CF Apple Computer

Our feelings about Griffin s Streamline are substantially similar to the ones we had for its prior iPhone and iPod touch version: the company uses an interesting combination of neoprene, hard plastic, elastic and Velcro to create a case that here is thankfully specific to only the iPod nano. It provides one hole for access to the nano s headphone port compatible with even oversized headphones - and another for insertion of the nano.

Hard plastic and reflective tape ring the nano s body; two holes in the plastic let the elastic and Velcro armband pass through. Griffin s armband is a little longer than Apple s and XtremeMac s, making it a potentially better choice for those with massive arms. Streamline s only issues are in comfort and build quality.

Griffin s plastic and neoprene enclosure does a good job of providing nano coverage, but widens it, and makes it feel less comfortable on your arm than other armbands we ve tested. We also noticed a number of small glue imperfections in the case s face, which detract slightly from its looks up close, but aren t as noticeable from a distance. Assuming they re not fixed in production by the time you read this, they shouldn t deter you if some of Streamline s other features are appealing.

Are any of the armbands we re looking at today worthy of their $30 asking prices? Yes: the SportWrap is best, followed by Streamline, and then the Gecko Nano Sports Armband. But with excellent alternatives such as Apple s iPod nano Armband and Marware s SportSuit Convertible out there the latter offers a case with complete coverage, plus belt clip, handstrap, and armband for the same price, it s hard to see these options as being quite as superb.