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Strangest iPod Cases Ever

David Primo writes "Techeblog has a great article on the strangest iPod cases ever. Pictures included. From the article: 'This might be the first iPod case that costs more than the player itself. The Louis Vuitton Classic iPod Cover by Takashi Murakami features peach natural calf leather lining, golden brass pieces, and a multicolor canvas.'" The military-grade case actually makes sense for people like me who keep letting their mp3 player fall on the floor, but able to withstand a mortar shell explosion might be overkill.

119 comments

  1. Wow... by Trumpet+of+Doom · · Score: 1

    How many of those do you think were just created in their spare time?

    1. Re:Wow... by G-Licious! · · Score: 1

      All, I think? The military-grade cases are being sold, but it looks like it's just some hobbyist on E-bay.

      I'm still waiting for the Zune-casing styled after my excrement.

    2. Re:Wow... by catwh0re · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I'd say the metal ones started as a home hack up. They're interesting being I'm sure they'd probably stop a bullet, but if you ever dropped it the extra momentum would certainly destroy the internal hard disk. The shock would be incredible, you could kill someone with one of those cases.

    3. Re:Wow... by Trumpet+of+Doom · · Score: 2, Funny

      You're probably right. In the near distant future:

      "Cause of Death: iPod shock"

    4. Re:Wow... by Trumpet+of+Doom · · Score: 1

      Why bother waiting? Just build some add-ons of your own.

      Who knows, TechEBlog may feature it in their "Top 5 Strangest Zune Cases" article.

    5. Re:Wow... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "but if you ever dropped it the extra momentum would certainly destroy the internal hard disk"

      Perhaps you could pad it in the case with some toilet paper from a debutante's bra...

    6. Re:Wow... by CalSolt · · Score: 1

      What's the point of an iPod case that can stand a mortar round? The owner will get blown to shreds but AT LEAST THE IPOD WILL BE OK!

    7. Re:Wow... by NeutronCowboy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Physics nazi mode on: the extra momentum would not impact the hard disk. The only thing that actually changes is the total momentum of the iPod, not the momentum of the hard disk. The only thing the extra momentum harms is whatever it falls on. However, what could be a problem is that there is no soft plastic to absorb part of the impact energy. This could all get transferred directly to the hd, in which case it could indeed be affected. But that's a question of what kind of deceleration the hd can withstand, how it is hooked internally to the case, and what other components can fail because of deceleration (ok, ok, negative acceleration).

      --
      Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue.
    8. Re:Wow... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hilarious, you're trying to sound smart, but end up just agreeing with him anyway. Don't be argumentative just to show you can recite some high school textbook physics. Everyone knows that when you accidently drop your ipod, it's almost always on the hardest surface in sight.. you could be floating on heavenly clouds listening to your iPod(I do all the time!)... then bang you drop it on an acme anvil with the internal hard disk's header getting the worst case of whiplash ever while leaving the biggest freddy kruger score mark across your iPod's platter.

    9. Re:Wow... by EnderWigginsXenocide · · Score: 2, Informative

      The real problem is this, the HDD read/write head. It is a floating part. When the IPOD accelerates (shot, hit by RPG, thrown about by an explosive overpressure wave, whatever) the RW head, being a floating part will accelerate only AFTER all the flex in the system is used, the shock to this mechanism may damage it.

      Also we will see another failure mode here: The rest of the IPOD may be moving serval miles per hour by the time the RW head gets into motion. The result is a slow RW head striking a fast moving HDD platter (another fragile part.)

      The reverse will be seen if the IPOD strikes any solid unmoving object(THE GROUND!) before coming to rest. The IPOD and all rigidly affixed parts will go from sever MPH to a dead stop quite quickly. The flex in the RW head will allow the RW head to continue in motion until the RW head strikes those fragile HD platters. If the RW arm were still stressed from the acceleration then any energy stored in the arm will also be added to the impact when the RW arm tries to bounce back to a neutral position (think WHIP!)

      --
      Blessed are the pessimists, for they have made backups. -- 0 1 My two bits
    10. Re:Wow... by Trumpet+of+Doom · · Score: 1

      Question: Were you at -1 from the start (for, say, karma reasons) or were you modded down instantly?

    11. Re:Wow... by bean123456789 · · Score: 1

      ummm, one problem, the nano doesn't use a harddrive.... it has flash memory. No moving parts.

