For many Apple devotees, the next few days will be a harrowing mix of highs and lows while waiting on bended knee, or, in some cases, sleeping outside the store, for the all-important release date of the new iPhone 5 on Friday Sept. 21.

Many industry analysts are predicting nearly 200 million more iPhones to be sold by the end of 2013. "Of the iPhone owners we surveyed, over half said they wanted to buy the new one," said Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. "There's a huge pent-up demand for the new iPhone."

If you fall into the category of 'iPhone-5-owner-to-be' then you might want to busy yourself by prepping for the handset's arrival. One thing that differentiates this iPhone from its predecessors is the introduction of the new Lightning connector: a new smaller 8-pin, all-digital dock connector which takes up far less space on the phone's underside. Add to that the headphone jacks migration to the phone's base and the additional height the iPhone 5 now has thanks to its larger 4-inch screen and a number of your older iPhone accessories are obsolete.

We've put together a list below of some of our favorite iPhone 5 cases, which serve as protection and decoration in all sorts of packages. Take a look.

Cygnett

This Australian manufacturer has developed 11 different case ranges for the iPhone 5, in a host of styles and each one comes with a lifetime guarantee. We're even running a competition right now so you could pick up one of the plethora of cases on offer without having to spend a penny.

SecondSkin ($16.99) - The most affordable case in Cygnett's lineup, this silicone 'skin' is a thin, unobtrusive case designed to protect your iPhone 5 from the general scuffs and bumps of everyday life, the front is also raised to help keep the handset's display away from anything that could risk causing a scratch. SecondSkin comes with a screen protector and is available in burgundy and black at launch.

ICON ($30.00) - Australian animator Nathan Jurevicius has lent his artistic abilities to Cygnett's ICON range, with each case featuring a different graphic based on the art from his Scarygirl graphic novel and online game. The design shown here is called Haven, but there are four different designs in the ICON series and each product comes with a screen protector.

WorkMate ($30.00) - If you're planning on hurling your precious new iPhone around, then you might want to invest in Cygnett's WorkMate case. A dual material design which includes a thick silicone skin and a hard protective shell. The manufacturer promises that this case is pocket friendly, but assume it'll add significant bulk to the handset's otherwise wafer thin 7.6mm thickness. Available in dark green and black or dark blue and black.

Griffin

US accessory company Griffin has always had a fondness for the iPhone. Griffin's iPhone cases look to offer a large variety of color options with six distinct ranges.

Moxy ($29.99) - If striking looks are what you feel your iPhone needs Griffin's Moxy case range uses jungle inspired themes, with bold patterns and bright colours. The outer casing, which holds the design, is bonded to a polycarbonate hard shell rubberised on the inside.

KaZoo ($24.99) - If you fancy choosing an iPhone case with a little character (literally), then Griffin's KaZoo soft touch silicone cases have been formed as both an elephant and a monkey. What's more the Animal Parade line continues the trend with Koala and Tiger designs, should you prefer something different.

Survivor ($49.99) - Back and better than ever, the Survivor range is the perfect case for those who feel the need to drag their iPhone through sand, dirt, dust and rain. It's the only case in Griffin's repertoire which exceeds the requirements for the US Department of Defense's 810F standard. Made from thick silicone, wrapped around polycarbonate, these cases ensure that your iPhone stays safe through all sorts of situations. What's more it comes in a varied array of colors.

Case-Mate

The international design company, Case-Mate, has already made its name creating fashionable accessories that also protects mobile devices. They've recently released a new portfolio of cases designed for the new iPhone 5 which will feature a mix of luxury, functionality and quality materials.

"At Case-Mate, we have a diverse team of engineers and fashion designers that work with artists and companies around the world to design products that are as unique and stylish as they are innovative and protective," says Case-Mate's CEO and Founder Shashi Reddy. "The products we've designed for the iPhone 5 are without a doubt the most fashionable and protective cases we have ever released."

Barely There ($30.00) - The cheapest and simplest case for the iPhone 5 that Case-Mate makes. Has an impact resistant hard shell that covers the back and sides, and a "lay-flat" feature that  protects the front of your iPhone by extending the bezel above the screen. A silicone interior liner provides impact cushioning and an impressive detailed pattern.

Giraffee ($30.00) - We're not sure if the name's a typo on Case-Mate's part, or some bizarre language-play from the artist, but, hey, art! Colorful case designed by artist Valentina Ramos. "Her world of fantasies and dreams comes alive in her playful artwork. Each intricate design starts with a black ink drawing and is complete with her signature style of fantastical elements, bright colors and swirls," says CaseMate. We agree. One of the cooler artist-designed iPhone 5 cases we've seen.  

Madison Quilted Case ($70.00) - On the luxurious end of the case spectrum, and still listed as "coming soon" on Case-Mate's site. But oh, just look at this fancy, fancy iPhone 5 case. Will your friends agree? Who cares? If you're buying this thing for $70, chances are you're going to remind everyone of that fact, and even if you don't, you at least likely will the first time you drop it in the toilet.