The Apple iPod is becoming a lot like the little black dress of digital music players; in order to make it stylish, you have to have the right accessories.
One of the most common accessories can usually be spotted at the gym, where toned arms are frequently sporting an iPod strapped on by an armband.
“It’s so convenient,” said Leanna Myhre, a first-year student at Everett Community College who got her iPod as a high school graduation gift. “I’ve used it walking the dog and running.”
But the list goes on from the basic armband. Speakers, remote controls, lanyards, FM transmitters, screen protectors, waistbands and cases are just a few items found on the shelves of the Apple store, making outfitting an iPod into a series of difficult choices. And there are usually three different accessory models to accommodate the three distinct iPods.
Things used to be simpler; in the beginning, there was only the iPod. When the pearly white digital music player emerged on the market in 2001, it had music fans reaching for their wallets.
Then came the iPod mini in six eye-catching colors. The iPod shuffle is the newest member of the iPod family, a gum-pack-sized imitation of the original iPod. The mini and shuffle versions provided more affordable options for digital music listeners who could get by with a smaller hard drive or flash-based memory.
Apple holds more than a 30 percent share of portable audio players market worldwide, according to a study released by market research firm In-Stat. The same report predicted that global demand for portable digital music players would most likely quadruple to 104 million units per year by 2009. As sales continue to soar, Apple and other manufacturers continue to feed the iPod frenzy with more accessories.
Sleevz
This form-fitting skin is made from Optex fabric from RadTech, which allows the user to control the iPod through the material.
The case covers the entire iPod and features a clear vinyl window through which the screen can be viewed. The top of the iPod is left uncovered so accessories can be plugged in.
Sleevz are designed for iPods ($20.95) and iPod minis ($18.95) in red, blue, various purple shades, gray and black at www.radtech.us/rs.
Better Energy Solio solar battery charger
Tap into the power of solar energy with this portable charger. The Solio generates energy from sunlight and stores the power in its internal battery, which takes about eight to 10 hours to charge in direct sunlight.
The charger works with iPod as well as a wide range of other portable devices, including laptops and cell phones, though additional cables must be purchased for other uses.
Developed in England, Solio chargers have only been available in the U.S. since last June. The charger can be purchased for $99 at Apple retailers and online at www.solio.com.
Bose SoundDock digital music system
No longer is listening to an iPod a solitary activity. Complete with all the benefits of a home stereo, the SoundDock is compatible with iPods and iPod minis.
The system comes complete with a remote control and simultaneously charges the iPod while playing music.
The SoundDock costs $299 at Apple retailers and www.bose.com.
Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter
This accessory is a fusion between digital music and FM radio. The transmitter plugs into the earphone jack and wirelessly connects an iPod to any stereo system using FM radio channels from 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz.
The TuneCast II works up to 30 feet from a stereo and turns on and off automatically when radio waves are detected. The transmitter is $39.99 at Apple retailers and www.belkin.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
