With the myriad of accessories available for the iPod, it can be difficult for a novice to choose which one will work best for the model he/she owns. For this reason, MTR presents the following list of our favorite products in several iPod accessory categories.
Cases Considering the recent wave of concerns about iPod durability and the amount of abuse iPods tend to endure, a good case is essential for most users. Here are our recommendations:
3. iPod nano Aluminum Hardcase Company: Rhinoskin Compatibility: iPod nano. Other cases also available for iPod 4G and Shuffle. Case for iPod 5G may be available in the future. Price: $29.95
If you own a PDA and you haven't heard of Rhinoskin, you probably have a collection of smashed PDAs with cracked LCD screens in your closet somewhere. In fact, since Rhinoskin's protection and value are unparalleled in the PDA industry, you may have wished that they had something similar for the iPod nano. Well, starting in mid-December 2005, they will. The iPod nano Aluminum Case is resistant to scratches, shattering, and heat, while still providing access to the click-wheel, buttons, and the Dock connector. It includes a lanyard, removable belt-clip, and a Stuffbak Loss Protection Service Label. Trust me, if you're the kind of person who might sit on your iPod nano by accident, you'll want to get something like this before that happens.
2. Duo Company: iSkin Compatibility: iPod nano and iPod shuffle. Other cases also available for older models. Case for iPod 5G may be available in the future. Price: $29.99
Featuring eight point inner-layer shock absorbers for protection, the Duo also offers a unique dual-layer design that creates beautiful color combinations, including glow-in-the-dark models. The case's surface is non-slick and uses microgoosebumps for easy and secure gripping. Not only is it a high-quality case, but it also includes a belt-clip, screen protector, click-wheel protector, and an offer for a discount on iSkin's earphones, making the Duo an excellent value.
1. i-Vod Video / i-Vod Nano Company: Vaja Cases Compatibility: iPod 5G (video) 30GB and 60 GB, iPod nano. Price: $55-240.
Besides providing protection for your iPod and just looking cool, Vaja Cases are the most customizable cases I have seen to date. You can custom order not just different colors, but also options ranging from embedded crystals to having your name added to the case design. Also features a dock access port and an optional click-wheel protector. According to Vaja, every case is unique, and there won't be any others in the world that are exactly like yours.
Speakers iPods are great for personal listening, but if you want to share your music with your party guests or any other people, you'll need some full-size speakers. If you don't know which ones provide the best listening experience, listen to MTR first.
Editor's note: I was unable to consider any Creative products for this category, because they only market speaker accessories for their own MP3 players.
3. iGroove Company: Klipsch Compatibility: iPod 3G, 4G (including photo), mini, and 5G (video). Not currently compatible with iPod nano. Price: $279.99
If your iPod of choice isn't a Nano, you're sure to love Klipsch's stylish iGroove speaker set. Featuring advanced woofers and tweeters as well as a speaker baffle that minimizes diffraction, it is still a snap to use with its included wireless remote. The iGroove also charges your iPod and includes an adapter for use with satellite radio receivers.
Featuring high-efficiency digital amplification and an XDB enhanced subwoofer, the inMotion iM7 can be used with an AC adaptor or battery power (both included) and can be controlled with the included wireless remote. If you have an iPod photo or iPod 5G (video), you can even plug the speakers directly into a TV for video output. See my article here for information about Altec Lansing's nano adapter offer.
1. SoundDock Digital Music System Company: Bose Compatibility: iPod 3G, 4G, mini, and nano. Information about 5G compatibility not available at press time. Price: $299
Bose's SoundDock features the company's proprietary acoustic design, which generates excellent sound quality and includes active electronic equalization and digital signal processing. Its compression circuitry prevents distortion, even at high volume levels. It also charges the iPod and includes a remote control. Despite being packed with numerous features, the SoundDock also sports a compact, attractive footprint. Like Altec Lansing, Bose has decided to offer a free insert (available separately by request from the above web site) to allow the nano to fit snugly into the docking port as well.
