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Oh boy. Here we go again. Normally, I would write a terribly witty introduction with some sort of anecdote used to set the tone of this review and endear myself to you, the reader. Since that rarely works, however, and since I've got a lot to cover, let's just get right to this round of 5G iPod cases. Well, first I'll link back to my previous 5G iPod case reviews. Heaven knows I wouldn't want you to think these are the only cases available. In case you haven't noticed, iPod accessories are kind of taking over the planet. Better them than those new Elmo Falls Over toys, right, with all those moms and dads elongating my Wii preorder lines?

• Four cases (and a tin) for the 5G iPod
• 7 cases for the 5G iPod
• 5G iPod cases from Speck Products

We'll start this round with the Kickstand Case for 5G iPod ($29.99) from Belkin. Belkin designs some great items for the iPod, the Macintosh and the computer in general, but this one...not so great. I like the premise; it's a case that can also be opened in a manner that positions your iPod for easy viewing. The execution here, though, is not up to Belkin standards.

The fine-grain leather case comes in black, white or pink, and it offers decent protection when wrapped around your iPod; the screen is covered with a durable layer of plastic, and a carabiner clip holds the iPod in place. The case comes with a belt clip that fits loosely, but securely. The looks are decent, but not spectacular.

What's supposed to set the Kickstand Case apart, but doesn't, is the integrated display stand. This is actually nothing more than the top half of the case, which you can bend back and snap into place to provide a stand for your iPod. This would be fine, except that you have to remove the iPod in order to flip back the case, and this requires unfastening the bottom strap. It's not a huge hassle to do so, but it's also not really worth it considering you can't even have your docking cable plugged into the iPod while the case is in display mode. In fact, you have to unhook the bottom strap to access the docking port even if you don't have the stand in display mode.

These problems, combined with the uninspired design and only adequate protection, amount to a case that's worth nothing more than a cursory glance as you move along to other options.

And we have an option for you. How about the PodsPlus Aluminum V2 ($29.99). This one is all about protection, but the designers didn't completely forgo the design. The hard yet light aluminum case is finished in a deep black, with a splash of stark color coming from the silicone click wheel cover (red, white or blue, although you can get a black wheel cover, and there's one model in which the wheel cover is black and the case itself is silver). The click wheel cover is thin and doesn't impede control of the click wheel when accessing songs and videos, but those playing games on the iPod may find it getting in the way a bit. I preferred to just flip open the case when playing Mini Golf.

Actually, let's talk about that for a minute. A hinge on the bottom of the case opens to allow for entry and removal of the iPod, which sits comfortably amongst neoprene padding. The case clamps shut tightly, but no so much that you can't easily open it. The extra-wide holes at the top and bottom of the case allows for easy access to all ports and controls, which is something a surprising number of iPod case designers really screw up.

Screen protection is offered via a built-in plastic window. An included belt clip can be attached, but its loose fit was too bulky for my tastes. To remove it completely, you have to unsnap the belt clip and unscrew the clip base, which bugged me since I most often prefer to rest my iPod flat on my desk while I'm working. A lanyard is also included. The fit is a bit better for the 60/80GB 5G iPod models than the 30GB, but that shouldn't dissuade 30GB owners (such as myself) from trying this case out. It's a solid option all around.

Another solid option is the Contour Showcase ($32.95). It's about as complete as a case can be, finding that rare balance between design, function and protection. The design was the easy part, because Countour decided to just let the iPod itself be the design. The Showcase has a clear plastic front and back, allowing the iPod to be itself. The sides are reinforced with a black, shock absorbing rubber that offers a decent degree of protection and a nice element of design while giving users something to grip.

The case closes securely with two latches on the side that are easy to get to and use. When closed, the access areas for the dock port, headphones and hold switch are cut wide enough to allow easy access, but not so wide that they compromise protection. A belt clip can be fastened to the back, and although it's a bit hard to actually open the clip for fastening to a belt, it fits securely and removes completely when you don't want it there; no annoying knobs or screws sticking out the back to prevent the iPod from resting comfortably on your desk or display stand.

Countour has consistently offered some of the best iPod cases around, and this one just may be their best. The plastic is prone to scratches and doesn't offer complete protection from drops and such, but if the extent of your iPod travel is from your computer desk to your belt, then this case is about as good as it gets.

Another good looking case that offers even less protection is the RadTech RadTech Sleevz for 5G iPod ($20.95). It's made with something called OptexSuper80, which Radtech describes as "super soft, ultra tough." It feels a little like suede, but is pretty strong and a little bit stretchy, and fits the iPod very well.

There is no top to the Sleevz, but this allows easy, continuous access to the hold switch and headphone jack. It's also designed to allow you to plug in a dock cable while the Sleevz is still on. And although the Sleevz is a bit too thick to allow you plug the iPod into a docking station while it's on, it does work with those that aren't form fitting, such as DLO's HomeDock Deluxe and the Kensington RDS FM Transmitter.

