even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protectiJust got that new iPod? Or just thinking about buying one?

Here's something else to think about. Whatever else you do with your iPod, protect it. The average iPod owner spends $40 on iPod accessories like external speakers, alarm clock docking stations, FM transmitters, and car chargers. Many of them are not spending any of that money on protection. There are any number of iPod skins and cases on the market. There's bound to be one to suit you.

Why does your iPod need protection?

Because, as great as they are, iPods are notorious for screen scratches, click wheel scratches, mirrored back scratches and even faceplate scratches.

Just handling your iPod can cause scratches. And they are somewhat fragile when dropped on hard surfaces.

You want that brand spanking new iPod all scratched up? You want to risk a million pieces if you happen to drop it on the sidewalk? Of course not, so give it a good case. At least a quality "sleeve" or "skin."

Silicone skin

This is one of the more common types of skin. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, textures and even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protectio

car chargers. Many of them are not spending any of that money on protection. There are any number of iPod skins and cases on the market. There's bound to be one to suit you.

Why does your iPod need protection?

Because, as great as they are, iPods are notorious for screen scratches, click wheel scratches, mirrored back scratches and even faceplate scratches.

Just handling your iPod can cause scratches. And they are somewhat fragile when dropped on hard surfaces.

You want that brand spanking new iPod all scratched up? You want to risk a million pieces if you happen to drop it on the sidewalk? Of course not, so give it a good case. At least a quality "sleeve" or "skin."

Silicone skin

This is one of the more common types of skin. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, textures and even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protecti

for screen scratches, click wheel scratches, mirrored back scratches and even faceplate scratches.

Just handling your iPod can cause scratches. And they are somewhat fragile when dropped on hard surfaces.

You want that brand spanking new iPod all scratched up? You want to risk a million pieces if you happen to drop it on the sidewalk? Of course not, so give it a good case. At least a quality "sleeve" or "skin."

Silicone skin

This is one of the more common types of skin. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, textures and even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protecti

nt to risk a million pieces if you happen to drop it on the sidewalk? Of course not, so give it a good case. At least a quality "sleeve" or "skin."

Silicone skin

This is one of the more common types of skin. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, textures and even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protecti

even a few different shapes. The good ones are pretty tough and the really cheap ones are ... well ... really cheap. The cheapies tear easily and never seem to fit like the good ones. The good ones are a bit more expensive but worth it. None of them, however, offer much protection from that nose-dive onto concrete.

Leather or Vinyl Case

Leather and vinyl cases are gaining in popularity. They range from plain vanilla all the way to Bling! They provide some shock protection but not such good scratch protection unless they have some other type lining and a clear panel to protect the screen. Fashion seems to be the key with these cases.

Hard Case

Typical hard cases are made of plastic or aluminum. Again, they range from the cheap "junk," through the medium priced "adequate," all the way to "iPod armor." They also cover the gamut from "boiler plate" to elegance in appearance. Naturally, the aluminum cases tend to be better protection than the plastic. But some plastic cases are quite strong and shock absorbing. Pay particular attention to how the case fastens. Armor is not much good if the latch won't stay put.

Summary

With any sort of case, you'll probably want to access the headphone jack, docking port, lock button, etc. without removing the iPod from the case. Most of the good ones allow all that, but look carefully. Some,