  2. YoTank cases by 56ker · · Score: 1

    The article mentions cases that can withstand "a RPG or mortar shell explosion 85 percent of the time." Even with all those soldiers and insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan - who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation? It strikes me as about as sensible as those people who ride bikes when smoking or talking on their mobile phones. Mind you they could always be listening to Edwin Starr's War on it ("War - Good God Y'all What is it good for? Absolutely nothing " etc).

    1. Re:YoTank cases by kfg · · Score: 5, Funny

      . . .who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation?

      You would prefer fifes, drums and bagpipes?

      KFG

    2. Re:YoTank cases by SEMW · · Score: 1

      That seems a very selfish point of view. Soldiers don't actively fight 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; they need time to eat, sleep, and, like the rest of us, relax. In fact, I would say that those in combat situations should actually have considerably *more* right to be able to spend at least a little time recomposing and recollecting themselves than the rest of us, considering the enourmous stresses and strains they are under.

      --
      What's purple and commutes? An Abelian grape.
    3. Re:YoTank cases by Skater · · Score: 1

      I think the parent was saying that it doesn't make sense to be carrying an iPod when you're actively out trying to kill someone, hence the rocket-resistant casing doesn't seem that important. No one has a problem with soldiers having iPods while they're relaxing off-duty.

    4. Re:YoTank cases by Guppy06 · · Score: 1

      "Even with all those soldiers and insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan - who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation?"

      You're assuming they always know they're about to enter a combat situation. As has been said, war is long periods of boredom.

    5. Re:YoTank cases by Blnky · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yes, but one doesn't always have the luxury of telling the enemy when and where to attack. They seem to have this desire of sneaking up on you when you aren't expecting it. When this might happen at any time, it makes sence to me that it might be useful. Likewise, being able to withstand that much abuse will make it more likely to withstand general mility life punishment.

    6. Re:YoTank cases by Plutonite · · Score: 1

      No, he's just new here.

    7. Re:YoTank cases by singularity · · Score: 1

      "Rolling Stone" magazine had an article a couple of months ago that talked about the songs and technology that soldiers are taking into battle in Afghanistan and Iraq.

      With most of the "attacks" in these two countries being random ambushes, there is a lot of "drive around, doing nothing" time. Imagine if you are helping protect a convoy on a five hour drive. Sitting in a Humvee in the dessert for that lone, crammed in with several other soldiers?

      You need music.

      There is a small industry of soldiers who are hacking auxiliary inputs into the comm systems of Humvees.

      Sure, your comm system might be playing Brittney Spears when you get ambushed, but... As the article put it, shooting at insurgents to "Hit Me Baby One More Time" is a bit surreal.

      --
      - (c) 2018 Hank Zimmerman
    8. Re:YoTank cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation?

      Well, I did hear that At least at the beginning of the war Drowning Pool's "Bodies" was popular to pump up soldiers heading into combat.

      I'm guessing they were using ipods.

    9. Re:YoTank cases by Frumious+Wombat · · Score: 3, Funny

      There are always those moments when you need to blast either "Ride of the Valkyries" or "The End" through the copter's sound system...

      --
      the more accurate the calculations became, the more the concepts tended to vanish into thin air. R. S. Mulliken
    10. Re:YoTank cases by Mr.+Freeman · · Score: 1

      No soldier actually brings it into a combat situation. Those cases are a joke.

      --
      -1 disagree is not a modifier for a reason. -1 troll, flaimbait, redundant, overrated are NOT acceptable substitutes.
    11. Re:YoTank cases by Mister+Whirly · · Score: 2, Insightful

      "The article mentions cases that can withstand "a RPG or mortar shell explosion 85 percent of the time." "

      yeah, if I were to be directly hit with a mortar or RPG, my first thought would be "Holy Shit! I hope my iPod is okay!"

      --
      "But this one goes to 11!"
    12. Re:YoTank cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Sure, your comm system might be playing Brittney Spears when you get ambushed, but... As the article put it, shooting at insurgents to "Hit Me Baby One More Time" is a bit surreal.
      What's the music of choice for slaughtering unarmed civilians, including women and children? It must be a real hit.
    13. Re:YoTank cases by Bob+Uhl · · Score: 1

      Considering that most of Iraq & Afghanistan aren't 'comabt situations' and yet are prone to a great deal of bombs and such, I can imagine that a soldier would welcome such cases. As Erich Maria Remarque noted, a soldier's life is one of long periods of boredom interspersed with brief moments of sheer terror; no doubt a soldier would like his music player to survive those moments of terror.

