Win 1 of 10 Vaja Balance Cases for Your Zune

[Jason Dunn]

Vaja makes four <a href="http://www.vajacases.com/images/mp3/microsoft/zune/zune_en.html">fantastic cases for the Zune</a>, but the high-end case Balance case is the gorgeous one you now have a chance to win. They've been kind enough to sponsor a contest right here for Zune Thoughts readers, giving us <strong>10 of these fully-customized cases</strong>, valued at between $60 and $110 each depending on how you customize the cases (making this an $1100 contest if all the winners pimp out their cases).<br /><br /><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/zt/2007/vaja-balance-zune-jan16.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />The Vaja contest is easy to enter: simply post a message in this thread telling me one thing that you like about Vaja cases in general, or Vaja the company. Take a <a href="http://www.vajacases.com" target="_blank">look at their Web site</a>, their approach to design, and tell me what you like most about Vaja. Also, is there some type of case you'd like to see Vaja make for the Zune or another product entirely? Let them know in this thread! One post per person. The contest will run until <strong>Tuesday the 23rd of January at 11am</strong>, when I'll draw <strong>10 entries at random</strong> and the winner will be able to order a fully customized Vaja Balance case.

[andre]

thanks jason!

when looking at the vaja case they just look more premium then some of the other case i have seen. i have looked at the silicone based cases as well as other case and it just seems like the vaja case are for the premium customer. I also like the number of colors (from orange to brown to lime green) that vaja offer as i would like to have a case that marks me as being different (having a black case doesn't quite do it for me)

in the future i would continue to pursue the open face design as the zune has a wide screen for viewing album art and you definitely want to show it off

~ Andre

[LPD]

Its hard to decide what I like best about these cases. All four Zune cases look great with high quality. The fact that you have a huge selection of colors, the type of clip, the type of leather, and engraving is really fantastic. The web site really shows this off by interactively building the case as you make option selections. I think its one of the best web sites for this kind of thing I've seen.
My personal favorite is the "Classic", it has clean lines, and looks like it would be real easy to get in and out of the case. I really hope I win one of these.

I'd like to see them make a holster (or case) for the Motorola KRZR K1m.

[David Tucker]

Oh how can I even begin to say how much I would love one of these cases. I remember my first Vaja that I got for my HP Jornada 565. It was a thing of beauty. The leather quality is second to none and the customization options ensure that you're likely to have a very unique case.

[ale_ers]

I have always been a huge fan a vaja cases. The thing that sets them apart from other cases is that they have great protection and style, yet they do not add bulk. Most cases can provide protection yet they sacrifice either style or bulk.

I have been waiting for them to make a better case for my Wizard.

[sboots]

Clearly, it is the customization that makes these cases the absolute best. They look great and can be highly personalized.

[kryptman40k]

The thing that strikes me right off the bat is the open area around the controls, yet everything else is well protected and covered (Including the lovely screen cover). I have a rubber case on my Zune now, and the rubber is too thick around the directional controls, and completely covers my play/pause and back buttons! It really interferes with my input/control of the device cutting down on my enjoyment. With the open area of the Vaja case I can actually use my Zune's controls and not worry about scratching my wonderful Zune. I would love the chance to be a bit more carefree with my Zune.

[mrozema]

Vaja makes some really beautiful cases. I love their designs with what I call "racing stripes". There's something about it (and every case they make) that beams with sophistication ans style.

The Classic Top Retro for the Zune is a perfect example of that. The chocolate base colour with a sabbia stripe would be a dream in either a Zune case or the HTC Magician pouch.

And the brown would match my Zune! :D

[idawgik]

The thing I love best about Vaja cases is the durability. I had one for my old Casio E-115 and my roommate had an i-Volution case for a 3G iPod (that he no longer has). He works in printing and had dropped that thing and abused it and the player kept working great and the case looked great. Would love to get one for my Zune.

I would also like it if Vaja were to make an i-Volution case for the Zune. That's one I miss with the Balance cases is you can't choose 2 colors (ie black on the back and blue on the front).

