As long as iPods insist on having that crazy scratch-me-silver back panel we will always have iPod case companies. But even when that silver panel finally dies and goes away, I’ll still look for a Sena case to cover my iPod with. That simple low tech + high tech combo of natural leather and shiny gadget make a great pair. All it takes is a look at the pic above and I think you’ll agree.

Click that super crazy link below to see more pictures and more text like this about the Sena iPod 2G cases.

Milano Flip Case

The flip case is pretty much the same design as the iPhone Dockable case I reviewed a few months ago, but with a few minor differences. It’s a great all-around protection case with a solid flap to cover the iPod’s screen from any bumps that would otherwise make it go *crack*. It’s not an Otterbox, though, so don’t get too eager about dropping the iPod to test the Sena out. with the case closed you only have to worry about the four corners of the device suffering from minor scratches or being on the receiving end of a fall.

The case is available in a variety of colours (too many to list, they’re on the Sena site), but my favourite is the red/black combo – it’s ridiculously gorgeous. They didn’t make it too bright or too dark, and the tone is just deep enough.

One major change from the iPhone flip case I reviewed is the closing mechanism. The dockable case was sealed by a magnet, whereas this one uses a snap closure system (those little buttons that just *click* into place). Overall, I like the button a lot more for practical purposes, but find the magnet a lot more visually appealing. The flip can lock itself in an open or closed position thanks to the snap closure, however, which is something a magnetic seal can’t do. Just keep in mind that you can’t charge the iPod while the case is closed, since the flap covers the dock connector.

The case is very well designed and fits the iTouch 2G perfectly. All the controls (and the light sensor) on the iPod are accessible when the case is open, and the volume controls can be reached at any time. The leather is quite thin along the face of the iTouch, but it has kept its form very well and there’s no screen blockage to worry about. It’s also very easy to type on the on-screen keyboard, since the leather barely gets in the way of you fingers as you tap the screen.

As usual, Sena also included the option for a belt clip on the back of this case, although I never found the need for it since the iPod Touch is already so thin that it fits easily into a pocket. There is also a small pocket that’s hidden on the inside of the flap, but I found it a little too stiff and small to be practical for my uses.

Premium Stand Case

The Premium Stand case features a style I’ve never actually tried before. It resembles a diary and is sealed with the same snap closure system as the Milano Flip. Once you’ve opened the case you slip the iPod into the right half of the case just like you would money into a wallet. It actually functions as a decent enough sub-wallet with the pocket on the left side. This pocket has actually been very useful, since it’s big enough to accommodate cash or cards without struggling against the stiffness of the leather. Speaking of pockets – that’s pretty much the only place you’re going to put the Premium Stand case, since there is currently no belt clip option with it.

With the flap closed the case is nothing short of elegant. It’s probably the most luxurious Sena case I’ve ever seen (which is saying a lot, I think), but it’s actually cheaper than the Milano Flip case by a whole $10.00. Of all the cases I’ve owned, this one is the one that has attracted the most admiring side glances (god, why don’t people ever look at me?!).

It also features more protection than the Milano Flip, leaving only two corners exposed to minor scratches or a fall – the rest of the iTouch is wrapped in 1/3” thick gorgeous red leather (more colours available on the Sena site).

That extra protection always comes at a cost, although this one is still a minor one. The volume and home buttons are blocked when the case is closed, so you’ll want to have some in-line media controls on your earphones when using this case. On the other hand, the charging dock is accessible at all times so you have no excuse for letting the iTouch run out of batt.

The only qualm I have with this case is the name. I can’t stand it! Actually, wait – let me rephrase that. I’ve had the case for about two or three weeks now and I still can’t get the thing to stand up like the Sena website states it should:

From the way the iTouch is standing up it looks like you fold the cover clasp backwards and then attach it to the flap, but when I try this with my case it just unfolds and flops onto the table. Maybe the leather just needs more time to soften up. In any case, if there’s one word in the “Premium Stand” name that Sena had to get right, I’m glad they focused on Premium. Every other aspect of this case is just amazing – and it looks as good in person as it does in the product shots on Sena’s site.

Conclusion

It’s pretty clear that these are both great cases, but which one is right for you? The Premium Stand really turns the iTouch into more of a luxury item. Sena describes the Premium Stand as a sporty case, but I think it seems more Prada than Nike here. Without any belt loops or armbands, the Premium Stand case fits best in a pocket or in a purse.

Overall, I’d say the Milano Flip is a better active case. It doesn’t have an armband for sports, but it does have the option of a belt clip.

Whichever case you decide upon, I think you’ll be hard pressed not to fall in love with your iTouch 2G all over again.

You can pick up the Milano Flip case ($52.00) and the Premium Stand case ($42.00) at Sena.com – make sure to check for the other colours, I’m sure you’ll find one you’ll love.