    14. Re:YoTank cases by Bob+Uhl · · Score: 1
      As the article put it, shooting at insurgents to "Hit Me Baby One More Time" is a bit surreal.

      Hasn't anyone who's played a video game in the last decade or so done the equivalent? Really, is it any different than the old military bands back when they were actually used to march men into battle?

    15. Re:YoTank cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, then they might start shooting at you.

    16. Re:YoTank cases by kfg · · Score: 1

      Not a joke. I have heard reports that when Montcalm's troops complained that they couldn't see the British troops through the trees he ordered them to just "shoot torward the damned noise."

      KFG

    17. Re:YoTank cases by ista · · Score: 1

      who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation?

      In a documentation video recently aired on Arte, they've tried to take a look at the situation of "normal" people, US soldiers in Iraq along with deserters who went to Canada. One soldier mentioned that the radios in recent tanks have an additional line-in input hidden on the back, where they used to plug in portable cd players . Incoming radio messages automatically turn down that devices volume, so it's "perfect" for listening some music while waiting for something to happen.
      A deserter being asked on that subject stated that some teams even modified their field radios in a similar way in order to listen to some "encouraging" music while actually firing ... of course, it is not allowed to both modify the equipment or even let oneself disattract from the situation by listening to some music, but those guys were pretty serious on that thing.

      It sounds silly and socially non-acceptable, but what exactly prevents people from plugging in their iPod (or other MP3 player) instead of some dated discman into such a radio?

      ista
    18. Re:YoTank cases by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 1

      who would seriously take their ipod into a combat situation?

      Rent Iron Eagle.

      --
      Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  3. Neko? by SEMW · · Score: 4, Funny

    "You cant get much stranger than the iKitty. This cat-inspired silicone case features a bendable tail and a screen protector to prevent those annoying scratches."

    Hmmm... Remind me, what's second-from-bottom in the geek hierarchy again?

    Brings a new meaning to people loving their ipods...

    --
    What's purple and commutes? An Abelian grape.
  4. explosion? by LordKronos · · Score: 1

    How does it supposedly withstand a mortar shell or RPG explosion when the controls (and possibly the LCD...can't tell from the pics) are fully exosed?

    1. Re:explosion? by Mateo_LeFou · · Score: 0

      A guess, basically: it says "85% of the time" it withstands the explosion. Prolly they simulated it by having a comparable burst of air detonated near it, sending it flying across the room, at which point it bashed into something but was okay 85% of the time

      If you somehow fix the iPod so it can't move, and explode an RPG near it, I think it will melt. Every time.

      --
      My turnips listen for the soft cry of your love
    2. Re:explosion? by SEMW · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'm guessing something like one-way bulletproof glass?

      --
      What's purple and commutes? An Abelian grape.
    3. Re:explosion? by Karma+Farmer · · Score: 1

      I can't tell if you're shooting for "+5 funny" or "+5 retard".

    4. Re:explosion? by fmaxwell · · Score: 2, Informative

      It's a joke.

      I'm sure they never thought anyone would actually believe that a 5oz. aluminum case would withstand being hit by a mortar or a rocket-powered grenade.

    5. Re:explosion? by bcmm · · Score: 2, Funny

      The case would survive. The iPod wouldn't.

      --
      # cat /dev/mem | strings | grep -i llama
      Damn, my RAM is full of llamas.
    6. Re:explosion? by ScriptedReplay · · Score: 2, Informative

      TFSite (yeah, I know, clicking on details in TFA is ... too far away) says the screen is lexan-protected. No mention on the controls, though - probably open (touch-sensitive through a bullet-proof material is a bit hard) just as ports are open.

    7. Re:explosion? by owlnation · · Score: 2, Funny

      I feel that someone should test this. I think we need proof. I await the Youtube videodemo.

    8. Re:explosion? by owlnation · · Score: 2, Interesting

      and actually, someone should test to see if the Louis Vitton one is also bullet and bomb proof. It probably isn't, but I really think we should know to be sure.

      In fact judging by the design, there's probably a few more Louis Vitton things out there we could test to see if bullet proof.

    9. Re:explosion? by vindimy · · Score: 1

      the case will withstand the explosion, not the ipod itself ;)

    10. Re:explosion? by Mister+Whirly · · Score: 1

      +10 Retardedly Funny?

