iPod Accessory Must-Haves

Deck Out Your iPod
You finally bought the iPod you’ve been making eye contact with during your last few visits to Best Buy. You have your new portable pal, but now the fun really begins: Part of the excitement of owning an iPod is getting all the goodies that go with it. Accessories range from simple and inexpensive, such as cases, earbuds, and armbands, to higher-end gadgets, such as FM transmitters, portable speakers, charging docks, and voice recorders. Though we can’t cover every type of iPod accessory, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite must-haves.

Cases

Griffin Centerstage ($24.99; www.griffintechnology.com)

We consider cases an iPod necessity—they keep our iPods safe by protecting them from those clumsy moment we all have. Some cases feature belt clips or lanyards so your iPod can easily tag along during your everyday tasks. In addition, cases add a touch of style. If you’re looking to shield your iPod from the scratches and scuffs of everyday use, Apple iPod nano Tubes ($29.99; www.apple.com) will do a fine job. These silicone cases fit snugly around your nano to keep out the dirt and dust, and we love that they come as a set of five colors, so you can dress your iPod to match your mood. For added protection for the screen and Click Wheel, consider a case that has a flip cover, such as Belkin’s Folio Case for iPod nano ($19.99 for white, blue, and pink; $24.99 for black; www.belkin.com). This case’s durable, fine-grain leather design reminds us more of a small, stylish wallet. For 5G iPod owners, Griffin’s Centerstage ($24.99; www.griffintechnology.com) includes an aluminum flip-cover that doubles as a sturdy stand, so you can easily prop it on your desk to enjoy hands-free viewing of videos or your favorite TV shows during your lunch hour.

Armbands

DLO Action Jacket for 2G iPod shuffle ($19.99; www.dlo.com)

One of the main perks of owning an iPod shuffle or nano is having a loyal workout companion. Lanyards suffice for mild exercise, but when it’s time to really get things moving, you’ll want to slide your player into a secure armband so you don’t have to mess with tangled cords or worry about dropping your player. The one-size-fits-all DLO Action Jacket is available for the 2G shuffle ($19.99), nano ($29.99), and 5G iPod ($29.99). The shuffle and nano designs have a clear vinyl window to protect the player from dirt and sweat. We also like Griffin’s Tempo for the iPod and iPod nano ($24.99). This armband has an external headphone jack for easy access and features reflective strips of material that’ll come in handy during those sunset jogs.

Docks & Speakers

iLive Portable Music System ($129.99; www.ilive.net)

If you want to share your tunes, videos, and photos, docks and speakers will make your iPod a sure hit at your next barbecue.

The Apple iPod Universal Dock ($39) is a good investment for households with multiple iPod owners because it includes five adapters. It charges and syncs your iPod, and you can use it to watch videos on your TV or play music on your home audio system. The DLO Home Dock Deluxe ($149.99) is a similar device, and it features a remote control and on-screen navigation, so you can see your iPod’s menu on your television.

If you like to hear your music loud and clear, then pairing your iPod with portable speakers is for you. Most iPod portable speaker systems include integrated docks, so you can charge your iPod as you share its tunes. The iLive Portable Music System ($129.99; www.ilive.net) is an all-in-one boom box that works with most iPods. It features a charging cradle, a remote control, a CD player and radio, a digital clock, and more. Best of all, its subwoofers will really get your playlist thumping.

FM Transmitters

DLO TransPod ($79.99; www.dlo.com)

You probably listen to your playlists just about everywhere—at work, when you exercise, on vacation, at the grocery store—so, of course, you want to listen in your car, too. That’s why you need an FM transmitter. These devices let you wirelessly transmit your iPod’s music through your car stereo using empty FM frequencies. Most FM transmitters have integrated car chargers, as well. There are car adapters strictly for charging your iPod, but why not spend a little extra and get a double deal?

Some FM transmitters have very few preset frequencies; others have a range of frequencies. The Monster iCarPlay Wireless 200 FM Transmitter ($99.95; www.monstercable.com) has an Auto-Scan feature that automatically finds the clearest frequencies, so you can concentrate on the road. The $79.99 DLO TransPod is an FM transmitter and a cup holder cradle. Both plug into the cigarette lighter and have integrated chargers. However, be sure to check compatibility—some FM transmitters are for specific iPod models, such as Griffin’s iTrip nano ($49.99; for 2G nano), but most are compatible with any dockable iPod.

Ready, Set, Accessorize!

With an estimated 4,000-plus iPod accessories available, you shouldn’t have any trouble making your iPod truly your own. If you find yourself craving more iPod extras, get out there and add to your collection: extra batteries, remotes, skins, charging kits, car mounts . . . should we keep going? So, what are you waiting for? Get to accessorizing.


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