While the iPod Observer prides itself for delivering unbiased reviews, that doesn't mean we don't have our own personal preferences. To that end, the line of iPod cases from Core Cases were already on our good side before we opened them, simply for being crafted from aluminum instead of any number of plastic and leather variations that crowd the market.

Granted, metal iPod cases are nothing new, but we still feel they are underrepresented in the marketplace, especially given the advantages they confer. Among those advantages are excellent durability, precise fit, and a feel in your hand that matches that of a naked iPod.

Two things struck us about Core Cases' offerings compared to competitors: the means by which the two-piece case is held together and how astoundingly thin and lightweight each piece is. Both the 5G iPod and iPod nano cases employ a virtually identical design: the front piece slides up to separate it from the back piece, and stays together thanks to small metal tabs on the side that provide enough hold to keep it together, but not too much that it's difficult to separate (think of the mechanism a first-generation iPod shuffle uses to keep its cap on).

Having said that, the heft of a 60GB or 80GB 5G iPod is enough that it's easy—if you're deliberately trying, and only loosely pinching the top piece on the sides—to separate it from the bottom and send your iPod and bottom case piece flying if you jostle it quickly and firmly enough, but we were unable to duplicate such an incident in our everyday handling of the iPod. The bottom case also holds your iPod very snugly and is lined with a soft material, so if the unforeseen does occur, there's a good chance your iPod will still be fine.

The aluminum itself is just over a millimeter thick, meaning it weighs next to nothing in your hand and barely increases the overall dimensions of your iPod. The lack of a hinged design like other aluminum cases employ also helps to keep things compact.

Admittedly, the thin material and light weight contradicts the impression you would expect from a "heavy-duty" metal case. But in everyday use, the design proved sound. In fact, it quickly becomes apparent that Core Cases wasn't trying to skimp on materials or costs, but rather embrace the impressive strength-to-weight ratio that aluminum offers.

Aluminum can also be easily anodized, and Core Cases took advantage of that property to offer its cases in six different colors: blue, orange, silver, pink, green, and black. Other perks include a compact and removable alligator-like belt clip for the iPod nano case, and a larger, more standard (but still removable) belt clip for the 5G iPod. An uninspiring but very typical lanyard rounds out the included extras.

Overall fit and finish of the Core Cases is excellent. The clear plastic screen protection doesn't distort the iPod's display a bit and is integrated practically flush with the front of the case. Like most aluminum cases, the click wheel remains exposed but the cut-out is smooth and precise.

The Bottom Line

Aluminum cases have typically been selected for their ruggedness, and while the offerings from Core Cases are plenty durable, they don't offer the same level of protection that the Aluminum Case V2 from PodsPlus (4 stars) does, with its thicker construction, more secure hinged design, and click-wheel cover.

But it is exactly those reasons that make the Core Cases somewhat unique and attractive. For iPod owners seeking a minimalist case that isn't made out of plastic or makes your iPod feel cheap, Core Cases are perfect, especially for the svelte iPod nano.

iPod nano (2G) compatible? No.