      --
      "But this one goes to 11!"
    11. Re:explosion? by LuminaireX · · Score: 1

      Or that 85% of the iPod case is protected from shrapnel and the like. That 15% is from when a piece nails the screen or the controls.

    12. Re:explosion? by rynthetyn · · Score: 1

      The thing with the Louie case is that it's not even particularly attractive. I looked at that case and concluded that it was a complete waste to put such a bulky case on such an attractive electronic device. Now, Vaja cases on the other hand--if you actually care about style and not just pimping out a label, well, all of the money in the world wouldn't induce me to buy the Louis Vuitton case. Bomb testing is all it's good for. Or not good for, as the case may be...

      --
      Eagles may soar, but weasles don't get sucked into jet engines...
  5. What the world needs by countach · · Score: 1

    What the world needs is either one of those military grade cases or the Japanese bullet proof case for the new iPod shuffle released last week. That would be soooo k001.

  6. Good for 10 year olds by Electronik · · Score: 0, Troll

    The Louis Vuitton design is tacky as hell these days IMNSHO

    The bombproof and Bulletproof ones are nonsense - they dont offer any protection for the screen or touchpad

    The iKitty and Fluffpod are cute - if you are a 10 year old girl.

    And in any case - why bother trying to protect an iPod when the battery will die in a year and you will throw it away and get the latest one (to keep up with the Jones's).

    --
    -=test-sig_0.1.5(NoWhitespaceVersion)=-
    1. Re:Good for 10 year olds by brandorf · · Score: 1

      If you follow the link, the Yotank cases have a lexan shield in front of the screen. Few cases offer any protection for the touchpad anyway.

      --


      Bork Bork Bork!!
    2. Re:Good for 10 year olds by damian+cosmas · · Score: 1

      The Louis Vuitton design is tacky as hell these days IMNSHO

      You wouldn't happen to be talking about this limo or these prom dresses, would you?

      The couture iPod case makes little sense, since the most likely customer would probably buy the $20 version in Chinatown anyway. Although I do tend to underestimate the crowd for whom disposable income is quite disposable. A half-hour of MTV ususally cures me of that, though.

      Buying some sort of case would make sense, if Apple didn't keep changing the dimensions for every new model of iPod.

    3. Re:Good for 10 year olds by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 1

      And in any case - why bother trying to protect an iPod when the battery will die in a year and you will throw it away and get the latest one

      The batteries generally don't die that young. The batteries are also replacable, despite what people seem to assume. There are battery upgrade kits for most models. It's not that hard to get inside the iPod, I've done it with my first gen nano and my fourth gen iPod. I didn't upgrade or replace anything, I just did it to see how easy it is, it took less than a minute to get inside. I suppose if the only tool you have is a screwdriver, it might look hard, but it's not.

    4. Re:Good for 10 year olds by saihung · · Score: 1

      to keep up with the Jones's

      To keep up with the Jones's what?

  7. Lets just hope by antifoidulus · · Score: 1

    NObody comes up with a Goatse inspired case. I shudder to think how they would place the scroll-wheel....

    1. Re:Lets just hope by daranz · · Score: 4, Funny
      --
      This is a sig. It is appended to the end of comments I post.
    2. Re:Lets just hope by antifoidulus · · Score: 1

      You have to admire them for how industrial their trolling is...I am amazed....just amazed...

    3. Re:Lets just hope by FuturePastNow · · Score: 1

      I remember seeing that last year and thinking, "That was made for the U2 iPod..."

      --
      Give a man fire, and you warm him for the night. Set a man on fire, and you warm him for the rest of his life.
  8. Hello Kitty? by HatchedEggs · · Score: 2, Funny

    Was it just me or was the one with the headphone jack sticking into the back end of a cat a bit disturbing?

    Humor aside, there are some great cases out there... and with with alot of the iPods, providing protection is not only necessary because they scratch so easily, but also because they aren't so hard to drop.

    I use a Green Apple case when I run, and a Belkin leather case for around the home or when I am out an about.

    What kind of cases do you guys use?

    Oh, and as an end note. How much do those heavy metal cases weigh? Doesn't that kind of ruin the point of creating a small, easy to carry music player?

    --
    Justin - Don't be afraid of my blog, it won't bite.
    1. Re:Hello Kitty? by SEMW · · Score: 1

      >How much do those heavy metal cases weigh? Doesn't that kind of ruin the point of creating a small, easy to carry music player?