[Adam Krebs]

The feel of the leather is a huge plus for me. Friends have long boasted about the durability, the customization, and the quality, but I haven't been able to afford one to try out for myself. I'd really like to protect my baby, and these cases seem perfect.

Having worked with leather a bit, I can see how much care goes into the production of their cases, as they manage to combine all the benefits of leather (the feel, the durability, the looks), with few of the drawbacks (hard-to-use controls, bulkiness), and the added advantage of truly making the case yours.

[cjhp]

I have looked at the vaja cases a number of times and I think I am most impressed with the number of custom options they offer on each of their cases. Also from the reviews that I have read the cases are of very high quality leather. I think you would be hard pressed in not finding something that you are wanting in a leather case. Thanks and good luck to all. j...

[Crystal3]

I've been looking at these for a really, really long time. The ability to customize your case means that you will never find someone else with the same one. I've read that their workmanship is outstanding. Thank you, Jason, for the chance to win a case that you can make truly yours.

[Alber1690]

It has always been clear to me that Vaja understands a level of beauty and perfection in their design that their inspiration comes from an artist who wants to deliver for impression and durability, not for monetary of selfish gain. Trully unique.

[toastomk]

I just got a Zune last Saturday, because my old iPod broke and I needed to replace it. The Zune seemed like a great "non-iPod" solution to my mp3 player needs.
The Vaja cases look amazing. I've never heard of the brand until reading about it on the Zune Thoughts page. They look spectacular. The Vaja cases don't have to sacrifice form or function. They all look beautiful and durable. I love the classic designs to the cases (the Classic being my favourite).
Their website is professional and if I were to buy from Vaja, I know I would be getting a quality product.

[blazingwolf]

Vaja creates the best quality cases I have ever seen or owned (got one for my E800 PPC which my wife now uses).

[rom]

These Vaja cases looks classy and stylish. The cases come in different styles and distinctive design, It kind of makes the gadget they protect even more cool looking than no-case at all :cool:

[cesarfong]

Just i can say, Vaja Cases offer me the liberty to be worried about what happened if my device falls in to the floor.. or just go off my hands..

The case is a great product and fit very well with my devices.

César

[williamc]

The classic top retro has a very nice look it -- the flip top, and that stripe reminds me a little of the old Starsky & Hutch show.

Customization for a high-quality leather product is really pretty cool. :)

[vlefur]

Cases look good protects also Zune screen.

[gasusan2006]

I have been looking at the Vaja cases since I got my Zune. I was hoping Santa might bring me one ;) Lots of choices for customization...they are functional and gorgeous! It would make an awesome Valentine's day gift (I hinted to my DH! :)

Susan

[DesertLarry]

I bought a Vaja case for my iPaq several years ago. The case is very sturdy and has outlasted my iPaq. It is a very beautiful case and I loved just holding it in my hand. Vaja is one of the only cases I would want covering my Zune.

[Lime]

My brother is an owner o f a Vaja case and from the looks of it, it looks absolutely fantastic. Especially the classic and the retro's just look stunning. Also, with over a 1000 choices, you simply can't go wrong with a Vaja. :) Just one thing I do wish is if they made a case that'll go well with some Samsung phones.

[Camjpn]

Looking at the picture, the texture and simplicity of their design is really striking. Also, I like how they kept the control area open, instead of covering it up.

[NPrtmn4evr]

I've never really been a fan of leather cases. The ones I've seen have typically either been a) poor quality, or b)very plain and detract from the look of the mp3 player. I bought my wife a leather case for her iPod a year ago, and we got rid of it right away simply because it did little to protect the iPod, and just didn't look good with the iPod in it.

However, I have a coworker that has a Vaja case, and I have been really impressed. The quality of the case seems top-notch, and it is a very stylish case that really adds to the style of his Zune, rather than detract from it's style. Having looked at the Vaja site, I was also very impressed with how much customization is possible. You can really make it a case to fit your personal tastes. While I have never owned a Vaja case, if someone were to ask my advice on which type of case to purchase I would tell them to look at Vaja cases first, so to know what they should look for when purchasing a leather case.

