Each sleeve is made from one of 23 materials, including fabrics, leather, suede leather, semi-microfibre synthetic leather, synthetic fur and straw (mine was made of synthetic leather, Katie's made of synthetic fur). The insides of each are lined with a micro-fiber cloth designed to protect the iPod from scratches, as well as polish and clean the device when you place it inside the sleeve. Each sleeve also comes with a loop that can be attached to just about anything.

The iStyle Sleeves do indeed feel good to the touch, both inside and out, and the interior does seem to do a rudimentary job of cleaning the iPod as it slides in and out. Also, at US$9.99, the sleeves are reasonably priced.

So it simply boils down to a matter of taste. I prefer my iPod cases tougher -- and no, I'm not in constant macho mode; heck, I plan to see the "chick flick," The Lake House with my wife and daughter this weekend -- while Katie likes her cases softer and, for lack of a better term, more "feminine." She's using a leopard iStyle Sleeve with her nano that -- in touch with my feminine side or not -- I wouldn't be caught dead using.

Like so many things in life, you pays yer money and you makes yer choice.

Dennis' Macsimum rating: 5 out of 10

Katie's Macsimum rating: 10 out of 10