If you want your new 4th generation iPod to retain its factory-fresh finish, you are going to need protection. But protection doesn’t have to mean engulfing it in layers of nylon or dated leather sleeves. A cutting edge technology requires a sophisticated shield. Cue the iSkin Evo2.

Coming in a range of vibrant colours, this soft, silicon case provides a squidgy barrier between your iPod and the scratchy tendencies of the outside world. In a step up from the iSkins of old, the Evo2 comes with an improved soft contact-point screen protector (past models have tended to scratch due to their hard plastic design), and a more durable belt clip.

In another improvement on the 3rd generation Evo iSkin, helped by an improved iPod design by Apple, more of the iPod is now protected. Thanks to the elimination of the buttons, and the regression back to the classic design of the first generation iPod, the controls are back to being on the click-wheel, leading to a less complicated iSkin shape and hence a better fit.

In development terms the skin has evolved from the immensely popular Exo iSkin in terms of its accessory accommodation. The rubber on the top of the iSkin Evo is thinner, allowing the connection of iTrips, iTalks, Nav iPods and the like. This is a huge convenience for the contraption-junkies who were forever removing their iPod from its case in order to use a new gadget. The handy flap opening on the bottom of the skin allows the charger to be connected, without needing to peel the bottom off like some other case designs, such as the Speck cases. Unfortunately this also means that the iPod cannot be put in a dock to charge, as the case makes it too big to fit.

For all its benefits, unfortunately due to the rubbery nature of the iSkin, it is a magnet for fluff and lint. A couple of days in your pocket or the bottom of your bag and the iSkin can start to resemble a hamster. But this is only really apparent on the darker shades of the iSkin; on the more vibrant colours the problem isn’t really noticeable. To reduce the problem the iSkin can be washed in detergent, rinsed then dried, and the fluff wont stick so much.

The Evo2 iSkin makes your iPod feel so protected it almost seems like it could bounce. But we wouldn’t recommend trying it. A big improvement on past designs, and a hugely successful case, the iSkin Evo2 is an ideal protector for your iPod.