With the Apple iPod continuing to turn heads and win the hearts of its consumers, there is an ever growing market in new accessories for the most popular MP3 player in the world.
With these new accessories coming into the market you are now looking at possible ways to transform your iPod into a fully functional stereo or possible ways to further enhance it with such things as scratch resistant cases, and other such products. Some of these accessories mentioned below, can only be used with specific models, although with the speed of the current development of iPod accessories available to customers, we should be seeing these products for all models, very soon.
One iPod accessory that everybody should have is the latest firmware, which adds features and potentially fixes bugs. It's free and easy to upgrade your player. You can get the latest firmware for your model at the Apple iPod site or by using a search engine to search for the term "Apple iPod firmware downloads" or similar.
The following are a brief list of the accessories available to iPod users as well as at the end of the listing can be found a reference to the authors blog and the best place to get these products from:
ISkin
The iPod's new case, named the iSkin, is a case made of thick durable rubber, available in 9 different colors. Four of thos colors are actually glow in the dark colors. A little effort is required to fit your iPod into the protective case as you are required to squeeze it in through the display window, and then once your iPod is fitted inside, then you slide in a separate plastic window at the end to protects the screen. The iSkin also features pores in the back of the case to aid in keeping your iPod cool.
Speck Flipstand
If you seriously value the integrity and brand new condition of your iPod, you might like to consider the Flipstand from Speck. These cases are slightly larger and are made of hard, durable plastic. The case completely covers the iPod's screen and scroll wheel. They are also used to stand your iPod upright on your desktop. The newer version of the iPod with docking capabilities also comes with a cradle specially designed to connect via the included Fire Wire cable on your iPod.
Speck Skin
The Speck Skin for your iPod is a rubber case that allows full access to the controls while still giving as much protection to your iPod as possible. When an iPod protected in a Speck Skin is dropped, it will not even make a sound on impact. The original iPod's version of the Speck Skin will keep dust from getting under the controls. The newer docking version of the iPod flips open at the base so that you can insert your iPod into the cradle without having to take the case off. The Speck Skins are available in 3 different colors, which at present are blue, gray and white, or you can buy all three together in a combo pack.
Apple iPod Camera Connector
Costing just a measly 48 Australian dollars, the iPod Camera Connector accessory is a must have bargain for any iPod enthusiast wishing to allow their iPod to connect directly to their digital cameras. The iPod Camera Connector is a USB to Dock connector that powers itself from the iPod it is connected to. The iPod Camera Connector is made of the same white plastic material as the iPod Shuffle. This valuable accessory facilitates the transfer of "rolls" of digital photos to the iPod Photo.
Belkin iPod Media Reader
The Belkin Media Reader provides a convenient way for you to connect and transfer media files between a digital camera and your iPod. After connecting the media reader to your iPod it will copy any digital photos it can find, from any storage card, be it a Compact Flash, a Secure Digital, a Smart Media, a Multi Media Card, or a Memory Stick. Your iPod stores the photos until you next synch it to a PC, though Mac users will find that the photos will automatically be imported into iPhoto. This accessory is a great way to avoid having to carry around a laptop to dump photos from your camera on to. The media reader runs on four AAA batteries and is compatible with docking iPods only at present.
Belkin iPod Voice Recorder
At last Apple have included a voice-recording feature in it's iPod designs, allowing users to record lectures, meetings, or any other oral information they require. Plugging the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder into the top of a docking iPod with the latest firmware will allow you to record voice then upload your recordings to PC. There is a miniature speaker built into this accessory to allow you to play back recordings while on the move. Recordings will automatically sync with iTunes allowing you to listen to them at your PC, as well as e-mail or upload them to a web address.
Belkin Universal Microphone Adapter
Using this accessory you are able to turn your iPod into a microphone ready voice recorder. Using the ports on top of the adapter you are able to connect a microphone as well as headphones or speakers into your iPod. It also features a LED indicator at the front, alerting you of the loudness level of your input. However, if you don't use an external microphone, but instead, prefer to use a built-in microphone/speaker combination, you should consider the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder or the Griffin iTalk as viable alternatives.
Ten Technology NaviPod
Turning your iPod into a home-stereo external device has never been as effective as it is with Ten Technology's NaviPod adapter. This accessory is a wireless remote that controls the basic playback functions of your iPod from a distance. It allows you to use your iPod as part of an existing entertainment system that has inputs. You can also use your ipod and NaviPod with a set of powered speakers, like JBL's Creature speakers, to make a home stereo system of your own without an existing set up. The NaviPod follows the design of Apple's other successful remote device, the in-line remote, continuing the use of a saucer shape and using five buttons to control volume, forward, reverse, play, and pause functions.
