Designer Cases for Your Apple iPod

Now that you’ve picked out an iPod to suit your lifestyle, admit it, you’re enamored with it. Besides that, you want to protect your investment and don’t want to scratch it up or get it all sweaty atthe gym. Whether you have a 2G, 3G, or 4G iPod, a mini, nano or shuffle, we’ve forged a path through the jungle of offerings to bring you a few of the cooler cases around, complete with prices,photos and where to purchase.         Cases for the iPod (2G/3G/4G)    

OtterBox Case for 30/40/60GB iPod with Click Wheel
The OtterBox Case is a waterproof case, ideal for biking, swimming, working out or hanging out at the beach, and is designed for 30/40/60GB iPods with a Click Wheel. The sturdy, see through case protects your iPod from debris, impact, and scratches. The external headphone jack allows use of any style headphone and the convenient belt clip incorporates headphone cable management. OtterBox cases are also available for smaller units. www.otterbox.com $49.95

     
        DLO Relaxed LeatherCase
Feel like a rock star with rugged leather and rivets. The DLO Relaxed Leather case for iPod 4G is a rugged, laid-back, cool protector that features a protective flip cover with an inside stash pocketfor your I.D., credit cards or cash and includes easy access to all of your controls. The case even comes with a leather-covered belt clip. Rock ‘n roll! www.everythingipod.com, $34.99  
            Case Closed Sheldon Collection
If you’re looking for a little snazz in your iPod case, Case Closed Bags offers a variety of leather and vinyl cases in fun patterns and colors to suit your personal style. The Case Closed Sheldon 4GiPod cases can handle 3G and 4G iPods ranging from 10 GB to 40 GB, and come with all of the basics wrapped up into one tidy package with vinyl windows, a belt clip and open top for easy access tocontrols. Available in five vibrant leather options – Baby Blue, Black, Lime Green, Pink Polish and Ruby Red, or a multitude of vinyl in patterns including the beloved retro 80’s ska/punk/skaterblack and white checkerboard style. www.caseclosedbags.com, $24.95-$29.95

Pelican Micro Case #1010
The unbelievably affordable Pelican Micro Case for 3G and 4G iPods is tough to beat with a crushproof, watertight, and dustproof shell and an automatic purge valve. These tough cases are able to withstand animal attacks and car accidents alike and come standard with an impact-absorbing elastomeric (rubbery polymer) liner. Available in solid colors, including black, blue, yellow and red with black liners, or clear with black, blue, yellow or red liners. www.pelicanproducts.us, $8.58

Incase Collegiate Folio foriPod
Go team! iPod-carrying college students, alumni and sports nuts alike will be able to show their team spirit with the new NCAA Incase Collegiate Folio. The protective case has a flip-down design witha clear screen, a soft, suede interior for 2G and 3G iPods, and even comes with a logo keychain. www.apple.com, $29.95         STM iPod Cocoon (Carbon)
You can rest assured that your iPod is safe inside the sturdy shell of the iPod cocoon. The cocoon provides a hard outer shell and two custom-fit inner silicone skins, one for the 20 GB iPod and onefor the 40 GB or 60 GB styles, and is compatible with dock connecting models. The skins allow full access to all ports and to the Click Wheel and attach to the cocoon via Velcro. An interior meshpocket holds your ear buds and the included lanyard. www.apple.com, $34.95

Incase Travel Kit
The Incase Travel Kit is a travel case that is compatible with most iPods, including the mini and models with dock connectors. The smooth gray rubber exterior opens to the durable Nylon interior offering protection for your iPod, as well as extra storage space for business cards, credit cards, plane tickets, passport and pen. An Incase Charger is included, and works with switching technology, which can be used in the car lighter socket, as well as electrical outlets in the home, office or hotel. (DC works with 12 and 24 volts and AC is compatible with worldwide voltage). www.goincase.com, $59.95

Leather Flip Case for iPod w/Dock Connector
The fine-grain leather construction continues the protection of your iPod while it sits in its docking stand. A suction cup inside the case gives you the freedom to grab your 3G or 4G iPod right from the docking stand, flip it shut, suction it closed and go on your merry way. The black case includes a convenient swivel clip for easy transport. Docking stand not included. www.belkin.com, $24.99

