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There's certainly no shortage of stores to which one can go to buy an iPod case these days. Won't be long, I suspect, before they're selling them out of vending machines or next to the tabloids and candy bars at grocery stores...if they're not already. And yet, does it seem to you that the variety is lacking? Whenever I see iPod cases on store shelves, they always seem to be the same models by the same companies: Griffin, Belkin, iSkin, etc. Now, there's nothing wrong with any of these companies, of course. They make some fantastic products, but there's got to be something else out there, right? Right. And today, we'll look at two "something elses:" GizMac Accessories' Titan Clear for nano and Vakaadoo's iVak N-type2.

The Titan Clear for nano from GizMac Accessories ($24.99) is all about protection. And versatility. And design. It's about everything that's important to the iPod, and it yet it's only about $25.00, making it one of the best iPod accessory deals available today.

The Titan Clear begins with a clear polycarbonate case that's fairly easy to get on and off, yet stays put while providing easy access to the dock port, headphone jack and hold switch. Because the case stops flush with the bottom of the iPod nano, any set of headphones and any docking device that the nano doesn't have to fit into will work. The screen is completely covered, leaving only the click wheel exposed. Even here, GizMac includes a thin click wheel protector you can apply, if you so desire.

Because the case is clear, the original color of your iPod shows through quite well. It doesn't add much bulk, either, so the attractive size and weight of the nano remain pretty much where you want them to. It's as close to not having a case as you'd want to get.

Of course, this is all assuming you're not attaching any of the four included connective devices: armband, rotating belt clip, carabiner and lanyard. Each of these is a black plastic device that attaches to the polycarbonate case, held in place by four small pegs. You can only attach one device at a time, but this is fine; aside from using the lanyard simultaneously with another option, there'd be no need for more than one.

All of the attachment devices are quite sturdy and look as if they'll withstand the test of time. They're all fairly thin, too, making it quite simple to keep them all in a purse or backpack for swapping out at any given moment. And if you're just resting your nano on your desk, you can go with the case only and still have a great looking design with the security of protection against scratches and scuffs. The Titan Clear is one of the most versatile, well-designed case options I've seen for the iPod, and is my current favorite for the 2nd generation nano.

That's probably not the best way to lead into my review of Vakaadoo's iVak N-type2 ($24.95), but such is life. And it's not like the iVak is a severe downgrade from the Titan Clear; it's actually comparable on most levels, with just one setback, which I'll get to in a bit.

Unlike the Titan Clear, the iVak comes in its own colors: blue, green, pink, sliver, red, black and white. Obviously, most of these match the standard iPod nano colors, but here's a chance to switch to another if you didn't get the color you wanted. In fact, if you get two or more cases of different colors, you can mix and match. This is because the iVak comes in two pieces—front and back"which snap together around the sides of your iPod. Unlike with the iVak Soft Feel for the 5G iPod, prying the pieces apart is fairly simple and doesn't require a "key card."

While in place, the iVak protects the entire front and back of the iPod, including the screen. The click wheel is exposed, of course, but a thin piece of film can be applied for additional protection. The top and bottom are exposed, allowing for easy access to all ports and the hold switch, but a small lip around the top and bottom does hold the nano securely within the case.

The colors of the case are quite vibrant, but the real highlight is the feel. Although it's made of a shock proof hard plastic, it feels smooth and soft to the touch. This is important, as you'll be touching it quite a bit. The reason? Because there's only one attachment option: a lanyard. With no belt clip, armband, etc. of which to speak, you're stuck dangling the iVak from your neck (or wherever else you choose to wear a lanyard).

But, it's better than nothing (which is what Vakaadoo gave us with the iVak Soft Feel), the rest of the case is attractive enough and secure enough to compensate. The N-type2 is not as complete as the Titan Clear, but it's still well worth considering.
  

So, there you have the GizMac Titan Clear and the Vakaadoo iVak N-type2. Although the Titan Clear comes out on top, both cases are worth searching for online if you can't find them at your local barber shop...or wherever else you buy your iPod cases these days.

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