Scratches on back

Question

This is my first iPod and is clearly a very gorgeous piece of kit. I love it. However, I do think the fact that the (lovely) chrome back is so susceptible to scratching is a design flaw. I mean, clearly the thing to do is to buy a case at the same time and put it oh so carefully into it as soon as possible but that ought to be made clear to potential buyers. Also, what is the point of designing a portable gadget like this which is pretty much unusable out of the box unless you are prepared to let it get badly scratched? It ought to come with some sort of basic protective sleeve or something in the box. Also, with a clear warning on the packaging that handling this item at all in its 'naked' state may damage it's appearance irrevocably.. I know I'm not the first person to bemoan this design feature and I'd be interested to hear what other people think.
The reason for this mini-rant? I bought mine the other day, took it out of the box and carefully laid it down on a piece of paper on my desk (I am very careful with and very fussy about items like this). Then I moved it to a wooden shelf. When I picked it up, unaware of the afore-mentioned fragility, it brushed very slightly against the wood and when I looked at the back it had suddenly acquired a series of little scratches. Superficial and small barring a couple of slightly longer ones but enough to really annoy me, given I usually take great care not to scratch pieces of expensive kit. Grrr..
So I am currently awaiting the availability of a proper case, which will take a couple of weeks. Meanwhile I'm almost afraid to use it in case I scratch it more (I have a couple of rings on my hands e.g.) and I am keeping it in a soft camera case wrapped in a cloth. I know there are plenty of cases out there but any recommendations for something that might be available in Ireland?
Also, does anyone know of any way to remove the scratches without doing further damage? They're really only on the surface of the metal. Any sort of polish or other product/method that might help? Thanks.

Answer 1

I've come across people using Brasso and similar products but I can only imagine that would make it worse. Has anyone tried anything like that?
I suppose a certain amount of scratching is inevitable but a coating on the rear as foxcub 6 suggests or a very thin laminate or something, would be a very good improvement. I own several other pieces of kit, mp3 players, a psp and so on, that I have had for years now and they all look in great condition and I don't have to keep them permanently housed in cases, though they're all stored in them when not in use. With this baby, less than 1 hour out of the box and absolutely minimal handling and there's visible damage. C'mon Apple..
In terms of cases, my preference would be to have a protective case to keep it in but to be able to take it out and use it and admire its sleek curves in 'safe' conditions, rather than have it permanently hidden in a cover. I was looking at the Griffin leather one for example. Any other recommendations along these lines? Thanks again to all who have responded.