Fuzzy or clear for your iPod gear

Has your iPod become a sort of appendage, worthy of outerwear and the latest fashion trends? Or are you one of those who believe the music player's sleek design makes a statement of its own and shouldn't be cloaked?

Credit: HotROMZ

Rest assured, iPod case designers have you both in mind.

For the former, HotROMZ is selling a line of "Tactile" cases that transform your iPod into a warm, fuzzy and stylish friend. Your iPod becomes the low-maintenance version of the carry-around poodle. The cases go for $16.95 to $24.95, depending up the style and iPod version. They range in theme from the Star Trek "Tribble" collection--including a "Blondes have more fun Tribble"--to the "Pink Flamingo" version, made of fluffy faux feathers. The cases were featured as the iPod case of the month in last month's MacAddict magazine.

For the iPod minimalist who wants some protection without mucking up the look, ezGear recently introduced its "clearCase," made of ultra-clear acrylic with openings to all ports and the click wheel.

The clearCase was developed with the belief that the iPod is so good-looking, "it should be heard and seen," said ezGear President Charlie Bernstein in a statement, promoting his new product's "simple elegance." It sells for about $20 and is available through ezGear and other online retailers.