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Years ago when the world experienced a technological revolution known as the walkman, consumers delighted in taking a cassette of songs on the go. Now the bright yellow sport cassette players that were once so cutting edge have taken a spot on the shelf of quaint musical artifacts right next to the 8 track. With the sleek, stylish Apple iPod Mini for songs on the go, what more could we want?

How about an iPod that is rugged enough for extreme environments like the water? H20 Audio has created a waterproof and impact resistant case called the SV-iMini so that we can take our iPod Minis anywhere we want… including the ocean free.

Test 1: The Soak Test

Per factory directions and common sense, I performed a soak test on the case before entrusting my precious (one blue iPod Mini) to its plastic walls. As advised, I checked the plastic seal to ensure it was free from debris (hair, dirt, etc). Fresh out of the package, it naturally was, but I wasn't taking any chances.

To be sure I could detect a leak, I put a paper towel inside the case before placing it in a large bowl of water. The case floated, so I weighted it down for complete submersion. After 10 hours, I removed the case and inspected the paper towel. Dry as could be – it passed the first test.

Test 2: The Impact Test

In addition to being waterproof up to 10 feet (3m), the H20 Audio SV-iMini case for the iPod Mini also protects against extreme impact, which means it can get knocked around with no ill-effects on the iPod Mini. Again, I wanted to test this feature before putting my iPod Mini in jeopardy. I dropped the case several times from 4 feet, then 6 feet on both wood and tile floors. With no sign of trauma to the case, I put my iPod Mini in and… bombs away!* The only indication of impact was that the blank resting screen sprung to life with the main menu. I interpreted this as a sign… time to stop testing and give it a real-world listen.

* Editor's Note: Please don't drop your iPod. Permanent damage may result!

I decided to cart my iPod Mini around the apartment as I did my chores to get a feel for how it operates. The viewing window is nice and clear for reading menus and information. The case's buttons and click wheel correspond to the iPod Mini's and are large enough so that they can easily be accessed in various environments, such as my laundry room or a killer wave. A bonus of the impact-resistant case is that if a button jams, you can whack the case to free the stuck button without injuring the iPod Mini.

I found, however, that the headset was not very comfortable. The earbuds have special plastic coverings designed to deliver a better audio experience. They can be adjusted within the ear, but have a tendency to shift, which affects the comfort and sound. The plastic headset itself is not adjustable, so it does not accommodate different sized melons.  I found that the fit on my head (small melon) was very different from my boyfriend's (large melon) and neither fit was quite suitable.

Once I got it positioned just so, I had a disappointing surprise. The right earpiece was defective. It sounded like a blown out speaker: muffled and full of static. I decided it would be worth investigating the company's customer service and made a note to request a replacement headset. (After emailing the publicity representative several days later, he said it was the first time that had happened and apologized for the inconvenience. He promised another headset would be sent to me right away and asked me to send mine back so they could investigate what went wrong. Customer service – check plus!)

As I continued doing my chores, I found I had no way to enjoy the H20 Audio SV-iMini case hands free. That is, not without buying an armband or swimbelt separately. (As a side note, I find it hard to swallow that these cases retail for $149.95 while an iPod Mini is $199 or $249 depending on the model. And for those people such as surfers and divers looking for a waterproof case, one would assume they would like to have a hands-free carrying option… preferably without spending another $29.95 for an armband or $39.95 for a swimbelt. Naturally everyone has a different price threshold, however I was surprised that the case and holder should be almost as much as the iPod itself. But I digress from the test.)

I found that the headset felt most comfortable with the unit located in the small of my back (like a fanny pack, only cool) rather than the side or front. After I wore the H2O Audio case while running up and down stairs and doing various home improvements, I found I was happy to take the earpieces off. They were definitely not very comfortable after a long wear. However, the case held up well with all of my running around.

I took the waterproof H20 Audio SV-iMini case in the shower for a waterproofing test drive. I realize that shampooing was not a consideration for the design, but this let me test the case in a controllable environment. Again I found the case cumbersome and the earpieces uncomfortable. Without an accessory to hold the case in place, the headset is more likely to shift, causing me to constantly have to adjust the earpieces. But the case did deliver on its promise to keep my iPod Mini nice and dry. H20 Audio does sell both armbands and neoprene swimbelts for people who need something a little more secure for their iPods.

It was time for my final test to really get a feel for the H20 Audio SV-iMini case where it was meant to be… in the open water.  So I trekked to Coney Island for a day in the sand and sea. After playing around with the controls some more and making my boyfriend jealous because he didn't have a waterproof case for his iPod, I got down and dirty. I dug around, moving the case here and there, as I sculpted a flamingo in the sand. (Let's call him Alfredo.) See how much Alfredo enjoyed listening to the iPod at the beach? After playing in the sand, several of the buttons were sticking because of the trapped sand. It was nothing that a quick rinse in the waves wouldn't fix. Good as new.

The time had come for me to take the plunge and I found the ocean was harder on me than it was on my H20 Audio SV-iMini case. It was freezing! But the case withstood the temperature and water. I let it sink to the bottom, pulled it up, and played around with it in the waves. Warmth called, so I took my newly amphibious iPod Mini back to shore.

After my battery of tests, the H20 Audio SV-iMini case delivered on its promise of protecting against water and impact. The design was more functional than elegant and I had issues with the headset. But if you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll want a case that can take a beating, so that your iPod Mini doesn't.

This item is available for purchase from Amazon.com

H2O Audio is the leading innovator in waterproof mp3 player accessories for water, snow and other extreme environments.

H2O Audio provides patented waterproof headsets and housings, allowing consumers to significantly enhance their action sports experience. For more information about San Diego-based H2O Audio please visit http://www.h2oaudio.com.

Rating:

Requirements: Any iPod Mini

Manufacturer: H20 Audio