| Just got that new iPod? Or just thinking about buying | | | | but worth it. None of them, however, offer much |
| one?Here's something else to think about. Whatever | | | | protection from that nose-dive onto concrete.Leather |
| else you do with your iPod, protect it. The average | | | | or Vinyl CaseLeather and vinyl cases are gaining in |
| iPod owner spends $40 on iPod accessories like | | | | popularity. They range from plain vanilla all the way to |
| external speakers, alarm clock docking stations, FM | | | | Bling! They provide some shock protection but not |
| transmitters, and car chargers. Many of them are not | | | | such good scratch protection unless they have some |
| spending any of that money on protection. There are | | | | other type lining and a clear panel to protect the |
| any number of iPod skins and cases on the market. | | | | screen. Fashion seems to be the key with these |
| There's bound to be one to suit you.Why does your | | | | cases.Hard CaseTypical hard cases are made of |
| iPod need protection?Because, as great as they are, | | | | plastic or aluminum. Again, they range from the cheap |
| iPods are notorious for screen scratches, click wheel | | | | "junk," through the medium priced "adequate," all the |
| scratches, mirrored back scratches and even | | | | way to "iPod armor." They also cover the gamut from |
| faceplate scratches.Just handling your iPod can cause | | | | "boiler plate" to elegance in appearance. Naturally, the |
| scratches. And they are somewhat fragile when | | | | aluminum cases tend to be better protection than the |
| dropped on hard surfaces.You want that brand | | | | plastic. But some plastic cases are quite strong and |
| spanking new iPod all scratched up? You want to risk | | | | shock absorbing. Pay particular attention to how the |
| a million pieces if you happen to drop it on the | | | | case fastens. Armor is not much good if the latch |
| sidewalk? Of course not, so give it a good case. At | | | | won't stay put.SummaryWith any sort of case, you'll |
| least a quality "sleeve" or "skin."Silicone skinThis is one | | | | probably want to access the headphone jack, docking |
| of the more common types of skin. They come in a | | | | port, lock button, etc. without removing the iPod from |
| variety of colors, sizes, textures and even a few | | | | the case. Most of the good ones allow all that, but look |
| different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and | | | | carefully. Some, believe it or not, cover them up. Buy |
| the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The | | | | the best protection you can afford. Your iPod |
| cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the | | | | deserves it. |
| good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive | | | | |