When will this case be available in stores like Best Buy?

http://www.everythingipod.com/produc...w009-m9998.jpg

if best buy is smart, never.

Is it that bad of a case? I'm looking for a case that is going to allow me to view the screen and the controls. The Mareware one I have now doesn't allow me to control the iPod or view the screen in the case. Best case scenerio is one that I protects the controls and the screen, but still allows for it to be used.

To me, it just seems to kill the style of the iPod mini. If I had a mini, I definitely would not use a case. It's a lot less prone to scratching than the regular iPods, so that really isn't an issue. I use a DLO JamJacket with my 3G, but the main reason is that it prevents random button pushing of the touch-sensitive buttons. That isn't an issue with the mini.

I mean, I want to protect my iPod as much as the next guy, but it seems that we often take it too far. For a device we're probably just going to replace in a few years, what's the difference if it gets a bit scratched up? It's certainly not worth sacrificing user experience, and I think the cool look of the iPods are a big part of that experience.

Well, for an item that costs about $300, I want to protect it as much as possible. It's only $300, which isn't that much, but I'd like to keep it as scratch free as possible.

While it is fun to show off your "naked" mini, you will all come to appreciate a good case for it the first time you drop it or come close to dropping your $250+ investment. This little puppy is slipery and can slip through you fingers very quickly when you are on the go. It's no fun to show off when it is broke or lost.

I came close to losing my mini while landing on a business flight. Prior to landing I was turning it off and it slipped out of my hand. I did catch it before it hit the floor. But if I did not catch it and it hit the floor at landing I don't know if I would have seen it again. When a plane hits it's brakes on landing, any small slick item on the floor gets thrown forward several rows.

Now I keep my mini in a marware sportsuit basic. My prefered use for the mini is listening to music, not showing off.

Speck Products iPod mini iSkin Review

I love it, never have to worry about any damage to my mini ever again. And the lanyard to wear it around my neck... it's priceless.

br0adband

iSkin will also be releasing their iPod mini version very soon.

They sell that case at all the apple stores.