I-nique Tuff Luv Archos 5 Leather Case Review
Typically don’t use too many cases on my devices, mainly because they bulk up the device and I enjoy the used look. Though most like to keep their gadgets in top notch condition and I will give in when the devices get bigger and more expensive.
The Archos 5 is definite a good candidate for this. I-nique makes a plethora of specialized cases for many of MP3 players on the market. You can check out a list on their site. They are UK based but do sell in the US directly thought the site or though Amazon if you are more comfortable with that.
Below are a few pics and impression of this case.
This Tuff Luv case is made of genuine leather- it’s no high end Coach leather, but it does have a great soft feel to it. The case fits pretty snug, though I’m finding it needs some break in time to better wrap itself around the player.
Holes are cut out for each of the buttons and ports so there is never a need to take the player out of the case unless you are going to put it in the DVR dock or use it with some of the more exotic Archos accessories- though it is rather easy to take out but not easy enough for it to just fall out. The lid or the front flap covering the screen has a magnetic clasp to keep it in check.
The i-nique case is a little bit cheaper than their competitors, Noreve, but not by much. So it will likely come down to persona design preference. At around $50 though, it is a very good insurance policy for your $400 PMP. Be sure to mind the sizes, there are two versions, one for the 60GB and one for the 120/240GB versions. Amazon or i-nique.
Comments
chris rogers on November 19, 2008 6:33 PM
I noticed Tuff-Luv jumped on the release of the Archos 5 with a new custom case for the device. Here are my first impressions:
Good quality case, with all buttons accessable from the sides, including charging LED, both base ports, power, volume and a hole for the speaker on the side.
Smells of high-quality leather (disagree with reviewers comments), that is soft and pleasantly pliant.
Very nice, clean stitch-work.
Two magnetic latches on the side and bottom, and offers padding from all sides
Case does add some height and width to the device, which is to be expected from a nice hard-shell case, but there isn't really any wasted space, and the case is form-fitting.
Features an extra stand on the back? Maybe for more stability/different viewing angle. The Case also features a cutout to flip back the devices own stand while still in the case.
Overall a very nice and well thought out design. I warmed up to the extra leather stand after seeing how the hard-plastic foot on the device's built-in stand slid around and if bumped the wrong way topples the device over.
Also, anything that makes a nasty scratching sound on my nice wooden desk is destined for a coaster. The leather stand fixes both of these issues perfectly. The hard shell is nice to protect that big touch screen while the device is rattling around in a pocket or briefcase with other items.
Warofart on November 20, 2008 3:20 PM
I definitely need something like this. The price though, it's slightly high.
Andy on December 7, 2008 10:06 AM
It is a lot of money, however as I look at it, if I'm spending several hundred pounds on a gadget, isn't it worth spending £25.00 to protect it?
I've certainly had immensely positive experiences with tuff luv in the past, and I'm sure this will live up to the marque!