How to protect your iPod screen from scratching

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By James Weber


iPod


The Apple iPod has become an almost ubiquitous part of everyday life. It holds, by far, the largest market share in digital audio player sales. The iPod has grown from a basic, well-designed mp3 player to an all-inclusive tool for holding and using your digital media. The current generation of iPods can view photos and video, while still listening to mp3s and using the built-in organizer. The next generation is even expected to be integrated into a cellular phone, with the release of the iPhone this summer.

However, as any new iPod user has experienced, one of the first things that happens once you get your new iPod is that small scratches start to appear. This results in a frantic search for ways to protect your iPod from the scratches and scuffs that can quickly ruin your viewing experience. Thankfully, this need has spawned a large market of companies providing solutions to help protect your iPod and its screen from unsightly scratches and marks. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out details on some of the most popular methods of protecting your iPod and figure out which one is right for you.

Full Cover

A full cover is the best option for people who are clumsy or intend to use their iPods in lots of situations where damage is possible. It provides the most comprehensive protection of any of the options available. Besides scratches on the screen, defense is provided against scratches to other parts of the device, and often against other bumps and drops. A variety of different materials are used to make these covers, ranging from thick leather to hard aluminum casings.

Many of these cases come with extra features such as arm straps or belt clips to help you carry them. Other cases include external pockets to hold the headphones and other cables or accessories.

Several of my favorite full cases are the Brenthaven Flip Case and the ToughSkin case by Speck Products. The Flip Case provides a unique feature which allows it to act as a stand for your iPod. This makes it handy for watching videos without having to hold it. The ToughSkin case is one of the most protective cases available for iPods. The rubber skin reduces the risk of shocks from bumps or drops.


One of the main downsides to the full cases is that they often hide your iPod. Instead of showing off the color and style of your mp3 device, all you see is the cover. If you want the full protection but still want the iPod to be the focus point, you can go with a clear cover, often made of hard plastic or acrylic. For instance, this one by Young Micro is clear, but provides full protection for all parts of your iPod.

Partial Covers

One of the few disadvantages with the full case is the cover over the click-wheel, which is often just a thin membrane. It does provide some additional protection, but some people find that it can reduce the feel and response of the click-wheel. Because of this, many companies are now producing covers which have an opening for the click-wheel, in addition to the headphone jack and dock connectors. Although this can allow dust into the case, I find it to be a better option for me, personally. Below are two items which provide this style case. The first is an aluminum case that provides a high level of protection. The second is another clear case option.

"Skins"

For those of you who put size at a premium, whether for practicality (an aluminum case doesn't fit as well in a pockeet) or simply because you prefer the design, iPod skin cases are a good option. They are made with silicone bodies and a hard plastic cover to protect the screen. Some have holes for the click-wheel while others have thinner silicone covers over the wheel. These are normally available in a wide range of colors to truly make your iPod fit your style. The main benefit of the "iskin" style covers is the size, as mentioned before. They offer quality protection without too much bulk. Often, however, they lack the extras provided by the full cases. The original covers are made by iSkin, but there are many knock-offs now available.

For people who need protection for more than just the screen, but are unwilling to sacrifice size, these are the perfect option.


Ipod Video Clear Protective Overlay Ipod Video Clear Protective Overlay
Price: $0.21
List Price: $4.99

Screen Overlays

For the minimalistic iPod user among us, there is always the option of buying simple overlays for your iPod. Available in models that cover the whole iPod or cling to just the screen, they provide the basic in protection. They guard against scratches on the screen, but provide little other protection. If you drop your iPod while listening to it, don't expect the thin layer of plastic sheeting to keep it from getting a nick or ding. However, this is popular among people who generally take great care of all of their electronics and want to enjoy the iPod design.

If the screen overlays are still too pricey for you, I know several people who have just kept the plastic on from the iPod packaging. I find this to be more of an annoyance than a benefit, however.

Final Thoughts

There are many choices out there in the iPod protection market. This article lists the main options for protecting your screen from the unsightly scratches that iPods are so prone to. From among the categories listed above, there should be a product available for almost anyone to increase their satisfaction with their new iPod. For anyone who doesn't have an iPod, most of these covers are available for other mp3 devices.

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