Zune 8 Case | DLO HipCase Review
(click to enlarge images)
DLO has produced one of the very first cases for the Zune 4 and Zune 8 models.
The Zune Hipcase is currently available in black leather at various retail locations. It ships with a foam insert to help maintain the correct shape prior to purchase.
The stitching and interior fabric are both green, similar to the green Zune.
Because the green fabric is on the inside, it gets covered by the player. This means the case will match any color device without clashing. Most of the front is covered with flexible clear plastic. I was not expecting the touch sensitivity on the Zune Pad to work with the case on. I was dead wrong, you can easily swipe or click right through the plastic. There seems to be only a 15% reduction in sensitivity which is very acceptable considering the level of scratch and moisture protection. The play and back buttons are also easily used.
Full access is open to all ports including USB and headphones. Attempts to dock the device with the case on failed but that is standard for Zune cases. The player is loaded through the top as shown the the photo. For those who use a dock daily, I suggest loading the Zune upside down in the HipCase. In that orientation the Zune can be docked with the case still on.
A sturdy clip is integrated to the back of the case. The flash Zunes are small enough to fit in any pocket, but the clip is nice because it gives easy access to everything outside the pockets.
photo by DLO
There is not much to compare the Hipcase to right now, but competition is sure to follow. I liked the fact that touch sensitivity works with the case on and the clear plastic protects the screen from scratches. The only thing missing is a brown or colored leather option, although the black looks stylish as a neutral color. The HipCase gets top marks for functionality and protection. Appearance depends on taste, as you can see from the photos, DLO scores in that category also. Current MSRP is $29.95 for the Zune 4/8 case.
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