Review: Marware Sportsuit Sleeve

In a heavily saturated market where each iPod case offers more bells and whistles than the previous release, the Sportsuit Sleeve goes back to basics. Simple, distinctive, and useful, the Marware Sportsuit Sleeve tightly hugs and protects your 5th generation video iPod without compromising its ability to protect.

Good iPod Protection

At first glance the blue color is striking, and it also comes in black. Unlike a silicon case, it will not dull and collect dust on the outside of the case nor will it leave a sticky residue on your iPod. The top-loading case has a Velcro flap that stays securely shut. It has a cutout on the right side to allow opening and closing of the flap without removing the headphone plug. One of the more unique features of the Sportsuit Sleeve is that it has a storage pouch in the front designed for headphone cords. The material used for the pouch is elastic enough to allow easy storing of the cord, but once in place, it holds the cord firmly. A downside to this feature is that if you neglect to turn the hold switch on, stashing the cord in the pouch can turn your iPod on and waste precious battery life.

Like most other Marware soft cases the Sportsuit Sleeve has the Multidapt interchangeable clip system, so that you can attach it to a mount in a car or even on a bicycle. The case comes with a spring belt clip that fits around a belt or a strap and is easy to attach and remove. Marware offers the Multidapt Mobility Kit for $19.95 to take full advantage of the accessory clip. Another wise attention to detail is that Marware has placed stiff backing between the Multidapt clip and the iPod pocket to prevent denting of the iPod due to pressure from an accessory clip.

The case lacks a screen window, so controlling your music is difficult without removing the iPod from the case. Another minor inconvenience is that the hold switch is under the top flap when closed and is not easily accessible. More than likely this is to prevent accidental toggling of the switch, but it makes it necessary to open the flap multiple times a day to turn the iPod on and off. The material around the Click Wheel is thick and makes it easy to press the play button, but it is difficult to control volume or to reliably change tracks. . For those individuals who have multiple playlists and do not have to use the Click Wheel often, this case is a natural fit and good protection.

Edited by Ilene Hoffman, Reviews Editor