iPod are very very nice...I got a Mini used, it but then slowed down before I got my Mac, with a Mac its makes it SO easy to sync everything it now use my iPod every day.
Also the Mac was mine so I used it more(more time of computer=for music=more reasons for iPod)
My wife uses the iSkin Claro: http://www.iskin.com/ . It's nice because it has a silicon skin and a hard case that goes over it. Despite the fact that two coverings are used, the total width of the two covers is quite thin, and the clear casing maintains the integrity of the iPod's design.