Rarely does a perfect product enter the marketplace. As with all iPod accessories, personal taste does alter perceptions, but I have yet to meet anyone who has anything negative to say about Vaja leather products. They make cases for iPods, cell phones, digital cameras, PDAs, and even a Sony Vaio TR, most with a 30-day exchange and return policy.

Custom-made Leather Cases

Vaja creates hard leather custom cases in a huge variety of colors. Each case is custom-made in the colors (with or without stripes) of your choosing. Most orders specify a 20-day wait time. The full grain Argentina cowhide is available in 5 types and each case comes in 20 to more than 40 colors. The company logo looks like two silver leaves that are planted on the right bottom corner of the case, which adds a touch of class to the front.

These cases are easily the most fashionable of the lot, even with entries from kate spade and other designers. The hard padded leather protects the iPod completely, except the ports are open for easy access. Unlike other cases with an open top, the Vaja case is secure and there's no worry of the iPod slipping to the floor. It fits your iPod like a glove, yet allows use of peripherals, such as a XtremeMac Airplay or Griffin iTrip, through their precisely cut openings.

iVodDJ

Each case is custom ordered from their multiple designs. The forest green iVodDJ cover ($80) I use daily sports a thin black plastic click wheel cover that looks like a retro vinyl record. The click-wheel is totally useable, yet completely protected, which is a great feature, especially after viewing many worn gray click wheels. A hard thin plastic cover also protects the screen. Not a soul has seen my iVodDJ without expressing some form of compliment. My black iVod iPod Mini case shows no signs of striations, common in dark leather. They also have a case with an envelope-like cover (model AP45) that covers the iPod front with a snap closure and a pocket for credit cards that MacNN has yet to test.

Excellence in Fashion

These cases are not inexpensive, but if you consider the investment you're protecting, they are worth every penny. Prices range from $34.90 for an iPod Shuffle case to $110.00 for a striped 60 GB iPod case. They offer cases for all iPod models, and I suspect an iPod nano cover is just around the corner. The cases are only available through their web site, which offers total customization. After using my case for two months, there is not one scratch or ding, thanks to the care taken in the leather processing by Vaja. This is one company that combines style, function, and custom-craftsmanship into a superb product.

by Ilene Hoffman