Get Better Gear!

Premier Sponsors

TechRestore

Other World Computing

Top 5 Free Apps

Release Date: August 05, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: August 29, 2009
Genre: Games
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Release Date: August 07, 2009

iTunes New Music Releases

Release Date: September 29, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: September 20, 2009
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Rock
Release Date: August 25, 2009

Top 5 Paid Apps

Release Date: April 22, 2009
StickWars $0.99
Release Date: March 31, 2009
Genre: Games
Bloons $0.99
Release Date: April 05, 2009
Genre: Games

Discover New Music

  • 2112

    • 10 out of 10
    • Rush
    • We all know it, right? Well, ya just gotta have it. 2112 finally showed Rush out on their own, doing their own thing, and doing it well, IMHO.
  • One Word Extinguisher

    • 8 out of 10
    • Prefuse 73
    • It's an album about a breakup, done with beats instead of mopey lyrics. But the beats are raw, and the emotions are there, even if there aren't many words on top of it. While possibly not Scott Herren
  • Mystics Anonymous

    • 8 out of 10
    • Mystics Anonymous
    • Mystics Anonymous is the brainchild project of Jeff Steblea, a fantastic songwriter and good friend of mine, as well. In fact, I even played the drums on all but one of the tracks on this album. Jef
  • Never Let Me Down [ECD]

    • 4 out of 10
    • David Bowie
    • It must be a lonely place to be considered David Bowie's worst album by just about everyone, including the artist himself. As the last album before Bowie "rebooted" and formed the band Tin Machine, "N
  • Chicago Transit Authority

    • 10 out of 10
    • Chicago
    • For those of you who don't know, Chicago didn't always suck, and everyone in the band didn't always play a keyboard. When the band started off they were pioneers of rock and jazz fusion, and guita

Reader Specials

Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!

In-Depth Review

Drypod (5G iPod)

When it comes to water-proofing your iPod, the options are limited. OtterBox was one of the first to spearhead the effort and now offers cases for the 4G and 5G iPod, iPod mini, iPod shuffle, and both iPod nanos, but competitors have been slow to enter the market. Lilipods, another early entry, has seemingly ceased the water-proofing effort after delivering cases for the 4G iPod and iPod mini in early 2005. SKB Cases with its Drypod line of waterproof cases for the 4G iPod, 5G iPod, and iPod nano is the newest firm to offer extended protection from the elements.

Drypod
Drypod for 5G iPod

The Drypod cases are immediately recognizable thanks to their bold blue plastics. Unlike OtterBox, which employs a hinged one-piece design, the Drypod case separates at the middle to accommodate your iPod. While seemingly secure for lighter use, the Drypod case doesn't elicit the same water-proof confidence that OtterBox products do when latched shut.

For its part, SKB Cases seems to acknowledge that the Drypod isn't intended for more extreme uses. The manual notes that the case is not designed to be continuously submerged, unlike the OtterBox cases that are guaranteed to keep your iPod dry at depths up to 1 meter, regardless of how long they spend under water. As such, surface swimming is largely out of the question with the Drypod, which is geared more towards those who surf, hang out at the beach, or spend a lot of time in the rain or snow.

Drypod Drypod
Drypod with lanyard (and splashed with water)

While the Drypod's two-piece design may not be as secure as the OtterBox, it does allow for greater versatility. Included with each Drypod is a belt clip, armband (which requires the belt clip be used, since the armband is literally just a simple band), and lanyard. The lanyard attachment takes the place of the belt clip, or both accessories can be forgone if a slimmer fit is desired.

The Drypod's "flex-pad" click wheel protector allows for decent control of your iPod. Significant sensitivity is lost on account of the thicker plastic and a small gap between your iPod and the case, but perfectly precise control has always eluded water-proof cases.

Drypod
Drypod beltclip and armaband

The Bottom Line

If water-proofing your iPod is your main goal, or you simply want to swim with your iPod, OtterBox cases cannot be beat. If your needs are less demanding and you desire a case that will stand up to the beach or the slopes, the Drypod is a solid and more affordable option.

Just The Facts

Drypod from SKB Cases

MSRP US$44.95

Pros:nice looking (for a waterproof case), includes lanyard, belt clip, and armband

Cons:not suitable for swimming (should not be continuously submerged), significant click wheel sensitivity is lost

Post Your Comments

  Remember Me  Forgot your password?

Not a member? Register now. You can post comments without logging in, but they'll show up as a "guest" post.

Commenting is not available in this section entry.