     
        Marc Ecko Case for a Cause iPodcase (20GB) by Monster
Help the fight against breast cancer when you purchase the sleek, fine-grain nappa leather case designed for Monster by Marc Ecko of Ecko Unlimited. The case comes with a sturdy metal clip andremovable wrist strap and is available in vibrant blue, embossed with the "Fashion Targets Breast Cancer" bull’s-eye emblem and message. The case is designed for 20 GB iPods with a ClickWheel. A portion of the proceeds will go to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer/CFDA Inc. to help with breast cancer research. www.monstercable.com/ecko/,$29.95

CHUMS Flip Case for iPod (Urban Plaid)
The CHUMS Flip Case brings a fresh approach to secure, durable protection with three carrying options, including a lanyard, carabiner clip and a swivel belt clip, enabling users to wear iPods over the shoulder, clipped onto belt loops and bags, around the neck or with an armband. An interior mesh pocket allows wearers to stash small items, like keys or cash. The Urban Plaid design can camouflage iPods while doing yoga, trekking, hiking, biking, running or sunning. www.apple.com, $29.95

Marc JacobsCollection Soft Calf Music Holder
Fashion designer, Marc Jacobs, has created an uber-soft, Italian calf leather iPod case with a polished nickel clip for your belt, briefcase or handbag. The suede-lined, stylish case has an open top,as well as square and circle windows for control displays and can handle iPods up to 40 GB. www.eluxury.com, $175            
              Belkin Neoprene Sport Case
The Belkin Neoprene Sport Case is designed for iPod users that want a no-fuss carrying case. The black sporty design gives iPod 3G and 4G owners a 360-degree range of motion with a durable swivelclip and keeps all functions visible and accessible with a clear PVC cover. www.belkin.com, $19.99        
  Cases for the iPod mini

Pacific Design iPod mini Flip Case
Color-coordinate your iPod mini with this microfiber case from Pacific Design. The ultra-slim design offers a flap that flips over to protect your screen while in use, as well as while idling. The included belt clip slides onto the back of the case to easily transport your tunes. Available in Luscious Lime, Big Sky Blue, Precious Pink, Carbon Black and Arctic White. www.ebags.com, $24.99

Agent 18 mini Shock
Protect your mini with a hard, yet lightweight, polycarbonate snap-on case that has a scratch-resistant window, as well as top and bottom made of shock-absorbing rubber. Mini Shock matches any iPod mini color and can be used with your mini belt clip, armband or mini shock rear cover. The tough case allows for easy access of mini hold switch and connectors to make charging and downloading hassle free. www.agent18.com, $19.95

SportSuit RunAbout Mini
Work out James Bond style (well, sort of) with Marware’s SportSuit RunAbout Mini. The RunAbout sits on a terrycloth-lined wristband that not only protects your Mini from perspiration, but also allows full view of the screen while working out. The wristband is secured with Velcro to keep it from migrating as you work out, and straps on either side of the RunAbout manage headphone cords so you don’t yank on them while running at full speed through the park.
www.ipodoutfitter.com, $29.95

            Cases for the iPod nano

XtremeMac TuffWrap 3-Pack for iPod nano (Gray/Green/Orange)
Cover your nano in attitude with the XtremeMac TuffWrap featuring ribbed sides that provide a secure and comfortable grip while protecting your nano from scratches and bumps. The tactile surface finish of the silicon rubber cover keeps your nano from sliding across surfaces, such as the dashboard of your car. The XtremeMac TuffWrap gives you more bang for your buck with three colors in each pack in Gray/Green/Orange or Black/White/Red. www.apple.com, $24.95

Action Jacket for iPod nano
Grab an Action Jacket from DLO and hit the gym with your newly loaded tunes. This sporty, neoprene case includes a swivel belt clip as well as an armband that adjusts to fit your now scrawny, butsoon-to-be-huge, biceps. The padded interior provides full shock absorption during intense activity. The clear, vinyl screen covers the controls and keeps them dirt and sweat-free. www.everythingipod.com, $29.99           Cases for the iPod shuffle

Griffin iVault
The iVault, made of aluminum gives your shuffle maximum protection and complete access to the control wheel, jack, on/off switch and USB port. Rounded and beveled edges keep the design smooth through and through. Four small screws join the front and back halves to encase your shuffle completely. www.griffintechnology.com, $29.95

 
  Kate Spade Broome Street LeatherCase
Add a note of sophistication to your shuffle with a kate spade leather case. The case resembles a tiny handbag with an adjustable leather strap that can be carried as a wristlet, or clasped onto ahandle or shoulder strap. The two-tone leather exterior features a snap closure that opens on top and in the back for ease of use. The broome street even comes complete with an embossed leather katespade charm. www.katespade.com, $44.95