Customer Reviews

DLO SoftShell Case for iPod touch 2G, 3G (Metallic)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After a really bad experience with an Incipio Dermashot silicone case (see my review of that product) that was resolved by some outstanding customer service from Amazon, I found myself in the market for a new case to protect my 32 GB iPod Touch.

Not wanting to go down the silicone road again (though I'm sure there are some good products) and not wanting the bulk of a 2 piece hard shell plastic type case, I stumbled upon this Softshell product from DLO.

It really is kind of a hybrid offering a compromise between the benefits of both hard and soft cases. The material is soft and pliable without being rubbery yet has enough "give" to provide a good degree of shock absorption (unlike polycarbonate). It also has a smooth but slightly tacky texture that feels good in hand and doesn't slide around on desktop or car center console but slides in and out of pocket like a dream (unlike silicone).

The package comes with the case and a single screen protector film (though some may think there are 2 films... more below.)

Screen Protector Installation and function:

There are no instructions that I could find in the package or on the web site that show how to install the screen protector film. The actual protector comes sandwiched between 2 clear pieces of backing that are die cut to the same size as the film. They each have an attached tab labeled respectively: "1" and "2". This may lead some people to believe that there are indeed 2 screen protectors included but this is not the case. The numbered tabs are actually a vague instruction sequence.

Step 1. Peel backing "1" using tab.

Step 2. Align and apply peeled side to iPod screen.

Step 3. Peel backing "2" from installed film.

It's a little tedious to get the backings to separate from the film but it's do-able with a little patience.

The fit was perfect and I had no problems with air bubbles. The screen cleans nicely with a microfiber cloth and shows no wear after a week of use and pocket carry. Obviously, the touch functionality of the iPod is unaffected though the texture is a little different than the bare screen.

The Case:

Installation is a little tougher than a soft silicone case but the technique is basically the same. The fit once installed is decent but not quite as form fitting as a properly molded silicone case... the feel has a little more flex to it. The thin strip across the bottom adjacent to the dock port is also pretty thin and noticeably flimsy.

The finish is ok but a bead of flash (a thin ridge of plastic that is usually a molding artifact) around the edges prevents it from having a really nice smooth feel in the hand like the Incipio silicone case. I have thought about trimming this with a razor blade but have not yet. It's very noticeable because the other surfaces of the case are so smooth. Though the opening around the screen is nicely beveled, the opening around the dock/headphone port has square, unfinished edges bordering on sharp.

The case covers the volume and sleep/wake buttons and due to the stiffer material they require a hair more pressure to activate and the tactile feel is not as nice as silicone. They also feel a bit rough due to the bead of flash mentioned above.

As others have noted the color is not clear as shown in some pictures and the packaging but more of a translucent smoke color. This allows the chrome to show through a bit which when combined with the molded diamond pattern inside gives it a bit of a "bling" look that is in direct contrast to the "stealth" look of a black silicone case... this may or may not be a look that you prefer.

For me appearance was secondary to protection and unlike the Incipio I had before this case excels in this regard. The hydrocarbon material is really a nice compromise between ruggedness and shock absorption and is distributed well to protect the iPod. The molded diamond pattern on the inside even serves to provide additional shock absorption rather than just being for appearance.

This is a great case with a unique look. It easily slides in and out of pocket and doesn't attract lint at all (unlike silicone). Recommended.

I purchased this case the same day I purchased my iPod Touch 2G. When I opened the iPod it immediately was put in the case. It comes with two screen protectors. I would recommend wiping the front of the iPod Touch clean before putting the screen protector on, then putting the back of the case on. The clear case fits perfectly but still shows the attractiveness of the iPod Touch. The only open areas are the home button on the front and the bottom where the iPod docks and the ear phones plug in. I am able to use my iPod boom box, earphones and charging cord without difficulty.

The only thing I noticed is that the dock adapter that Apple gives you to place in boom boxes, etc. no longer fits the bottom of the iPod Touch when you have the case on it, but it's only a minor quibble. This would occur with any case that you would put on the iPod Touch, unless you remove it. I just place the iPod Touch on my boom box without the dock adapter and it works fine.

The case is attractive, easy to put on and fits well. All the features of the iPod Touch work fine when the case is on. Since I'm female and like to put my iPod Touch in my purse, I also purchased a small leather clutch type case with a magnetic closure(it was made for an iPhone, but it still serves the purpose)to protect the iPod Touch further when I put it in my purse. Probably overkill, but I like to keep my stuff nice.

