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Since the introduction of the iPod® in 2001, Apple® has ruled the MP3 market. Last quarter, sales reached 21 million, boosting revenues by 50 percent. For iPod lovers, the concept of “taking your music anywhere” is revolutionary. However in reality, most iPods cannot withstand elements of daily life—water, dust, dirt and drops.

The most popular reason for broken iPods, especially in newer models, is broken LCD screens. Some are sensitive enough that sweat and humidity can break the unit.

So What do you do if your iPod breaks?
If searching Google™ for “iPod Repair” or “Broken iPods,” you will find around 3 million related sites. Repair prices vary depending on the model and parts. LCD screens range $35-119, harddrives $70 to almost $200 and batteries another $26-89. Damaged faceplates range $69-79. In many cases, this doesn’t include shipping and professional installation. Bottom line, repairing or replacing an iPod is not cheap.

Why not add rugged protection from the beginning?
When you add up the cost of your iPod, songs, photos and videos, it’s scary to think you could lose your entire investment with wrong move. Otter Products, LLC., located in Fort Collins, Colo., offers a sort of “iPod insurance” with OtterBox for iPod case line. These rugged, interactive cases are waterproof, dust-proof, dirt-proof and drop-resistant. Cases add protection and longevity at a fraction of repair costs.

With an OtterBox for iPod, users can go hiking, biking, rock-climbing or even swimming without ruining their device. Cases available for the iPod nano (1st, 2nd, and DS generation), video, photo, mini, 20GB, and shuffle (1st generation).

The OtterBox for iPod mini, 20GB, photo, nano (1st and 2nd generation) and video enable user interaction with the iPod Click Wheel through a clear membrane on the front of the case. A hard screen cover shields the display and offers drop-protection and screen visibility. An included belt clip allows hands-free carrying and integrated headphone cable management. For more flexibility, an armband is available.

Slightly different, the OtterBox for iPod shuffle 1st generation enables iPod control access through a flexible, rubber button on the front. On the back, a clear window offers visibility of the on/off switch and a rubber button for battery check access. The case also includes a removable neck lanyard. Optional armband available.

Otter Products, LLC. offers a complete line of rugged cases for PDAs, Palm® Treo™, RIM Blackberry®, notebooks, Tablet PCs, cigars, Zippo lighters and other valuables. For more information call 888-695-8820 or visit http://www.otterbox.com.

Chris Leckness (3531 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Chris Leckness is the Owner/Administrator of Mobilitysite. He is a Microsoft MVP, Mobile Devices and a member of the exclusive focus group, Mobius. Chris runs a Mobilitysite, GotZune, and a few other smaller sites and blogs. His personal blog is chris.leckness.com.