Creative TravelSound Speakers
This portable speaker system is compact and versatile in design, kept small enough not to take up much room when being packed into a backpack. The design allows for it to be deployed quickly and transform your iPod into a mini-boom box. The compact design is appealing as is the included carrying case. Most impressive of all, however was how loud these things could get on only four AA batteries and yet still sounding good.
Griffin iTrip
The Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter allows you the ability to transmit music from your iPod directly to any car's FM tuner. The iTrip is the best performing device in its category, allowing you to choose the broadcasting frequency from the iPod's main interface. Other variations offer a smaller selection of frequencies that must be selected via a tiny switch, giving the Griffin iTrip a clear cut advantage above its competition.
JBL Creature Speakers
The JBL Creature Speakers will not only appeal to you with its sleek design but will also impress you with the superior sound quality. The JBL Creature 2.1 powered speaker system plugs directly into the headphone jack or the line-out jack on the iPod cradle and outputs to three speakers. A powerful subwoofer and two high-quality satellites comprise the speakers, that create sounds above 180Hz. The JBL Creature Speakers deliver the best sound in every register. They are available in 3 separate colors, being white, silver, and blue.
PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter
Finally, an FM transmitter that really delivers, the PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter delivers a clear, strong signal with a great range to your stereo. Your iPod will fit snugly inside the PodFreq, which then transmits to any FM setting from 88.3 through to 107.7. The PodFreq uses no batteries, but rather, it draws it's power requirement directly from the iPod itself. The PodFreq does have Fire Wire and mini USB ports to make up for the covered connection port, and it comes with a soft carrying bag as well.
Belkin Battery Pack
The Belkin Battery Pack uses just 4 (AA) batteries and connects to the docking port of Apple's newer iPods to be able to allow you to keep your music playing continuously for up to 20 more hours above normal running times. Four helpful LEDs indicate how much power remains in the pack. This device is a must have for anybody able to carry a small quantity of batteries with them as an alternative to needing wall plug capabilities for power. If you are planning a camping trip, hike, or other outdoors and off the beaten path type activity, then this is the accessory for you.
Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/?iPod-Accessories&id=1267619
With these new accessories coming into the market you are now looking at possible ways to transform your iPod into a fully functional stereo or possible ways to further enhance it with such things as scratch resistant cases, and other such products. Some of these accessories mentioned below, can only be used with specific models, although with the speed of the current development of iPod accessories available to customers, we should be seeing these products for all models, very soon.
One iPod accessory that everybody should have is the latest firmware, which adds features and potentially fixes bugs. It's free and easy to upgrade your player. You can get the latest firmware for your model at the Apple iPod site or by using a search engine to search for the term "Apple iPod firmware downloads" or similar.
The following are a brief list of the accessories available to iPod users as well as at the end of the listing can be found a reference to the authors blog and the best place to get these products from:
ISkin
The iPod's new case, named the iSkin, is a case made of thick durable rubber, available in 9 different colors. Four of thos colors are actually glow in the dark colors. A little effort is required to fit your iPod into the protective case as you are required to squeeze it in through the display window, and then once your iPod is fitted inside, then you slide in a separate plastic window at the end to protects the screen. The iSkin also features pores in the back of the case to aid in keeping your iPod cool.
Speck Flipstand
If you seriously value the integrity and brand new condition of your iPod, you might like to consider the Flipstand from Speck. These cases are slightly larger and are made of hard, durable plastic. The case completely covers the iPod's screen and scroll wheel. They are also used to stand your iPod upright on your desktop. The newer version of the iPod with docking capabilities also comes with a cradle specially designed to connect via the included Fire Wire cable on your iPod.
Speck Skin
The Speck Skin for your iPod is a rubber case that allows full access to the controls while still giving as much protection to your iPod as possible. When an iPod protected in a Speck Skin is dropped, it will not even make a sound on impact. The original iPod's version of the Speck Skin will keep dust from getting under the controls. The newer docking version of the iPod flips open at the base so that you can insert your iPod into the cradle without having to take the case off. The Speck Skins are available in 3 different colors, which at present are blue, gray and white, or you can buy all three together in a combo pack.
Apple iPod Camera Connector
Costing just a measly 48 Australian dollars, the iPod Camera Connector accessory is a must have bargain for any iPod enthusiast wishing to allow their iPod to connect directly to their digital cameras. The iPod Camera Connector is a USB to Dock connector that powers itself from the iPod it is connected to. The iPod Camera Connector is made of the same white plastic material as the iPod Shuffle. This valuable accessory facilitates the transfer of "rolls" of digital photos to the iPod Photo.
