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A PC lovin' guy I know recently mentioned to me that his daughter would like an MP3 player, and he wanted to know if there are any cheaper alternatives to the iPod. This struck me as amusing; that Apple would have such a stranglehold on the market that PC users don't even know if there's any competition left. The answer, of course, is no, there is no competition, but yes, there are alternatives. Some are maybe even fairly decent, but I tend to caution people against something other than the iPod, as that's where it's all at. A bit of the fun with MP3 players isn't just the music or the video, it's making it your own with accessories and cases, and you don't nearly the amount of fun, innovative options with others that you get with the iPod.

Case in point, the 5G iPod. This is already my third 5G iPod case comparative review (see 7 cases for the 5G iPod and 5G iPod cases from Speck Products), and I'm still just scratching the surface. So, here we go again.

Let's first consider the Iconz line of iPod cases ($29.95) from XtremeMac. The attraction with these limited edition cases is that they're licensed, so you can now have Darth Vader, Speed Racer, Homer Simpson, or select NBA and MLB teams protecting your iPod, amongst many other styles. These cases are made of a thick, somewhat bendable plastic that slips over the top of your iPod, covering the screen and the click wheel (which can be used through the case), but leaving the entire bottom open. This allows for connection to some devices that use the dock port, and you need not worry about the iPod slipping out through this opening; the case fits tightly enough to hold the iPod in place.

And actually, the fit is a bit too sung. I knew I was in trouble when it took me almost five minutes to remove the plastic piece that ships inside the case. The iPod will go in easily (provided you're not already using a product like the invisibleSHIELD), but, for some reason, I found it harder than it should be to push back out. What's more, because the holes for the hold switch and headphones aren't wide enough for your finger, you'll have to use another object to push the iPod out, such as the back of a pen. Considering the ease with which the new iPods scratch, select your weapon wisely.

Still, once your iPod is in the case, the Iconz do offer solid protection from scratches. I also can't deny the appeal of an officially licensed iPod case. The current choices aren't my thing, but you can bet if they had one for Queen, Flash Gordon, the Seattle Seahawks or the Minnesota Wild, I'd own them all.

Easier to manage, although not as interesting visually, is the Relo Base Case ($12.49) from Mophie. On its own, this case isn't much; just a silicon shell that slips around your iPod as so many cases before it. A thin membrane protects the click wheel but allows for accurate control, and a plastic shield is held in place over the screen. The bottom is mostly open for easy attachment to many dock port devices, and although it's difficult to get your finger into the cut-out for the hold switch, the headphone cut-out is wide enough to allow access to just about any headphone jack. The iPod fit was decent, but there were some areas where the case warped unnaturally when slipped around the iPod.

Although the Base Case comes in eight colors (black, blue, frost, grey, green, orange, pink and yellow), there's not much design of which to speak. There is also no belt clip or other method of keeping your iPod on your person. Both of these drawbacks are because the Base Case is not meant to be used on its own, but as part of an entire system of interchangeable accessories. Mophie offers a dock, an armband, a remote, an FM radio and more, all of which you can use with your iPod without having to remove it from the Base Case. For active iPod users, this is a great system if you don't mind spend the money on the additional pieces you need. One of my concerns when reviewing iPod cases is the need to constantly remove the iPod when connected to other devices, and Mophie addresses this well...provided you're willing to remain within their system.

Marware takes us yet another route with their Trail Vue ($34.95). This case has nearly as many available accessories as the Base Case, but also functions a bit better on its own (and is priced to do so). The belt clip is attached, first of all, so you don't need to pay extra to get basic functionality. Plus, the clear plastic front offers protection for the screen, but a cut-out around the click wheel makes sure you can still control the iPod with ease. All of this receives double protection via a flap that uses Velcro to latch into place. When it's not latched down, a cut-out at the bottom provides access to the dock port. When it is latched down, that and the hold switch are covered. And although an opening does remain up top for the headphones, of course, it was far too thin to be used by some of the headphone jacks with which I tested it (Apple's earbuds fit just fine).

The Trail Vue is a fairly good looking case, with a nice mix of fabrics and textures. A decorative bungie cord across the front can be swapped with a different color (blue, green, red, orange and grey are included), but doing so requires you to tie a couple decent knots.

This is also a very rugged case, providing excellent protection for your iPod while not making access to terribly difficult. It's easy to get the iPod in and out, which you'll have to do if you want to use any sort of attachment. Having to flip open the cover to access the hold switch is annoying, however, as is the tiny opening for headphones, which mars an otherwise well designed case.

