Even as someone who doesn’t have an iPhone (Android, grumble grumble), I know full well that the market for cases, sleeves and protectors for the tech toys seems to be a tad, uh, saturated. Not only are there plenty of companies dedicated to making only accessories for Apple gear, but it seems as though every brand that has every manufactured any kind of apparel or tech goods would also like to sell you something to cover your phone. Everyone I know with an iPhone has a veritable wardrobe for it.

I can understand if iPhone owners feel like they have enough cases already, but even those with full tech closets should take a look at Net-a-Porter’s fresh crop of Swash iPhone 4 Cases. They’re a tad spendy at $70, but the feminine, slightly bohemian look of the cases is different than any I’ve seen in the past.

When I first saw these designs, I thought they looked like the album covers in my parents’ record collection from the late 60s and 70s – fluid, hand-drawn, colored with notes of psychedelia and naturalism. At the same time, though, these designs are also genuinely pretty and feminine, and combining the two looks is a pretty neat trick in my book. According to the brand’s somewhat bare-bones website, Swash also makes ready-to-wear, handbags and throw pillows in the same types of patterns, and I sincerely hope that Net-a-Porter starts carrying a wider selection of its offerings.

Swash Posey iPhone 4 Case, $70 via Net-a-Porter

Swash Canary Honolulu iPhone 4 Case, $70 via Net-a-Porter

Swash Orient Express Han Blue iPhone 4 Case, $70 via Net-a-Porter

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced holiday gift that you’re sure the recipient has a use for, it’s hard to go wrong with something tech-y. No matter how girly the girl, we all have iPhones and laptops and iPads (some of us) that are parts of our everyday lives, and making them a little more chic while maintaining functionality is a near-constant pursuit for young women.

That’s why we’ve assembled a list of the finest high-fashion tech accessories as the latest installment of our Holiday Gift Guide 2011; from headphones to laptop cases to a bag to carry it all, we can outfit you for the next year and then some.

Diane von Furstenberg Saffiano Printed iPhone Case, $50 via Net-a-Porter

Balenciaga Classic Arena Screen iPad Case, $565 via Barneys

Juicy Couture Faux Fur Earmuff Headphones, $98 via ShopBop

Reed Krakoff Leather iPad Case, $590 via Net-a-Porter

Marc by Marc Jacobs Heart Earbuds, $40 via Net-a-Porter

Rebecca Minkoff Pyramid Neoprene Laptop Case, $78 via ShopBop

Juicy Couture Naomi Neoprene Laptop Bag, $148 via ShopBop

Smythson Leather Camera Case, $230 via Net-a-Porter

Marc by Marc Jacobs Heart USB Keychain, $42 via ShopBop

What if the case in question were the acid yellow Proenza Schouler iPad Case, which is easily the least iPad-case-looking designer iPad case I’ve seen since the advent of the product? How many more times do you think I can work the phrase “iPad case” into this post? I’d say that the over-under is six.

Anyway, this thing’s kind of a looker, right? And at $685, it’s cheaper than any of Proenza Schouler’s other clutches by a long shot, and unlike most spendy iPad cases (1), this one actually has a functional front flap pocket and the same detailing as the rest of the brand’s handbags. So I ask you: Why not leave the iPad at home, throw your regular stuff inside and carry this iPad case (2) as a clutch?

I see no reason why not, actually. The leather on this case isn’t rigid, and what do you really need for a night out that would be so bulky? A phone, a card case, some cash, a lipstick, your keys; all of that would fit in this iPad case (3) without making it bulge in an unsightly way, and the bright color is calling my name so loudly right now. Plus, the lines of this design are a little bit starker and straighter than those of the PS1 clutch, which feels very current in today’s aesthetic climate. Plus, like I already said, iPad cases (4) are cheaper than clutches! So what are we waiting for? Buy through Proenza Schouler for $685 (in orange-red and black, too).

Oh, and good for those of you who bet on the under. I only got to four.

A basic iPad costs $500, but having guessed (correctly) that vanity gadgets appeal to those who might also want to expensively accessorize said gadgets, designer cases have skyrocketed in price. This two-tone beauty is one of the most expensive that I’ve seen in non-exotic leather, and with a price in excess of $700, it appeals only to those most committed to the fusion of fashion and technology. And perhaps those who should actually be committed. (I kid, I kid.)

Alaia is known for having some of the highest prices in the industry when it comes to leather goods, so people familiar with the brand probably didn’t experience an inordinate amount of sticker shock upon hearing the price of this case. And, truth be told, if this were a regular clutch using the same amount of material, I probably wouldn’t think about the price tag twice. Something about the very narrow functionality of piece meant only to shield an already-expensive tech toy makes me balk at $700+, but I’d love to have a small handbag in the same dual-color lasered leather in my closet. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $715.

