It's March. The time of year when thoughts turn to Spring Break, tropical vacations, and an end to the unrelenting frigid misery that is winter. (Look out your window. Nothing but cold and gray. It's like living in a black and white photo.)

A technicolor paradise of bright green palm trees, deep blue waves, bikini-clad sorority girls, and lots and lots of caramel-colored rum are waiting just a short flight away. And to get the party started - and keep it going - you'll need music. Lots of uninterrupted music. 10 or 20 gig worth. (Tropical parties can last two or three days.) That means an iPod.

Now I'm no electrical engineer, but I do know that exposing your $300 electronic device to sand and water is not a good idea. But those sorority sisters want to dance off the Rum Runners, and you don't dare let them down. So grab your EGO and go.

EGO is a completely waterproof sound case that let's you take your tunes where you wouldn't dare before. Customized spacers let you securely lock in your 4G photo, 5G video, 1 or 2 Gig Nano, or Mini, and the click-wheel membrane and external controls let you access the music easily. The sealed waterproof speakers have much better sound than you'd think, and the four AA alkaline batteries give you over 30 hours of play time.

Partying too close to the water's edge? The EGO floats, and the rubber bumpers on the corners and shatterproof body protect your iPod when an overzealous frat boy knocks it off the bar.

There's even wrist and shoulder straps so you can carry your EGO down the beach in search of the next party. (At just over 2 lbs. it's a little hefty.) Or use them to hang your EGO in the shower. Or over the hot tub. Wherever the party happens to be.

$179.99 www.lovemyego.com