When we reviewed iStyles' silicone iPod nano case last year (4 stars), what impressed us even more than its first-rate quality was its price tag: a scant $8 when others were charging up to $20 for a similar product (the price has since gone up to $12, but iStyles is also bundling a screen protector now, which they weren't back then).

iStyles recently expanded its already expansive iPod case offerings with a robust collection of funky styled sleeves: 19 for the 4G and 5G iPod, and 22 for the iPod nano and iPod shuffle. The sleeves are constructed from a variety of materials the lend themselves to unique designs but are all softly lined on the inside to protect your iPod.

iStyles sleeves (Black Butterfly style for the 5G iPod, and the Leopard style for the iPod nano)

Once again, the best feature of iStyles' sleeves is their price tag: just $10, when similar sleeves, like ones from Fabrix (4 stars) cost $20. The iStyles sleeves are every bit as well constructed as those from Fabrix, too, which we were already more than pleased with.

Our only concern with the iStyles sleeve lies with the 5G iPod version, which is cut a bit loose for thinner 30GB iPods. Turn the iPod nano sleeve upside down with a nano inside of it and the nano stays put, but turn the 5G iPod sleeve upside down with a 30GB iPod in it and it easily slides out (this isn't so much a problem for thicker 60GB iPods). By contrast, the Fabrix sleeve was cut small enough that it still sufficiently hugged a 30GB iPod.

The Bottom Line

With plenty of designs to choose from, iPod owners in the market for a basic case will be well served by checking out the selection of affordable sleeves from iStyles. While sleeves don't offer the same level of protection or convenience that more robust iPod cases do, they are available with more extravagant styling options and can server double duty, providing protection to similarly sized gadgets, as well.