The protection offered by the Sleevz is about as minimal as you can get. There's no padding here to protect it from drops, but the display is covered by a plastic screen (which can crease permanently, so be careful), and a thin, embossed control area covers the click wheel while still allowing easy, touch sensitive control. There's also no belt clip or lanyard of which to speak, meaning you'll have to hold the iPod when on the move if you don't have another case to slip it into. The Optex stuff does provide a good grip, though, and since it comes in six attractive colors, you'll want to show it off to people, anyway.

Let's swing the other way now and talk about a case that's all about protection: the STM 5G iPod Cocoon ($39.95). This thing is big. It's masculine. Your iPod will never more safe.

The Cocoon is actually two cases in one, beginning with a clear, soft, plastic inner sleeve into which you slip your iPod. On its own, this part isn't much. It'll protect your iPod from scratches and fingerprints, but not much else. The top corners are exposed, as is most of the bottom where a flap snaps into place to hold the iPod in the case (the dock port, hold switch and headphone jack are always accessible). The click wheel area is open, but the plastic covers the screen. A lanyard can be attached to the bottom of the case.

This is just the beginning, though, as the iPod + case is then meant to be inserted into the Cocoon, held in place with a Velcro strip attached to the back of the clear case. The whole thing then zips up for protection, but not before you've also had the option to store your earbud headphones, the lanyard and other small items in the net that sits in the case opposite your iPod. An opening at the top of the cocoon does allow you to access the hold switch and headphone jack, but not easily, and there's no access to the dock port.

The Cocoon is big, adding plenty of bulk to your iPod. When wearing it with the attached belt clip, it almost looks like a fanny pack. But, if it's protection you're after, you can't do much better.

And finally, we come to perhaps the most unique case in the bunch: iFrogz ($21.00 for Wrapz, $29.00 for Wrapz, Bandz and Screenz). iFrogz aren't unique for what they do or how they look, they're unique for how you buy them.

The complete set comprises the silicone Wrapz (the main part of the case), Bandz (which fits around the sides like a rubber band) and Screenz (which attaches to the front or your iPod). Because each items comes in a multitude of colors/designs, and because you get to choose which variation of each you want, you end up with millions of options for customizing your iPod. And if you think that doesn't add to the fun, then...well, you're wrong.

For instance, I'd love to have a Seattle Seahawks authorized iPod case, but there isn't one available (the NFL is exceptionally lame when it comes to licensing). So, I went to iFrogz and selected a rugby blue wrapz, powder blue bandz and neon green screenz, and now I've got the Seahawks colors...kind of. In my case, the colors on the screen were much darker than they are in real life, even though I have a fairly bright LCD iMac monitor at 1.8 gamma. Because you can only order these cases online, it's impossible to tell exactly what you'll be getting until it arrives. You will find more accurate color representations on their color page, so I recommend checking that out before ordering.

But oh, get this. iFrogz is starting to offer the option to design your own screenz for what will cost $19.99 (currently ($14.99). Had I sent them the Seahawks logo, would they have used it since it's trade marked? I don't know, but it would have certainly rounded out my design.

When the three pieces come together, you've got great protection that looks great. The textures are nice and the case is soft and comfortable to hold. An included belt clip can be attached, but it's loose and cumbersome when not in use (you have to unscrew it to get it completely off). The whole thing is just really cool, but there are some problems.

First, the screenz can be a bit difficult to set properly if you don't have steady hands. There are video tutorials at the iFrogz site, though, to help you get it right, and they include an iPod cleaner and card to wipe out air bubbles. Also, you should realize that using the Screenz with the click wheel sticker means you're putting two layers of material on top of the click wheel. Although this is fine for accessing your iPod's content, it does hurt sensitivity for playing games.

Using the Bandz is good for protection and looks, but bad for functionality, as you have to remove it at least partially every time you want to access the dock port and hold switch. Plus, using any set of headphones other than Apple's earbuds or those with similarly small jacks can make insertion quite a chore as the Bandz has to be lined up perfectly, and its headphone hole is very small to begin with. I actually found it easier to first stick my headphone jack through the Bandz opening and then apply the Bandz to the case.

And yet, iFrogz is one of my favorite cases because it just looks so good and is fun to customize. You can order multiple components, mixing and matching to your heart's content. And, of course, the fact that it offers almost total protection when it all comes together is another incentive to give iFrogz a try. While you're doing it, try submitting the Queen crest for your custom Screenz and let me know if they take it.
  

So, there are six for you to consider. If you want to see even more choices, go...anywhere, really. It's not as if iPod cases are hard to find...unlike Clumsy Laughing Elmo.

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