What happened to Plastic CD Cases?

The worst thing about all cd cases are that they do not work the flimsy hinge along with the super sticky label insures that 50% of all cases wont make it through the opening process. On the up side you could buy replacement cases pretty cheap switching the art work you were back in business.

I have quite a few of the "new" cardboard cases where the plastic ring has broken some of the holding lugs rendering them absolutely useless. To use a better crappy case you have to scan the artwork then put in the better crappy case.

This proves you have to have a sense of humor to be an audiophile.

I use slim case plastic cd cases to hold the cd and I get plastic cd size slipcovers for the paper digipacs. These can be kept side by side on your storage shelf avoiding damage to the cd and the digipac.

Office supply stores like Office Max or Staples sell the slim cases pretty cheap. The plastic sleeves can be bought online at Bags Unlimited.

I don't like the packaging either but it's probably only going to get worse.

I fully praise the papersleeve / Mini-LP CD's. I don't understand the problems you are having -- maybe the American versions you are purchasing are some how different than the Japan.

I have well around 2500 Japan Mini-LP / papersleeve CDs and find them to be EXCELLENT. Let along the Japanese do a exemplar job at mastering old jazz albums, but the packaging is AWESOME. A miniaturized album cover, front, back, and inside (if gatefold). Exactly done just like my old records. Fabulously done!!!

When I first saw one -- I thought, why in the h__l have this not caught on in the USA. I mean, come-on, no wonder CD sales have dropped like a rock -- it is the absolute biggest pain in-the-__s to open those plastic clam-shells. All the extra taping around the corners for security strips (who cares) and those plastic handcuffs that some CD are placed in (cut my hand open once trying to open one of those -- should have sued, to make a point). And once you finally get to your CD, then you have to almost break it (by flexion) to get it out of the center hole lock... enough is enough.

The Mini-LP / papersleeve CD's I've bought are extremely well packaged, in a reseal-able plastic cover and the CD is housed in a plastic jacket within the cardboard sleeve. Easy to open, easy to get the CD out without damage, and a pleasure to look at the mini-album jacket. Excellent product!!! and their price reflects it.

I prefer the cardboard/paper cases. My only concern is longevity. But then again I have some lps that are nearing 40 years old and the covers are still intact. Worn? Yes, but still serviceable.