iPod accessory maker Griffin Technology will ship its first add-on for Apple's iPod Shuffle in two months' time: a range of brightly coloured aluminium "armour" cases.

The iVault entirely surrounds the Shuffle, locking the MP3 player in place with four screws that bond the holder's front and back halves together. Anodized red, blue, purple and silver, the aluminium iVault not only gives the white Shuffle that Maglite look, but also some security and weight, almost doubling the player's mass from to 22.1g (0.8oz) to 42.5g (1.5oz).

The case exposes the earphone socket, control wheel, status LED, rear power switch, and base USB connector.

The iVault range is scheduled to ship in May, for $30 a pop. In the US, Griffin is already taking pre-orders for the product via its website (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/ivault/index.php). UK readers should watch out for the iVault's debut at local Griffin distributor AM Micro (http://www.ammicro.co.uk/products/griffin.htm). ®

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