It’s that time of year again! To launch our Gift Guides 2010 series, we thought we’d start small, with the type of accessories that almost everyone needs but people sometimes forget when looking for fashionable presents: Tech Toys. We have cute cases for every gadget in your collection, plus a couple other things that might come in handy (or just look really cool). Whether you’re giving this stuff to your friends, your family or yourself, everyone is sure to find something they like where fashion meets function in the most literal sense.

I’m betting that most of us are used to using tiny earbuds for our iPods and various other noise-emitting devices, but retro earphones are starting to gain in popularity. There’s good reason for the trend – if you’re traveling or trying to listen in some other noisy, crowded area, you can’t beat over-ear headphones for complete sound submersion unless you want to get into the pricy world of noise-canceling earbuds. A colorful, relatively inexpensive set of the Zumreed Border Headphones looks like an accessory but acts like a subway rider’s best friend. If green isn’t your thing, Zumreed makes a variety of colors and styles. Buy through Amazon for $44.59.

I’m waiting until the second generation of the iPad comes out to add one to my tech arsenal, but if you already have one or know someone who does that needs a fun case that will actually protect their tablet while in use, check out the DANNIJO Reid iPad Case. This case functions similarly to the iPhone cases with which we’re all familiar and provides a hard shell in case the iPad slips off your lap or out of your butterfingers. It’s a bit pricy, but compared to the DANNIJO jewelry over which I lust almost daily, the case is kind of a steal. Buy through ShopBop for $150.

You might think that neoprene laptop cases are a dime a dozen, but the upside of their ubiquity is that designers have more or less decided to price theirs similarly to non-designer manufacturers. When I bought my Built NYC case a few years ago, it cost basically as much as the Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumble Neoprene Laptop Case. Only it’s black instead of bright, cheery blue. For the same price, this totally functional accessory would be a definite upgrade. And if you prefer, the case also comes in a version that would fit an iPad or Kindle. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $50.

Speaking of the Kindle, if you prefer a case tailor-made for your Amazon device and loved the Kate Spade book clutches we featured in September, you’re in luck: the Kate Spade Great Expectations Kindle Cover is the best of both worlds. The case also comes in several other titles. Buy through Amazon for $85.

Ok, ok, so The Complete New Yorker is not a strictly fashion-related gift, but if there’s anything more stylish than being well-read and erudite, I don’t know what it is. The collection includes all the issues of the New Yorker from February 1925 to April 2008, all packaged onto a convenient hard drive with room for updates. Buy through the New Yorker Store for $179.

You didn’t think we’d forget to include an iPhone case, did you? The iPhone is probably where tech accessories went from lots of black rubber and nylon to a chic style expression, and Apple’s marquee mobile product still provides the best and most varied opportunity to express your personal style through gadgets and their trappings. The Case-Mate Tough iPhone 4 Case is just one of many fun, colorful cases out there for your perusal, but the tones and pattern of those one in particular tickled my fancy. It’s also available for iPhone 3G. Buy through Nordstrom for $38.

Blackberry or iPhone? Vlad and I are iPhone people, though every friend of ours who owns a Blackberry will never stop raving about their “Crackberry” obsession after posting their BBM on every social network they belong to. Yet, we have not converted. Our iPhones load our email quickly, show our websites perfectly, and offer so many amazing games and apps that we will never be bored.

The luxury market quickly took a hold of people’s inherent mobile phone fixation to produce leather cases to cover our precious devices. Thus far I have opted for a plastic protective case, but after seeing some of the leather cases, I feel myself needing a change.

So here we have the battle of the Luxury iPhone cases. I picked four of my favorite options, including one from Nancy Gonzalez, Balenciaga, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. All come from well-established brands and all offer a different aesthetic. There is the exotic skin with Nancy Gonzalez, the Balenciaga hardware and tassle touches, luxury meets chic with Hermes, and of course you can opt for Monogram Louis Vuitton (they also have Damier and Taiga leather).

Which luxury iPhone case would you choose? If we didn’t cover your favorite, tell us your pick in the comment section below.

• Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile iPhone case | $325 via Net-A-Porter
• Balenciaga Smart Phone Pouch | $275 via Balenciaga
• Hermes iPhone 3G Leather Case | $315 via Hermes
• Louis Vuitton iPhone 3G Case | $250 via Louis Vuitton

I am not going to try to fool anyone by pretending like I don’t love the iPad. Prior to its launch, I was vehemently opposed to purchasing one, despite having been a loyal Apple customer over the years. Once I got to play with it shortly after it came out, I was sold. I use it daily for browsing, email and an occasional game of Angry Birds.

