A case for portable electronic device has a set of substantially rigid opposing faces mounted on a hinge that fold together to enclose the device. An internal electrical connection between the device and the case is used to provide an electrical access point on the exterior of the case. The external electrical connection is accomplished through a passive electrical connector positioned on the hinge that holds the opposing faces together. Additional active electronics and batteries may also be positioned in the hinge such that the case can be operationally linked with the device contained in the case. Since many portable electronic devices are dimensioned to be carried in pockets or purses, limiting the size of a protective carrying case can be crucial to gaining consumer acceptance. The case is particularly well adapted for use with a digital music player.