With Apple’s iPod mini ready to hit store shelves Friday, businesses like Marware are gearing up to provide accessories for the diminutive MP3 player. The Florida-based company, which produces cases for a variety of on-the-go equipment, including the original iPod, recently announced several such accessories: the Mini SportSuit Basic, the Mini SportSuit Sleeve, the Mini SportSuit Safari, the Mini SportSuit Runabout, and the Mini SportSuit Convertible.
The SportSuit Basic is a basic neoprene case that features access to the scroll wheel, hold button, and remote and headphone jacks, as well as an opening on the bottom that allows you to charge your iPod mini without taking it out. It also features a low-profile spring clip for attaching it to your belt. Retail is US$24.95.
The SportSuit Sleeve, which is aimed at those who want to use their iPod mini while working out or engaging in other strenuous activity, is made of thicker neoprene and features a plastic insert for shock resistance. It comes with a front pocket for storing your earbuds, a clip that accommodates horizontal or vertical mounting on your belt, and an opening for access to the headphone jack. Retail is $19.95, and you can choose from six colors: black, blue, silver, pink, green, and gold.
The SportSuit Safari encases your iPod mini in a covering of neoprene and faux fur that’s available in panther, zebra, giraffe, lion, flamingo, polar bear, and leopard styles. It can clip to your belt, or you can sling it from another body part with the included lanyard. It also features openings for the hold button and headphone and remote jacks. Retail is $19.95.
The SportSuit Runabout mounts on your wrist and features a vulcanized neoprene shell designed to protect your iPod mini from jarring impacts. It has a plastic screen protector and an opening for access to the headphone jack. Retail is $29.95.
Finally, the SportSuit Convertible can be mounted on your armband or your belt while you’re on the go. It features a protective flip-up lid that reveals a plastic window over the iPod mini’s screen, and openings in the case allow you to not only access the hold button and the remote and headphone jacks but also sync or charge the player without taking it out. Retail is $34.95, and it comes in black, blue, silver, pink, green, or gold.
The SportSuit Convertible will be available on March 15 while the SportSuit Runabout will ship on March 1. The other cases are available now.