So was there anything good under your tree this year? Hopefully, Santa brought you what you wanted. If you happened to get a Zune under your tree this year, the product I’ve got for review today is one that you must check out.

Today for review I’ve got an excellent case for the Zune 80GB or 120GB MP3 player from a company called Speck Products. We, or our friends spend quite a bit of money on these electronic gadgets so why not protect them from accidents, no one wants to drop their nice new toy and have it break. There are all kinds of cases on the market today, and my one gripe with most of them is that they do not come with screen protectors, the one I have for review today does though, and to top it off it will offer quite a bit of good protection for your Zune from accidental bumps or even a fall.

So continue on to check out a great product from Speck…

Speck Products contacted me about possibly reviewing their products, so we’ve got a few of them lined up actually, but since I’ve got the Gears of War Edition Zune I specifically asked them to send me the clear version, no need to cover up the artwork on it right?

The ToughSkin case comes in a nice little box and you can see the case right though the window, the back has a little information about the case as well

Opening it up we find the case itself and the optional belt clip, it’s the spring kind with a strong spring on it so it won’t be going anywhere once it’s clipped to your belt.

Inside of the case is where the screen protector is, you’ve got to install it yourself of course, which can be a pain, but any protector can really, you’ve just got to take it slow and be careful.

Here’s the actual case without the Zune in it, it’s not exactly clear, more of a light smoke color to it. The belt clip attachment inside can be removed if you wish, and the inside part if coated with rubber so it won’t damage or scratch your Zune.

Specifications:

Speck ToughSkin Case for Zune 80GB/120GB

The ToughSkin case for Zune 80GB and 120GB players provides rugged protection and style that brings out the best in your cherished media player. Its one-of-a-kind design customizes your Zune player and protects it from what life may throw at it. The ToughSkin includes a belt clip.

Features:
* Tough, ruggedized case made from strong, tear-resistant material
* Custom-fit design for Zune 80GB and NEW 120GB players
* Thicker rubberized corners provide extra protection
* Removable belt clip keeps your Zune player close at hand
* Adds super-tough protection without lots of weight

Details:
* Length: 2.625 inches
* Width: 0.75 inches
* Height: 4.375 inches
* Weight: 2.0 oz.
* Colors: Black, Clear
* SKUS: ZD-BLK-TS, ZD-CLR-TS

The first thing you’ll do is put the screen protector on, as I mentioned you’ve got to be very careful with it, and just take it slow to make sure you get the air bubbles out. Then you just slide your Zune into the Speck ToughSkin, bottom first and then the top, easy to to. The case is sort of loose around the center, but not that much, it’s not like the Zune will fall out or anything, but it you look close below at the third picture you can see it kind of bulges out a bit, I’m sure over time the case should spring back into shape though. Not a big deal really, just an observation.

You can use the belt clip if you wish, it does make taking your Zune with you a bit easier, just clip to your belt and go.

Personally I prefer not to really, I just keep it in my pocket.

One thing though about the case that annoys me is that it really attracts dust and lint, but with most any silicone case that will happen, it’s just the material. With the clear case it’s not as noticeable, but I’m sure the black version would be very noticeable.

Overall the ToughSkin is nicely made, the extra silicone bumps along the sides offer good protection as does the thicker corners.

The Speck ToughSkin is also inexpensive coming in at $29.95 regularly, but they are having a holiday sale where you can get it for only $14.97 right now.

And yes you can use all of the features of the Zune with it inside of the case including the touch pad, I was thinking that maybe the case would interfere with it but it does not at all. The lock button section, docking port and headphone cutouts are all nice and big allowing easy, interference free access to them as well.

Conclusion:
The Speck ToughSkin case for the Zune is one that I can easily recommend if you’re looking for some great protection for you new Zune. It offers excellent protection, and ease of use, all for a great price.

I like the Speck ToughSkin quite a bit, my Zune will be staying in it for some time to come.

Pros:
Includes screen protector
Allows access to controls, ports with no problems
Well made, snug fitting, good protection
Does not interfere with functions
Optional belt clip

Cons:
Dust magnet

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance