I am fortunate. My job here as Reviews Director for the iPodObserver.com allows me to test a lot of iPod cases every year. And while most of them are decent, every so often one shows up with a killer feature that makes it superior for a specific task. In the case of the iSkin Claro, that feature is the "kick stand" and the task it makes better is watching video on a video iPod.

Claro is a well-constructed case with two layers. The outer layer is tough, clear polycarbonate with iSkin's ClaroCoat scratch resistant surface; the inner layer is soft, shock-absorbing silicone with integrated click wheel protection. Together the two layers protect your iPod video as well as or better than any other case I've tried to date.

The included silicone layer is semi-transparent white and looks fine in my humble opinion. But if semi-transparent white doesn't float your boat, iSkin also offers optional colored replacements known as Claro slims.

The Cruise Pack (top) includes a Blaze Red, a Prince Purple and a Blush Pink Claro slim; the Chill Pack (bottom) features an Ebony Black, a Sonic Blue and a Ghost White glow in the dark Claro slim. Each pack costs an additional $19.99.

The kick stand is built into the integrated belt clip and places your iPod video at an ideal angle for watching video. I'm pretty sure there are other iPod video cases with integrated stands for watching video, but the iSkin Claro is the first one I've tested. I like it a lot. One of my biggest gripes about using the iPod video on a plane or in a hotel room was finding a comfortable place for the iPod. Laying it flat on the tray table or desk wasn't very good and holding it in my hand was even worse. So the kick stand rocks and is the reason I'll be taking this case on my next road trip.

The Bottom Line

The iSkin Claro dual-layer protection system for your iPod video is first class. The outer clear shell does indeed resist scratching (at least so far) and the inner silicone case provides additional protection. And the kick stand is the icing on the cake, letting me watch video comfortably on my iPod video for the first time. If you watch video on your iPod, this case is the best one I've tested to date.