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March 30, 2005
Griffin Technology iVault
The aptly named iVault is the result of helixipod's journey from a lonely guy getting jiggy with a CNC machine, to posting his creations in an iPodlounge discussion thread to now, teaming with one of the preeminant iPod accessory makers.
Largely unchanged from helixipod's, known to his mother as Greg Gutierrez, first prototype, the iVault is an aluminum case with holes for the audio jack, the status lights, the USB plug, and the on/off switch. Although there is no word on it, I assume that it will be lined with something soft 'n grippy to keep the shuffle happy and scratch-free. The two halves of the case are fastened, shall I say assembled, with four screws, so the iVault is not the type of thing you'll be taking on and off frequently.
Undeniably attractive, and extremely protective, I love the colors (purple, blue, silver, red) that are available. I am happily surprised at the $30 price point too. Seems like a bargain if the case is as nice as it looks.
However, I still find the USB port solution a little awkward. Griffin will be shipping a USB cable along with each iVault, which seems to me a clunky workaround to the case's treatment of the USB plug. I don't like the idea of having both an uncovered USB plug (lets in dust and dirt) plus having to remember to take the cable wherever the shuffle goes.
The iVault ships in May, but you can preorder it now at the Griffin Technology web site.
Related: helixipod Aluminum Billet Cases
Posted on March 30, 2005 07:33 AM | Category: Cases
