Apple's iPod touch is an amazing amalgamation of technology and design. I'm pretty jaded when it comes to gadgets, but when I held the iPod touch in my hands for the first time, I have to say, I was awestruck. It seemed unreal.

In my opinion, it's easy to tell if the gadget is going to be a success. Just look for its accessories. And the iPod touch has more accessories than Jayne Cobb has guns (Firefly fans, let me see your hands!)

It's quite a challenge for anyone who wants to make an accessory for a device like the iPod touch, and Piel Frama doesn't disappoint. They've been making leather goods in Spain since 1945 and the company has kept up with the times. That leads us to the review of their cowskin case for the iPod touch.

I'll skip the unboxing part, but it's quite a treat because the packaging is very good. The case is the magnetic flip cover variety which offers added protection to the screen. It comes with a belt clip, or if you're not a fan of belt clips, Piel Frama also includes 3 plastic inserts to cap the belt clip stud. There are 3 pockets under the flip cover, and the cover is held shut by 2 pieces of magnets.

The plastic cap to replace the belt clip stud, if you wish to.

It's the classic flip case... 

with magnets to keep the flip cover firmly shut.

Embossed on the inner lining is Piel Frama's proud mission statement.

Piel Frama states that their cases are handmade and I'm impressed because the finishing is impeccable. The iPod touch is fully useable while in the case.

All the important ports are accessible while in the case.

Also included in the package is a strip of chamois leather for cleaning the screen of the iPod touch. I also found a spray bottle. At first I was hesitant about testing the liquid because I didn't want to use chemicals on the screen. But upon closer inspection, I discovered the bottle was empty! Did the liquid leak out? What really happened was, Piel Frama included an empty spray bottle and indicates on the bottle that you should fill it up with mineral water. To clean the screen, you should spray onto the chamois leather and use it to clean the screen. It's very thoughtful of Piel Frama, but I'm pretty happy cleaning my screen with the chamois leather, without any water.

Everything you get in the package, apart from the case - spray bottle, belt clip, a kit to replace the belt clip stud with plastic inserts. 

A square strip of chamois leather for cleaning the screen.

I should highlight that Piel Frama does not have an opening for the light sensor on the iPod touch. This causes the iPod touch to detect that the ambient light is low and will dim the screen. I've mentioned this to Piel Frama and they have not received any complaints from their customers. Besides, you can turn off the ambient light sensor in the iPod touch.

What do I think of the case? I think it's a very well made case. The leather is top notch, the finishing is impeccable, and the case doesn't get in the way of using the iPod touch. Sure it adds bulk to the otherwise shockingly thin iPod touch, but it also adds protection during daily use. It is a little expensive even when the shipping cost is already included in the price, but for me, this is no ordinary case. This is a handmade leather case, carefully cut and assembled by leather craftsmen, in Spain, from a company that has been making leather goods for over 60 years.

Homepage: http://www.pielframa.com/indexeng.htm
Product page: http://www.pielframa.net/ipod_touch.asp
Price: 60€ (RM295.167) inclusive of shipping via UPS or TNT