The iFrogz custom silicone iPod case seems like a fantastic idea when you see it on their beautifully-designed Web site. Unfortunately, the product itself doesn't live up to its promise for a variety of reasons.

An iFrogz case consists of three separate parts. The first component is Wrapz, the main shell, which is available in over 30 colors. It covers the entire iPod in a soft silicone shell with cutouts for the click wheel, screen, and buttons and ports.

The second component is Bandz, also available in over 30 different colors. Bandz stretches around the sides of your iPod, outside the Wrapz, providing "added support, protection, and style. Alas, it covers the hold switch and dock connector port, with a single hole for the headphone jack.

The final component is Screenz, a clear protective sheet of plastic that affixes to the front of your iPod, covering the whole front side including screen and click wheel. Each Screenz includes a round decal precisely the size of the click wheel. There are literally hundreds of decals available with designs ranging from pop culture (peace sign, smiley face, Route 66, American flag, etc.) to sports (basketball, football, etc.) to nature (recycle symbol, moose crossing, goldfish bowl with fish, sunflower, etc.).

To assemble your case you first stick the plastic sheet to the front of your iPod. Next, apply the decal to the plastic sheet directly over the click wheel. Now stretch the Wrapz over the iPod. Finally, stretch the Bandz around the edges of the Wrapz.

A picture is worth a thousand words and this one explains the whole shebang:

Now here's what's wrong with this picture... I put an iFrogz set on three iPods -- mine, my wife's, and my son's. None lasted over a week. My son removed his because the Screenz sheet was peeling off and dirt was accumulating on the adhesive side of the plastic. And both my son and my wife disliked having to remove the Bandz to use the Hold switch or recharge the iPod with the USB cable, or remove both the Wrapz and the Bandz to use it in a car cradle or dock. As for me, I didn't care for it for all of the reasons stated above.

There is one last thing: While the price of a complete set is US$29, you can buy the three components individually: Wrapz for $21, Bandz for $4, and Screenz for $6.

The Bottom Line

To be fair, iFrogz is an extremely clever concept and the quality of all three components is excellent. The silicone is first-rate and feels great in your hand, the decals are bright and colorful, and the plastic sheet is quite sturdy. But since nobody in my family used theirs for more than a few days, I can't in good conscience recommend this product. Unless style is more important to you than convenience, look elsewhere for your iPod case needs.