Cases for non-existent iPhone Nano go on sale

The notion of a pint-sized iPhone Nano arriving anytime soon seems pretty far-fetched, yet here's accessory-maker XSKN, already taking pre-orders for a smorgasbord of iPhone Nano cases.

The Boy Genius Report spotted the cases right here—all 17 flavors, including black, electra on white, "martian" on black, pink on white … you name it, all selling for $24.95. (I'd think twice before ordering one, if I were you.)

Now, as AppleInsider points out, previous leaked case designs from XSKN accurately predicted the iPhone 3G and the new iPod Nano—hence, the current firestorm of iPhone Nano rumors in the blogosphere.

So then, is there an iPhone Nano on the way? Don't count on it. Despite all the buzz and XSKN's track record, even the most rumor-happy tech blogs aren't buying the rumors—and neither am I, frankly.

While Apple has always kept its cards close to its chest when it comes to new products, there's typically a slow, steady drumroll of leaks and rumors—from multiple sources—before a big announcement. That's how it happened for the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G, the new Nano, and the revamped MacBooks.

This time, though, there's XSKN, and ... well, that's it. Given that Macworld 2009—without Steve Jobs, mind you—is just a couple weeks out, I'm finding it hard to believe that XSKN alone has the inside line on the iPhone Nano. Also worth considering: An iPhone Nano with a smaller-resolution screen probably couldn't run all those existing iPhone apps, as MacRumors notes.

But will there ever be an iPhone Nano? Well, maybe—there is an iPod Nano, after all, and Apple likes to (eventually) cook up variations on a successful theme. My (uninformed) guess, though, is that an iPhone Nano—if there ever is one—is a good six to 12 months out, if not longer.

What do you think—will we see an iPhone Nano at Macworld, or are the rumors bogus? And do you even like the idea of an iPhone Nano? Sound off below.

P.S. This will be my last post until 2009. Have a great holiday, and see you next year!

Related:
XSKN makes no apologies, offers iPhone nano case for sale [The Boy Genis Report]