      From TFA: "at 446gram, it is 2.5 times the weight of a new iPod Photo"

      --
      What's purple and commutes? An Abelian grape.
    2. Re:Hello Kitty? by HatchedEggs · · Score: 1

      Gotcha, so the case weighs 1lb. Thats a bit of a pain.

      --
      Justin - Don't be afraid of my blog, it won't bite.
  9. Bulletproof? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Ooo, it can stop a .22. BFD. Let me know when it can stop a real gun.

    1. Re:Bulletproof? by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 1

      I'm certain if you swung one round and whacked a gunamn on the head with a cast aluminium ipod you could put an end to his shooting days.
      Mind you the holes in your body might prevent you from getting a good swing.

      --
      liqbase :: faster than paper
    2. Re:Bulletproof? by dlenmn · · Score: 1

      I mean, come on... I can stop a .22 too...

    3. Re:Bulletproof? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ooo, it can stop a .22. BFD. Let me know when it can stop a real gun.

      Ooo, you have a bigger gun than a .22. BFD. Let me know when you have a real penis.

    4. Re:Bulletproof? by senatorpjt · · Score: 1

      Ooo, you have a bigger gun than a .22. BFD. Let me know when you have a real penis.

      Well, it should at least be able to stop a 9mm pistol round, since that is probably what most muggers use.

  10. Soldiers in Iraq by thelost · · Score: 1

    Ok this might be pushing the envelope of believability but perhaps the heavy duty bullet proof + tank proof ones might be just what the Soldiers currently stationed in Iraq need. I recently read a fascinating article about the current trend of high electronics going on there. Soldiers have nothing to do with their time and have lots of money on their hands so they are buying electronics (like ipods) and getting it shipped to them gratis (via the American governments free postal service).

    Apparently barracks are filling up with HD plasma screens and gaming rigs. Not surprising when their job must be so boring. Room for some indestructible ipod cases methinks.

    --
    Promote Charity on Myspace, Show Your Colours!
    1. Re:Soldiers in Iraq by HatchedEggs · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Actually, I think having a good rubberized case would be much better. As other posters have stated, these things really aren't "bullet proof" or "mortar proof". Why? Whoops, we left the screen and touch pad uncovered. Thats a bit of a weakness in the system right there.

      Anyways, the rubber cases work great, and I definitely recommend them. You can usually pick some decent ones up on Amazon for about $15-$20... and you won't have to hear this:

      LT: How'd Jim Bob die?
      Sarge: Sir, the enemies attacked and he wasn't able to get over the fence with that new iPod case of his, sir!

      That'd be a bummer.

      --
      Justin - Don't be afraid of my blog, it won't bite.
    2. Re:Soldiers in Iraq by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Last I checked a round from an AK can go through most armor. Do you really think a little aluminum is going to stop it? Maybe our soldiers need reactive armor on their iPods. No, wait, that's as stupid as a pound of aluminum was in the first place.

  11. Useful one by mojinoman · · Score: 4, Funny

    I like the bulletproof one. That should keep RIAA away from my precious songs.

  12. 1500$?? by way2trivial · · Score: 2, Interesting
    --
    every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
    1. Re:1500$?? by oggiejnr · · Score: 1

      I'm pretty sure that this is more reasonable
      http://us.kensington.com/html/6408.html
      Though I have to say I won't mind WiredZone's profit margin

  13. How to tell if you have a dirty mind by tourvil · · Score: 3, Funny

    If you saw this picture:

    http://www.techepics.com/files/i_kitty.jpg

    before you saw the title for it, and your first thought was of something less wholesome than a kitty...

    1. Re:How to tell if you have a dirty mind by Psychotext · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I must admit... guilty! =)

      --
      People that believe in their opinions don't post AC.
  14. nice to know... by SpectralDesign · · Score: 1
    YoTank introduces a new line of military-grade digital audio player cases that can withstand "a RPG or mortar shell explosion 85 percent of the time."
    Well it's nice to know that if I get RPG'd I'll be leaving behind both a big red stain, *and* my functional iPod for my heirs.
    --
    Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
  15. first iPod case that costs more than the player? by Nevenmrgan · · Score: 3, Interesting

    "This might be the first iPod case that costs more than the player itself."

    At $285+? Not even close.

    Here's an iPod Nano case for $12,495. And yes, it's a retail product, not a one-of-a-kind art piece.

