About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

The iDive 300 is a no-go for lap swimming. It is large, bulky, and the ear speaker design does not work with swim goggles. It should work for scuba divers and snorkelers, keeping their iPod dry while allowing full use of the iPod's many features, including being able to watch videos.



Pros

• Fits a variety of iPods
• Full control of the iPod, even when fully submerged
• Clear, strong, waterproof (to 300 feet) polycarbonate case

• Allows snorkelers and scuba divers to listen to music, etc. while underwater
• Official "made for iPod" approved

Cons

• Not good for lap swimming
• Big and heavy (you might say it is sturdy)
• Speakers are not as clear as ear buds
• Requires batteries

Description

• Waterproof to 300 feet (that's 90 meters)
• Clear polycarbonate case is strong and durable
• Exterior controls allow use off practically every feature of an iPod while fully submerged
• Uses ear speakers, not good for lap swimming (but that is not their intention)

Guide Review - iDive 300 from h2o audio - iPod Deep Dive Waterproof Case and Speakers

My tests of the iDive 300 in a swimming pool were successful - it kept the water out and allowed full control of the iPod while submerged. However, the unit is too big and heavy for lap swimming(but that is not its target market).

The unit is about the length of two and the thickness of three larger model iPods. Its clamshell design opens to secure the iPod within, using a gasket and locking latch to make sure that no water gets in and that you do not open the case accidentally.

The back-half of the case is filled with batteries and a control circuit, connecting exterior controls with the iPod to give the user full access to make iPod work the same as it does out of the case. Music and video controls work equally well.

Note - all of my tests were done in a swimming pool (max depth of 10 feet). This limits the review to the point-of-view of a swimmer! I would not use the iDive in the swimming pool for lap swim. I also tried the unit as an underwater sound system. It worked if near the speakers, but the sound did not carry over the entire pool. It is definitely for single person/personal use.