d2i 40 and 240 CD cases

These cases are your typical portable storage solutions. The 40 is slightly larger than a jewel case, weighs 13.5 ounces, and is slightly thicker than 8 standard jewel cases. The 240 is really fairly large, weighs in at 4 lbs, and is almost as thick as 12 standard jewel cases. The 40 can only take 1 sleeve per “page” while the 240 accommodates four. The interiors are lined with velvet and have a small mesh pocket. Slappa provides a small CD cleaning cloth. One thing I really like about the 240 is the split design. You aren’t forced to turn large, four sleeve pages at a time – just two sleeved “half” pages. This is a lot easier to do and much easier to navigate.

d2i 40 CD (left)                               d2i 240 CD (right)

d2i 420 CD “Pro CD Crate”

The exterior of the 420 Pro Crate is a bit different with a ballistic nylon mesh with smooth rubberized PVC accents. The rubberized PVC is soft to the touch (almost like leather) but is strong and light. The 420 has oodles of storage (as you can see from the pics) but is much larger than the 240 (which has half the storage). Once you open it up, you realize why. This isn’t just a case filled to the brim with CDs, no, it is a storage solution. The lid and the bottom separate (you just unzip the two) and the lid doubles as an equipment storage area. There is a large pocket and a strap with a snap that can be used to hold firm something rather small (like a mic or a bundle of cables). There are a couple of pen holders, a smaller buttoned pocket, a place for your business card/label, and a couple of stretch loops that could hold down something long and thin – perhaps a mic stand or something. Mostly there is dead space that gives you lots of room for other stuff. The lid (notice the shiny Slappa logo) completely zippers down so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out.

The bottom of the case has three separate removable “shelves” that holds the CDs. The front of each of these has a small plastic window where a label can be inserted. For a DJ, this looks like a great feature. Each shelf organized by type of music or type of event… could be anything. A total no-brainer. Each of these “shelves” in lined with jersey (which is softer than velvet) while the top compartment is buck blast (a synthetic leather). Outside of the case is a large buttoned pocket up front and two small side pockets. Now it is obvious that this was designed with the DJ in mind but I’m not a DJ. I’m an Audioholic. What I saw then I looked at this case was a bunch of test/demo CDs/DVDs. A couple pockets for SPL and other meters. A large pocket or two for a portable DVD player (something to plug directly into a component to see if the problem is the component or some other setting) and maybe a laptop with room to spare for a tripod or a video calibration system… This would be the perfect case for an Audioholic on the go. Sure, you may not be that guy, but some of you really enjoy going around to people’s houses and helping them set up their stuff. Imagine their faces when you bust this thing out!

Recommendations

As much as I obviously like these cases, there are a few small issues. The “velvet” exterior is really easy to dirty (it is also easy to clean so maybe that is a wash). The top of the 420 case is really difficult to unzip. Many of these cases live under the front seat of your car. I imagine that some seats would have a hard time accommodating the 40 (it wouldn’t fit under the power front seat of my Escape but did fit under the manual passenger seat) while I don’t think any would accommodate the 240. These gripes are mostly minor and frankly, with everything else going for these cases – I just don’t care. My only real concern is the durability of the sliding mechanism. It is plastic and seems to be fairly sturdy. Only time and use will reveal if these are up to the task.

Conclusion

One thing that absolutely can’t be overlooked is the possibility of upgrades. If Slappa chooses, they can just release new sleeves which you can buy rather than having to purchase an entirely new case. This has huge ramifications for the consumer who is used to dealing with a product that will either break easily or will be succeeded in a few months by a new, “better” version. To think of upgrading a CD case is almost mind-boggling. Slappa is really focusing on the customer with this one. Slappa has always provided the looks, with the d2i system; they’ve taken functionality to a whole new level. At prices that rival even the least expensive of their competitors, I don’t know why you’d look anywhere else.

About Slappa
SLAPPA engineers and distributes a visionary range of products, inspired by the pursuit of creating the ultimate user experience. Building on the success of the SLAPPA HardBody CD and DVD storage line, the SLAPPA brand continues to build its reputation for offering the highest quality products and personal customer service.  SLAPPA products have won critical acclaim from more then 80 publications and have been recognized for 3 “Product of the Year” awards. SLAPPA currently sells in 18 countries around the globe, and continues to actively expand its international presence. For more information on SLAPPA visit the website at www.slappa.com.