Sony X-1000 I-Nique Case Reviews
The Sony X Series is recently the most expensive MP3 player reaching $400 for the 32GB version. After dropping that much money for a player you may be interested in a bit of protection. I-nique makes a few different versions of leather cases and a nice silicon case kit with a screen protector and lanyard. All of these are reasonably prices between $19 and $28.
The important thing to pay attention to in these various cases is the accessibility of the hold switch. I love that Sony made this very accessible large hold switch on the back of the player since I found it to be a much used feature while using this player on the go.
Eco-nique Case
First up the Eco-nique case is made from real leather just like the rest and features a magnetic clasp and a place to screw in a belt clip. While closed you have access to the right side volume up and down plus the noise cancellation switch. Unfortunately the awkward part here is the top buttons and hold switch. The problem lies with the headphone jack not allowing the case to fully and quickly expose the top buttons and hold switch. The only way to access them would be to remove your headphones so that you can pull the lid the whole way back. The other cases below have this same issue. I like where Sony placed everything on this player, but it really put the case manufactures like i-nique in a difficult position.
Tuff Luv Case with stand
The Tuff Luv case is similar to the Eco case but has a kickstand on the back for propping it up to watch video. Granted you can easily prop the player up with the other cases by folding the back flap around, but the kick stand gives it a better angle. The same issues persist with the buttons being covered. Though, the hold switch is accessable on this case by unsnapping the stand, but you would still have to take out the headphones to get to the top buttons.
Apocalypse Case
This case is my favorite leather case among these three, however, i could really do without the embossed graphic on the front. I like this case the best because of the satin leather finish and it feels like it fits the best. I also appreciate the magnetic snap that wraps around to the back as apposed to the unseen magnetic catch on the other cases. Not that there is much difference in security, its just a persona preference.
Silicon Case
This one ended up to be my favorite case out of all 4 cases. It may offer the least amount of protection, but it is by far the most functional with the hold switch and top buttons fully exposed. Having the a lanyard, carabiner, and screen protector included makes this case a great value.
Purchase
You can purchase any of these i-nique cases from Amazon or the official i-Nique site.
Comments
Matin on July 10, 2009 5:59 AM
Nice....
ken on July 10, 2009 11:05 PM
thanks for the review. we now have a solution for the hold switch / headphone issues you mentioned. this is a small annoyance on the existing case. We have cut around the earphone to give more movement.
http://www.i-nique.com/detail.asp/cn=1/c=313/sku=5055205255309
re the apocalypse case - the embossed picture is the unique selling point of the case
http://www.tuff-luv.com/apocalypse/
steveballmer on July 11, 2009 8:19 AM
This one is nice!
The Zune hd will blow it away but it is nice!
GimmeTheLoot on July 11, 2009 8:56 AM
I use my X1060 bare naked! lol, but, i take good care of my gadgets.. for this, it means not keeping it in the same pocket with keys, coins, etc. common sense stuff. Ive never used a case with any of my portable gadgets and with good care, they look brand new years later.
The x1060 feels great in the hand due to the metal frame, and the casing bulks it up and makes it look worse, imo.
Joe Edwards on July 31, 2009 9:37 PM
I bought my 1050 a few days ago and was looking for a case; the Apocalypse seems great and I love the dragon on the front.
BUT....of course there is a but...I am unsure is this is the device for me. Sony has not worked to add support for the X1000 with the PS3 and Sony's video download service.
The internet browser is worthless (even more so than the iPod's) and the input system is too much like a cell phone. This may be second nature to folks in Japan, but I still prefer the iPod keyboard.
The x1000 sounds great compared to the iPod, but with so few extras compared to the iPod, I don't know if the price is right. Plus the Zune HD (now with unicode!!!) really looks to be a nice machine.
This Sony will probably go back and I will stick with my A818.