iPod & MP3 Player Accessories Buying Guide

iPod & MP3 player accessories buying tips

First, and foremost, get electronics accessories that fit! iPods and MP3 players come in many, many sizes. Most are just about, but not exactly, the same size, so the case for second generation music players may not fit first or third generation music players. Read the description carefully and you'll be fine.

Second, get the audio accessories that meet your needs. If you have a small room and want to use you iPod as the audio system, get an iPod dock. If you have a large room, a dock won't get it done; you'll need a real home theater that includes an iPod dock.

Common iPod & MP3 player accessories

Adapters & chargers

All iPods and MP3 players have a plug to attach a charger. The other end plugs into the power source -- a computer, car cigarette lighter or wall electrical outlet. Some music players are experimenting with solar cell chargers. Some chargers have both USB and FireWire plugs. In place of a charger, you can attach an external battery and add hours to your listening pleasure.

The standard iPod or MP3 player has a 3.5mm jack and a USB plug. This works for many consumer electronics applications, but not all, so you might need some adapters. Adapters allow you to connect your digital audio player to home theater speakers; adapters can split signals to two devices; they can even help your little music player run a full surround sound stereo system. If you have a car cassette tape player, you can buy an adapter that runs your iPod or MP3 player through your tape player into the car audio system.

Cases

Cases should be the first accessories you purchase, because they protect your music player from damage as well as personalize it. Digital audio cases are available in several materials:

• Leather: This is the premium case material if you get good leather, like full grain or top grain. Thin or cheap leather cases abound; they won't look good or protect your case for long. Watch out for imitation leathers, poor quality stitching and similar cost-cutting measures.
• Metal: Often called "armor," metal cases provide the most protection. The common color is silver-tone, but others are available. The good cases are padded with felt or rubber or some other material, because a plain metal case could scratch or damage your iPod or MP3 player.
• Plastic: Not as popular as other materials, these do make great armbands and clip-cases (those that hold the case but don't fully enclose it). Plastic, waterproof iPod/MP3 cases are great for use near water.
• Silicone: Commonly called "skins," silicone cases come in so many colors and designs, everyone can find something they like.

All audio equipment cases come with a variety of options: Some iPods and MP3 player covers feature clear plastic over the screen or click wheel; others have openings. Some f cases include a belt clip or lanyard (neck strap or wrist strap), while some are armbands. Some cases allow you to dock or recharge your digital audio player without removing the case. Finally, consider the weight, thickness and size of the case before you buy. Weigh all the options and features and you'll be very happy with what you choose.

FM transmitters

Many new car audio and home theater systems can connect to your digital audio player via MP3 or iPod transmitter. FM transmitters are far neater, more flexible and more convenient than cables. The iPod transmitter connects to the music player and transmits to the radio in your home theater or car audio system. The earmarks of a good FM transmitter include working on multiple frequencies (stations), small size and a long transmission range.

Headphones

The easy part: If it has a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) jack, it will fit iPods and MP3 players. The hard part: Choose the best headphones for you; that means trial and error and maybe buying several headphones for different circumstances. Something to consider when thinking about buying headphones: cordless headphones can be very nice, in fact, an absolute must if you have to move around the room a lot.

• Over-the-ear: Usually the most expensive headphones, they reproduce the most accurate sounds, especially low notes, and block out external noise distractions. Bulky, but generally comfortable.
  
• Standard: Worn on the ears without covering them, these are much less expensive and lighter than over-the-ear headphones. Audio reproduction is adequate, if you're not an audiophile.
• Bud (or Earbud): Probably the most common type, many iPods and MP3 players include earbuds. These headphones rest on the ear, but don't actually sit in the ear canal. With great portability and good audio reproduction, they will remain popular.
• In-ear: The smallest and lightest headphones on the market, they slip right into the auditory canal. Many reviewers feel these are better at noise cancelling than over-the-ear models and reproduce sound as well as any other type, but they can be pricey. One caution: since they send sound straight into the ear, long-term use can cause permanent hearing loss, so turn them down.
• Folding: Folding headphones are a great portable option with good quality sound. Some reviewers claim they break more often, which is not too surprising. If you plan to carry folding headphones in your pocket, be careful which pocket you choose.

Docks

Most iPods and MP3 players connect via USB cable to your computer or your home audio system. For those who want a little more convenience and fewer wires, the iPod dock was created. As with digital cameras, audio equipment docking stations (also called docks or cradles) connect directly--no computer required. Primarily, docks are MP3 player speakers or iPod speakers, but other features are available. They can recharge batteries even while you use them. Some include remote controls, clocks, radios, CD players, video players and cables to connect to other video and audio equipment.

Speaker systems

Digital audio speaker systems have something more than simply docking your iPod or MP3 player. They can be simple desktop or even handheld MP3 speakers, or they can be a room-filling surround sound iPod speaker system. Like docks, iPod and MP3 speakers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and may include clocks, radios, CD players or video players, so you're sure to find one to fit your room and your budget.

Caring for your iPod & MP3 player accessories

Be careful how you roll up audio cables. All wires have a natural twist, and wrapping wires the wrong way can kink or break thin wires.

If you don't get them wet, if you wipe them off when they get dusty, if you keep them away from strong magnets, your iPod and MP3 accessories will probably last until they are technological dinosaurs.