Updated iPod Offerings Inspire Host Of New Cases

By Colleen Bohen On Oct 23 2006 - 6:00am

Apple recently introduced a spate of new iPod products including a new Shuffle, enhanced-battery Nanos, a brighter 30GB iPod and an 80 GB version which can hold up to100 hours of video. In response, many peripheral manufacturers are also getting in on the ever-profitable iPod accessories game with a battery of new products designed to accommodate Apple's latest introductions.

Pelican Products, Torrance, Calif., offers its i1010 case with the company's trademarked polycarbonate shell design. With a suggested retail price of $34.95, the company says the case is crush-proof and weather-resistant. It features an external headphone jack so the iPod can be protected while playing music and a molded rubber compartment that can accommodate all iPod models from the Shuffle on up. The case lid features space for storage of earphones and other cables and it comes with an integrated strap loop and detachable reflective nylon strap.

Pacific Design, Austin, Texas, is bowing two new products, one for the Nano and one for the iPod Video. The Uptown Clutch, is targeted at a female audience and combines a traditional iPod Nano case with a wallet and its design is reminiscent of a wristlet. It provides the user with dual access compartments so the iPod doesn't have to be removed from the case for play or to load music. The clutch also features four ID card slots, a mesh storage pouch for earbuds, a billfold area and a removeable wrist strap. The Uptown Clutch has a suggested retail of $29.95 and is available in both full leather and faux leather styles.

Pacific also introduced its GrandStand for the iPod Video. The company says it offers an integrated desk stand with full product protection. Most of the case is constructed with polyurethane but the screen area is protected with a clear material designed to reduce glare and maintain image clarity. Users can access headphones and sync/power ports without removing the case and the product can attach to a belt or bag with the snap closeure kit in the case rear. Available in five color designs, the GrandStand carries a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Otter Box, Fort Collins, Colo., is offering a waterproof and drop-resistant case to accommodate iPod Video products. The case features what the company calls an “interactive membrane” which provides click wheel access, a hard screen cover for the display, rubber lining, belt clip and a latch closeure. Otter Box says the unit accommodates any headphones and — when combined with waterproof headphones — the case can be used when swimming. The product has a suggested retail price of $49.95. An armband accessory is also available for an additional $14.95.

Rhinoskin, Readfield, Maine, is launching Leather FlipCases for the new Nano and for the new 30 and 80 GB ipods. Available in five colors for the nano and black and pink for the larger models, the cases have suggested retails of $29.95 for the Nano model and $34.95 for the larger model cases. In addition the company is launching Aluminum HardCases for both sizes and the products carry suggested retail prices of $29.95 and $34.95, respectively.

ifrogz, Logan, Utah, is planning to make its new Tadpole line of video iPod cases available in December. The line, specifically designed for children, is constructed from the same silicone used in the company's traditional cases, but features two large handles so children can grip the iPod more easily. Available in multiple colors with a suggested retail price of $24.99, the product is targeted at parents interested in keeping their children entertained with video content on the go.

Computer Expressions, Philadelphia, is also approaching the iPod peripheral market with kid-friendly accessories. Its plush iPod nano cases are available in three styles — monkey. puppy and “furgle” — and they feature zippered pockets for earbuds and a carrying handle. The company says the cases offer easy access to controls. The plush cases have suggested retail prices ranging between $9.99 and $12.99.