What exactly are iPod socks, iPod covers and iPod cases? And more importantly what is the difference between them? Well, to begin with, it should be noted that all of these do basically the same job. They protect your iPod from harm and from becoming dirt encrusted. The differences between them, lies more in the way they protect your iPod than in anything else.

These differences of the various iPod covers, cases and socks, also depends on the material which they are made with, and the purpose for which they are made. It's all well and good to say that an iPod sock will protect your iPod, but to what extent does the sock protect your iPod?

Can these stand the forces of being bashed about in someone's case or handbag, and can it stand the pressure of being subjected to a fall from a six foot height. What about if your young niece decides she likes the color of the sock and the fact that it clearly has something inside it, and decides to bash it out to see if it will play with her?

Questions, questions, so many questions, but all of these must be answered, and taken into account when you're going shopping for iPod covers, cases or socks. These are what your decision hinges on along with your own personal requirements for protecting your iPod.

Some things like the iPod socks for instance can be taken at an immediate glance to be exactly what it is: a fashionable cover for your iPod which also protects it from dirt, from scratches and to a large extent from being stuffed inside your case! But if you want something that does a lot more than that, then you're going to need to decide on this beforehand.

You're going to want to look at iPod covers or cases that can protect your iPod from accidental droppings from a largish height, and iPod covers that can withstand some small bit of impact at least, to protect it from the vagaries of a curious and highly mischievous four year old.

You'll also want to inspect iPod covers and cases that will protect your iPod's screen from accidental scratching and cracking, as well as from being sat upon when you forget you left your case (with your iPod of course), lying around on the sofa!

Then you have the choices to make of what type of design you're looking for. For instance you will be able to find both iPod covers and cases in many stylish designs. You can buy these iPod covers in various shades and designs to change as you see fit, or you can stick with one case or cover for your iPod. Whatever you decide on though, make sure that you get the casing type that you need to protect your iPod.