Marware Sidewinder Spectra Case for iPod nano 2G (Black)

 (6 customer reviews)

I ordered this case because of the clever concept -- it seems like a great idea to keep you earbud cable in order via the iPod case itself.

However, when receiving the actual product I saw encountered flaws and drawbacks. First, the case was light plastic and felt pretty cheap. I currently use an iSkin case (iSkin Nano 2nd Generation - Groove Pack). It is composed of harder plastic and rubber, which feels more substantial (and perhaps more able to withstand a drop) than the Sidewinder. Furthermore, the plastic on the face of the Sidewinder was lightly scratched, apparently just from rubbing against the inside of its packaging.

I saw the above as just minor drawbacks. The big problem for me: there is a piece of plastic which covers the bottom of the Nano, where the headphone/earbud jack is located. There is a...Read more

I was very excited about the Sidewinder concept for my new Nano. I have always had difficulty with long earphone cords while exercising. I thought this would be a great solution to my problem. Along with the Sidewinder, I also purchased the Marware Mobility kit so I could attach the iPod to the dash of my car and the handlebars of my bike. When setting this all up I discovered two immediate flaws in the design. The retainer for keeping the Nano in the Sidewinder is on the bottom. It is just a small piece of plastic that slips into the case and is held in place basically by friction. The retainer has an earphone hole, but no provision for attaching the docking cable. This raised two issues, 1) I was unable to clip the sidewinder into the mobility holder in the car and attached it to my dock power/cassette adapter without the Nano falling out. I solved this problem by using a Dremel tool to port the retainer to accept the dock cable then Super Glued the retainer in place...Read more

I thought this was going to be the be-all, end-all of iPod cases for me, but I'm sorely disappointed that I wasted the money to buy it. It protects the iPod admirably, but it came scratched-up from the packaging, I can't charge it in the case without it falling out, the headphone jack hole fits iPod earbud jacks AND NOTHING ELSE (not even my cassette adapter in my car, because it has a right-angle jack), and when I put the clip on the back, the tension-fit design overcame the adhesive and pulled the Multidapt pad off the case. And to top it all off, I can't for the life of me wrap my earbuds around the side in a way that makes them not fall off again. If I could, I would return it for a refund, but I'd pay more in shipping than I'd get back, and they wouldn't take it anyway. I feel cheated out of my $[...]. I wanted a little home for my iPod that would keep it safe, and that it would never have to leave, and it would never risk getting damaged. What I got is a plastic-and-rubber...Read more