The new /The Best iPod Cases/Price...

Your iPod is an investment, and not just a financial one – think about all the time you’ve spent downloading tracks, ripping CDs, and creating playlists. So you want to protect it, right? Besides keeping the music flowing, the right iPod case can give your player an extra splash of style too. Here are five of the best iPod cases on the market, all offering protection for the screen as well as the body of the iPod, and keeping essential controls accessible.

PowerSupport Crystal Jacket iPod Case

The PowerSupport Crystal Jacket fits 80G, 120G, and 160G versions of the iPod Classic. The close-fitting hard plastic shell prevents scratches, and provides a bit of impact protection as well. A plain plastic back is great for everyday use, and the alternate backplate with a built-in stand is perfect for video or photo viewing. Silicone cling film helps keep the screen scratch-free, and another film protects the click wheel. Cutouts allow access to all ports & buttons without removing the iPod from the Crystal Jacket case.

You can find the PowerSupport Crystal Jacket iPod Case at Amazon for $29.95.

Marware Sport Grip iPod Case

The Marware Sport Grip iPod Case is a great option for users who want the comfortable grip and protection of a soft silicone case. The one-piece sleeve protects an iPod from dings & minor impacts, and the ergonomic textured edges help users avoid dropping it in the first place. The Sport Grip allows access to the headphone port, dock connector, and hold button, and the included protective films help protect the screen and click wheel from scratches. Best of all, it’s fairly inexpensive – so you can use more of your hard-earned cash for music.

The Marware Sport Grip iPod Case costs $11.94 at Amazon.

Agent18 Combo Shield iPod Case

Agent18’s case offers simple but effective hard shell protection for your iPod. The front half of the shell has an integrated clear screen protector, as well as open cutouts for operating the click wheel and accessing connectors and the hold switch. Two different-sized back panels are included, making the Combo Shield compatible with both the 80G and 160G iPod Classic. The body of the clear polycarbonate case has a slight matte finish to reduce glare & reflections.

The Agent18 Combo Shield iPod Case is available from Amazon for $24.95.

iSkin evo4 Duo iPod Case

The iSkin evo4 Duo is really two cases in one. A silicone sleeve cushions the iPod while protecting it from scrapes and moisture, and integrated port-covers seal the headphone jack and dock connection openings. Need an extra level of protection? Clip on the iSkin ViSOR, a hard front shell that adds impact resistance and protects the screen with a scratch-resistant cover. The iSkin evo4 is slim-fitting (less than 2mm thick), features a removable rotating belt clip, and comes in a wide variety of colors.

Find the iSkin evo4 Duo iPod Case at Amazon for $14.99.

Matias Armor iPod Case

If you need to bring your iPod into the ring while training for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the Matias Armor iPod Case might be right up your alley. Its anodized aircraft-grade aluminum shell provides serious outer protection, while a neoprene inner liner provides cushioning from impacts. A transparent, hard-plastic insert protects the iPod screen. The headphone jack, hold switch, dock connector, and click wheel are all still accessible without removing the iPod from the hinged case. The Matias Armor case includes a removable swivel belt clip, and an optional neck strap adds portability.

The case is available in two different thicknesses to accommodate a range of current and previous generation iPod Classic and Video models. You can order the Matias Armor iPod Case for $19.95, directly from the Matias website.