I take good care of my gadgets, I keep my MacBook Pro sleeved during travels and care meticulously for the clean appearance of our miscellaneous displays around the house. But I have never encountered the urge to spend triple the amount that it costs me to purchase a gadget on a protective layer for the gadget.

Behold the Chanel iPad Case, formally known as the Chanel “Mallette en cuir noir” and weighing in at a staggering $1,555.

PurseBlog appreciates Chanel bags for their classic appearance and timeless touch. The leathers are undoubtedly amidst the finest attainable, the quilted stitching draws envious looks from many and the brand’s customers are a loyal bunch.

However, to spend $1,555 on a carrying case for a $500 tablet that will soon become obsolete by its smaller, faster, shinier successor borders on absurdity. There is no longevity to this purchase at all and I am positive that even the most hardcore of Chanelistas will agree with me.

Go with a $60 Dodo Case and support a domestic manufacturer instead.

Oscar de la Renta continues to prove he is not only ahead of the curve but also completely able to relate to all of us who spend our days glued to gadgets.

Today we have the exclusive preview of the second batch of Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutches. The first iPad cases (which Oscar endearingly calls a clutch) were spotted on the runway of the Resort 2011 show. Just before that show, Oscar himself purchased an iPad which prompted him to create a fashionable clutch to cover his new omnipotent tablet.

    

The Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutch garnered internet-wide fandom for its sleek but fashionable design. The first set was available exclusively and in limited edition via OscardelaRenta.com and sold out quickly.

Here is the good news for all of you: We have the first look of the second set of iPad clutches and I happen to adore these even more than the first batch! Debuting tonight on the site, the second group of de la Renta iPad Clutches become available for purchase. This group has gone glam in three python versions and one crocodile embossed leather version.

It may seem like calling these cases clutches is off, but it is not. When you think of an iPad case, it sounds like more of a protection layer than anything else. But Oscar de la Renta lives and breathes fashion and combines it with function in these exotic and upscale iPad Clutch designs.

    

These clutches are meant to be part of your ensemble and to be used as a statement piece. The python options offer three different colors: vivacious red, pearlized taupe, and a deep pearlized rose. Then there is the black crocodile embossed leather version, which is perfect for a man or woman. The clutches are simple yet striking and the perfect accessory to your wardrobe. And at $390 for the python version, we think it is a rather reasonable price.

With technology moving at such a fast pace, it is exciting to watch one of fashion’s all time greats lead the pack with an exotic design that is hard to resist for the latest Apple must-have gadget.

Buy exclusively via Oscar de la Renta online: Red python for $390, Taupe Python $390, Rose Python $390, Black Crocodile Embossed Leather $290.

For the fashionable student who has everything (Or maybe the intrepid fashion blogger on the go. HINT HINT.), we present the Alexander McQueen Skull Print Laptop Case, available exclusively via Net-a-Porter.

Emblazoned with the same skull motif as McQueen’s iconic scarves, this canvas and leather case will keep your laptop safe inside your school or work bag and look chic while doing it. If you like to get practical mileage out of your designer accessories or if you like the skulls but don’t want the scarf that everyone else already has, this is laptop case is certainly not a bad way to go.

The available information doesn’t specify which laptop sizes will fit, but based on its dimensions, it seems like it’s intended to accomodate a a 14- or 15-inch machine. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $395.

Not long after the annual summer release of a new iPhone comes an inevitable parade of ways to personalize and protect your new gadget. Those options range from rubber cases that can be had for $19.99 at your local Best Buy to Louis Vuitton monogram sheaths that cost more than the phone itself (with a two-year contract, of course), and the prospect of choosing one can be quite the task indeed for style-conscious gadget-lovers.

Since it seems as though the iPhone 4 is making a case more of a necessity than ever, now is a good a time as any to talk about the odd submarket that has opened up for designer tech accessories. Would you spend a couple hundred bucks on a case for your phone, or are such things absolutely frivolous in your mind?

In many ways, the purchase of an iPhone or iPad is a style-conscious decision from the outset. Not only are Apple products notorious for excellent industrial design, but the company actively markets itself to people that value aesthetics in everyday life. It only makes sense that some of those people also enjoy significant expendable income, part of which they’re willing to expend in order to make their favorite gadget as pretty as can be.

Are you one of those people? Surprisingly, I’m not. I don’t have an iPhone (I have philosophical issues with AT&T), but my Blackberry is eternally covered by a boring black case, mostly because I’m convinced that I will one day drop it in a toilet (I worked at Best Buy for three years in college, it’s astonishingly common). If that happens, I don’t want to be out as much as a couple hundred bucks for a ruined case as well as a phone.

(From left: Nancy Gonzalez, $385 via Net-a-Porter; Fendi, $60 via Net-a-Porter; Rick Owens, $150 via Net-a-Porter.)