It's somewhat surprising, then, that Marware let that get through the development stage considering the near flawless design of the Sidewinder 5G ($29.95). This is not only my favorite case for the 5G iPod, but also one of my favorite cases of any iPod I've ever used, as it comes closest to balancing my three criteria for a great iPod case: protection, functionality and design.

The Sidewinder is a hard plastic case with a protective screen built in. The cut-out for the click wheel is perfectly sized and slopes downward for comfortable control. The dock port is protected by a flap that snaps into place, and the top cover offers ample room to both access the hold port and plug in pretty much any set of headphones you may use. You'll need to remove this cover to get the iPod in an out of the case, so make sure you keep it handy...I lost mine within a week of getting the case. Thankfully, although one Sidewinder fits both the 30 and 60GB 5G iPod models, an optional insert helps hold the 30GB in place securely enough that I haven't had to worry about my iPod sliding out. Still, to prevent the loss of the cover, it would have been nice if it was attached and flipped open like the dock port flap. Regardless, when your iPod is in this case and it's all sealed up, precious little damage that can be done, and yet you'll have no trouble accessing the controls you need.

The Sidewinder comes with a removable belt clip, but the best features are built right into the case. First, there's a flip-out stand in the back that can be used to keep the iPod sitting upright on your desk. When it's not open, you wouldn't even know it's there. Second, a "slide and hide" arm can be pulled out from the side, providing a convenient place to wrap your headphones. The arm even has two notches to make sure your headphones don't unravel. And again, when the arm is not in use, it's completely flush with case. These features make the the Sidewinder ready for use just about anywhere, and make for convenient packing when getting ready to go just about anywhere. It's as complete a case I've seen without the need to purchase additional attachments.

The design is the only part that could've used more imagination. It comes in only black or white to match the current iPod line, and is somewhat blocky. When your iPod is in it, it doesn't look as if you're using an iPod, but some knockoff from a company that doesn't get what makes the iPod look so great. The Sidewinder design is not ugly, it's just bland. I would like to see a better use of color or perhaps some texture, but don't let that dissuade you from considering this case. The Sidewinder is fantastic.

And that brings us at last to the most unique entry in this round-up, the Tinpod ($16.95). I must separate these from the others, as they really can't be used the same way. The Tinpod has no method of attaching the case to your person: no belt clip, no lanyard, no armband. These cases aren't about listening to your iPod when you're on the go, they're about keeping your iPod safe in your bag or suitcase when on the go, and keeping them looking great when sitting on a shelf.

The Tinpods fit any 3G, 4G or 5G iPod, but not always in a useful way. Neoprene inserts keep the iPods sitting comfortably inside the tin case, but there's no access to the screen, click wheel or dock port when the case is closed. There are holes on top for the headphone jack and hold switch, but they don't match up with all models. The cut-out for the hold switch is towards the middle, for example, while the switch on the 5G iPod itself is located on the far left.

And yet, the Tinpods can be quite useful. As I mentioned earlier, they're exceptionally strong and perfect for keeping your iPod safe from damage when traveling. Perhaps more importantly, their travel-meets-music designs (as painted by Kurt Ketchum) are so cool that they look great sitting as decorative items on a shelf or table. When the Tinpods are empty, there's no need to hide them away in a drawer as you would other iPod cases. Keep them out, fill them other things, buy all three designs and stack them up. These may be the first iPod cases that have life beyond the iPod.

Are they useful, then, as iPod cases? Maybe. I know of many iPod users who prefer to have no case...they keep their iPod in the dock at home and in a pocket when traveling, so they only need to worry about cases when packing an iPod up for travel. For them, this case makes sense. For people who use their iPod more on the go than sitting at their computer, probably not.

I should also mention that for each Tinpod purchased, Kollective.de donates $1 to CITYarts, a New York-based program that helps children and youth transform their neighborhoods through the creation of art. That fact in no way affects my rating of the product, but it's good to know Kollective is supporting the next generation of iPod case designers.

So, there you have it. A comparatively small 5G iPod case round-up this time, but still a diverse one, and there's really not a bad case in the bunch. The Marware Sidewinder easily strikes the best balance of protection/functionality/aesthetics, but there are also good options here for those who lean heavily in a certain direction. Now, I'm going to go explain to my PC lovin' friend my new theory on why other MP3 players don't have as many protective case options...

It's because they're not worth protecting, you see.
  

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