A new case has been developed for iPods which uses palladium to ensure the music player remains spotless.

The case has been developed by Orbino, which has much experience in designing high-end cases and handbags, and is mainly leather, but has a beautiful scroll wheel frame which is finished with pure palladium.

Its patented belt clip - which is removable - is also finished in palladium and its unique design means it can be used as a desk stand to enable users to watch videos on their iPods in comfort.

The case costs $89 in the US and is another example of pgms being used in the high-end jewellery and gadget market, following on from other uses of platinum and palladium in products such as mobile phones.

Several top-end mobile makers have employed pgms to personalise their handsets and to give them greater prestige and now Orbino may have started a trend in the MP3 market by using palladium to add status to its new product.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd