Introduction to the iPod
The "iPod economy" is booming, so, for most people, the iPod requires very little introduction; for the others, it's simply the coolest, revolutionary portable device, that's taking the digital music world by storm.
The iPod, itself, comes in variety of models, including the standard, classic, white player, the slim line "nano", and the tiny "shuffle" - but all allow you to carry some, or all, of your music collection with you wherever you go.
There are a multitude of optional extras available for the iPod, depending on exactly how, and where, you want to use it. It's worth taking a look at some of these, to ensure that you're making the most of your listening experience.
iPod Cases
A distinctive case is probably the first accessory that most iPod owners consider - not just to protect their precious acquisition - but to add a sense of individuality and flair. iPod cases come in a variety of different forms - from silicone, to plastic, to metal, to leather and a whole range of other materials, including fabric and fur. Cases, especially those of the silicone variety, are sometimes referred to as "skins", because of their interchangeability.
Whichever type of case you choose, there are a few practical considerations which you should keep in mind. If you're thinking of using your iPod when jogging, or during any other vigorous exercise, then consider a sturdy, perhaps "armoured" (i.e. metal), case, and a belt clip, armband or lanyard; there many sweat and impact resistant cases available, and some with waterproofing, for use in, or near water.
More general considerations include protection for the iPod screen and access to the controls whilst the iPod is in the case.
The Griffin iVault model, for example, combines practical protection, in the form of aluminium, with elegant design, while still allowing access to all the iPod controls. Other examples include the XtremeMac TuffWrapz (for the iPod shuffle), a form fitting, durable, rubber case, and the Belkin F8Z069ea, in stylish black leather.
iPod Headphones
The funky, white headphones, prevalent in Apple's extensive advertising campaign, are synonymous with the iPod, but are, perhaps surprisingly, not the only option. Wireless headphones are available, as are iPod compatible headphones from other manufacturers, some providing better quality sound than the standard headphones.
If you do decide to stick to the standard headphones, these can be customised with so-called "iBuds" , earpiece enhancers - in a variety of colours - which help to amplify and enhance the music, and block out extraneous noise.
Another, sociable, accessory that you might like to consider is a headphone splitter cable, which allows a single iPod to be connected to two sets of headphones - great for sharing your favourite music with a friend.
Apple iPod Nano Lanyard Headphones, for example, are ingenious, insofar as they incorporate the audio signal in to the lanyard itself.
iPod Chargers
A typical iPod battery session lasts roughly 15 hours, after which the batteries need to be recharged.
In addition to the standard iPod charger, options are available, for example, for in-car charging (generally requiring a cigarette lighter socket) and via a USB cable.
The Gear4 World Tour iPod Charger, for example, is a 110-240 volt, AC charger, with international attachments for iPod, or any other device capable of charging via USB.
iPod Docking
In order to transfer data (i.e. music) to your iPod, you will need to connect it to, or "dock" it with, a computer. Accessories that allow you to do this easily include a docking cradle, which simply provides a convenient way of holding your iPod upright while the process is completed, and a docking cable, which plugs into the USB or FireWire port of your computer.
The iPod 2-in-1 USB and FireWire cable, for example, provides both charging and synchronisation functions, while the Logic3 iPod FireWire Cable allows synchronisation between you iPod and PC or Mac.
iPod Speakers
iPod compatible speakers, of which there are several different varieties, including a number of high quality wireless options, allow you to incorporate your iPod into your home entertainment system, or experience clear, crisp music wherever you go.
Many of these systems feature a docking system into which the iPod is inserted, effectively becoming the equivalent of a traditional, HiFi console. This type of functionality also extends, for example, to several iPod "alarm clock" models. Remote control features are also available with many of these systems.
Portable speakers systems are available in any number of compact, stylish - and completely outrageous, for the more adventurous buyer - designs.
Griffin Voyager iPod Speakers, for example, can be used to create a portable system, and feature an auxiliary input, a dock connector and adjustable iPod dock. The Gear4 PocketParty Micro Speaker System, on the other hand, offers one watt of stereo sound, through two tiny speakers, and simply plugs directly into your iPod.
iPod FM Transmitters
iPod compatible FM transmitters, allow your iPod music to be played, wirelessly, on any FM stereo system, including that in your car. You just plug in an FM transmitter to your iPod, select the correct FM station, and you're away. Many in-car FM transmitters also charge your iPod at the same time.
The stylish, Belkin TuneFM model, is a fine example of this type.
iPod Car Adaptors
If your car is an older model, with just a cassette player, a number of special adaptors, or converters, are available, which allow your iPod to be connected to the stereo system via the cassette deck.
The XtremeMac iPod Cassette Deck Adaptor, for example, allows you to insert a cassette, plug a jack into your iPod's headphone socket, and listen to your music on your car's stereo.
Conclusion
There are more iPod accessories on the market than any one person could ever want, or need, but some of them are highly practical, and, indeed, highly attractive, as well as giving you the opportunity to make your iPod "your own". Beware that certain accessories are only available for certain iPod models. Looking at product reviews, from "real" customers, is as good a way as any, and better than most, of separating the good from the bad, from the downright ugly.
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