PodsPlus recently revamped its already well executed Aluminum Case for 5G iPods by integrating a thin silicone click wheel cover, making it the first metal case to offer total protection for the front of your iPod while allowing for complete usability.

PodsPlus Aluminum Case V2

The Aluminum Case v2 otherwise remains largely unchanged from its predecessor (4 stars, now $14.99), maintaining the same easy flip-open design, neoprene lined interior, and headphone, hold switch, and dock connector accessibility.

The belt clip's implementation has been slightly redesigned and now sports a metal tab that screws into your iPod rather than a plastic one. The tab enables the case to click into the included standard plastic belt clip. While basic and reminiscent of cell phone belt clips from years ago, it is effective. The same can't be said about the included lanyard, which wraps around the same metal tab and barely passes as being usable. The thin, plastic lined silver string looks, feels, and smells (yes, smells) cheap.

In that regard, version two of the PodsPlus aluminum case is identical to version one: an outstanding case and value in its own right, but the relatively low price explains the seemingly secondary thought afforded to the extras. Still, we love the click wheel protection and are even more thrilled by its availability in multiple colors (provided you go for the black metal case; the silver metal case is available only with a black click wheel cover). At under $30, including free shipping, this the metal case for 5G iPod owners to get.