We always thought Apple's iPod Socks were a silly idea, but the recent controversy over scratched Nano screens may persuade the case-less to reconsider investing in something soft to cushion their favourite portable music player's display.

And now mobile phone owners similarly concerned about grazing their handsets can do the same.

Mocks, like iPod Socks, are colourfully knitted slip cases. Where Apple's versions are available only in the rainbow hues chosen for the original Apple logo, Mocks are available in a range of 30-odd picture designs.

Apple sells its Socks for the princely sum of £19 for six, or £3.17 apiece. CW is selling Mocks for £5 a throw. Or should that be pull.

Anyway, with Winter approaching, Mocks and/or Socks could make the ideal prezzy for anyone with a chilly wil... er... MP3 player. ®

Related stories

• Apple quietly bundles anti-scratch case with iPod Nano (11 November 2005)
• Apple sued over Nano scratches (24 October 2005)
• iPod Nano vs washing machine: who wins? (4 October 2005)
• Apple coughs to iPod Nano screen flaws (28 September 2005)
• Apple's iPod Nano screen woes deepen (27 September 2005)
• iPod Nano owners in screen scratch trauma (23 September 2005)