Waterfield Designs' Apple iPod Hi-Fi Protective Case: A Case of Yet Another Inflated Price Tag

reviewed by Mike Swope

Apple's iPod has become today's Walkman, but better because people can now take ALL their music with them on their iPods. Apple's Hi-Fi System introduced earlier this year is another expensive accessory for the iPod, replacing what were once home stereo systems. Now comes the accessories for the accessory, in this case, a high-priced protective case to make Apple's iPod Hi-Fi System a mobile stereo system. Unfortunately, this case features arguably inadequate protection and a bloated, nearly explosive price tag.

I think Waterfield Designs has completely misinterpreted market research, or neglected to conduct any. Though Apple's products command a premium price, the Waterfield Designs iPod Hi-Fi System Case takes this premium price to a new, gut-wrenching high. Priced at 43% of the iPod Hi-Fi System's price, this is an expensive bag for which I had high expectations. Perhaps this is the cause for my real disappoint: my expectations fell a long, long way once I received the bag. At first, I thought the price was a typo in my editor's message. But when the case arrived with media information, the pricing was the same.

Though abundant in pockets to carry most users' iPod accessories, the iPod Hi-Fi Case is little better than a padded backpack, and even this is arguable (I'm arguing with myself over this comparison still). Most of the case's padding is less than 1/4" thick and in the double-flap, bottom and sides. The back has some padding, but not nearly the padding as the other four sides. The double-flap also features an impact resistant slice of plastic to protect the speaker grill of the iPod Hi-Fi System while in transport. Though the bag is described as play-through, this does not mean that the Hi-Fi System will play through the bag when it is closed. It plays through only when the bag is opened and the speakers are exposed through the oval opening in the front.

I've tried to imagine this product on retail shelves, and compared it to the price tags of other padded bags, such as laptop bags that protect a much more expensive item. An average padded laptop bag runs about $50 (I use one daily). I therefore find it hard to justify that Waterfield Design's iPod Hi-Fi Case costs three times as much, but with considerably less protective padding. Laptop bags are designed to fit laptops comfortably. The Hi-Fi Case is made to fit the iPod Hi-Fi system comfortably. Both have more than a handful of pockets for convenience. Both are made of similar materials. I just can't deduce $100 of additional value in the Hi-Fi Case. Perhaps I just don't get it. (If I don't, and you do, let my editor know.)

If you're a lucky owner of an Apple iPod and an iPod Hi-Fi System, this bag will certainly help you take your system with you, if you have money to spend and can't help spending it. On the other hand, if price is a primary concern, your money is better spent on something else, such as 149 more iTunes tracks you can enjoy everywhere.

Mike Swope

[Editor: I received an excellent padded $25 USD shoulder strap from Westfield that had metal hooks (okay, carabineers) instead of plastic that my wife uses to carry her teaching materials. She loves it!]