Belkin iPod Media Reader
The Belkin Media Reader provides a convenient way for you to connect and transfer media files between a digital camera and your iPod. After connecting the media reader to your iPod it will copy any digital photos it can find, from any storage card, be it a Compact Flash, a Secure Digital, a Smart Media, a Multi Media Card, or a Memory Stick. Your iPod stores the photos until you next synch it to a PC, though Mac users will find that the photos will automatically be imported into iPhoto. This accessory is a great way to avoid having to carry around a laptop to dump photos from your camera on to. The media reader runs on four AAA batteries and is compatible with docking iPods only at present.
Belkin iPod Voice Recorder
At last Apple have included a voice-recording feature in it's iPod designs, allowing users to record lectures, meetings, or any other oral information they require. Plugging the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder into the top of a docking iPod with the latest firmware will allow you to record voice then upload your recordings to PC. There is a miniature speaker built into this accessory to allow you to play back recordings while on the move. Recordings will automatically sync with iTunes allowing you to listen to them at your PC, as well as e-mail or upload them to a web address.
Belkin Universal Microphone Adapter
Using this accessory you are able to turn your iPod into a microphone ready voice recorder. Using the ports on top of the adapter you are able to connect a microphone as well as headphones or speakers into your iPod. It also features a LED indicator at the front, alerting you of the loudness level of your input. However, if you don't use an external microphone, but instead, prefer to use a built-in microphone/speaker combination, you should consider the Belkin iPod Voice Recorder or the Griffin iTalk as viable alternatives.
Ten Technology NaviPod
Turning your iPod into a home-stereo external device has never been as effective as it is with Ten Technology's NaviPod adapter. This accessory is a wireless remote that controls the basic playback functions of your iPod from a distance. It allows you to use your iPod as part of an existing entertainment system that has inputs. You can also use your ipod and NaviPod with a set of powered speakers, like JBL's Creature speakers, to make a home stereo system of your own without an existing set up. The NaviPod follows the design of Apple's other successful remote device, the in-line remote, continuing the use of a saucer shape and using five buttons to control volume, forward, reverse, play, and pause functions.
Creative TravelSound Speakers
This portable speaker system is compact and versatile in design, kept small enough not to take up much room when being packed into a backpack. The design allows for it to be deployed quickly and transform your iPod into a mini-boom box. The compact design is appealing as is the included carrying case. Most impressive of all, however was how loud these things could get on only four AA batteries and yet still sounding good.
Griffin iTrip
The Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter allows you the ability to transmit music from your iPod directly to any car's FM tuner. The iTrip is the best performing device in its category, allowing you to choose the broadcasting frequency from the iPod's main interface. Other variations offer a smaller selection of frequencies that must be selected via a tiny switch, giving the Griffin iTrip a clear cut advantage above its competition.
JBL Creature Speakers
The JBL Creature Speakers will not only appeal to you with its sleek design but will also impress you with the superior sound quality. The JBL Creature 2.1 powered speaker system plugs directly into the headphone jack or the line-out jack on the iPod cradle and outputs to three speakers. A powerful subwoofer and two high-quality satellites comprise the speakers, that create sounds above 180Hz. The JBL Creature Speakers deliver the best sound in every register. They are available in 3 separate colors, being white, silver, and blue.
PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter
Finally, an FM transmitter that really delivers, the PodFreq Premium FM Transmitter delivers a clear, strong signal with a great range to your stereo. Your iPod will fit snugly inside the PodFreq, which then transmits to any FM setting from 88.3 through to 107.7. The PodFreq uses no batteries, but rather, it draws it's power requirement directly from the iPod itself. The PodFreq does have Fire Wire and mini USB ports to make up for the covered connection port, and it comes with a soft carrying bag as well.
Belkin Battery Pack
The Belkin Battery Pack uses just 4 (AA) batteries and connects to the docking port of Apple's newer iPods to be able to allow you to keep your music playing continuously for up to 20 more hours above normal running times. Four helpful LEDs indicate how much power remains in the pack. This device is a must have for anybody able to carry a small quantity of batteries with them as an alternative to needing wall plug capabilities for power. If you are planning a camping trip, hike, or other outdoors and off the beaten path type activity, then this is the accessory for you.
Source : http://www.ezinearticles.com/?iPod-Accessories&id=1267619
1 Comment:
you forgot to mention the vibe vault case. check them out at www.vibevault.com
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