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So, now that you've found that new iPod nano under your tree (or returned enough gifts to raise the money for a nano), here are several cases designed to both protect the little bugger and show off your personal sense of style.

CEO Billfold for Nano
Maker: Marware
Cost: $34.95
Availability: Out now

"Now this," I thought, "is clever." The CEO Billfold from Marware lets you combine a nano case with a wallet for your jacket pocket (you don't, obviously, want to sit on your nano, solid state construction or no). The CEO is an attractive leather wallet with space for six credit cards and a flip-up screen for your ID. The nano's screen is protected by a clear shield, and the touch wheel, hold switch and headphone jack are all exposed. Attractive and elegant.

In use however, a couple of problems present itself. You have to take the nano out every time you want to charge it or sync data. The black leather does leave bits of residue on the nano. And, if you take it out to change songs, you're not only telling the world you have an iPod, but hey! Here's my wallet, too! I probably wouldn't recommend it for the bus ride home, but if you're looking for a case to flaunt it because you've got it, this might be the case for you.

Strengths: Nice design. Reduces pocket clutter.
Weaknesses: Must remove iPod to sync. Must take wallet out to switch songs.
Rating: 3 out of 5

invisibleSHIELD
Maker: Invisible Shield
Price: $19.99
Availability: Out Now

The nano is infamous for its ability to pick up scratches. This should come as no big surprise: The thriving iPod case industry is one part protection, one part fashion.

But what if you like the nano just as it is, but don't want to deal with any marring? Try the invisibleSHIELD. It's utterly simple: two pieces of clear adhesive plastic that you apply—carefully—to the front and back of the nano.

Done correctly, the plastic is virtually invisible, and much more resistant to scratches than the nano plastics. However, getting it on is the difficult part. The plastic adheres well to the nano (the manufacturer claims that the plastic won't come off unless you take it off, and even then will not leave a sticky residue), but you'll want to apply it very slowly, making sure you have all the edges lined up, and that there are no air bubbles trapped underneath. It's kind of like applying decals to an airplane model.

Still, once you get it on, it looks good (that is to say, you can't see it), and since it's so ultra-thin (about an eight thousandth of an inch), you can use it with other nano cases as well.

Strengths: Practically invisible. Can be used with other cases.
Weaknesses: Seems pricey. Application takes patience.
Rating: 4 out of 5

iPod nano Skin with Lanyard and Clear Wrap
Maker: Think Different Store
Price: $19.99

I must admit, I've never really seen the appeal of lanyards: if you take them out jogging, they cause the iPod to repeatedly hit you in the stomach, and if you wear them while simply walking around, you look like you're wearing a Bolo tie.

That having been said, I really like this case, and have been using it (sans lanyard) for my own nano. It's a standard elastic iPod skin (that comes in both black and white) that covers the click wheel but doesn't interfere with its use. It's open at the bottom, meaning that you can charge and sync the nano without removing it from the case, plus the hold switch is exposed, too.

In addition, it comes with a plastic adhesive shield that will protect the nano's screen (exposed by the Skin) from scratches, even when removed from the case. And as for the lanyard, well, it's made of a thick string with strong clips. The problem I ran into was that I almost needed a third hand to get it attached. The plastic on the Skin is thick where the lanyard clips, to hold the nano securely. But with one hand on the nano and another trying to hold the clip open, it was hard to keep the Skin from bending as I pushed the metal clip onto it, and even harder to get it off.

My advice? Buy the case, ditch the lanyard.

Strengths: Good design. Overall protection. Good value.
Weaknesses: Lanyard hard to get on/remove. You will look like a dork if you use the lanyard.
Rating: 5 out of 5

eXo Xskn iPod nano Case
Maker: Lajo
Price: $18.99

Ah, now this is more like it. The Xskn, like the nano Skin above, is simplicity itself: an elastic cover for the iPod, with a plastic screen cover. The Xskn, however, forgoes the lanyard in favor of matching earbud covers. Brilliant! I really like the Xskn, and would probably be using it as my personal case, except for one thing: the model I got to review was pink pearl. Eeg. Fortunately, they also come in Martian Glo green and the far more subdued:

• Ice white,
• Asphalt
• Black Pearl
• Bubblegum,
• and Electra Glo blue

All the nice things I said about the Skin? That goes here. The bottom opens to allow syncing, though the clear plastic only covers the screen.

Strengths: Variety of colors, simple design.
Weaknesses: Clear plastic only covers screen.
Rating: 5 out of 5

iGuy nano
Maker: Speck
Price: $34.95
Availability: Out now

I don't pretend to understand the iGuy, and I grew up with a Pet Rock. What is his most disturbing aspect? The fact that you have to cut him open to listen to music or charge the nano? His little plastic tooshie? The way you'll wake up and find him sitting on your chest, playing Leonard Cohen songs?

I hesitate to call iGuy a case, but "homunculus" seems wordy. It's a silicone body with arms and legs that you put your nano into, presumably because you want to turn a $200 marvel into kitsch. The arms are posable, a bit like the wire-skeletoned Spider-Man I used to have as a child, but really, iGuy doesn't do much except stand there and look eerie.

I'm not afraid to admit it: iGuy freaks me out. Listening to the Star Wars Christmas Album seems retro and fun, until you look over to increase the volume and really enjoy the the early work of Jon Bon Jovi, only to find yourself confronted with the iGuy's lifeless stare, almost accusing, "This is what you're listening to."

Still, it is very strange, and I approve of strange. I'm sure iGuy would make a great gift. For someone else.

Strengths: Odd. Very, very odd.
Weaknesses: Will certainly appear in an upcoming Stephen King story.
Rating: Three out of five

Applelinks Ratings Recap (5 being highest):

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.