"If you are one of the 1,000's of people who travel with your electronic equipment, you need to consider a Pelican Waterproof Case. Pelican Products are safe watertight protection for your Laptop or Desktop computer, iPod, iPhone, …iMac or Mac Pro desktop computers. Yes, Pelican even makes a waterproof case that you can travel with your Desktop Computer."

Today we're looking at the i1015 Micro Case (US$34.95).

The Juice

The Pelican i1015 Micro Case is designed to let you bring your electronics into formerly forbidden environments. The unit is constructed with an external headphone jack that enables you to listen to your player while the case is closed. Its interior is designed to act as a built-in cable manager for your earphones and cables. It also sports an easy open latch to get at your gear.

An easy open carabiner secures the i1015 to your backpack or belt loop. The custom rubber liner doubles as an o-ring seal. It is made from stainless steel hardware, solid rubber and thick, durable plastic. Pelican claims a "Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence" and that the i1015 Micro Case is "water resistant, crushproof, and dust proof." It is available in several colors.

NOTE: "GREAT FOR RUGGED SPORTS - NOT FOR SWIMMING OR SUBMERGING"

The Pulp

The Pelican i1015 Micro Case is one sturdy case. And yet, I found it very easy to use. For example, the latch locks solidly yet is very accessible and easy to open. And it held my iPhone 3Gs very snuggly. NO rattling whatsoever. And because of the transparent lid, I can see what song my device is playing without any squinting.

The outer earphone is also well thought out. Not only does t provide a solid connection but it also can be swiveled to reduce any strain on your cord.

The Rind

Because you can't get at any of the buttons, it reduces your iPhone or iTouch to a very expensive iPod. So, if the phone rings, they're just going to have to leave a voice mail. And since iPod shuffles are basically electronic gerbils, depending on your circumstances, why not just by one of those? Granted, it costs a few shekels more but you have access to your controls.

Summary

The Pelican i1015 Micro Case is a well engineered and finely manufactured piece of gear to protect your expensive investment. So if you're going for hike into the Grand Tetons or the Emerald Forest and plan to be away for a few days, I highly recommend this case.

Now if Macsimum News would only pay for my flight to the Tetons so that I could really put it through its paces...

Macsimum rating : 10 of 10

©2010 Frank Petrie