Ultimate iPod accessories
By CNETStaff
08/07/2004
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/digitalliving/tips/0,3800004921,39161322,00.htm
Apple iPod
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With the holidays approaching and the Apple iPod continuing to turn heads and win consumers' hearts, we figured it was the perfect time to recommend a few sidekicks for the most popular MP3 player in the world. Whether you're looking to make the iPod into a fully functional stereo or just want to wrap it in a cool, scratch-resistant casing, you'll find the answer here. We have one caveat: Some of these accessories can be used with only a specific version of the iPod, as indicated by the "old iPod" and "new iPod" icons.
Note: One iPod accessory everyone should have is the latest firmware. It's free and easy to upgrade your player, adding features and potentially fixing bugs. Upgrade your firmware here.
Cases
Defend your treasured musical pal from damage with one of these inexpensive cases.
Inputs
These add-ons let you control the iPod remotely and record voice memos, and they'll help the iPod play nicely with your digital camera.
Outputs
You bought the best MP3 player around, so you might as well outfit it with top-notch headphones, speakers, and an FM transmitter for car/home playback.
Miscellaneous
The iPod's main Achilles' heel is its battery life, but you can extend it significantly by using one of the accessories listed here. Cases
A protective case should be the first purchase to consider after you've invested money in a new iPod, as the unit's stylish Lucite chassis scratches mighty easily. A good case can also significantly reduce the cringe factor you may experience when watching the device slide off the edge of a table, destined for impact with the floor. We chose options that will protect and/or flaunt your baby.
Est. price: From S$45 (US$26)
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1. Dr. Bott iSkin
An iPod case that glows in the dark--why not? However, the glowing effect requires that a good amount of direct light hit the rubber before the material glows (even in dimly lit conditions) thereafter. The cases for both old and new iPods provide easy access to controls, although docking the new iPod requires the hassle of peeling off the case. But besides its glow, the iSkin has an advantage over the Speck case for the new iPod: It includes a handy belt clip on the back.
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Est. price: From S$59 (US$34)
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2. Speck Flipstand
If you really want to baby your iPod, consider a "flipstand" case from Speck. These larger cases are made of hard, durable plastic and completely cover the iPod's screen and scrollwheel. They can also be used to position the iPod upright on your desk--thus, the name flipstand. The version for the newer docking iPod comes with a custom cradle that connects to the iPod's included FireWire cable.
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Est. price: From S$44 (US$25)
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3. Speck Skin
Both of these rubber Speck cases afford complete access to the iPod's controls while providing a commendable level of protection; when we dropped an iPod sheathed in one of these cases, it didn't even make a sound when it hit the linoleum. The Speck skin for the original iPod keeps dirt from getting under the controls, while the version for the newer docking iPod flips open at the base so that you can insert the player into its cradle without removing the case. The Skins come in three colors: blue, grey, and white, or you can buy all three together.
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Inputs
Originally, portable audio players were designed to play music on the go and nothing more. Many companies now offer ways to use MP3 players for other endeavors. While the iPod doesn't include many such features, these input accessories give it extra powers.
Est. price: From S$188 (US$110)
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1. Belkin media reader
This device from Belkin creates perfect harmony between a digital camera and your iPod. Connect the media reader to the iPod, and it will copy digital photos from any storage card (CompactFlash, Secure Digital, SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, or Memory Stick). Your iPod's hard drive stores the photos until the next time you sync to a PC or Mac. If you've ever had to carry a laptop in order to dump photos from your camera, you'll quickly see why this is such a big deal for shutterbugs--especially the photographer on the go. The media reader requires four AAA batteries and is compatible with new docking iPods only.
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Est. price: From S$88 (US$51)
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2. Belkin voice recorder
If you were among the throngs of iPod owners wishing Apple had included a voice-recording feature for memos, lectures, and meetings, this module is for you. Plug it into the top of a docking iPod (with the latest firmware) to record voice memos, then upload to your computer. There's even a miniature built-in speaker to play back recordings you've already made. Memos automatically sync with iTunes so that you can listen to recordings back at your desk, as well as e-mail or upload them.
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Est. price: From S$88 (US$51)
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3. Ten Technology NaviPod
Turn your iPod into a home-stereo component with Ten Technology's NaviPod, a wireless remote for the iPod that can control basic playback functions from across the room. Use the iPod as part of your existing sound system in this manner, or combine it with the NaviPod and a powered speaker system such as JBL's Creature line to form a standalone home stereo. Mimicking Apple's in-line remote, the saucer-shaped NaviPod has five buttons for volume, forward, reverse, play, and pause. Plug your iPod into your hi-fi stereo, relax in the La-Z-Boy, close your eyes, and enjoy complete control over your tunes.
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Outputs
Of course, the most important thing about the iPod is the music, man! Those who own an iPod know that you need quality sound-production equipment to complement the player's clean, powerful output. Below, you'll find the products that make the iPod sound better on the go, in the car, or at home.
Est. price: From S$78 (US$45)
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1. Belkin car adapter
The Belkin auto adapter not only keeps the iPod's battery fully juiced through the docking port but also offers a line-out jack for connection to your car stereo for a cleaner hookup than you can get with the wireless iTrip. Use the white Belkin cassette adapter (or any other brand) to help the iPod interface with the car stereo. You'll be up and running in no time. (Note: You can't use the iTrip with the Belkin auto adapter's line-out.)
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Est. price: From S$76 (US$44)
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2. Griffin iTrip
If you're still using a clunky cassette-style adapter to connect your iPod to the car stereo, consider cutting the wires with Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter. The iTrip lets you transmit music from the iPod directly to the car's FM tuner. While the sound quality through any portable FM transmitter is less than perfect, the iTrip is the best of its category. These units let you choose the broadcasting frequency from the iPod's elegant interface, unlike others that offer a sparser selection of frequencies that must be selected via a tiny switch.
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Est. price: From S$120 (US$70)
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3. Headphones
The big difference between mediocre portable listening and quality portable listening is a pair of decent headphones. After all, partnering your spanky iPod with a pair of cheap earbuds is like restricting a Formula 1 car to 60kmh on the race track--it limits your player's sonic capabilities. A set of quality phones can really elevate your adored MP3 collection to new and exciting heights, and also pick out all the nuances in your music that have been previously hidden.
If you love clean sound on the go, try these top-notch headphones.
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Miscellaneous
These accessories don't fit into any of the other categories, but they'll keep your precious player powered up, scratch-free, and fashionable. As we update this story, we are sure the listing will expand as it seems there is no end to the wacky things manufacturers can come up with to spoil your iPod
Est. price: From S$108 (US$63)
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1. Belkin battery pack
This handy device utilizes four AA batteries and the docking port of Apple's newer iPods to keep music playing for up to 20 more hours. The battery pack sticks to the back of the iPod using suction cups, while four helpful LEDs indicate how much juice remains. If you plan to take music on camping trips, hikes, or otherwise off the grid, this device is a must-have.
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Est. price: From S$25 (US$15)
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2. iCleaner Pro
Although it's mighty pretty, the iPod's shiny outer shell can be marred by scratches from keys and other in-pocket elements. iCleaner aspires to keep your treasured travel companion as lustrous as it was on the day you first set eyes on it. Their product line includes maintenance polish, scratch remover, and a small selection of buffing cloths. iCleaner does not work magic, but we tested it with somewhat positive results. Still, you should always protect your iPod from wear and tear.
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