I'm a firm believer in simplistic solutions when protecting my tech gear and I just need it to be three things; durable, practical and maybe look good while doing it. The MicroShield from XtremeMac looks to handle all situations with style and aplomb.

The design of the MicroShield reminded me a bit of the Logitech PlayGear Pocket hard case for the Sony PSP but is more useful in terms of allowing access to all its functions. The MicroShield for the video iPod is a two-piece design that snaps together. It comes with two back pieces as well, with one having the belt clip and the other without. The iPod Nano 2nd Gen case has a flip design and a detachable belt clip with notches for wrapping a headphone cord. The panels for the two-piece design can work together or separately and are made so you can have your headphone jack facing down or up.

From an aesthetic standpoint, it's nice to see designers releasing cases that make it a point to display the style of the iPod itself, especially in the case of the colorful Nano collection. While my philosophy with most things is often style over substance, it's nice to know I can have my iCake and eat it too.