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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

  • Gimme Fiction

    • 10 out of 10
    • Spoon
    • Gimme Fiction by Spoon is a terrific album by an Austin band that I was lucky enough to catch on an Austin radio station during a Christmas visit.

  • Bowie at Beeb: Best of BBC Radio 68-72

    • 10 out of 10
    • David Bowie
    • The companion CD to a BBC television concert, BBC Radio Theatre has some of the best renditions of many of Bowie's best songs throughout his career. "I'm Afraid of Americans" is substantial

  • Aretha Sings the Blues

    • 6 out of 10
    • Aretha Franklin
    • While she didn't always have the best taste in song selection, Aretha Franklin is a must-study for anyone with interest in the human voice. She has the kind of powerful, recklessly passionate deliv

  • Velocifero

    • 6 out of 10
    • Ladytron
    • "Back to the future" isn't the right turn of phrase for Ladytron's newest album,

  • Plans

    • 8 out of 10
    • Death Cab for Cutie
    • With the introduction of Plans, Death Cab for Cutie became a new addition to many user's Artist list after the single "Soul Meets Body" became a hit on iTunes. Offering a fresh alternativ

Reader Specials

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

In-Depth Review

TinPod

Here's something different: a case that combines with your iPod to resemble the do-it-yourself MintyMP3 player, but clearly born on the other side of the railroad tracks from the aforementioned Altoids-based audio companion.

TinPods
TinPods

The TinPod is quite simply a tin... for your iPod. As tins go, the TinPod is standard fare: lightweight, a little flimsy, and with a hinge design as basic as you could imagine. But you won't notice any of that at first glance thanks to the hand of Kurt Ketchum, whose creations wrap the three TinPods. Even if his art fails to suit your fancy, there's no denying the designs are different and eye-catching.

PodsPlus

The TinPod is lined with foam padding inside to protect your iPod, while inserts ensure it fits snugly regardless of 3G, 4G, or 5G model. Earphone cut-outs are naturally a part of the design, but once your iPod's inside there's no access to its dock connector or hold switch, not that it would be easy to accidentally toggle a button when the case is closed.

Unfortunately, no dock connector access means you'll need to remove your iPod regularly just to charge it, and that's not so easy a process since the padding hugs your iPod so well. You can always pry your iPod out with a skinny object, even if that concept makes you cringe, or tap the case on a hard surface several times. We found hitting the palm of the hand holding the TinPod with our other hand was most effective (anyone who has ever removed a baseball card from a hard plastic sleeve knows what I'm talking about), but you'll want to exercise some restraint so your iPod doesn't come flying out.

PodsPlus

The Bottom Line

The TinPod is neither the most durable nor the most practical iPod case, but what it lacks in convenience it makes up for in personality, provided you dig the design. If you're on the fence, keep in mind production is being limited to 5,000 of each style (possibly a buying point in and of itself for some iPod owners), and that even if you decide you don't like it, you can always plug the earphone cut-outs and have the fanciest fresh breath dispenser on the block. Try doing that with a piece of iPod-formed silicone.

TinPods cost $16.95 a piece, but two can be purchased together for $29.95.

Just The Facts

TinPod from TinPods

MSRP US$16.95

Pros:unique, solid protection, fits all 3G/4G/5G iPods, capabale of standing up when opened (perfect for video viewing)

Cons:questionably practical, won't work with most earphones with L-shaped plugs

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