover... the good news is, it is very easy to see, the bad news is it could get scratched etc.
- While black rubber is the new rage and all, this entirely covers whatever color Zune you may have
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Belkin Leather Sleeve Case for Zune 4GB/8GB
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Pros:
- Really simple to use... put it in, connect, go.
- Belt clip is covered in leather, so no need to worry about scrapes or cuts
- Screen cover
- Can still use the touch capability of the squircle since it is uncovered
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Cons:
- This one is just weird a bit... when you use the clip, the Zune is upside down! This may be by design so that the headphones jack is facing up... but this may disorient your no-look-buttoning
- Slightly difficult to get the Zune out once you put it in, although since this is meant to be functioning case, this may be ok
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Belkin Sports Armband for Zune 4GB/8GB
When it comes to armbands, this one is tough to beat. I really liked the thought that went into this Belkin model in particular as evidenced by the level of detail they achieved. For example, the velcro bar is continuous so you can set the tightness pretty much as you please. The material is a very fine synthetic stretch that doesn't feel abrasive or intrusive. For me working out, that part is very important. I also liked the extra features like a place for your key so all you need when running is this armband, your Zune, and a house key (oh and some pants, too). The slit on top to put the Zune in and out is very tight and it all fits snugly inside with excellent visibility. I think this really may be my favorite armband style... the only lacking factor is I cannot use it as a belt clip or anything, it is an armband and nothing else--but it really hits the spot for what it is.
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Pros:
- Very comfortable and adjustable, great materials
- Well designed for the Zune 4/8, fits very snugly
- Clearly visible with access to the most important buttons
- Covers entire device but still maintains visibility on screen and color
- Extra slot for holding a key
- Stylish, almost futuristic like design
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Cons:
- Just an armband, no other option really
- Getting the Zune in and out can be a bit tricky, but is not too difficult once you get the hang of it
- Makes you feel like a pansy if you don't have big arms (that's Laura's arm in the pictures)
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So what do you guys think?? I'm going to have to say my favorite vote goes for the Belkin Sports Armband... what's yours?