  16. Re:That's so NOT what they need! THEY NEED TRUTH! by thelost · · Score: 1, Funny

    you can hear the truth on podcast alley. via your ipod ;)

    --
    Promote Charity on Myspace, Show Your Colours!
  17. More than that by joe+155 · · Score: 1

    I find the bomb one very strange indeed, not just because there are some areas of weakness (lets say that it does indeed work 85% of the time and that the screen and touchpad doesn't pose a serious threat) - if you get hit at close range by a mortor or RPG you die. Whether or not your music is ok would probably be of a secondary concern. If you didn't die then you would be so badly injured then losing an iPod would be of little concern.

    The only way this could be useful is if you leave your Ipod at your base, which then has the sh*t blown out of it and you manage to take the base back... but I wonder how often that happens

    --
    *''I can't believe it's not a hyperlink.''
    1. Re:More than that by Millenniumman · · Score: 1

      It is not meant to withstand an RPG. That is just to describe how tough it is.

      --
      Stupidity is like nuclear power, it can be used for good or evil. And you don't want to get any on you.
  18. DildoPod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful
    Was it just me or was the one with the headphone jack sticking into the back end of a cat a bit disturbing?

    It wasn't the headphone jack that disturbed me....

  19. Louis Vuitton! lol! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I remember when the Cherry Creek Mall opened in Denver and we provincials could finally shop at the same stores the tres-cool New Yorkers shopped at. The singular experience I still remember from my first visit was walking into the Louis Vuitton storefront and being overwhelmed by the rank smell of plastic; outgassing from the cheap plastic used in the $300 clutch purses. What a loser brand. The outgassing in the Coach store, on the other hand, was wonderful. (Coach might be for losers too, but at least it smelled real, like my first pair of Galibier Super Guides.)

  20. I'd hate to see what the test subjects looked like by binaryspiral · · Score: 2, Funny

    YoTank introduces a new line of military-grade digital audio player cases that can withstand "a RPG or mortar shell explosion 85 percent of the time."

    I honest doubt they've even tested these... but hey, who's going to argue with them when they survive a mortar shell and their iPod doesn't?

  21. Dropping your player by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful
    The military-grade case actually makes sense for people like me who keep letting their mp3 player fall on the floor, but able to withstand a mortar shell explosion might be overkill.
    The tough armor would probably be even worse for hard-drive based players, as most of the shock would transfer right through the metal and into the insides. Perhaps the kitty case would be best, as its softness would actually absorb some of the shock?
  22. For a real world example ... by SpooForBrains · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... my brother has just gone back to university in Lebanon with a 40GB iPod 3G. I'm tempted to order him one of these cases just for the comedy value.

    --
    "The dew has clearly fallen with a particularly sickening thud this morning"
    1. Re:For a real world example ... by beaverfever · · Score: 2, Funny

      The pink fuzzy one, right?

  23. In Other News Today by LifesABeach · · Score: 3, Funny

    HOUSTON, TEXAS DARPA has granted a 10 Million Dollar Phase I Grant to the Hollie Burnt On Company to study the armor plating qualities of iPod Case Mods. Ms. Sandy Bottom, a spokes person for the company stated, "This study is to analyze the penetration of iPod armor against local RPG's. The theory is that the more downloads an iPod has, the stronger the armoring will be. The final proof of concept test will be the taping of iPods all over a Bradley M4 Tracked Armored Fighting Vehicle. The 'Bradley' will then be driven through the streets of Compton, a suburb outside of Los Angeles California. If the vehicle can survive a 1 hour test in Compton, then the vehicle should easily be able to survive a 12 month non stop patrolling in the city of Baghdad, Iraq."

    1. Re:In Other News Today by wcb4 · · Score: 3, Funny

      All of the armor plated iPOds would be stolen within 15 minutes, leaving an exposed Bradley, which would be stolen, hidden, stripped and sold for parts in the other 45.

      Test failed.

      --
      I reject your reality ... and substitute my own.
  24. Wonder if they ship APO by Master+Su-Chi · · Score: 1

    Well considering i'm in Iraq, this thing sure would help out alot, now only if the rest of our equipment could stand up to that to blasts like that.

  25. Not that surprising by Malakusen · · Score: 3, Interesting
    The military-grade case actually makes sense for people like me who keep letting their mp3 player fall on the floor, but able to withstand a mortar shell explosion might be overkill.


