Anyone who has traveled on a plane holding their 5G iPod while watching a television episode or movie knows what a burden even five ounces in the hand can become after an extended period of time. Despite this fact, of the dozens of cases available for 5G iPods, hardly any take this into consideration.

Pacific Design GrandStand Case

Belkin's KickStand case (4 stars) was one of the first to take video viewing into prime consideration, allowing users to bend the case apart to prop the iPod up. The handy and minimal design had its shortcomings, however, requiring users to half remove their iPod to bend the case while dealing with an unusual fabric loop system for securing the iPod.

Pacific Designs' new GrandStand case takes a different approach, employing a flip-case design but with an additional "flip" piece, so to speak, enabling the case to form a triangle when desired that stands the iPod up. Compared to the KickStand, the GrandStand has the advantage of not requiring the iPod to be removed to convert it into a stand, and the extra material (a combination of real and fake leather) the design requires increases the width of the case by only a minimal amount.

A clear Lexan screen protector is stitched into the case. The stitch-work there and around the rest of the case is precise and first-rate. The GrandStand employs metal snaps to keep itself closed or propped up, a nice change from conventional button snaps. Like other Pacific Design cases, the belt clip in the rear is designed specifically to wrap around something, and not be merely clipped on. The combination velcro/button snap is more secure than a a friction-based clip but results in fewer possible locations for attaching the case to.

The Bottom Line

For video buffs, the GrandStand is one of the best cases on the market. The materials, craftsmanship, and design are all excellent and the case is available in five color combinations. At about $40 the convenience doesn't come cheap (Belkin's KickStand is available for about half that), but for those who value being able to set their iPod down and still watch it, it's a bargain.