I am leaning towards the hard case only because I feel that with a silicon skin, I will end up having trouble trying to get it out of my pockets which is usually where my ipod is. They seem too sticky to put in my pants pocket and I figured they would collect too much dust and lint putting it in coat pocket. Now, the only thing that I am concerned about with the agent 18 click sheild is if it is really smooth or not? I wanted a silicon skin mainly because I hate how slippery the ipod is and I also feel like I will drop it. Does the agent 18 case make it any easier to handel and hold on to? Or should I just go with a silicon skin?

It's definately not as grippy as the iSkin.
I think it's easier to grip than the plain iPod, but it's still not anywhere near iSkin stickiness.
I don't think it's a problem though.

I got A18 over iSkin for the same reasons you stated- slipping in and out of pockets and the lint problem.

Well err, this isn't really a response to the thread but rather to Wuddersup's sig. I have the exact same computer config as you do!

I was also considering an Agent 18 case, but in shopping for them my Dad suggested I get the incase neoprene...case. It serves its purpose and protects the ipod well (I also leave it in my pockets) but it hides the beauty of it