[kewell]

Out of all the cases I've seen for the Zune, Vaja makes the classiest cases.

[smegmanufo]

I have never used one of their cases before, but I must admit that I like the look of them. As sturdy as my Zune is, I am still worried about getting little scratches on the screen, plus being in Canada there are no peripherals available here yet.

I have looked online at many other offering for cases, but it seems that Vaja will be my choice. Their cases look smart and well made. I also love the fact that they allow for so many options.

[mkosma]

The best thing about Vaja's high-quality Zune cases is ... openness. They're open to customizing the case the way YOU want. Various colors, various clip options, a couple types of trim for looks, and with or without a flap to cover the screen for ultimate protection.

The Vaja's openness doesn't stop with the many choices you get at the point-of-purchase. From my experience with other, lesser case, my favorite aspect of the Vaja's openness is the options that it provides for screen protection. You can use the case with the included plastic protector to cover the display and most of the area around the buttons. But (unlike my current Zune case) Vaja actually gives you the option to use the case without that protector. Then, you can (if you like) apply one of those invisible thin screen protectors directly to the screen.

This allows Vaja owners to customize their screen protection based on their own personal user experience. Given that one of the best things about the Zune is its beautiful display, my guess is that I would opt for a case with a cover flap but no additional plasticky barriers between the screen and my enjoyment of it. But I might want to add the screen protector on occasion -- say, for example, I was taking the Zune on a camping trip or down to the National Mall for the Fourth of July festivities.


So, it's open -- and an open and shut case that this is the best Zune case out there. I can't wait to get my own.

mkosma

[robshobs]

Quality and style. For any of my PPC's, folks will see the PPC in its Vaja case and they are interested in picking it up. Everyone loves the case; the way it looks, the way it feels, the features. I like the quality. I try to be careful with my devices but accidents do happen. The Vaja case has always protected my devices.

What feature would I like for a Zune case? If you have a Zune you have a headset. The case takes care of the Zune but what about the headset?

This may be a bit extreme but it would be neat to see the headset integrated into the case. I'm imagining one of those retractable headsets but it would only feed out of the ear bud end. It would need to be slimmer, enclosed in the case on the back of the Zune. When you're not listening, the headset could be retracted and covered. I'd spend and extra $20-40 (above the current price) for a good headset/case. Oh - and the headset would need to be replacable. The wires and connections will wear out LONG before the case will.

Rob

[kat.0231]

Upon initial observation of the Vaja cases, the most notable feature you notice is the durable yet classy look of the cases. The case that appealed to me most was the classic Top Retro, with the time tested look of leather. The case has 14 different colors of Vitelino leather and 18 colors of Aniline leather to choose from. Personally, I prefer the look of the Vitelino leather to the Aniline. All of the colors look vivid and all compliment each other well. The next feature is the belt clip. I personally like the fact that you can opt not to have the sometimes cumbersome clip attachment on the case at all, but for those of you that decide that you would like the clip, there are two options: the standard clip that you can find just about anywhere and a smaller rivet clip adapter. The final options is personalization- you can have text or a graphic applied to the case, which is a nice way for further distinguish yourself from the faceless crowd! The case itself provides all around protection the the Zune, with a handy flap to cover the face of the device and protect it from anything that may take aim at causing damage to your device. Unlike most third party cases, the Vaja classic Top Retro does not add ugly bulk, but rather a classic look for your device. I currently have the Belkin case for my Zune, which makes it look clunky; the Vaja disguises the added size of the case with quality, customized leather. Vaja cases beat all others without a question. For anyone looking for protection without the ugliness of other cases on the market, the Vaja is the case for you. You invested over $200 on your Zune, you owe it to your investment to protect it in style!

