Gear Live Review: Vaja iVod Video Review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Design, Features, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews

In case you missed our video review of the Vaja iVod Video, we figured we would flesh out our thoughts in print as well. The Vaja iVod Video cases for the 5th generation iPod with video are impressive, and this one was made using the Vaja Choice service. First impressions count, and as you can see, the product was custom-made with Gear Live orange and gray taking center stage. We took tons of images which you can find in our iVod Video Gallery, and give our full impressions, after the jump.

The way that Vaja presents their cases is almost an Apple-esque experience. The packaging is beautiful, and you can tell that the physical product is simply top notch just by picking it up and surveying it. The leather used is full-grain cowhide, and feels very durable. The two colors used from the Vaja Choice service were Caterina Vibrant Orange for the top and Caterina Steel Gray underneath.

So there really isn’t much to using the case. The iPod fits in snugly, and will not just fall out of the top opening. The iVod Video keeps a tight grip, and leaves access to the ports on the top and bottom. The leather really looks great, and the colors are rich and vibrant. What I appreciate most is that the iVod Video, while protecting the iPod, still eaves access to everything I need to operate it. We personally prefer an exposed scroll wheel, so that was a welcome feature. Even better though, the screen is both completely protected and visible with no distortion. That is a rarity when it comes to iPod cases.

The included Rivet Clip is also very cool. It’s a two-piece belt clip - one piece is the actual clip on for your belt, and the other piece connects to that. You can attach the iPod to the outer piece, and it will stay put until you hit the release latch. It works well, unless you trigger the wrong latch, in which case the two clips come apart, and the iPod remains attached to the outer piece. Not a big deal once you get used to it.

Basically, the Vaja iVod Video is a superb case. It protects the iPod, and is one of the few protective cases that does it while remaining visually appealing. One issue some might take with the product is it’s price - starting at $70 USD, it almost becomes a novelty. Granted, part of that high cost is the Vaja Choice customization options, which is a great service. Check out the rest of the images in our iVod Video Gallery.