Ordered this DLO cover and shield in advance of the purchase of an iPod Touch 2G because of the sensitivity of the stainless back. Like the diamond shaped pattern on the back of the cover. Fits the iPod snugly like a glove. The softshell cover actually turned out to be translucent brownish grey as opposed to clear white in the picture. It has a hint of metallic shimmer and blends well with the iPod. One downside is that the softshell cover muffles the already weak speaker located on the iPod back.

The included screen protector does not interfere at all with the functionality of the touch screen. It does not affect the sharpness of the display either. There is no installation instruction. However, having installed a few of these before, I intuitively figured out what to do. It is not anti-glare but seems to reduce finger prints on the screen that would otherwise be significant. There are a couple of small bubbles left underneath no matter how hard I tried to squeeze them out. (One is about 1/4 inch diameter and the other is about the size of a sesame seed.) Fortunately they are not in the actual working area of the screen so they are not noticeable but that's luck. I hope they will disappear over time. Therefore I give the 4 star rating instead of 5. I've had better screen protector than this one for my digital camera.

I am still quite pleased with the purchase because I so far can't find better ones after extensive search. However, as I noted above there are still things that need improving.

having recieved the new ipod touch for a birthday present, i was really excited. of course now i needed a cover as the backs scratch really easily... now came my problem!!! i scoured the internet high and low to find a case that was slim, protective, wouldn't get stuck coming in and out of pockets and still looked good after all those things... let me tell... it is this one! it also covers the volume and power buttons but does not hamper there use with an open end to plug the charger and headphone into. i received it yesterday and will never want any other. the screen protector is good, but as mentioned in a previous review, it is wise to clean the screen before applying as little bits of lint and such, do cause air bubbles. other than that its perfect!!

you can see that the company actually thought about this one!!

This is one of the best cases available for the Ipod Touch 2g, assuming you don't need an attached belt clip or armband. Here are some highlights:

-Under $20

-Includes screen protector

-Soft hydrocarbon case provides maximum impact resistance and body coverage (including volume and power keys), with minimum bulk and weight

-Attractive, translucent case accentuates the Ipod Touch's mirror shell, as opposed to other cases that hide this feature

ILounge, a highly credible resource on all things Ipod, highly recommends this case as well. Their full review is available on their website.

I purchased this case for my iPod Touch about 6 months ago and so far am very satisfied with it. It looks just the same as it did the day I slipped it over my iPod (doesn't scratch or scuff like I feared it may). It makes the iPod feel more substantial as well, and I've (insert look of fright) dropped my iPod once...or twice...with the case on and I'm glad I had a case like this one for it! I bought the "black" version but to be honest the coloring is more a darker grey slightly brownish color which looks pretty sleek. Overall very satisfied, highly recommend this case. Can't compare to others but imagine they get skuffed, get that gross rubbery feel after a while (my old ipod case got this way), rip or crack, etc etc. But this one was made properly and with quality. Add to cart, add to cart! - your's truly, a real-life person not paid by Amazon or DLO to write this review.

This product is amazing. It was very easy to install and now I no longer fearing storing my iPod Touch (2 Gen) in my purse with my keys.

The hard plastic casing doesn't allow the metal backing of my iPod to get dinged or scratched. The screen shield also protects the screen from scratches. I love the fact that the hard plastic casing remains on if it's dropped and helps absorb the shock.

Lastly, several of my friends have commented on the thinness and style of my new case.

I would highly recommend this product!!!

After looking over Best Buy's in-store selection of cases, I chose this one -- and I'm still quite happy with the purchase. It looks really sharp over the ipod touch's silver back (the case is slightly transparent), is easy enough to get on and off (when I switch to an armband case for exercise), and seems pretty durable. I think the only downside is that it's just a bit too large to fit inside DLO's armband case --- otherwise, it would be a perfect combo.

A friend of mine has her iPhone in a regular hard plastic case, and the thing snapped at the hinges only a week after having it, due to her taking the phone out to put in an armband case. The material for this case is tough enough not to bend all over the place, but pliant enough to get the iPod out easily and quickly if need be.

When i got this case, i was very excited about it. It's worth the price but its tough to get on and off if you like to switch cases often. its more of a hard case then soft. the back has a cool design and is transparent.

This is a semi-hard, semi-soft case. It's snug fitting, yet easy to install. The case adds a comfortable bulk that makes my iPod even nicer to use. The screen protector is a bonus.