Ruggedize your iPod Video...maybe

The Speck Products ToughSkin for the iPod video (both 30GB and 60GB models) claims to offer RUGGEDIZED PROTECTION for your iPod with video.

This skin is made of rubber, and the rubber is thicker on the corners and edges. The cover does have a ruggedized appearance, though I haven't dropped my iPod to see if it will withstand the shock. Sorry, I didn't think to ask Speck Products to send me a few free iPods for testing purposes. But I think the thick rubber would absorb some of the shock of a fall, where a hard case might transfer more of the shock to the iPod itself. A hard plastic case might be a better choice if you worry more about stepping on your iPod than dropping it.

A clear cover is provided to protect the screen; it sits on top of the screen on a thin strip of no-slip, non-marring rubber that runs around the perimeter of the underside of the screen protector.

The package includes a rubber insert to adjust for the thinner 30G iPod. Your 30G won't be tightly enclosed in the protective skin if you don't use this insert, and the screen protector won't be held in place and could slide around.

Unlike some earlier ToughSkins for the iPod, this model does not have a protective clear plastic hinged cover for the scroll wheel.

The removable belt clip is just that, a belt clip, and should be used with a belt, not clipped to the waist of a pair of jeans or to a pocket. The "jaws" have only one point of contact, at the incisors, so to speak, and would not hold tightly enough to fabric.

At the time of purchase in January, 2006 the ToughSkin for the iPod video is available in two colors: black and white, though the Speck website refers to the white as "clear" and the pictures there make it look more translucent than it actually is. Tastes will vary, but so far, no one I've shown the "clear" ToughSkin has much liked its look.