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Seems like every time I go to review some iPod cases, Apple updates the design, rendering the cases obsolete. So, before that happens again, let's get right to this, bearing in mind that these cases are for the 1st generation black and white iPod nano models, not the new colorful ones.

First up, we have the Nano See-Thru ($12.95 for one, or $29.95 for a three pack); guess how it got its name. Yep, you can see through it...kind of. The hard plastic is transparent, but tinted either red, black, pink or blue. The drawback here is that the area that covers your nano's screen is also tinted, making it darker and a bit harder to read. This isn't an issue as much on the nano as it would be on the video model, but it can come into play when you're looking at photos. If you like the case, though, but not the color, you can get a clear version.

The protection is good, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the case splits open for you to insert and remove the iPod, as opposed to sliding it in from the bottom. This makes it easier to manage, and it allays the fear that your iPod can slide right back out. However, I found that I was able to pry open the case a bit too easily. It never once popped open on its own, and I doubt it's likely to happen, but the case just didn't lock shut as tightly as it should.

When the nano is in the See-Thru, you have easy access to all controls and ports. Everything else is well protected. However, there's no belt clip or lanyard attachment of which to speak, so this case is for protection only, not transportation. And although the colors are nice, the case's design won't turn heads, so there's really not much here of which to speak. Speck has done better, and will again.

In fact, let's stay with Speck a moment and look at the iPod nano SkinTight ($12.95). This case is made of a soft rubber which slips around your nano for protection similar to that of the See-Thru. The rubber is strong and tear-resistant, keeping your iPod safe from scrapes and bumps. It's texture, which is comfortable to hold, also prevents the iPod from slipping out.

The ports, click wheel and hold switch are exposed for easy access, but the screen is exposed, as well. Obviously, that's the last part of the iPod you'd want to have scratched, so Speck includes a screen protector. They also offer a $34.95 deluxe package that includes two cases, a screen protector and a holster belt clip, as well as a $24.95 with just one case, the screen protector and belt clip. Either of these packages makes more sense, as the belt clip is necessary for convenient transportation and use when on the go.

Aesthetically, again, there's not much going on here. The colors come off a bit dull, and there aren't many from which to choose (black, clear and pink). Still, when purchased in the package with the belt clip, it's a useful, highly functional system that does what it should.

Marware's offering this time around is the nano SportGrip ($9.95). Available in solid black, blue, gray, green, orange, pink, purple, red, yellow and white, it's one of the cheapest cases of this review, but also the most basic.

Unlike the other cases, the bottom of the SportGrip isn't completely open. This means you have to insert your nano through the screen or click wheel openings. And although there's absolutely zero chance your iPod could ever slip out, there is a main drawback; the rubber surrounding the headphone port will prevent some headphone jacks from sitting in the port as well as they could. This is a flaw common amongst many iPod case designs. Developers need to start making that headphone opening wider.

The screen and click wheel can be protected with the enclosed adhesive film, which can be removed without leaving any residue behind. Unfortunately, no means of attaching the SportGrip to your person is provided, so we're again left with a case that offers good protection but no method of transport outside of your pocket or bag. The design is as basic as it gets, but there are at least many colors from which to choose.

On other side of the spectrum, then, we've got the Crystal Solid nano Case ($9.95), which offers plenty of protection and transportability with just a hint of color.

The Crystal Solid uses a hinge mechanism to open from the bottom, allowing you to easily insert your iPod and then lock it securely into place. The bottom is completely open, but the top is completely enclosed, meaning that you have quick access to the dock and headphone ports, but absolutely no access to the hold switch. The click wheel is open, but the screen is completely covered.

The good thing here is that, unlike with Speck's Nano See-Thru, the colors of the Crystal Solid are light and soft, meaning you can easily read the screen even if you select pink shade, limelight, evergreen or blue sea. I still say the clear model is the way to go, though.

There are three ways of keeping the Crystal Solid nearby, not all of which are implemented well. A lanyard is attached the hinge mechanism at the top, and that's fine, but it can't be removed. So, if you go with one of the other options, you're still stuck with a useless rope hanging from your case (and one that's not all that comfortable to wear around your neck, anyway). You can attach the included second lanyard to the bottom of the case, too. This one makes more sense, as it's more comfortable and the bottom attachment allows you to more easily orient your iPod's controls by simply flipping it up. And finally, there's a raised area on the back through which you could slide a belt or armband, but it would have to be a fairly thin one. It's not a clip, though, so if using a belt, you'd actually have to take off the belt in order to remove the iPod. At just $9.95, though, it's worth it to just buy, cut off the attached lanyard, and use the second.
  

And that's this bunch. No real standouts this time, but you can look back to see what else we've covered. As we look ahead to the 2nd Generation iPod nano cases, however, maybe things will get better.

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