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Review: ZuneOne.net Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case
User Rating: / 13
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Written by ACE   
Friday, 18 January 2008
Elite Crystal CaseOne of the hardest things to find right now are cases for the new Zunes.  Well the people over at ZuneOne.net help you solve this problem by offering a couple models of cases perfect for protecting your Zune.  Today, we're looking at the ZuneOne.net Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case to find out how it performs.  Click on...

BrandZuneOne.net
Item Description:  Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price:  $12.00 USD
Manufacturer's Description:  "Very thin, Fits perfectly, Stylish, Available in 4 colors, Access all Zune functions, Maximum Zune Protection, Raised and textured buttons, Great value"

Our Take:  The Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case is an affordable and effective way to protect your Zune 80 (other case models available also).  Made of durable plastic, the case fits your Zune tightly and safely.  Access to the hold switch, sync port, and Zune Pad make the use of the Zune a breeze without sacrificing protection.  The back and play/pause buttons are covered with stylishly imprinted buttons.  The added 0.2 cm of plastic surrounding the Zune almost didn't make much difference in the clear version we test drove.  The Zune Pad is perfectly framed and seems front-and-center for the action to begin.  Most importantly, the Zune's glass screen is shielded from any harmful objects.  It also comes with a lanyard and optional belt clip. Colors available other than clear are smoke, pink, and blue.

Downsides are few.  Over time scratches to the case could make viewng video on the Zune hard since it will take the brunt of the punishment time deals out.  The shiney surface does become easily smudged and scratches were already evident after a couple days of use.  If you have a large heaphone jack casing, you may not be able to plug them into the hole made for slim versions.  Lastly, since the case is a back and front panel that connect together, it appears over time, the ability to remain connected and closed may give out as they are simply plastic interlocking connecitons.  But for $12, these are definitely not deal breakers.

Overview

zune 80 Elite Crystal Case Pros:
- Durable plastic design
- Easy access to buttons and sync port
- Multiple color options
- Optional belt clip and lanyard included

Cons:
- May scratch over time if ruggedly used
- Headphone jack opening only allows for slim jack casings
- Plastic connection may loosen its grip over time

Rating:  8 out of 10 

Do buy if:  You must have protection for your Zune for a great price
Don't buy if:  You want more scratch resistent protection (silicon and leather cases would be an alternative)

Online buying suggestions:  ZuneOne.net  

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Comments
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faceofbass - No case for me     | 74.7.53.xxx | 2008-01-18 15:57:58
I haven't had a case for my 80 at all...no scratches on the glass, the worst that happend to it so far is the hold button got a little nick...other than that the scratch resistant glass is awesome, and they are built like a tank.
KoRi   | 70.241.4.xxx | 2008-01-18 16:04:37
Looks like a great purchase!!! way cheaper than wat i got for my 8 GB zune. i have the leather zune case.....set me back $40. but its great now that i cut a slot in the bottom for the sync cable!!!!!
pj.paito - 30 case   | 142.46.130.xxx | 2008-01-18 17:03:48
I bought the Zune 30 case had it for a few weeks the old complaints i have are that:
1. most 3rd party earbuds don't work their to fat.
2.the hold switch broke.

anyway other than that the case works well!
wakeskater17   | 24.21.56.xxx | 2008-01-18 17:30:20
wow looks nice! does it come with a belt clip??
dkmccue - Could have used this a few wee     | 71.255.51.xxx | 2008-01-19 09:45:24
I actually dropped my 80g Zune on the subway platform just before Christmas, and it now has a nice scraped and crumpled corner on the metal side.

Still works, the screen is just fine, but that corner looks a little shabby now.
just in   | 4.248.41.xxx | 2008-01-20 18:27:01
Sorry about that, dude.
diaz   | 72.188.142.xxx | 2008-01-21 00:39:44
ouch
themebag   | 208.120.116.xxx | 2008-01-19 11:37:07
This gathers dust easily though.
Anonymous   | 74.75.34.xxx | 2008-01-19 13:59:58
I recommend the incipio cases. Rugged but more expensive. $30 max though
SupaPeach - i should probably get this     | 71.34.84.xxx | 2008-01-20 01:08:51
i really need to get a case but i cant find 'em in the store. i've dropped my 80 twice and i have a mark on the left side of the screen and a mark on the metal part near the headphone jack. the second time i dropped it the screw cover on the top came off and i had to look for it in my driveway in the dark.
ya i should get a case
RobertoVondutch   | 24.250.106.xxx | 2008-01-21 20:55:40
ive had my precious zune 30 since christmas 06 and i have never dropped it, of course now i jnxed it , so i think i should buy a nice case.
Michael   | 125.237.69.xxx | 2008-01-23 06:18:47
i want to get either a crystal case or a slicon skin for my zune but they both have down sides... which for the crystal case is that dust always gets into it so no matter how u clean it or clean it every nite the dust gets bak in there the next morning and for the silicone skin its stiky and wen u put it into yourpocket all the dust just goes onto it and it gets all dirty i dont know how to protect my zune even thou people say its alrite without a case for a zune
SilverDragoon   | 71.197.87.xxx | 2008-01-27 19:41:49
i have my zune in an invisible shield it's working well protecting it but it's a temporary till i get a silicone case, or now that i know of the clear case with a belt clip maybe that... nice review though.
Kat   | 166.214.104.xxx | 2008-01-29 21:08:18
Belkin makes a nice one for the iPod with a brushed metal front and clear acrylic back. It'd be nice if they made one for the Zune... *hint, hint*
JayeDog - married     | 208.48.242.xxx | 2008-01-30 17:58:58
Looking for a hard case, I just bought one (80 G through a company called KIQ, its the Zune Crystal Clear Case for 4, 8 and 80 GB, nice looking case with a ribbed exterior along the left and right side. Even better it cost only $12.00. Check it out, it's the only hard case I could find online, handheld items.com
Anonymous   | 70.233.137.xxx | 2008-02-14 15:29:42
Aww man, I wish I could have found this case before I ordered my leather one off amazon.com

This is the exact kind of case I have been looking for.
Anonymous   | 209.151.55.xxx | 2008-02-19 18:27:22
i got one... this is the first day i have it and no complaints yet , BUT, HOW DO I GET THE FREAKING LANYARD ON IT?!?!

(it came w/ no instructions because i got it off ebay)
vanquish421   | 209.189.246.xxx | 2008-02-24 02:04:48
Agent 18's Dragon Shield case looks a LOT better. Check it out at zune.net
Harvy Oakley - Zune 80 Owner   | 71.80.75.xxx | 2008-02-29 21:57:43
I just ordered this case today. I will update to let everyone know how I like the case. Thank you.
Anonymous   | 209.151.55.xxx | 2008-03-04 19:14:45
bob   | 68.192.130.xxx | 2008-03-17 17:31:28
i actualy droped my 30G zune and it kinda broke, the screen worked fine but it stoped playing mp3s. so i returned it and got my money back, and now im looking for a 80G zune with a good cover.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 18 January 2008 )
 
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