Music and exercise go together like peanut butter and jelly. Unless, of course, you don't like peanut butter and jelly, in which case they go together like...two other things that go well together. Anyway, if you've ever worked out with an iPod, you know it only takes one small mishap to turn that enjoyable experience into a disaster--all you need to do is drop your iPod just once.

Fortunately, the marvels of modern technology have come up with many ways to keep your iPod safe while you're engaging in your workout routine. This week, we present to you a roundup of four cases that you might consider for your exercising and iPod needs.

Incase Sports Armband

The light weight of the 3G iPod nano makes it an ideal workout companion, and the US$30 Incase Sports Armband lets you not worry about holding onto your nano while you're out on your daily run. This neoprene armband features a Velcro strap for securing to your arm and a flexible-plastic window through which you can access the iPod's controls.

The Sports Armband is one of the more comfortable armbands I've used, thanks to the fact that it doesn't use bulky plastic buckle that can pinch your arm. Instead, a buckle is embedded in the case's body; the armband itself is also soft and stretchy.

The case's design lets you access most of your iPod nano's features, primarily through the screen protector at the front, which lets you view the iPod's screen as well as use all the Click Wheel buttons. Two small holes at the bottom of the case let you access the iPod's headphone jack and hold switch, though don't expect to work the fine controls of the latter while you're on the run.

The biggest downside of the Sports Armband applies to those who use the Nike + iPod Sports Kit: since you can't access the nano's dock-connector port while the case is on, you won't be able to use the Sports Kit with this case. But if that's not a deal-breaker for you, the Sports Armband may very well serve your exercise needs.

XtremeMac Sportwrap

Sure, nanos and shuffles may be more common as workout iPods, but there's no reason your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPod classic should be left out of the mix. That's where the $30 XtremeMac Sportwrap comes in. This neoprene armband fits any of those three devices, securing it to your arm with a Velcro strap.

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