[bvtiger09]

I've never seen a case like this, most cases are just your stock case and come in different colors, but this thing is personalized. Who has ever seen so many colors that you can choose from. The case looks professional with it's leather, but also looks casual with the curves and design. I have alway contemplated buying a leather case, but it seems like they aren't what I would always like to use in a public scene and somethimes have a price that's over my head right now. But this mixes the balence perfectly. The cases looks like it is rugged and can take a little wear, but won't become all scratched up or dirty. All of the cases and bags that Vaja sells are so innovative with the custimization and quality. I really don't have anything to recommend because the products looks so great. Just keep up the GREAT work!!! (I wish I would have found this site sooner it's great, sorry this is my first post. :) )

P.S. I really like the way the Vaja site runs, it's clean and portray's it's products just like they are amazing.

[Michael Boutros]

The thing I love about the cases is the ability to customize them. Not many companies are able to offer customizations of their cases and hgih quality, but Vaja is one of those few who hit the nail on the head. You know that everytime you order a Vaja case, you are going to get a high-qaulity product, and that it will be made just for you.

[eott34]

Hmm, this sounds like a fun contest! Those Vaja cases look pretty cool, especially how you can customize them to what you think looks best. I like how the cases look like they were actually designed for whatever they say they are for, rather then just a generic box that some cases make. The choices in color are really nice, so you can pick something that goes with your Zune!

[bleeman]

I like the professional look of the Vaja cases and the ability to customize them to fit my own needs. For example, the ability to not have a belt clip is a big plus for me as I never use them and I hate cases where you still have to deal with the connector sticking out of the back.

I also like the more streamlined look to the case. I'm currently using the Speck ToughSkin and like it, but the one thing I didn't think about is it won't allow me to put my Zune into any dock because it's to thick.

[Shoinzo]

I really like the vaja cases for many reasons. The reason I like them most is how you can customize your case, especially with a custom graphic. I love the color selection but i do think it can be a little more diverse. Thanks for the chance to win one,

[Jason Dunn]

Ok, I gave everyone an extra day ;) so now I'm doing the contest drawing...hang tight and watch the front page for the winners!

[I also cleaned up the thread, I can't pull random numbers if the thread has comments in it other than the contest entries]

[NPrtmn4evr]

I'm on pins & needles here. Those cases are just so sweet!:cool:

[gasusan2006]

me too :D ....waiting.... I have wanted one since the day I got my Zune in November!
Susan

[Crystal3]

How much longer? :confused:

[NPrtmn4evr]

Ah man. I just got home from work, and I was hoping to see the winners posted. How much longer Jason?

[Jason Dunn]

Really sorry guys, I did the random number drawing but have to go through and map that to the numerical value of the post # in the thread, then contact every person. It's a suck-ass manual process that I hate...so I apologize that it's not done yet, other things came up today that had to happen first. It will be the FIRST thing I do tomorrow AM. Promise! :D

[mkosma]

No prob. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say thanks for all of your efforts making this blog & board possible! Not to mention the great contests....

Monty

[NPrtmn4evr]

^^ I agree. We all appreciate the work you're doing. I know I'm just anxious to see if I've won such an awesome prize.

[David Tucker]

Really sorry guys, I did the random number drawing but have to go through and map that to the numerical value of the post # in the thread, then contact every person. It's a suck-ass manual process that I hate...so I apologize that it's not done yet, other things came up today that had to happen first. It will be the FIRST thing I do tomorrow AM. Promise! :D


You could have saved yourself some time and just given me one! I would have been ok with that...really... :D

[williamc]

Another note of thanks for the work you put into the site -- especially updating the main page content. This is the first site I visit for zune news. :)

[Jason Dunn]

Another note of thanks for the work you put into the site -- especially updating the main page content. This is the first site I visit for zune news. :)

Thanks William! Yes, front page news is a vital part of what we do here at Thoughts Media. What I'm trying to do now is get more reviews up...and in a couple of weeks we'll start up a dedicated review team. Ok, back to figuring out who won this thing. :D