    Not really overkill. You see, the Ipod is incredibly popular among military troops deployed to Iraq. Of course, you're not listening while you're out on patrol, but during your off time you see a lot of troops walking around or working out with them. Or waiting for a flight in, or a flight out, and so on. I imagine quite a few servicemembers would be interested in a hardened mp3 player.
    --
    Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to conviction
    1. Re:Not that surprising by initialE · · Score: 1

      You mean you don't listen to your iPod when you're out killing vampires? Damn.

      --
      Starbucks, Harbuckle of Breath.
  26. Re: first iPod case that costs more than the pl... by SEMW · · Score: 1

    At that price, you need to buy a few extra iPod Nanos to protect the case...

    --
    What's purple and commutes? An Abelian grape.
  27. Re:I'd hate to see what the test subjects looked l by IvanD · · Score: 0

    Well, after all, if it doesn't, they can argue that it was the lucky 15% remaining.

  28. Re: first iPod case that costs more than the playe by IvanD · · Score: 0

    Hopefully, you won't lose it. Although, I think it is heavy enough for you to say "I feel like something is missing"

  29. nothing strange about this at all by Yonder+Way · · Score: 1

    American soldiers are often seen in full battle dress uniform with the telltale white wires going from a camo pouch on their LBV up to their ears.

    The iPod is almost as ubiquitous in battle now as the rifle.

    It only makes sense that someone would figure that out and start making iPod accessories that appealed to soldiers. This wouldn't be the first. Maxpedition has been selling LBE/LBV pouches for iPods (and other consumer electronics) and doing well at it. Why not a rugged case, as well?

  30. Alchemy by andrewdotcoza · · Score: 1

    Where can I get some pieces of golden brass? Better yet, how do I make them?

    1. Re:Alchemy by mrchaotica · · Score: 1
      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

  31. Honda MP3 cases? by alotofbobs · · Score: 1

    I would assume that the "proper" strength is designed into current non-cased players, much like crush zones on modern cars. If you were to drop a hardened steel case housing a hard drive I would expect it to die. The precious exterior plastic might be saved but the inner workings might be junk while bouncing along in its hardened steel death trap.

  32. Top10 List of Necessities by ElitistWhiner · · Score: 1, Troll

    #1 Protective Case for Electronics

    Apple has formally institued a policy that damage to the case of its electronics is "prima facia" evidence of abuse. Careful engineering, materials selection and design have gone into Apple's product line. There is a reason that scratch resistence, dent proof and plastics with structural integrity are no longer used in casing Apple devices.

    Take any product into Apple store for repair that has more than a scratch on the outside case, you will likely be told that the product is out-of-warrantee! Apple will not repair, replace or adjust any product that shows signs of obvious abuse on the exterior case.

    Cases, sheaths, covers and bags are your #1 protection of the warrantee rights that come with your Apple product. Failure to invest in adequate protection is at your own risk of repair or replacement of your electronic device.

    1. Re:Top10 List of Necessities by Mister+Whirly · · Score: 1

      Let me guess - this "information" came from a site that exclusively sells iPod cases, right?

      --
      "But this one goes to 11!"
  33. Useful or Useless, who knows... by MBC1977 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Well as a member of the armed forces, I have to say while I personally think this is a frivolous accessory for an iPod, to each his or her own.
    Personally, I'd rather spend the money on some gear to keep my fellow Marines and myself alive when I'm in a combat zone. However, when we have
    downtime, it is extremely relaxing to have something to listen to / watch.

    lol but a mortar and IED proof iPod case is just kinda 'weird' to me. Seriously, who's gonna go on patrol with their iPod? And if there are
    such individuals I'd question their sanity.

    Regards,

    MBC1977,
    (US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)

    --
    Regards,

    MBC1977,
  34. Fendi iPod Jukebox by generic-man · · Score: 1

    From Wired, 2004:

    "The ultimate iPod accessory is Fendi's Juke Box, a $1,500 carrying case for transporting multiple iPods."

    "German designer and iPod fanatic Karl Lagerfeld . . . now owns 40 iPods, according to the latest issue of French Elle. Modeling a silver jogging suit, Lagerfeld confesses to owning 40 of the devices. Although at first glance the reader may assume he means a single 40-GB iPod, he meant what he said: He has 40 iPods.

    "Lagerfeld has converted his collection of 60,000 compact discs to a unique iPod storage system, according to a recent report in Womens Wear Daily. Lagerfeld keeps most of the iPods scattered around his various homes, which, in turn, are scattered around the globe. "

    The photo is just priceless too.

