Not only has Microsoft introduced new Zune devices, they also offer new v2 accessories for all of the Zune models.  Today we're looking at the Microsoft Leather Case for the Zune 30 and seeing how it performs.  More after the click...

Brand:  Zune
Item Description:  Zune 30 v2 Leather Case
Retail Price:  $49.99
Manufacturer's Description:  "Crafted from premium Italian leather this case lets you carry your Zune in style.  The from fitting construction allows access to controls.  You can carry your ID or credit card in the convenient inner slot."

Our Take:  The case's leather is nice with a Zune logo emblazened on the front bottom right.  It's soft to the touch, but still provides a layer of protection you would otherwise not have.  The case closes and stays closed firmly with hidden magnetic clasps.  It snugly fits the Zune 30, and the controls are still easily useable (minus the hold switch).  The inner lining is of a soft microfiber design, and the inside of the flap has a pouch to hold extras such as IDs and/or credit cards.

One glaring gripe I have on this case is the lack of a screen cover.  There is no plastic covering to protect your Zune's screen from incidental scratches.  There is concern the leather may relax over time, and the Zune may easily slip out - but that's left to be seen.  A couple other things to note is the case does not have a belt clip and is almost wallet-like, complete with a pouch for you ID/credit cards.  I don't see this as practical, and I would not suggest putting this in your back pocket and sitting on it.  One final gripe - you must take the Zune out of the case to sync; there's no opening at the bottom for the sync cable (nor is there a way to control the hold switch on top).

Overview

Pros:
- Nice, stylish, yet protective leather exterior
- Firm, soft interior
- Hidden magnetic clasps
- Pouch for ID/credit cards

Cons:
- No screen protection
- Side insertion may, over time, allow the Zune to easily come out.
- Pouch for ID/credit cards not too practical
- No opening for sync cable/hold switch access

Rating:  4 out of 10

Do buy if:  You are looking for simplicity and style and don't worry too much about practicality. 
Don't buy if:  You are looking for more than a simple shell, worry about your screen, don't want it in your pocket.

Comments

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Guest User   | 71.192.47.xxx | 2007-12-27 11:26:44 yeah this reveiw is true i have the almost same thing but for the 80 which only diffrence is size and the zune pad. i hate to take and takre the zune out of the pouch to sync it with the cord. the pouch i never use i sont get it really. and yeah not the best case im probably gonna invest in a difrent one Reply | Quote 0   0

DuBlex   | 216.220.215.xxx | 2007-12-27 16:58:00 This thing to me is very ugly. the color looks like poop. and no screen protection? Microsoft needs to step up their game a lil bit... Reply | Quote 0   0

pocketDragon   | 170.115.251.xxx | 2007-12-27 18:52:30 The only thing holding me back from this case (for my 80) is the price. I have one for my zune 8 and find it does the job well. I actually applaud them for not putting a piece of cheap plastic over the screen, like some of the other cases I was considering. Between the cover and the raised area around the screen I have more than enough protection. They lack of an opening for the sync port is probably a minor inconveince for me, as once I understood that I do have to take the unit out of the case to sync, I really haven't thought of it again. The only thing I didn't like about the case was the relatively tiny headphone hole, which didn't fit my shure headphones. A quick hit of the soldering iron took care of that though. Pros- Fine looking case Good craftmanship No cheap plastic screen protector Cons- cost small headphone hole no sync access hole I'd give it 7 out of 10 Reply | Quote 0   0

Guest User   | 71.192.221.xxx | 2007-12-27 19:14:02 I personally like that it doesn't have the plastic screen protector, because they can scratch your screen very badly after prolonged use. This happened with my old 30GB Zune case by belkin, but now I have the leather case shown above for my 80GB, and it works like a charm. One thing you can use the pouch for that's very practical: put a cleaning cloth inside, I did, and it becomes quite useful at times. Also, the fact that it doesn't have the sync cable port opened is also a good thing for me, because it doesn't allow dust in the case from coming in and also, I don't use sync cables, I own 3 docks, so the case wouldn't fit in the case anyways. I personally like the side insertion, it's easier than putting it in from the top, like my old belking case, because you had to unlatch a velcro holder for the top. Reply | Quote 0   0

jahazielsoto   | 76.166.132.xxx | 2007-12-27 20:20:21 I think there should be something better made ether from microsoft or some other company... Reply | Quote 0   0

cody   | 70.240.188.xxx | 2007-12-28 08:22:42 use dlo Reply | Quote 0   0

Michael   | 74.233.53.xxx | 2007-12-29 00:45:52 Actually that flap isn't good for credit cards. It has magnets in them, and can ruin the magnetic strip on credit cards. I put my bus card in the flap of my Zune 30 DLO case and it was ruined. Reply | Quote 0   0

Dareck   | 71.50.249.xxx | 2008-05-12 10:08:55 The cons about the hold switch, and screen protection...come on for one the zune is IN IT'S CASE why would you need to put it on hold?? No buttons are gonna get pushed. Two, i don't know about the 30 but the 80's screen is scratch proof and unless someone just happens to accidentally stab your zune 30's screen with a knife while the case is open your 30's screen will be fine. Theres near zero chance that your screen is going to get damaged if it's in that case, even if it's dropped on the ground while it's open, face down the gap between the surface and the case wouldn't allow anything to reach the screen Reply | Quote 0   0

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