FoofPod Review
As you might have guessed, my FoofPod iPod cover that I ordered was waiting for me when I got home, and as promised, here is my initial review.
It was sent via registered post, no extra packaging as there isn’t really anything that can break on it. Dirtymouse was great in reading my previous blog post and posting a comment and the order tracking page was good for, well, tracking the order. Payment was easy; as an Australian, I could simply do a bank transfer into their account online. All up, it was about a ten minute process to order. The total cost was $15 ($19 including postage), which when compared to other iPod covers is a real bargain, particularly for a handmade product.
I had ordered the A Kind of Blue FoofPod, probably one of the most conservative choices, but looking at this one, I can really see how the striped designs would do it justice (although I don’t quite think I’m ready for an animal print just yet!). I am, however, waiting for the kimono designs to come back in stock.
The construction is of blue corduroy with a silver polyester lining. The cord is soft, but seems durable and I am comfortable that the lining will in no way scratch or mar the iPod inside. It also seems to be put together well. I don’t think it’s going to come apart at the seams anytime soon. Rounding out the construction is the red Foof tag on the side. While I’m not one for branding, I am quite happy to have this on display, signifying that it is Australian made. Always a plus.
My 20 gig, 4G iPod fits easily into the FoofPod, no stretching or force was necessary, even the first time it went in. That being said, it’s not going to fall out in a hurry. Turning it upside down and jiggling the cover, I was more concerned about damaging the iPod from too much motion than from it falling out. Meanwhile, removing it from the cover is as easy as squeezing it out from the bottom.
The only limitation when operating the iPod while in the FoofPod is the lack of click wheel control. Everything else is accessible through the cover, but moving the wheel is a bit tricky, particularly with corduroy. Maybe i’ll get it with a bit of practice, and I would assume that the lighter fabrics make this much easier. All the top ports (heaphones, hold switch etc.) are accessible, making it a cinch to attach any accessories. The dock connector is at the bottom of the cover and can’t be reached, but as mine sits in its dock when connected, this isn’t a concern at all. Heatwise, removing the cover to access it may also be a positive point.
I think that the cover is best suited for when the iPod is in a pocket or bag, as it is protected against scratches and mild shocks. I would not worry about putting my keys or phone in the same pocket as the FoofPod, something I wouldn’t dream of doing with a naked iPod. Similarly, it would be fine to have relatively loose in a bag. The cover is fairly slim fitting, as much as you would expect a chunky corduroy to be. It easily fits into a pocket and I would imagine that the other, slimmer designs, such as tweed, would be an even closer fit.
What don’t I like about it? Not much really, and what I don’t like isn’t really to do with the FoofPod itself. I would love to have somewhere that the headphones could be stored when not in use, like a little pocket, and also a belt loop or sturdy clip. Of course, this goes against the FoofPod design, which is a simple but funky iPod cover to protect and funk up your ‘pod, so I have no grief with that.
Overall, I have to say that I am very impressed by the FoofPod. It is everything it says it is and nothing that it doesn’t. I can only recommend getting one. The prices are incredibly reasonable, the construction is great and as an Australian-made, hand-crafted iPod cover, you can’t go wrong. Customer service is also great, I was very (pleasantly) surprised to find that Dirtymouse and Foof had found my site on Google and reassured me that the order was on its way. I only wish I had’ve ordered one of the Super Brown Extreme or Parallel Lines Blue covers as well, as they are even lighter and slimmer that the Kind of Blue I ordered. I might have to include one on my order when the Kimono fabrics are back in stock…
Definately check out http://foofpod.com and make a purchase, it is well worth your hard-earned. All I need is a PowerBook now, so I can pick up a matching FoofBag!
Many thanks to Foof, Dirtymouse and the Foof Doppelganger for their work. Keep it up guys, the Apple iPod socks have got nothing on your designs!
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