I'll begin with a question - What do you get when you take a Sansa Clip and remove the feature its named for? That's what I've been trying to figure out as I put the I-nique Case for the Sansa Clip through its paces; the second you slide it into this tiny holster, the Sansa Clip is immediately transformed into the Sansa Hook...

The I-nique Sansa Clip Leather Case

This tiny case for the Sansa Clip is a full form-fitting design with leather sides and back, with a full plastic cover on the front. Sliding in the player was pretty easy, mostly because the case doesn't rely on a tight fit to stay on. Instead, they opted to use the clip as a retention mechanism, leaving a large hole in the back that the clip snaps into. This also means that even though the case engulfs your Sansa from all sides, the only area 'really' protected is the front; the plastic Clip on the back of the Sansa remains exposed.

Using the Clip in this manner also has another drawback. While it's still possible to use the Clip as a 'clip,' it just didn't have quite the same amount of grip and slipped off of my pants pocket and shirt lapel frequently. I'm pretty sure they didn't intend the clip to be used while in the case, which is why they added in "the hook."

The hook hangs from a metal loop connected to the side of the case, just behind the opening for the volume control. After wearing the new Sansa Clip Hook for a few days, I can say that I didn't miss the clip that much. The hook is sturdy, and since it completly encloses a belt loop, there's no way this thing is coming off accidentally. The downside here is that hooking it around a belt loop is pretty much your only option for securing it to your body (no shirt clipping here unless you hook it through an unused button hole), and it does waggle around as you move. If you carry a purse or backpack, you'll find the hook is a great way to attach it securely off your body.

The overall fit of the case is above average. Getting to the volume rocker and the power/hold switch is a touch more challenging since the case sides pop out a little bit around each opening, but this may work itself out some as the leather wears in. The full plastic front didn't severely impact operation of the front controls, though it did make the home button a bit harder to press.

From the photo in the gallery, the leather sticks out over the USB connection a little bit. It would have been a deal breaker if the Clip had to be removed to charge it, but fortuantely the USB cord still goes in if you push down the leather with the connector while plugging it in.

The Verdict

For a tiny mobile device that's designed to clip on to a shirt, pocket, or belt, I'm just not sure having a case is really necessary. Of course, I am the kind of guy that likes to keep gear in pristine condition, so I'm certainly open to form-fitting cases for all my mobile doo-dads. The good protection this case offers for the Sansa Clip's glossy front is worth the few annoyances, and depending on how you want to wear it, the hook is sometimes superior to the clip for which this Sansa is named.

Overall: B-

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