So I got this nice little black nano 8g for $50 when I bought my computer one month before the new ones came out. I haven't really used it, and probably won't much, if ever, but I've been looking at cases, or maybe a skin, and I don't want to bulky it up, but maybe provide some protection (mostly for scratches; not worried about other). I hate the look of those silicon things, and well, so far everything else. I like the small sleek look it has, especially if I ever decide to pair it with my pico when it arrives. I've done searches elsewhere and get too much information to choose from, get annoyed, and stop. Any ideas?

I'm personally a fan of Agent18 cases for iPod. They're made of clear polycarbonate and more sleeker than other cases.

http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/the-Apple-iPod-cln-iPod-Nano/Categories

and a baby sock

Yeah, the BSE apparently resists a lot, including pens, coins, all kinds of hard things.

Not a huge fan of BSE skins as they can be a huge pain in the ass to install.

How so as I'm leaning toward a skin? Are they any that you like?

I've tried BSE and couple of other skins, but they were all nearly impossible to apply cleanly without air pockets/bubbles forming. Also, you need a really dust-free environment (which I don't have since I have forced-air heating system) or they'll all show up on the skin as you install them. For me, it was not worth all the hassles and efforts.

I'll always take the ease of physical case, and deal with the added bulk.

Of course, it is entirely possible that it's just me who is utterly incompetent with installing these skins.

Well the Agent 18 is on sale for $10 right now and doesn't look half bad. I'll try it out, and if I don't like it, no biggie. Thanks, Salty. First the blue tips, now this. If you ever make it to Florida, drinks are on me.

You're welcome. One of these days, I hope to make it a Florida meet and now I have an additional reason.

I can't make the CanJam as I'll most likely be in Washington for a vacation with gf.

Another vote for the Agent 18 case. I like the open clickwheel area with the plastic ridge, as it makes it easy to find the controls without looking (or operate through lighter pants while in a pocket). Good protection and not too bulky. I snapped a quic pic:

Which model is that? I was about to order the Eco Shield in black, but I like yours.

http://www.agent18.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=8

I'm pretty sure that is a NanoShield, though it looks like an older version.

I believe it is this one. http://www.agent18.com/scripts/prodview2.asp?idproductpages=7

Oh right, I forgot you have a first gen Nano.

I think I'll stick with the Eco Shield. Thanks, guys!

Another thought -- sow two pieces of leather together big enough to hold the Nano and stick your finger in to control it -- is that even remotely a possibility?

Another thought -- sow two pieces of leather together big enough to hold the Nano and stick your finger in to control it -- is that even remotely a possibility?

..... ...Dusty's being strange

and I try to avoid leather whenever possible.

..... ...Dusty's being strange

And that would make today different how?

and I try to avoid leather whenever possible.

Your loss. There are a lot of fine leather workers in the arts & crafts type industry -- I saw two just a couple weekends ago at a thing called Sugarloaf.

Not whatever dirty gutter your mind went. Although they can do some good work, too. How about some nice PVC?

Carbon is sexy....the case is about the same size as the iPod itself and comes with a screen protector too.

carbon fiber? are u srs? that costs so much..