    --
    For more information, click here.
  35. Otterbox is your friend by Jason1729 · · Score: 1

    The military-grade case actually makes sense for people like me who keep letting their mp3 player fall on the floor, but able to withstand a mortar shell explosion might be overkill. Otterbox are waterproof plastic housings the protect everything, including the screen and clickwheel (unlike those military ones in the article). They have foam bumpters inside for shock protection, and to keep the seal perfect, the otterbox plugs into the headphone jack and headphones into the otterbox.

  36. iPod protection by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If you're worried about dropping your iPod, you'd probably be better off with a tough rubber case, like the one put out by Speck. They also produce the iGuy and a less creepy kitten.

    http://www.speckproducts.com/
    http://www.speckproducts.com/device-1-27-06.htm

  37. Who Needs Mortar Grade Cases? by darkonc · · Score: 1

    If I don't survive the mortar hit, why should my IPod? It's not like I'm going to be listening to the music while waiting for an autopsy.

    --
    Sometimes boldness is in fashion. Sometimes only the brave will be bold.
  38. That's very nice.... by Brad1138 · · Score: 1

    It's nice to know that as our solders are dieing from IED's due to lack of armour on the Humvee's, at least the iPod's will survive.

    (for the record, we shouldn't be there at all)

    --
    If you could reason with religious people, there would be no religious people
    1. Re:That's very nice.... by Brad1138 · · Score: 1

      Before anyone else makes fun of the typo, I ment Soldiers! Damn I wish /. had an edit option.

      --
      If you could reason with religious people, there would be no religious people
  39. Tough cases? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But... have they made a case that can withstand a soild stomping from the monty python foot!?

  40. lying sack! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    liar!

  41. The strangest iPod case I've seen... by dangitman · · Score: 1
    In my work as a private dick, I've come across a number of strange cases. But nothing beats the time when this dame came into my office and told me about her murdered husband. He was found clutching his iPod, ears bleeding, with Michael Bolton on repeat-play. After making love on my desk, I decided to investigate.

    To cut a long story short, it turned out to be Mr. Mustard in the drawing room with a candlestick.

    --
    ... and then they built the supercollider.
    1. Re:The strangest iPod case I've seen... by CrackedButter · · Score: 1

      I get it even if you didn't case modded for it.

  42. Veal is bad but couture is ok? by vistic · · Score: 1

    "features peach natural calf leather lining"

    In my opinion the Louis Vuitton case is the worst... it's ugly as hell and they killed a baby cow.

    Plus you just know only the most annoying people in the world would ever buy one.

  43. natural calf leather by cthulhu11 · · Score: 1

    There is nothing natural about leather.

  44. well... by CAIMLAS · · Score: 1

    Well, keep in mind that the ipod case just boasts being able to withstand an RPG (doubtful), not the ipod itself. I suspect geting banged against the floor will still likely do a number on the screen after several hard drops.

    --
    ~/ssh slashdot.org ssh: connect to host slashdot.org port 22: too many beers
  45. Military grade no safer by Kuvter · · Score: 1

    Haven't we learn from older cars that having a large metal casing doesn't really make you safer? The lighter, crushable, more malleable case, to lessen the impact, is actually safer and is what is used today.

    Based on that a military-grade case, like they show, it wouldn't help much from dropping your iPod. Dropping your iPod probably, along with getting wet, is the highest cause of breaking your iPod. I'd say a rubber case would be the safest bet to secure your iPod from both these situations.

    --
    "To be is to do." --Socrates
    "To do is to be." -- Aristotle
    "Do-Be-Do-Be-Do..." --Sinatra
  46. Re: first iPod case that costs more than the playe by IntergalacticWalrus · · Score: 1

    Here's an iPod Nano case for $12,495. And yes, it's a retail product, not a one-of-a-kind art piece.

    And it's the only case where the iPod is included. Wow!

  47. Worst one not on the list by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is probably the dumbest one and it's not on that list...
    http://www.travelgearblog.com/archive/stuff-your-i pod.html

  48. Funny problem by treeves · · Score: 1

    It seems the problem for some people is the desire to have an almost ubiquitous product be personalized and different from everyone else's.
    Either that or as Apple lowers the price on the iPod, what people REALLY want is to be able to spend a LOT of $$ on an iPod for status, and they can't without buying an expensive case. Maybe Apple needs to rethink their pricing strategy and have some ridiculously expensive iPod, the only difference being something "cosmetic".

    --
    ...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.