I’m not a big fan of cases for my electronics, because I want free access to all the buttons and keys. Of course, my phone looks like a cat tested its claws on it, but I don’t mind. However… there’s something about the iPods. They look so shiny and eye candy, it hurts to see one get scratched. And when the cases are so cool, how can you resist?

The GEAR4 StreetWear are little hoodies for you iPod Nano and you can choose between grey with a tribal model and flowery pink. Both have a special pocket for headphones and even a hook, in case you want to attach your iPod to your keys (although that sounds a bit risky and inconvenient – why pull your keys out everytime you want to change the song?).

I’m not sure how practical these are, as they seem to obstruct access to the controls, but damn, they look so cool I don’t think I care. And for once the pink version looks good, not like someone randomly said “ooh, let’s paint one pink for the girls”.

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$19.50 on AdvancedMP3Players.co.uk.

Via ChipChick

iPod speakers are a dime a dozen nowadays, and we have to admit that most of them aren’t that good… But the truth it that something you don’t need extra quality.

I think the Happy Alien Mini Speaker would be a great for a kid. It’s very cute indeed, and a young’un probably won’t be looking after crystal clear sound anyway. And they’re not bad speakers: the resonator can be extended for better volume and the speaker can even be worn around the neck. (Yeah, not exactly the kind of jewelry I’d like, but it’s the kind of thing I would’ve loved as a kid.) And at less than $12, who cares if they smash it against the wall one month after they got it?

How much under $29.99?
Some: $11.90 on Gadget4All.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets

I’ve never felt less than adequate because the everyday objects I use don’t have an exciting story. They were made in a factory, ended up in a store, then I bought them and I’ll use them until they break down. Simple.

But, seeing as people actually buy things like a dress worn by some starlet at the premiere of her first chick-flick… The Flown in Space iPod/PDA/Blackberry Case wasn’t actually in space – part of it was. Its front flap features a piece of ISS Soyuz TMA-3 landing parachute, which is supposed to make it very exciting.

I’m sorry, I fail to be impressed. It’s just a case… it doesn’t even look good. Just for the memorabilia-addicts, I’d say.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $25.95 on CountdownCreations.com.

Via FashionablyGeek

In order to sell yet another iPod case, you have to bring something new, something to make people go “oooh!”.

The Smoy Photo iPod Case makes me go “umm?”. The case itself looks stylish and it’s made from brown vinyl. But then comes the photo frame… which looks like my grandma’s embroidery. The model is nice though and it comes in four colors, but the purpose defeats me: why would you put a photo on your iPod case of all things?

Oh well. Maybe it’s just me. I don’t get people who have photos in their wallets either.

Anyway, the case fits an iPod Video/Classic and the fabric is thin enough to operate the scroll wheel without removing the player from the case. I don’t get that either, because there’s no photo of the front of the case, but it sounds like there’s not plastic bit to cover the wheel, like in most cases.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $28.00 on Shanalogic.com.

Via Chip Chick

It can be frustrating to have 60GB of music on your iPod and not being able to share it with your friends (or innocent bystanders). The obvious solution is buying a pair of speakers, but which one?

I can’t be the judge of that, but if you’re a fan of building blocks (known to the rest of the world as Lego, although the company doesn’t appreciate the brand dillution) give the iPod Building Block Speakers a chance. Even if they’re not an officially licensed product, they look exactly like the real thing, and they also offer the advantage of size: 2.5″ long x 1″ tall x .75″ deep. Just throw them in your pocket with your iPod Classic, Nano or Mini and you’re good to go!

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on PerpetualKid.com.

Via BoingBoing

Some say that the increasing number of people walking in the street with headphones stuck in their ears is a sign of isolation, of antisocial behavior, of rejecting communication. I wonder if those people ever have to actually walk on a busy sidewalk or take a crowded bus. My headphones keep me sane.

I see the iZombie t-shirt as very ironic. If you wear it, you acknowledge people’s alarmist opinions but you don’t care. Yes, I’m a zombie who prefers being in my own world instead of interacting with you. So why do you care?

Too bad it’s so iPod-centric. Users of other brands (such as me) might feel left out. I’m a Sansa zombie and I would much rather listen to music than hear your bitch on the bus.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $16.95 on WickedCoolStuff.com.

Via FashionablyGeek

Your iPod needs protection, but there are so many cases to choose from… However, most fall into three categories: silicone, leather or hard plastic. If you want to do things a bit differently, you can go for metal.

The Case Logic Traditional Tin Case shelters your iPod from bumps and scratches, but unfortunately also impedes access to the controls. On the plus side, a thief is less likely to steal a tin case from your bag. On the minus side, every time you’ll want to adjust the volume or skip a song, you’ll have to push open the lid.

So, while I really like the look of it, I think this is a case of design over functionability. It has to look good, but first and foremost it must be easy to use, which this case doesn’t seem to be.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on eBags.com.

Via OhGizmo!

Buying a case along with your iPod is a given. It’s too pretty to let it get scratched. But when that case is apple shaped… hmm.

The Nano 3rd Kick Stand Photo Frame Hard Case is, of course, a hard case for an iPod Nano. But it doesn’t stop here: it can also be used as a stand for the player, so it can double as a digital photo frame (it also makes viewing videos easier). The weird part is the hook “for when you want to wear it as a necklace”… why would I?! But let’s just assume it doesn’t mean “necklace” as in jewelry, and it becomes useful: sometimes it’s more convenient to wear your mp3 player around your neck.

My problems is the shape… yes, the iPod is made by Apple, but I don’t really want an apple-shaped case. It takes up more space than a simple rectangular one and it looks kind of shit.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $13.99 on USBFever.com.

Via Pocket Lint

I don’t know how people can use the same earbuds for years and years. Mine usually last 3 or 4 months. Ok, I know they’re not made to be shoved in my pocket or backpack for half the day, but I don’t really care.

Now, if you are obsessive about your iPod, you might get attached to its earbuds too. And if you’re really a neat-freak, you need the Earbud Jack. This little baby is meant to hold your headphones, preventing possibily harmful things like tangling. The downside is that it is designed specifically for the iPod, so if you’re trying to use earbuds with a longer or shorter cable you might have to get a bit creative.

I could never ever have enough patience to wrap my cable around a plastic man every day, but I’m sure there are people who will love this. What I would use is a similar thing, only made for carrying around… I am tired of spending two minutes undoing the knots every time I take my earbuds out of my pocket.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9 on Amazon.com.

Via GizmosforGeeks

If you’re bored of the look of the plain white iPod headphones but don’t feel like buying new ones, you can give them a new look without much trouble.

I’d never heard about the Gribbits, but I think the idea is great. These little headphone charms come in many shapes and colors and snap on the headphones to give them a new look. My favorites are the ladybugs in the picture, but there are various models available.

Gribbits are also available for pencils and (I wasn’t expecting this) stethoscopes. But it makes perfect sense: going to the doctor’s is never a pleasant experience, but a nice man in a white suit with smiley faces on his weird medical device can’t be all bad, right?

How much under $29.99?
A lot: most between $5.99 and $9.99 on Gribbits.com.

Via Chip Chick