An iPod should not run around naked, ever. There’s no law against it, but touch (or drop) a naked iPod and you’re asking for trouble — a scratch, nick or smudge.

Apple’s vulnerable little iPod-iPhone family needs some protective custody, whether it’s scratch-proof transparent film, a protective case, flip-top leather holder, waterproof enclosure or fashion-statement cases.

Here’s a look at a few, as tested with a second-generation Touch.

Protective Film

Clear vinyl film for touchscreen.

Cost: $1.53 (monoprice.com)

Verdict: This is a basic peel-off sticker that most people will apply in less than a minute. I bought two and blew it with both. Each time I tried to adjust the placement I left fingerprints and dust on the film’s sticky surface, ruining it.

OtterBox Defender Series

Polycarbonate skeleton case wrapped in a silicone skin, with transparent screen protection.

Cost: $30 (otterbox.com)

Verdict: Initially, the Defender felt awkward and touchscreen response seemed sluggish because of the screen protector. After much practice, I actually liked the Defender because of its high level of protection, though it’s not waterproof. Even the Touch’s sync/charge jack and headphone jack are protected with a flip-up silicone plug.

BodyGuardz

Transparent film.

Cost: $25 for full body (two fronts, two backs), $17 for two backs, $15 for two fronts (body guardz.com)

Verdict: A film applied with a pump-spray solution that feels more elastic, and tougher, than the bargain-basement film from monoprice.com. It’s much easier to adjust the fit, as long as the film and your fingers remain moistened. Still, I couldn’t eliminate all the bubbles from the back, and the corners did not quite fit snugly. The front fit perfectly.

OtterBox Impact Series

Rubbery protection for Touch’s back side.

Cost: $20 (otterbox.com)

Verdict: The touchscreen is the Touch’s most vital body part. Always protect that first. A protective film combined with an open-face case like the Impact, yes. But $20 just to cover an iPod’s butt? No thanks.

Monster/LRG Leather Case

Carry case with detachable key chain, belt loops

Cost: $50 (lrgisamonster.com)

Verdict: Nice leather case available in seven colors/patterns, with a magnetic flap and a liner that promises to keep the screen clean. I’d still get a protective film for the touchscreen.

Contour Design’s Fusion

Fashion backs made of flexible-silicone pattern on rigid polycarbonate.

Cost: $30 (contourcase.com)

Verdict: A tight fit, with opening for easy sync/charge. I preferred the Fusion’s design to its fashion. I still wouldn’t get this without adding touchscreen protection.

Mophie Hard Case Plus

Polycarbonate case.

Cost: $30 (mophie.com)

Verdict: Two-piece, snap-on case with an all-clear view of the Touch. Better protection than a transparent-film skin, yet preserves the Touch’s rounded edges while adding less bulk than other full-body cases. The on-off switch, now recessed in the case, became more difficult to reach.

OtterBox’s Defender Series offers more protection for the money. Concerns: Glare on touchscreen guard and long-term durability.