The Fellowes Body Glove iPod Case with Kickstand isn't the most elegant solution, nor the slickest looking case in the pack; but it is one of the more functional cases out there. If simplicity is your preference, this case deserves a closer look.

According to the PR firm, Fellowes, Inc. entered into a licensing agreement with Body Glove International to produce this specialty case. It is available for the all of the iPod video models, but only comes in one size. I found that I had to wrestle with it a little to make it fit the iPod video 80 GB comfortably.

The Case in detail

The Body Glove encloses the iPod in what Fellowes refers to as Ion material, a black synthetic fabric that feels like plastic. It repels surface liquids and does not attract dust and debris. This simply designed case includes a built-in plastic screen protector and a Click Wheel cover, plus cutouts for the Hold button and earbud port. The bottom snaps closed, so the covered Dock connector is not exposed until you unsnap the closure. The snap closure surprised me, because it takes some amount of pressure to close a snap, so take care you don't bear down too hard to engage the snap. The glued in circular cover over the inside of the snap came off easily. I think a Velcro closure might have been a better choice.

The case's utilitarian look is enhanced by a weave-like pattern with some contoured lines on the front. Your iPod's protection is limited to surface scratches, carefully spilled liquids, and dirt. This is not a case that protects your iPod from the shock of being dropped or from pressure from another object. The interior is a soft material that looks and feels like thin velvet.

Belt Clip Stand

The Body Glove includes an attached black plastic belt clip and a hinged stand. The two-position stand holds the iPod at a great viewing angle and let me to show off a slide show to multiple people without finagling with the angle. Where the stand attaches to the case is a bit bulky, but is easily removed by a clip. The attachment sticks through the back of the case, so a special sewn in flap protects the iPod from the plastic housing. The flap is secured only on one end, so again, take care that it is in the correct position when you insert your iPod. When the belt clip stand is off, you can use the built-in metal ring to clip the iPod case to your purse or bag. Body Glove's site says it comes with an armband, but the review unit I received included no armband.

Useful, but pricey

Although I like the case and use it often, the $30 price tag is a bit steep for what you get. While most cases include impact protection and no stand; this one includes the stand, but minimal protection. I also noticed that some of the detail around the ports and plastic were not symmetrical, which indicates a quality control issue. The case is available at Wal-Mart.

by Ilene hoffman, Reviews Editor