I just got my ipod a few weeks ago. Previously i was using the Creative Zen Xtra, and having used the ipod for a while now, all i can say is that the Ipod rocks. The Zen menu sucks big time. To scroll through my whole music collection would take something like 3-5 minutes from start to finish. Ipod...less than 5 seconds! Looking for a certain song was a pain in the butt! Not to mention its bulky size. It feels as if the Ipod is almost half its size. I'm no longer embarrassed to show people my MP3 player. Thanks Apple!

Anyway, the real reason for this post. I'm quite anal about getting my Ipod scratched. I had made my own case the moment after i got it. This was of course butt ugly as it was made out of sticky tape and didn't quite fit snugly due to the Ipods sleek curves. I thought about getting the Exo skins or something similar, but wasn't too keen on having to take it off all the time when i went to wack it into my inmotion speakers. Then inspiration struck! Why not shrink wrap it instead.

Prior to this shrink wrap job, i had never shrunk wrapped anything, so i was a little nervous at first. Fortunatley i had an ipod with a broken screen, which was also purchased off ebay with full intentions to fix it (but have given up and am now reselling it). Using plastic that packaged some quilt covers i bought recently, i set to work.

Working out the dimensions to cut the plastic took some trial and error but i got there eventually. 23cm X 8.2cms. The perfect fit. I wrapped the ipod up, allowing the plastic to stick and hold in place. Folded the corners up and fired up the stove (i know, sound crazy). Holding the ipod approx 30cm above the naked flame the plastic softened to the point where it could be "moulded". Immediately removing it from the heat i placed my finger over the corners till the plastic cooled (done one corner at a time). Using box cutters i cut a holes along the dock connector, earphone & remote jack as well as the hold switch. Now i have a perfectly fitting case which never needs to be taken off and it looks great! No more scratches!

I've gone back to "neaten things up" using a candle instead. Much much easier. I experimented with an iron too but some times got to hot to the point of competely melting the plastic.

If ya wanna check out my hanywork u can see it here
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/boxstar/images/ipodwrap.JPG

Thanks for reading, just felt i had to share that with someone!