Your iPod on Lockdown: A Podolock Review

Don’t trust your shifty-eyed roommate?  (What’s he lookin’ at anyway?)

Want to secure your iPod ~ alone~ in your car? (Make sure to crack the window a bit.)

Well, just when you thought that your iPod couldn’t possibly require any more accessories, along comes the Podolock. Shipping began March 1st on Computer Spectrum’s Podolock, making sure your iPod is secured and mobile only when you want it to be. The first one out of the box is customized for the iPod mini, with security for iPod video and iPod Nano soon to follow. 

Specs
The security case of the Podolock is made of clear acrylic, with openings allowing for access to the front controls, earphone jacks, and USB port. Should you wish to render your mini inaccessible from the sticky fingers of your roommate, simply slip it into the case upside down and backwards. To tether your iPod mini, you have two options. Both cable systems are made of 5/32” steel aircraft cable coated in vinyl for protection and mildly applied aesthetics. Option one has a loop-loop ending that allows you to anchor it around stationary items with a padlock. Option two has a loop-ball ending and allows you to anchor it to an adhesive pad, easily applied (and hopefully not-so-easily un-applied) to any non-porous surface. 

Applications for this little, acrylic, safe haven are obvious for mini masters looking to keep their music treasure trove safe at their homestead, work, or in their vehicle. But, the Podolock would also be well put to use for iPod public use at libraries, retail music stores, and internet cafes.

My observations
Okay, so acrylic is not the would-be-thief’s kryptonite. This device is really a deterrent at best. If your friend is likely to “borrow” your iPod indefinitely, this would give him or her pause to reflect either 1) “He/She loves that thing. I better keep my hands off.” Or, more likely, 2) Damn, it’s too much work to free that thing from its cage. I’ll just hum to myself instead.” 

Also, the manufacturer’s photos of an iPod anchored to a car’s steering wheel really seem more like a dare to a car thief than a full-proof system. An iPod, particularly the mini, is meant to be portable. Isn’t it better to pocket the thing than to drop $40+ dollars on an awkward and somewhat bulky “theft-proof” device? 

As I see it, the best use for this device is for a small mom-and-pop retail music store where customers can use the mini to feature artists and albums in store.  Tether the mini, within eye shot, of course, and keep the slight-of-hand shoplifter at bay. However, this is not a marketing angle Podocast seems to have pursued. Regardless, if you want to keep your mini safe but accessible at home, work or in your dorm, the Podocast may give you a little peace of mind. Just don’t accidentally step on the thing. It’ll crack like crazy and lose its shiny acrylic glow.