Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G

5 Responses to Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G

1. 

   Ms. Understood on July 12, 2010 at 6:08 pm

   When I ordered my 5th generation Nano, I knew I needed to find an accessory that did three things:

   -A case to protect the Nano from damage.
   
   -An armband to use when I run or work out in warm weather.
   
   -An integrated belt clip to use when I run or work out in cold weather, or for simply wearing the Nano around casually.

   I was happy to find this product, as it had all three features I was looking for, and the price was great (1/2 price on Amazon).

   I was even happier when it arrived, as it exceeded all my expectations. The case is clear plastic (It’s completely transparent on the front side where it’s important to get a clear view of the screen, and it’s frosted on the back side). The case is super easy to open and to insert or remove the Nano—-yet it closes very securely with a snap and gives a nice sense of protection. In other words, they struck a good balance with making a secure, tight closure, while at the same time not making it difficult to open it when needed (my last case for a previous iPod was awful to take off). The way it works is the bottom part separates from the top part, and the seam where they meet lands nicely right at the bottom of the Nano’s screen, maintaining a virtually seamless, sleek look. (By the way, the case does completely cover the screen; I’ve seen where others were disappointed with other cases that did not. This one does; the only opening on the front is for the clickwheel.)

   The design of the case is flawless as far as I can tell. It fits all the openings of the Nano like a glove; the openings are perfectly placed and perfectly designed. There’s no problem reaching/using the clickwheel, there’s full access to the Nano’s connectors on the bottom as well as to the hold button on the top, and there’s a perfectly placed opening for the Nano’s camera/mic on the back of the case. It actually seems like the case was designed by Apple alongside the design of the Nano; in my opinion, that’s how integrated they are.

   The integrated clip attached to the back of the case is nice, and it’s a feature I plan to use a lot. There is also a way to lift the clip so that it becomes a stand for setting the Nano sideways on a table for viewing videos, pictures, etc. (I personally won’t use this feature, because I feel that in time, it might stress the plastic of the clip and cause it to break.)

   The armband is wonderful. Again, flawless design. The clip on the back of the case is slipped into a narrow pocket on the outside of the armband, for a secure fit. The armband is very simple to use and it’s also very comfortable. It’s nicely padded, soft on the inside, and the elastic is secure, but stretchy, so it doesn’t feel like it’s cutting off my circulation.

   I can’t come up with a single complaint. I feel this is the best case out there, and definitely the best case/armband combo, especially for those who also want a belt clip option. High-quality and flawless design, easy to use, secure protection for my Nano, and all the features I was looking for.

   Rating: 5 / 5
   Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G
2. 

   CK1 on July 12, 2010 at 8:48 pm

   This case was ideal: clear hard case, convenient belt clip, very comfortable armband. However, the big problem I am having is that the case extends a very short length beyond the end of the Nano. I use a set of Shure earbuds (which I love), and the plug cannot fit fully into the headphone jack due to the extension of the case. The standard Ipod earphones fit fine because the plug is very slim and straight.

   VERY frustrating. I’m left with finding a new case or buying new earphones. Case is certainly cheaper, but I’ve not found another with the hard case/belt clip/armband combo.
   Rating: 3 / 5
   Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G
3. 

   Elena on July 12, 2010 at 11:47 pm

   As most of the reviewers of this item, I must give it 5 stars.

   I read quite a few reviews of this and other similar items before deciding to go with this iPod Nano armband. The key features that swayed me in the direction of this item were the easily accessible clear protective shell (with a clip!!) and a non-bulky armband. Let’s just say that this armband isn’t for you if you’d like to sport the Terminator look. The armband was designed with simplicity and function in mind. It doesn’t slip off or feel like an inflated BP cuff (but then again, I am a female with a pretty small arm. What biceps? :p) However, if you are a weight-lifting machine, then you might want to go for something with a bit longer band (and at this point you probably look like Terminator anyway, so this slim armband won’t do your guns of steel justice. No, I said “guns”; I don’t know where you are planning on wearing your iPod…). Bad humor aside, the actual length of the band in its relaxed state is about 10.5″– that’s not including the extra couple of inches for velcroing (is that even a word?) it together and not including the front “buckle” part where the iPod is actually clipped on. Looks like plenty of room for a decent-sized arm. And don’t forget that the band is stretchy.

   Bottom line: It looks, works and feels great.

   One more thing– I’ve read reviews in which avid athletes were concerned with perspiration soaking through the fabric and causing issues with the iPod… (let me just say that such complaints put my workout to shame..). I don’t foresee that happening, seeing as how the clip creates a barrier between the iPod and your arm. Unless you can sweat through padded fabric and a plastic clip, your unit should be ok. Speaking of the clip: you can throw the armband away if you don’t like it and simply use the clip. Surely, that would be a ridiculous waste of money, but whatever works…

   May this armband get you through many rigorous (or downright lazy) workouts!

   Rating: 5 / 5
   Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G
4. 

   Guillermo A. Llerena on July 13, 2010 at 12:18 am

   The Positive
   
   - Armband is comfortable and fits a guys 17″ arm
   
   - Case can be quickly removed from the armband to use with belt clip
   
   - Case fits iPod securely, but can be removed without driving you crazy
   
   - Case fits Nike+ receiver (a huge shortcoming with many cases)
   
   - Beltclip on back of case, combined with armband pad, provide a good sweat barrier to protect iPod

   Places for improvement
   
   - The case exposes the top, bottom, and wheel of iPod making it less than weather proof
   
   - Opening on bottom will make it difficult to fit headphones with larger plugs
   
   - Opening for wheel could be larger (or beveled) to give you more finger room (still very usable however)
   
   - The polka dot pattern on the armband looks cheap
   Rating: 5 / 5
   Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G
5. 

   B. Davis on July 13, 2010 at 1:23 am

   I’m a runner and love the combination of the nano and the Nike + sensor. I tried running without an armband and it didn’t work well to hold the nano when my hands got sweaty. I love this armband because it protects the nano, and is comfortable to wear (and it still lets me enjoy the color and design of the nano since it is clear plastic). I have thin arms (they measure about 11 inches where I wear it), and this is just about as small as the armband gets. Very few armbands work with the Nike + sensor, but this one does. I rarely take the nano out of the case, or the case off the armband, so I can’t evaluate the ease of those features. I like the fact that you can sync it while it is still in the case because both the top and bottom are open. The only complaint I have is that it is hard to move the lock button while it is in the case because the case’s top opening edge is very close to the button. Other than that, I highly recommend this product.
   Rating: 5 / 5
   Griffin iClear Armband Case with Clip for iPod nano 5G