Six of the best gadget cases

Classy Cover - Brunswick iPad2 Cover - £120 from www.proporta.com

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Now you've found your way around your new gadget gift, consider one of these covers to protect your device from scrapes and scratches, says Peter Jenkinson

Lucky recipients of shiny new devices of late are likely to be well versed in their workings.

The trouble, however, is that with hefty use, the gleam from your gadget can quickly disappear.

To protect your device from bashes, scratches and scuffs, it is imperative to get some protection.

We've scoured the virtual aisles to bring you a diverse portfolio combining fun and function with a dash of fashion.

Classy Cover - Brunswick iPad2 Cover - £120 from www.proporta.com

A recent recipient of five stars from Apps Magazine, this top-quality leather case is available in three colours and each one is checked for perfection before dispatch. It protects your tablet from the daily grind, looks professional and comes with a built-in stand. It may raise a few eyebrows on the price front, but consider this the private jet of iPad covers.

Dive In - Aqua iPad Case - £34.99 from www.firebox.com

Trips to foreign climes and thoughts of a balmy season here at home mean any iPad owner will want their never-leaves-my-side device to accompany them to the beach or pool. But before you apply your sun cream, ensure your iPad is protected too. This cover is waterproof up to one metre, so you can take snaps and video underwater.

Card Carrier - SwitchEasy iPhone Card Case - £24.99 from www.firebox.com

A simple innovation but extremely useful. Just slip a card - debit, credit, etc - into the back to make any type of contactless payment a breeze and keep your flexible friend safe and secure. Available in three colours, this scratch resistant snap-on case is sure to attract many fans.

Hold Fire - NERF Armour Case - £14.99 from www.amazon.co.uk

In its signature bright colours, this 'Armour' has the ability to protect your Nintendo 3DS from a fair amount of accidental aggression. The ultra-hard-wearing polyurethane construction thrives on bumps, knocks, scrapes and drops while keeping all functions, including the camera lens, fully accessible.

Red Braces Brigade - 80s Brick iPhone Case - £10.95 from www.urbangifts.co.uk

For just a few moments each week, let us pay homage to the pioneers of the portable telephone. Stick your hi-tech iPhone inside this case and enjoy the lingering glances and enquiries of a generation in disbelief that this was once a common sight on city streets. It just so happens to double up as a protective case too.

Easy Driver - Apptoyz Wheel - £7.49 from www.carphonewarehouse.com

This outlet has pretty much everything covered - pun intended - by way of phones and accessories. For Apple fans, this protective case turns your iPhone or iPod into a steering wheel. Compatible with any driving game that uses the accelerometer feature, it's sure to assist you in achieving better racing times.