The Nyko iTop is a very unique and neat accessory for your iPod that at the same time is also very practical for many people.

Coming in a retail blister pack, the original impression of the iTop is very good. You can see the iTop through the packaging and the packaging looks and feels nice. Once out of the packaging, you can see that the sides and bottom are covered in the same shiny metallic material as the back of the iPod (or at least it looks as though it is (the material on the iTop does not seem to scratch as easily as the iPod does)). Then, the top 1/4 where the buttons are is a smoke white piece of acrylic like plastic. 

Sitting on the top of your iPod, the iTop relocates the Volume Up, Volume Down, Play/Pause, Next Track, Previous Track buttons to the top of your iPod. The iTop also places the headphone jack on one end of it as it covers/uses the original headphone jack. Another neat feature is a hold switch that is independent of the iPod's hold switch. This hold switch just is for the iTop buttons.

In use most will find that it is nice to put the iPod's hold switch on so that you do not bump the iPod's buttons while it is in your pocket. Then you can use your iTop to control your iPod easily even though it may be in your pocket. I found that the buttons could be a little hard to differentiate between even though they are tactile (the Volume Up and Down buttons are bumped up, the Play/Pause has a dot in the middle (easiest to find), and the Next and Previous track buttons are rounded in). When you are busy doing something else, it can be hard to differentiate between the subtle differences between the buttons. Besides this, the iTop works great and never misses a beat when you press the button.

Another comment I would like to make is about what cases the iTop works with. The iTop will fit on the iPod only when it can sit flat across the whole top (as it plugs into the alternate power and headphone jack on the iPod). Some cases that have even a bit of covering on the top will keep it from working properly. For example from cases reviewed on our site, here are ones that will and will not work:

Will work

• Vaja iVod
• Boxwave Silicone Case (you have to fold the flaps on top back a tiny bit)
• Marware Sportsuit (with cover off)
• Pacific Designs (with cover off)

Will not work

• Otter Box for iPod
• PDair Aluminum Case
• JavoEdge Silicone Case
• Krusell
• Contour Showcase

Overall I felt the iTop is a good addition to any iPod that gets a lot of use while sitting in a jacket or pants pocket. The iTop makes it so it is easy to change songs and volume settings, plus pause/play your music without taking the iPod out of your pocket. Adding minimal dimensions to your iPod, and fitting in with the great looks of the iPod, I can definitely recommend the iTop to any user looking for an easier way to control their iPod.

Thanks to Nyko for the Review Sample!