macnn reviewsAgent 18 iPod touch cases
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Review: Agent 18 iPod touch cases

Clear, eco-friendly, or patterned, Agent 18 cases work for your iPod. (December 30th, 2008)

MacNN Rating:

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Product Manufacturer: Agent 18

Price: $24.95 US

The Good

  • All cases include adhesive film screen cover. All cases include a Dock insert.

The Bad

  • See each case description.
Agent18 makes a variety of iPod cases for almost every iPod ever made, and unlike some companies, still sells cases for older iPods. Instead of reviewing different cases for different models, we look at their full range of cases for the iPod touch. The materials used, basic design, and fit for each iPod are the same, so you can assess their other cases from the descriptions below also. I’ve included individual pros and cons and star ratings for each of the three cases individually. The Touch ClearShield (G2) is my favorite for the iPod touch, but I’ve talked with many who love it for all their iPods.

Touch ClearShield (G2)

MSRP: $24.95 US
4.5 Stars

The hard plastic Touch ClearShield (G2) case comes in two pieces that clip together. The exposed volume and on/off buttons make using the iPod touch easy, but you sacrifice a little button protection. The hardness of the case once it clips together gives the iPod another level of robustness that most probably protects it if you accidentally drop you iPod touch.
Touch ClearShield

The sides of the Shield cases have rivets on each side that make the grip solid. This case is equipped with a twist-off corner, in which you use a coin to separate the sides. The case withstands repeated opening and closing of the two parts with no sign of wear.

Pros

Perfect fit for the iPod.
Material slightly different from EcoShield and has a better strength and flexibility.
Coin slot opening.
Side rivets for an easy grip.

Cons

Shows dirt and smudges on iPod because it is clear.

Touch EcoShield (G2)

MSRP: $24.95 US
3 Stars

The Touch EcoShield (G2) comes in Black, a rosy Pink, and Purple. I tested the violet-purple version. This case is also a back and front that clip together.

Touch EcoShield

The volume and on/off buttons are exposed in the EcoShield, which is similar to the ClearShield case, but not the Vest case. When I unclipped the two pieces to removed the iPod I slightly bent the plastic because it is so thin. This case and the ClearShield fit the home button and the screen openings exactly. This case also features the coin-operated twist separation mechanism for each half of the case, but the plastic seems similar to that used in plastic models, which isn’t very robust. If you remember those snap together models you may have made were little – the pieces snapped off of a tree-like grid and the plastic turned white when it was bent. The EcoShield was reminiscent of those snap-off pieces. I don’t think it would survive long-term use and is over priced for the weak plastic used. Sometimes eco-friendly isn’t better.

Pros

Perfect fit for the iPod.
Coin slot opening.
Side rivets for an easy grip.

Cons

Less favorable material that seems stiff in a bad way.
Could lead to a crack when removing the case.


 
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