Review: PacificDesign Nano Uptown Clutch
PacificDesign’s Nano Uptown Clutch is the first case I’ve looked at that promises to be something that I’ve always wanted, namely a wallet with room for an iPod in it.
Well, the Nano Uptown Clutch IS a full-sized, fully functional wallet. It’s just, unfortunately for me, meant for the use of another gender. The Uptown is a lady’s wallet, and they generally tend to be somewhat larger in size than men’s wallets, due to their being carried in purses rather than back pockets I suppose. I am, it seems, going to have to wait for smaller Video iPods, or larger back pockets.
I do have friends however who both have Nano’s and are ladies, and they helped me a bit in reality checking the Uptown. The idea and execution passed with a, “Hey, it works!” and the item itself seemed to be moderately coveted. Birthday presents, perhaps? Hint hint to various spouses.
I was sent the Sky Blue to look at and can attest that it is truly as well-sewn and well-designed as all the other PacificDesign cases I have seen. Good material, good construction. A good story all around quality-wise.
The Uptown comes in a five total colours in two styles. The more colourful three, Sky Blue, Cherry Red, and Precious Pink, are all in solid, bouncy hues. The Rich Brown and Jet Black models have a bit of a maybe 40s or 50s retro two-tone thing about them, with colour complimenting cream-coloured front flaps.
All Uptowns have a built-in, dual-access Nano case (meaning you can face the iPod outwards or inwards behind the front flap), four ID or credit card slots, a really well done mesh earbud storage pouch, a billfold, and another pocket for a bus pass or a credit card or change maybe inside the front flap. MSRP is $29.95.
I’d give the PacificDesign Nano Uptown a score of 80% if I had to rate it. I think there might be room for a bit more wallet-age, a dedicated or more substantial change purse perhaps. If you plan on using the Uptown when you go, well, uptown (thus the name I guess) for a night’s clubbing or to attend the opera, you’ll probably be quite fine with something this size. In that case, I’d rate it as an 85%. It does what it says it will do, for whom it says it will, and does that well and innovatively.
For now, personally, I’m just going to have to hold on and hope they’re working on something I can put in my own back pocket.
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Slashdot
StumbleUpon
Comments
I use Incase’s nano Wallet (the black one) for my 2GB white Nano. While it says it just has an ID card slot, folding a bill and sticking some other cards works for me, too. I can fit three or four cards plus a couple folded twenties in there. And it’s not exactly girl style. That way I don’t always have to remember a wallet and an iPod, which I’m not so good at. The sturdy design of the case makes it great for an everyday case, too—My Nano rarely leaves its wallet. If I needed a more wallet-y and less case-y approach, I’d probably go for Marware’s C.E.O.™ Billfold Wallet for iPod Nano, and I’m thinking that if I had a video I’d go for their C.E.O.™ Folio for iPod Video.
Thanks for that, Steve. I’ll go take a look at the Marware offering. The Billfold sound more ‘guy portable’ than the folio however. Looks like I’m going to have to hold out for a Nano Video, hmmm?