cases

As part of our charitable holiday wishes, we've asked that people not neglect the MacBooks in the family while their iPod siblings get all the attention. The response, we're happy to say, has been admirable.

If you're looking for one more accessory to stuff in your laptop's stocking, the ever-fashionable Chip Chick has just the item: a "form-fitting leather wrap." The line of "Signature Suits" from Case-Mate come in various designs of black, white and red with contrasting accents.

The case covers are a bit on the high side at $149, but … Read more

If nothing else, Ministry of Sound deserves credit for combining two of the most hyperactive cottages industries in all of consumer technology: iPod cases and iPod speakers. The "Mi-Sound iPod Case" straps to your arm too, which means you can share your music out loud with the rest of the world--whether they want to hear it or not. But if you must offend others, at least this one doesn't have the hideous design of the "Blue Beatz."

Of course your PC enrages you from time to time, but you're not supposed to bang on it -- though you would be forgiven if it's housed in a Spotswood Custom Computers case, which is actually a kick drum.

Yes, it's a slightly odd motif for a PC (oh, let's be honest; it makes no damned sense) but the Spotswood folks say a drum enclosure makes for a very quiet PC case with flexible component mounting options. And to be fair, this is the hippest possible way to house a workstation PC in a recording studio … Read more

Count 'em, two trends in one. We've written exhaustively (and exhaustingly) about the maddening ubiquity of iPod cases and retro design. So what do we come across? Oh joy, a product that combines both categories.

The "iHome iH19" is a protective water-resistant case for the iPod that includes built-in speakers--and the resulting form looks remarkably like a old boombox from the '70s. The case has features that update the concept for 21st century use, of course, but just looking at it will always make us nostalgic.

If the sun rose today, it must mean another new iPod case is around somewhere. Voila! Here's one now.

Although we're loath to post another item about another accessory, this one at least looks more stylish than the usually mundane case. And you've got to hand it to the people at Pacific Design for getting "bikini" and "skin" into the name.

The "Mila Bikini Skin" is thusly named for its "fun bikini shape," according to iLounge, and "allows you to attach your iPod to virtually anything." The $… Read more

Just minutes after having noted that laptops face relative neglect when it comes to protective products, we got notice of yet another an iPod safety accessory--thereby proving our point once again. But to show we're not bitter, we're passing along DLO's "Action Jacket" for the Shuffle, a strap-on case for Shufflers on the go.

Ultra-mobile podsters will probably also appreciate the "Power Bug" announced at the same time, a "compact, fold-away" charger that plugs into the wall. It should be noted that DLO isn't just any iPod accessory bandwagon-jumper: Months … Read more

As we were just noting in our usual cranky way, iPod cases are becoming the Starbucks of consumer electronics--a new one comes out seemingly every day, whether we need it or not (usually the latter). But what about its older and bulkier sibling, the MacBook?

As with many senior family members, the Apple laptop arguably needs more help in the injury-prevention department while the spry iPod goes on its merry way jogging or clubbing. Poor MacBook.

Luckily, RhinoSkin has come to the elder's rescue with a hard case to protect the laptop through the harsh winter months. MobilitySite … Read more

We nearly plunged into despair upon seeing the fuzzy new laptop covers from Lapstyle. We wouldn't go as far as Gizmodo did in calling the heat-retaining cases the "stupidest accessory ever," but many would likely agree that tacky is probably a polite way to describe these mukluks for computers.

Then we spotted these beautiful handmade laptop sleeves on the site Etsy and our faith was quickly restored. They're tastefully yet playfully designed in subtle floral, striped and paisley fabrics--a perfect antidote to the screaming fluorescent shag carpet that sprouts from the Lapstyle bags.

Few cottage industries are as hyperactive as the iPod case business. And when you combine one with the irresistible urge for people to make public fools of themselves with their music, you may have a winner on your hands.

The "Blue Beatz" case may have found this unfortunate sweet spot with a protective shell that doubles as an amateur DJ device. As Chip Chick says, you can mix multiple tunes to play simultaneously for some undefined reason.

We speculate that this "feature" was really a mistake that the manufacturer is trying to turn into a marketing … Read more