The Facts
Specifications according to the manufacturer:

- Clear mylar holder allows complete view of the mini when the case is open
- Clear sides show off the color of the mini when the case is closed
- Includes a low-profile spring clip
- Features the Multidapt® patented interchangeable clip system
- Opening at the top for the earphone jack
- Velcro® closure
- Comes in 7 color combinations: Blue/Gray, Purple/Light Blue, Gray/Light Blue, Olive/Orange, Black/Olive, Black/Gray, and Gray/Red (test sample)
- Price: $29.95

Construction and Materials
Nice. This case uses high quality nylon for the exterior panels, flexible and strong mylar for the inner sleeve that holds the iPod, and good quality Velcro for the closure.

There is a large rubber Marware logo, about the size of a dime, on the face of the case. In addition, there is also a sewn fabric tag on the inside flap bearing the Marware name, just so you don't forget where you got the case. That's a bit too much branding if you ask me, but it doesn't effect the function of the case so it's basically benign.

The inner mylar sleeve designed to hold the iPod covers the entire length of its body with a circular cutout for the clickwheel. It provides protection for the iPod display and the top is completely open. The bottom is partially covered, creating a large sized hole to access the dock connector.

The removable belt clip is a nice piece. It clamps firmly and has just the right amount of hook shape to the latch so so that it grips securely. The low profile design is also a plus. Marware uses this same clip and attachment system on many of their products and although I don't like the fact that it is a proprietary system that forces you to buy additional attachments from Marware, at least it is quality product that works well. A set of clips (bike holder, car holder, and swivel clip) costs $20.

The overall impression of the materials and workmanship of this case is very high quality.

Usage
The TrailVue case works great. Although it's not the lightest case I've seen, and even though it's padded, it still manages to feel small and portable. The low profile belt clip helps to add to that impression.

The materials used in making the TrailVue prove to durable and easy to clean. The design and colors of the TrailVue make it a stylish accessory for any iPod. This case does everything well.

One of the nice features of some flip style iPod cases are that you can flip the front flap all the way back, effectively creating a stand, and use it to prop up the iPod. That is not possible with the TrailVue, as the joints on the flap don't like to be bent backwards, and the padding on the exterior wouldn't allow it to stay bent that direction anyway.

The Velcro closure is strong and is high quality. The exterior nylon is easily cleaned if it ever gets dirty. The rubber grommet around the headphone opening lines up perfectly with the iPod's jack, although it is too small for large headphone plugs to fit through (namely the Shure E3c's). A very slight misalignment of the cutout for the clickwheel does not affect its functioning at all.

One concern that I do have is that I worried about scratching my iPod as I slid it into the inner mylar sleeve because it grips it so tightly. This never happened, I want to make that clear, but I would guess that if some sand or small pebble was trapped between the sleeve and the iPod the potential for scratches would exist. So, just wipe off your iPod and blow out the dust in the sleeve before inserting it. No big deal.

The Bottom Line
The Marware TrailVue for iPod mini deftly combines elements both protective and stylish into an iPod case that is easy to use and a joy to carry. The inner clear mylar sleeve fits the iPod mini like a glove and protects it from dust and scratches while letting the color of the iPod show through. My reservations with this case are few; only that you cannot bend the opened flap all the way back to form a stand, and the attachment clip is a proprietary system unique to Marware. At $30 dollars it is priced fairly for such a high quality case. I would recommend the TrailVue to anyone looking for a flip style iPod case. 4/5 stars.

The good: High quality materials and workmanship, nice colors, protective and stylish at the same time, easy to use design, strong low-profile belt clip included.
The not so good: cutout for headphone jack too small for large headphone plugs, proprietary system for attachment options.

For more information: Marware