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Each time Steve Jobs announces an update to the iPod line, my first thought (well, second, right behind "What basic life-need can I give up to get one of those?") is always of cases. I imagine that iPod case developers are angered each time an iPod revision renders their products obsolete, but thrilled at the opportunity to get another new product on the market.

The developers of the cases covered here combat this problem with designs that are easily adaptable to any iPod (and even iPhone) style, while not compromising the decidedly artistic design. In fact, these cases focus almost entirely on the appearance, which makes for some stunning design work.

The good folks at GelaSkins invite you to protect with style, not bulk, with GelaSkins ($12.95 to $14.95). These adhesive skins can be applied to the front and back of your iPhone and just about all iPod models: touch, classic, 5G, nano (1st through 3rd generations), mini and 4G. The 3M Controltac skin is easy to apply (no water required), as it allows for some repositioning. Once you've got it lined up properly, smooth it down, and it stays in place. It can also be removed without leaving residue.

Depending upon your device, positioning around the screen can be tricky. However, with minimal trial and error, I was able to frame the screen of my old 5G iPod with only slight bending in the skin. Skins for the click wheel and button are included, but aren't necessary for application. I chose to cover the button, but left the click wheel open, and the iPod looks just fine. Obviously, there's no skin for the front of the iPhone (although they do include a transparent screen protector), but you can download a free, matching graphic to install as your iPhone's wallpaper.

On pretty much all of the models, the front skin perfectly covers the face of the iPod. The back, however, fits just inside the curve of the edges, so positioning isn't as important. The result of this is that the edges are unprotected and therefore susceptible to scratches. This is not the case on the nano and mini models, however, where the the skin wraps around the entire iPod. On all devices, the necessary ports and switches are accessible. On the iPhone, for example, a small hole for the camera lens is cut out of the back skin.

The drawback to using a case such as this is that it's not going to do anything to protect your iPod/iPhone from drops. With adhesive skins, you're only getting protection from scratches. On the other hand, the skins are so thin that you needn't ever worry about not being able to utilize your iPod dock or other such connection device. Plus, it's possible to place your "skinnned" iPod in many other cases for extra protection.

But the main thing to consider here is the art. GelaSkins has teamed up with around 60 artists, living and dead, to provide artwork for their products. The results are stunning, and quite diverse. Some, you'll recognize. Some, you'll be seeing for the first time. But there's a design in here for just about everyone. If you can't decide on just one, no worries; GelaSkins offers a fourth skin for free when you purchase three at the regular price. For samples, you can visit the GelaSkins artist page and see if the an artist you like has designs available for the device of your choice.

If you prefer for your art to protect, as well, you may want to consider the Mila Art Jacket ($24.95). This case works in conjunction with the Mila Bikini (included in the $24.95 Mila System price) to provide a fully functional iPod case that also looks uniqe.

You can learn everything you want to know about the Mila Bikini in my Applelinks review. Here, we'll focus on the Art Jacket. This cushy, polyurethane foam padded case wraps around your iPod, which is held in place by the hook on the Bikini Skin. The Art Jacket then clasps shut around your iPod via another rubber hook and strap. Although you can't use the iPod's controls when the Jacket is clasped shut, it's easy enough to open, and you do have full acces to the ports and switches on the top and bottom of the iPod. Although three sides of the iPod are exposed, there's enough overhang with the Art Jacket to protect them. The somewhat thick padding also offers protection from drops.

The strength of the Bikini Skin (aside from its unique design) is its numerous methods of connecting it to your person, your bag, or even your car. The Art Case still allows for some of these connectivity options, and even provides its own through a small, sturdy ring at its top. In addition, a few pockets inside the case allow you to carry business cards, credit cards, and even cash.

Unfortunately, the Mila Art Skin doesn't have nearly as many designs as the GelaSkins, and is compatible with fewer iPod models (5G iPod and 1G/2G iPod nano only), and not at all with the iPhone. You're therefore less likely to find exactly what you want. But, if one of the designs does appeal to you, the combination of the Bikini Skins connection options with the protection and design of the Art Jacket make this combo one of the most well-rounded—and certainly one of the most unique—iPod cases available. It's perhaps a bit cumbersome, but I've seen people deal with more for the sake of fashion.
 

It's pretty easy for me to recommend both of these cases to fashion-conscious iPod users. If you can't make up your mind on which to use, don't bother; you can use both. Find the GelaSkin you like, then see if you can match it up with a Mila Bikini Art Jacket. A GelaSkin covered 5G iPod, for example, will fit just fine into a frost Bikini Skin, and the design will show through.

Protect with style, but feel free to add a little bulk.

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