Everyone needs a case at some point for their phone or player right? Well, most people want to do this in style, so they toss the case that comes with their device aside. (If a device even comes with one) Enter the need for aftermarket cases. In the case of the Microsoft Flash Zunes, DLO has you covered already. They recently announced the HipCase for the Zune 4gb and 8gb flash players.

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Constructed of fine-quality leather and featuring a soft, green fabric interior, HipCase is the easiest way to protect your Zune in style. HipCase's design gives you full screen protection, with play-through access to your Zune controls, as well as total access to the connector port – which means you can plug in and sync your Zune without having to remove it from your HipCase.

I received the DLO HipCase and busted the packaging and threw my Black Zune 8 in it. This case is ideal for those that need good protection with a belt clip.

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The case came with a foam padding inside to keep the shape with a cardboard cutout of a green zune to match the nice green stitching in the black leather.

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With my black Zune 8 inside, you can see that there are cutouts for the headphone jack and the sync port. They can both be plugged in at the same time as well.

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The top is open, so no worries about anything obstruction the hold switch or the lanyard loop. You might notice the green fabric inside, this is to protect your Zune from getting scratched while in the case.

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This is the back of the case with the clip and the DLO logo beneath it.

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We got some fingerprints all over the screen cover, but it fits well.

The construction of the case is quite solid. The only complaints I have might be complaints for others if they made me happy, but the plastic cover over the screen and controls has a tad bit of space between. In other words, the Zune's screen does not push up against the inside of the plastic cover tightly. The Zune is not "loose" inside though. The Zune stays put in the case.

Using the Zune 8 inside the case is not a problem. The controls work through the plastic cover, including the Zunepad. This keeps the Zune completely protected on the face of the unit. The openings at the bottom for the headphone jack and sync port offer funtionality, but leaves the bottom open for a ding if you were to drop it.

Conclusion
DLO has provided a quality made, low cost case that is quite functional. At $29.99, you won't find many cases that compare to this one in it's functionality. It offers adequate protection and is easy to wear on your hip. The only thing I would want to change about the clip is the ability to order one with an swivel clip for those that are up and down a lot.

Pros:

  • Great Price
  • Ability to use the Zune while in the case through the protective plasic cover.
  • Craftmanship

Cons:

  • Gap between screen and protective cover

Check out DLO to learn more about this case or to order one for yourself.