reviewstash

As amazing as it seems, some of us actually use our mobiles phones for making long runs or lone gym vists more entertaining. However, for G1 users (such as myself) there has been an eery absence of high-quality armbands (or for that matter low-quality armbands, eBay would normally be filled with page after page of them for any other device). iArmBands, no stranger to the armband business (it's in the name), has decided to step-up and finally release one for the G1.

Features/Specifications:

• Fits arms from 8 inches to 20 inches
• Flap to hold extra headphone length
• H - 5", W - 3", D - .7"
Price $9.98 @ iArmBand's Product Page

Packaging:


iArmBands' packaging directly passes the savings on to you! Anyway, I'm glad to see another company using simple, cheap, and effective packaging. The unit is enclosed in a sealed plastic bag-esque device (much thinner than a plastic bag), with a cardboard product label stapled to the top (similar to how fireworks are packaged). Another thing that I'm rather glad to see, is the sheer confidence iArmBands has in their product - enough so to actually include the support email directly on the cardboard label. Unlike the poor-quality chinese (regardless of cost) cases for other devices, iArmBands (which operates out of the United States) has both quick shipping and fantastic customer service.

The Armband Itself:

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The unit is made out of what I assume to be neoprene (fairly sweat resistant) with a plastic covering on the front to protect the device. The strap is stiched to the sides, and is also box stiched in the middle to ensure longevity. A really interesting feature of the armband, is that of the main strap which actually consists of two straps - a large one which snuggly attaches via velcro to ensure a correct fit, and a smaller "stubby" looking strap which allows you to safely attach any cable slack (which is rather handy when running - dealing with cable flying all over the place can get mighty irritating; and for individuals who must use the obscenly long HTC USB to 3.5 adapter). Another, albeit often overlocked, included item within the armband is a tertiary bit of material jutting out of the side where the heavy plastic strap sizer would normally come in contact with your arm. Instead of having to purposely loosen up your armband to prevent the potential pain of hard plastic digging into your arm, this bit of material allows you to wear the strap comfortably.

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Installing your phone into the armband is rather easy - you merely lift open a flap on the back, slide your device in, put the flap over the top of your device, and bam you're done! Unfortunately, the bit of fabric that goes over your device is a bit short - I'd like to see an extra centimeter of slack added to make it fit a bit better. The hole on the bottom of the case has more than enough room for you to plug in your headphones or any necessary adapters.

Testing:


Where's the best place to test an armband - the gym of course. So, I headed off to 24hr Fitness to put this bad boy through it's paces. One of the first things I would have liked to see would be a cut out for the track ball, in it's current form it is completely useless. I would have also liked to have seen the plastic pulled a little bit tighter over the device. However, in it's current form the screen is still decently usable which is all you need for changing music. The earbud slack holder was of great use while using the treadmill, and I was also still able to use my phone while lifting weights.

Verdict:

For only $9.98 you absolutely cannot go wrong with this armband - if you're a gym rat who also owns a G1 your search is pretty much over. However, I'd greatly like to see the track ball cut out and the case overall fitting a bit better.

Positives:
Inexpensive
Pretty sweat proof
Secure stiching

Neutral Ground:
A removable armband would have been nice
Screen could have been a bit tighter

Negatives:
The pouch needs to fit better
A track ball cutout is a must

Thanks go to iArmBands for the opportunity to take a look at this fantastic armband!