Contour Design HardSkin for iPod Touch
Price: $29.95
www.ContourDesign.com


Another hard skin style case from Contour Design, one of the best at hard skin type cases in my opinion, the HardSkin provides a cheaper alternative to the iSee without a belt clip. It comes in black and plum.

Design 9/10

The HardSkin is very similar in design to the Showcase and identical to the iSee. The main difference comes in that the Hardskin is colored instead of clear. On the back you will also find little rubber feet for when setting the case on a flat surface, this helps prevent scratches on the case and keeps it from sliding around.

A flip up protector (same as on the Showcase) protects the dock and headphone port.

Here you can see the pass through button.

Build Quality 9/10

I was impressed with the feel of the plastic and build quality on the HardSkin. It is clearly a nicer grade of plastic in comparison to some cheaper clamshell plastic cases and it has a very matte finish that seems to have a tiny bit of grip to it. This little bit of grip makes it feel even more premium over slick plastic cases.

Usage 8/10

Inserting your iPod into the HardSkin consists of setting your iPod in it, then snapping the front on. it is quick, easy, and painless. Removing is a bit more complicated than with the Showcase, but Contour Design was nice enough to make a slot that you can insert and spin a coin in that snaps the case apart fairly easily. This is a nice touch as many snap together cases require you to use your fingernails which many times does not even work and risks scratching your device if you try and use a screw driver or another sharp object.

In using the case I found it to be very low profile and overall it did not add too much bulk to the iPod Touch.

Price 7/10

Price is a bit high, but it is a well made case with a nice finish. The biggest issue with the price is that it is the same as the iSee that comes with dual backs and the belt clip!

Overall the Hardskin is a great case for those wanting a simple good quality hard skin type case. But with the iSee being the same price, if you like clear and would ever want to use a belt clip, it may be a better option.

Pros:

• Nice grip finish
• Good quality plastic
• Slot to ease removal

Cons:

• Still harder to open than the Showcase
• Same price as the iSee

Thanks to Contour Design for the review sample!