Cases

A protective case should be the first purchase to consider after you've invested money in a new iPod, as the unit's stylish Lucite chassis scratches mighty easily. A good case can also significantly reduce the cringe factor you may experience when watching the device slide off the edge of a table, destined for impact with the floor. We chose options that will protect and/or flaunt your baby.

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Est. price: From S$45 (US$26)

1. Dr. Bott iSkin  An iPod case that glows in the dark--why not? However, the glowing effect requires that a good amount of direct light hit the rubber before the material glows (even in dimly lit conditions) thereafter. The cases for both old and new iPods provide easy access to controls, although docking the new iPod requires the hassle of peeling off the case. But besides its glow, the iSkin has an advantage over the Speck case for the new iPod: It includes a handy belt clip on the back.

Est. price: From S$59 (US$34)

2. Speck Flipstand  If you really want to baby your iPod, consider a "flipstand" case from Speck. These larger cases are made of hard, durable plastic and completely cover the iPod's screen and scrollwheel. They can also be used to position the iPod upright on your desk--thus, the name flipstand. The version for the newer docking iPod comes with a custom cradle that connects to the iPod's included FireWire cable.

Est. price: From S$44 (US$25)

3. Speck Skin  Both of these rubber Speck cases afford complete access to the iPod's controls while providing a commendable level of protection; when we dropped an iPod sheathed in one of these cases, it didn't even make a sound when it hit the linoleum. The Speck skin for the original iPod keeps dirt from getting under the controls, while the version for the newer docking iPod flips open at the base so that you can insert the player into its cradle without removing the case. The Skins come in three colors: blue, grey, and white, or you can buy all three together.

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