BTI iPod Belt (a.k.a., iPod To Go)

Older iPods included a black fabric case with belt clip for carrying the player. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t include this accessory on current models; only the iPod mini includes a belt clip — a white plastic clip-on model that offers little protection but allows you to show off your prized player’s face.

If you like the iPod mini’s belt clip, BTI has put together an odd collection of accessories that provide similar clips for 3G and later iPods, including the iPod photo and the iPod mini. The iPod Belt set (formerly called iPod To Go) includes three sizes of white, clip-on cradles — one for 30/40GB iPods and 40/60GB iPod photos, one for 10/15/20GB iPods and 30GB iPod photos, and one for iPod minis — and a single belt clip attachment that fits all three cradles. In addition, the set includes a plastic lanyard attachment (with 18″ strap) that can be used instead of the belt clip. Unfortunately, on iPod mini and iPod photo models, you have to remove your iPod from the cradle in order to switch between the belt and lanyard attachments. (Thinner iPods allow you to make the change while the iPod is in the cradle.)

If you’ve got two different sizes of iPods, the iPod Belt set is an inexpensive way to get a belt clip for one and a lanyard for another. On the other hand, if you’ve got an iPod mini, you’ve already got the belt clip and can find better lanyard attachments. If you’ve got only a single, larger iPod, whether the iPod Belt set is worth buying depends on how much you like the style — you can get a case that offers much better protection for not much more money.–Dan Frakes