Background:
I have always wanted a Vaja case for my items but for some reason I’ve always ended up with another company’s case…usually reasoning is price and availability. Generally Vaja cases are much more expensive and take almost a month to receive as they are made to order. When I purchased my iPod Nano I had heard about the constant scratching and knew I needed a good case. Since I already have another iPod I figured I could let the Nano sit and collect dust for a little over a month and get the perfect case. This Vaja case comes damn close to that mark.
Requirements:
I had several ideas in mind for the ‘perfect’ case before even seeing the Vaja case. IMO it had to be made out of leather. It had to be form-fitting and thin. It had to be black (I have a black Nano). It must have some sort of clip and hang upside-down as the Nano’s audio port was on the bottom. I wanted protection for the screen but not the wheel. I wanted access to the docking port without removing it from the case. I was not interested in accidental drop/shock protection because the Nano is flash based and we all saw the review of it being thrown out of a moving car and still working…it was scratches I was most worried about.
Ordering & Shipping:
As I stated before the cases are custom-made and take almost a month to get. Mine cost $62 and was ordered on 10/13 and delivered on 10/31, much quicker then expected. Their website claims 20 days to process the case…then delivery. For all I know they might all be delivered this quick and they just say 20 so in case they run behind nobody will complain.
Packaging:
FedEx dropped off a standard pouch with a box in it. I open the package to reveal a white box that screams ‘expensive’. The box has raised lettering all over it; similar to women’s pocketbooks…I had to grab a picture. Included in the box is a set of stickers, some sort of credit-card sized warning that not all leather looks the same, a promotional packet, and the case. The promo packet is 15 or so colorful sheets of thick paper that features their products on the other side. The whole package seems like it could have been done much cheaper…I am not sure if this is part of the high cost of the product or a brilliant promotional tool.
Case:
The case is flawless. The stitching is near perfect with no sign of weakness. It weighs next to nothing and the screen protector is clear and the perfect size for the Nano screen. My Nano already contained a clear screen protector and a clear protector for the metal backing. It was a bit difficult to get the Nano into the case; it was a very tight fit. Without the protectors I am sure it would have slid in much easier but I wanted to keep the protectors on. The only problem with this is that it’s nearly impossible to remove it…it took about 20 minutes to pull it out of the case the first time…subsequent times are a bit easier (I guess the leather stretches a bit). Even with a second screen protector, I could clearly see the screen. I could toggle the hold button, reach the sync port and I could connect the headphones easily. I attached the Nano to my belt loop, put a baggy shirt on top, and went out for my day. I was able to get in and out of my truck with ease…never worrying about the Nano or having to remove it. Even with my…umm…protruding stomach, I could easily see the Nana and changes songs while walking or sitting. It is so light even with the case that you don’t even notice it’s there.
Conclusion:
So by now I am sure your wondering why I don’t think it’s perfect. Well, my only gripe is the metal clip. If you notice there is no release lever…something like this:
I am not sure if that was done on purpose or not, but sometimes it’s difficult to remove it from the belt loop of my pants. Other then that, this case was worth every penny. A company called Tunewear makes a similar product called the Ambassador, but I wasn’t happy with the way it looked in the pictures…it didn’t look quite as form fitting:
In case your wondering, Vaja offers a wheel protector, I just didn’t want one.
Erik