Earphones The included Apple earphones aren't bad - but some people want more. Plus, if you break Apple's earphones, you can expect to pay $40 or more to replace them with the same brand, which is, in many people's opinions, more than they are worth. So what should you buy?
3. Cerulean Earbuds Company: iSkin Compatibility: Anything with a standard headphone minijack, including all iPods. Price: $29.99, or $14.99 with the purchase of selected iSkin cases for iPod
These high-definition, base-enhancing earphones are all about style. Available in four different colors, they complement your iPod without being the same as every other iPod user. The discount price when purchased with one of iSkin's excellent cases makes these earphones an even better deal.
2. MX 400 Company: Sennheiser Compatibility: Anything with a standard headphone minijack, including all iPods. Price: $12.95 (at www.zzounds.com)
These are worth nominating for their roll-up storage case alone - especially if you've ever seen the spaghetti pile connected to the iPods I have owned. But besides that, when I heard about these earphones' high-quality bass response and wide dynamic range, I expected them to be hundreds of dollars. I was really surprised to see that you can get earphones this nice for under $20 (and that's not a sales pitch).
1. Noise Canceling Headphones MDR-NC11A
Company: Sony Compatibility: Anything with a standard headphone minijack, including all iPods. Price: $99.99
If you're like me, you may be wondering why you should spend $100 on earphones when you can get earphones for $2 at some electronics stores. The answer is that Sony's MDR-NC11A model not only features 9 mm ultra-compact drivers that produce outstanding sound quality, but also includes a noise-cancelling feature that reduces background noise by 70%. The noise cancelling requires one AAA battery when in use, but you can also turn it off with the flip of a switch. Pick up the white model if you want to show off the "iPod Look," or get a different color if you live in a high-crime area.
In-vehicle Accessories If you're lucky enough to own both a vehicle and an iPod, you may have wondered how you can use them together. Here are our favorite options:
All right, I admit it. Some people I have talked to really don't like the iTrip. But I have owned two of them, and I think their design is ingenious. No matter how many times Apple changes the form factor of the iPod or comes up with a new connector (while removing the old one), Griffin is always one of the first companies to come out with a product perfectly designed for each iPod model, in most cases without requiring a battery. This is one of the simplest ways to use an iPod with a car radio and doesn't require any wires or any specific car model. In my tests, I was impressed with the sound quality, although its quality can vary depending on distance from the radio and other factors.
2. IPBCK Company: Scosche Compatibility: 3G, 4G (including photo), and mini. Works with shuffle and nano, except that the mounting kit is not compatible. 5G compatibility information not available at press time. Price: $249.99
If you're determined to have something that's just plain cool, you can't go wrong with Scosche's IPBCK. Just plug in the receiver, attach the rechargeable transmitter to your iPod, and you can transmit pure digital audio to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth 1.2. It also includes a cable that allows your car to charge both the transmitter and the iPod. It features a range of 30 feet, and you can even buy multiple receivers for a single transmitter (in case you have one iPod and multiple cars, for example).
1. iCruze Company: Monster Compatibility: iPod 3G, 4G (including photo), 5G (video), mini, and nano. For vehicle compatibility, see this page. Price: $149 after rebate
When you think about high-end audio, you probably think of Monster. And when you think of Monster, you might think of Oscar the Grouch. But when you return to thinking about the actual audio company, you'll realize that the iCruze rocks both figuratively and literally. Once you have it installed (Monster recommends professional installation), you can plug your iPod directly into your car's audio system and control songs and even playlists using your car's CD/stereo controls. iCruze also charges your iPod and provides superior sound quality. If you've got a high-end car, the iCruze is hard to resist.
Conclusion Not too long ago, some people might've insisted, if asked about iPod accessories, that "the iPod is an accessory." But now there is a wide range of products that expand the capabilities of everyone's favorite music player, and with the above, we hope you can make an informed choice about which products are best for you.
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