Otterbox is a water, sand, dirt, and dust-proof iPod case fabricated out of thick, nearly unbreakable, virtually crush-proof Polycarbonate. And a tough-but-thin membrane over the click wheel allows complete control of your iPod.

Otterbox also has a fully sealed waterproof audio jack on the top of the case. It connects to your iPod via a plug inside the case (see picture below), which avoids wear and tear or water damage to your iPod's headphone jack even when the case is submerged in water.

According to the manufacturer, the clamshell Otterbox case also protects your iPod with an, "internal high-density shock protection system comprised of full-surround, closed cell impact absorbing cage which protects an iPod from extreme impacts, drops and G-forces."

Let me say this about that: I'll do a lot of things for you, gentle reader, but I won't do that. I have to confess I was not brave enough to throw my Otterbox-protected iPod at a wall or floor just to verify that particular claim. To tell the truth, it took a couple of weeks for me to build up enough nerve to submerge my Otterbox-encased iPod Video in the bathtub for 30 minutes. But it passed my little bathtub test with flying colors.

Another nice touch is the combination belt-clip and cable winder on the back of the case as shown below.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a warning on the package (in very, very small print), which says Otterbox is: "Water proof to 1m/3ft. Intended for surface swimming only." And Radtech's Web page has a similar admonition, to wit: "OtterBox for iPod cases are NOT adapted to withstand pressures experienced by scuba diving." 'Nuff said.

Finally, I tested Otterbox with my 5th generation iPod Video, but there are Otterboxes available for the 1st and 2nd generation iPod nano ($39.95) and the 1st generation iPod shuffle ($19.95) as well.

Note: If you are interested in this product, you'll almost certainly be interested in the H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones (also reviewed today).

The Bottom Line

If you need an extremely rugged iPod case that can be immersed in water or snow (as long as it's not too deep), look no further--Otterbox is just the ticket.