iPod Accessories: Cases

PC Magazine recently did a feature on "10 Awesome iPhone Accessories," which included this Belkin iPhone sport armband for people who want to use their iPhones while running or working out at the gym. Made out of lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant neoprene, the armband protects the iPhone's screen while still giving you access to the volume control. It has a Velcro closure and an internal key pocket.

Need a new case for your iPod Nano? Want to help in the fight against breast cancer? Do both with these new Nano cases from Belkin. The company is donating 10% of the retail price to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a minimum donation of $100,000. The sport armband, shown here, is made with a unique stitchless construction that ensures long-lasting durability and minimizes the bulk on your arm. There's also a case made out of clear acrylic and brushed metal, with a handy carabiner to attach to your belt loop/backpack.

This protective iPod case from Pacific Design has a built-in stand for watching your favorite videos or TV shows - just fold back the front flap and snap it in place. It fits 30GB, 60GB, and 80GB video iPods and provides full access to all controls and ports. Available in several colors.

Stupid name; awesome product. LifePod's "Da Vault" iPod cases let you keep your iPod, credit cards, ID, and cash in one place, while still giving you access to your Nano's controls and headphone jack. There's even a (detachable) chain for the urban hipster crowd, so you can hook it to your belt loop when you ride your fixie to the coffee shop. The cases come in lots of colors and cost just $20 (cash, Nano not included).

The second-generation iPod Shuffle now comes in so many pretty colors, it's hard to choose just one. Thanks to RhinoSkin, you don't have to. The company's Shuffle Accents come in packages of 4 (red, blue, pink, and green), so you can be sure your Shuffle doesn't clash with your shoes. The Accents are made out of anodized aluminum, have a neoprene lining to prevent scratches, and provide full access to your Shuffle's click-wheel and function buttons.

First there were iPod socks. Then came iPod underpants. Now there are iPod bikinis. Developed by Gamila and Pacific Design, these iPod bikini skins are essentially iPod cases made out of scratch-resistant polyurethane, with built-in clear screen protectors, full access to all controls and ports, and a bottom that flips back to you can prop your iPod up. Each bikini ships with a removable neck lanyard and an earbud cord takeup reel. Too bad there are no yellow polka-dot bikinis (yet).

This colorful leather nano case protects your iPod, whether it's stashed in a handbag or dangling from the wristlet strap. It has an elastic storage pouch for headphones (or lipstick), and even a handy cosmetic mirror on the inside of the padded cover. Sure, the Nano Fling is marketed to women, but we bet some men also want to know when they have food stuck between their teeth, right? The Nano Fling comes in a variety of colors and textures and fits all Nanos comfortably.

We're not sure what's so "uptown" about Pacific Design's iPod Nano Uptown clutch wallet, other than the trendy wristlet design. (Letting your wallet dangle from your wrist doesn't sound like a good idea anywhere, now that we think about it.) But the case was thoughtfully designed, with a dual-access Nano compartment, 4 ID/credit card slots, an earbud/cord mesh storage pouch, and a place for bills. The Uptown comes in pink, blue, and red.

Your iPod can match your Chucks with Speck's new canvas iPod sport case. Designed to look like classic sneakers, the case has rubber edges and a sewn-in screen protector, so your iPod is protected, should you drop it because you're too cool to use the belt clip. The case fits 30GB and 60GB iPods, and like all good iPod cases, comes in black, white, and pink.

Yes! iPod underpants! Made by Play, these cotton and spandex button-fly boxers have a little front pocket where you can keep your iPod, other MP3 player, or cell phone (um, is that your phone ringing, or are you just happy to see us?) warm and safe. iBoxers come in several colors, for both men and women, and now, if you buy 2 pairs, you get 3 free iTunes downloads. Now that's what we call a nice package!