Okay Geek Farm
MNML Blackout LunaTik iPod Nano watchband review
Jason Tsay
If you remember the 2010 Apple keynote event, you might be able to recall Steve Jobs’ joke that an Apple board member was going to wear the new iPod Nano as a watch. If you look at the accessory market for the iPod Nano today, you’ll find that maybe accessory manufacturers took Steve’s comment too seriously. Started as a Kickstarter project in 2010, the LunaTik remains one of the best watchband accessories for the iPod Nano. Why?
Features
- black anodized aluminum case and black PVD plated buckle and hardware for mil-spec durability
- premium permanent conversion kit designed for those wanting to dedicate their iPod Nano primarily as a wrist watch
- forged and CNC’d from aircraft grade aluminum
- straps made from compression molded high-grade silicone rubber with an anti-dust coating
Our Impressions
The LunaTik comes in a simple square box containing the watch wrapped around a chunk of foam, two hex keys (one straight and one L shaped), and a manual.
Installation
Installation of the LunaTik kit was pretty simple. While holding one key in the side of the frame, we twisted the other key on the opposite side and separated the LunaTik into two pieces. We carefully slid our iPod nano into the frame and joined the two sides. The iPod goes in “sideways” so you’ll have to rotate the screen for it to work properly as a watch. Note that the LunaTik may push up any screen films you have on so attach it slowly and with caution. The other thing about installing the LunaTik is that it’s intended to be a “conversion kit” so you won’t be able to easily remove your iPod from the casing on the fly. If you’re not sure you want your iPod to be inside a watchband all the time, you may want to give it some thought.
Hardware
The LunaTik is crafted with amazing detail and precision. We were blown away at how well the aluminum frame fitted with every aspect of the nano. The polished anodized aluminum on the Blackout version of the LunaTik is especially nice on the black screen. The overall look is seamless - edges are carefully lined up at the clip area, screen edges, and the sides of the iPod. The rear of the iPod is left exposed so as to make the LunaTik thinner; scratching isn’t a big issue because that area is on your wrist at all times.
Buttons and ports are easy to access on the sides of the iPod. We’d recommend having the buttons on the right side of the watch (if you wear it on your left hand) for a couple of reasons - 1) the buttons will be a little easier to access, 2) your iPod won’t short circuit as easily if you accidentally splash water on it (while washing your hands for example), and 3) you can run the headphone cable directly through your sleeve. The headphone jack and 30 pin dock port weren’t too dificult to get to unless the plug on your headphones is particularly large. The relatively wide AIAIAI TMA-1 jack fit just fine, as well as the older “pinch-style” Apple cables.
The wristband is made of a nice rubbery silicone material that is very comfortable on the wrist. At first, we weren’t sure how we’d like the extra wide designl compared to a standard 6900 series G Shock, the LunaTik band is considerably wider. A metal latch locks into one of the many notches on the strap as would any other watch. A plastic nub in one of the notches secures the end of the strap. The nub can be removed and rearranged on one of the other slots depending on where you insert the buckle. The main complaint we have with the watchband is that it gets dirty very quickly - the black rubber-y finish picks up dust and link like no other. Thankfully, you can remove the strap with a quick turn of a screw although it’s still rather disappointing that the “anti-dust coating” is non-functional.
Overall
We think the LunaTik is one of the most well designed watchband accessories around for the iPod nano. The aluminum precision is stunning and the wristband is comfortable as well as durable. The LunaTik is also very thin and well made. If you’re looking to use your iPod nano full time as a watch, you can’t go wrong with the LunaTik.
Pro’s
- very precise aluminum construction
- slick design
- nice feeling watchband
Con’s
- watchband gets dirty quickly
Where to buy
LunaTik — MSRP: $89.95
This review was done by Jason Tsay, who was provided the Blackout LunaTik by Minimal.
