Electronics : Belkin iPod Classic Silicon Sleeve - 80Gb and 120GB - Black

Rating: - Much better than some...
As an iPod owner for a matter of weeks I was eager to get a silicone skin for it as soon as possible. The original came from another source and suffered from many of the problems described by others here - the most infuriating aspect being the fact that the click wheel required herculean patience before it would respond. So I went in search of a replacement and found this.

Delivery was swift (ordered Sunday evening, delivered Tuesday) using standard delivery options.

My heart sank a little when I opened the packaging and found that the click wheel area was covered - where the image on this page clearly shows the click wheel being visible.

However, having fitted the skin to my 80Gb Classic I have had absolutely no problems at all using the click wheel. Responsiveness is 100% better than the skin I had previously.

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Rating: - Makes the iPod even sexier!
Don't know what some of these other reviewers are on about complaining about this. This skin actually enhances the iPods attractiveness I think, with its silky finish. Knowing that my purchase is totally encased and protected makes it an added bonus that it still looks good.

Ok, the screen protector does need trimming with scissors by about 1mm each edge in order to fit without any air bubbles, but apart from that I see no problem. Click wheel works fine for me and my iTrip fits into the docking port without any problems. Only one drawback I can find is that it doesn't fit into my docking cradle with the skin on - but I use this cradle only when I'm hooking my iPod into my hifi, which isn't often. Most times I sit it on top of the speaker unit in the kitchen and it fits on there ok as this was designed for all iPods so has plenty of slack space all around the dock connecotor.

Bottom Line? Nice item, good price, happy I bought it. If/when I agree to buy an iPod for my wife's birthday I will put one of these skins into the basket at the same time.

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Rating: - Great product if a little snug
Brand new item is a little snug on my iPod - the screen cut-out and tension on the body means it slips backwards and sometimes obscures the headphone socket and lock slider.

As others have mentioned, screen has no protection with this sleeve. For me that's no issue - I have it in my backpack and simply want to avoid damage from nearby items also in the bag. I position it so the screen's integrity is not compromised.

Other than that, it is absolutely great - does not attract fluff, is natty in black, and the scroll wheel works absolutely fine every time; I'm puzzled as to why other reviewers have had problems with this?

Would happily recommend given the observations above

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Rating: - Don't judge a book by its cover...
Never has the proverb been more true than with this product. Unfortunately however, the phrase is meant negatively. The case fits the iPod perfectly, it looks good and protects the main body. However, that is the limit of its ability.
It's difficult to get on and off, a trivial thing but irritating none the less. And believe me, you're going to be removing it as soon as the iPod no longer needs the "protection". As mentioned in previous reviews, there are problems with operating the wheel. In many cases best described as "a complete impossibility to operate". One can only imagine what went throught the designer's head as he covered the iPod's wheel, perhaps "what is the best way to inconvinience the customer?" For all its good looks, it cannot make up for the sheer impracticality and uselessness of the wheel cover, for what is the point of the sleeve if you cannot use the product contained within?
On another note, the sleeve also affords absolutely no protection to the screen. Why any producer would ever believe the wheel is more delicate than the iPod's screen is beyond me.
My suggestion is that you look elsewhere for a more practical container for your iPod, as this certainly isn't the one to buy.

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Rating: - It's great...in theory.
Theoretically, this product is brilliant. It protects the iPod well, ensures it is pretty much the same size and feels quite good. But it is also completely and utterly rubbish! For some reason, it will pick up every single bit of fluff and dust in your pocket even if you didn't know you had fluff in your pocket, it goes in black and comes out grey. Also, the plastic screen protector you get to stick on is ever so slightly too big, this means that if you line it up exactly in the top right corner, you get two big air bubbles along the bottom and left hand side of the screen because it overlaps the edge. But the worst problem, by a mile, is the click wheel. Because the case covers all of it, you can't use it. Oh sure you can press the buttons but you won't be able to choose a different album/artist, you won't be able to choose which video you want to watch, you won't be able to navigate the menus and you won't be able to change the volume.
As i said, in theory, this product is brilliant. In reality, it's rubbish.