Best iPod Accessories

The iPods are definitely the most popular MP3 players / PMPs around. Despite them not being the best in terms of sound quality or features, they are certainly the best-selling thanks to the marketing genius of Steve Jobs, the best online music store ever - iTunes, and the loyal Apple fanbase. In this article we present before you, the best iPod Accessories (most of them are also compatible with the iPhone and the newer iPod Touch).

1. Griffin PowerDock 2 Charging Base

Price: $49

The Griffin PowerDock 2 is a charging base which you can use to charge your iPod or iPhone. It includes two built-in Apple Universal Docks and comes with a collection of Universal Dock insert adapters to ensure compatibility with almost every iPod and iPhone variant.
Features

• Two charging bays
• Base plugs into standard 120VAC wall outlet
• Heavy, brushed metal design stays put on any surface
• Charges nearly any combination of iPod models and iPhone

Specifications

• Internal power supply: 2 to 2.5 amp
• Power input: 110-120 VAC, 60Hz
• Power output: 5 VDC 500 mA to each dock well
• AC cable length: 6.0 ft./1.8 m
• Dimensions: 8.07 x 3.15 x 7.87 in
• Weight: 0.54 kg

2. Altec Lansing T612 Digital Speaker System

Price: $199

Altec Lansing’s T612 digital speaker system was originally intended for the iPhone but is compatible with the iPod as well. In addition to its strikingly stylish design, the T612 delivers delightfully clear sound with satisfyingly deep bass. And if you get a call while listening, the music pauses automatically. Then once you’ve completed your conversation and re-docked the iPhone, the music resumes playing exactly where it left off.

To ensure superior sound quality, the T612 includes internal GSM shielding to keep its speakers from picking up potential intermittent noises emitted by iPhone or other mobile devices. It also provides powerful neodymium speakers and XdB bass-enhancement technology.

The T612 comes equipped with a wireless remote for maximum convenience and control. It offers power on/off, volume up/down, track back/forward, play/pause, and separate bass and treble controls.

Features

• Digital amplification for powerful sound from a compact system
• Full spectrum of pure, distinct sound delivered by four specially engineered neodymium speakers
• Surprisingly deep bass without a subwoofer thanks to XdB bass-enhancement technology
• Wireless remote and built-in controls for speaker functions and iPhone music playback (play, forward, back, volume, bass, treble, and stand-by)
• Universal dock to charge iPhone and iPod
• Auxiliary-in jack for connecting older iPod models and other audio devices such as CD players
• Elegant, wall-mountable design

Specifications

• Sound pressure level (SPL): 100 dB
• Total continuous power: 60 W RMS
• System response: 60Hz to 20kHz (-10 dB)
• Signal to noise ratio: >70 dB at 1kHz input
• Drivers: Two 3-in. full range drivers and two silkdome 1-in. tweeters

3. Bose On-Ear Headphones

Price: $179

The Bose on-ear headphones are one of the best on ear headphones available currently. They are capable of delivering clean, rich sound in a small, light, on-ear design. The sound quality is totally awesome.

They are also very light compared to many other headphones, weighing just 148 gms. Their earcups are softly padded with memory foam that gently conforms to the shape of your ears and designed to rotate for an enhanced fit with no pressure. You can wear them comfortably for hours while listening to your favorite music.

Features

• Proprietary Bose headphone technologies deliver clean, rich sound
• Lightweight fit; single-earcup cable; increased portability and easy storage
• For use with media players, computers and home stereos

Specifications

• Cable lengths: 1.1 m; 0.4 m
• Overall headphone dimensions (HxW): 7.3 x 5.3 in
• Ear cushion outside dimensions (HxW): 3.0 x 2.2 in
• Weight: 5.2 oz./147.4 g

4. Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere Compact Speakers

Price: $129

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere is a compact speaker system that delivers clear sound with maximum bass and minimal distortion. Its compact size and long battery life make it the ideal companion for all music-junkie-road-warriors. It also sports a simplistic but nevertheless stylish design which adds to its appeal.

Features

• Advanced acoustics for exceptionally clear sound
• Three-inch pressure drivers to maximize bass response
• StereXL technology widens the stereo image dramatically
• Ten-hour rechargeable battery for longer listening
• Battery-level indicator eliminates surprises
• Travel case to protect and store speakers.
• iPhone or iPod charged whenever it’s docked
• Wireless remote to control your iPod or iPhone and browse content

Specifications

• Dimensions: 3.6 x 13.2 x 1.5 in
• Weight: 0.73 kg

5. Shure SE310 Sound-Isolating Earphones

Price: $249

The most expensive item in this list, the Shure SE310 Sound-Isolating Earphones are the best in the business. Combining a stunning industrial design with remarkable acoustic performance and superb audio quality, the Shure SE310 sound-isolating earphones are the ultimate audiophile accessory. Their attractive ergonomic design and flexible modular cable help you focus on your music, as they minimize interruptions from the outside world.

Features

• Sound-isolating design; included sleeves block more than 90 percent of ambient noise and ensure a solid fit
• Hi-Definition MicroSpeaker plus Tuned BassPort improves bass response for a listening experience that reveals hidden details in your music
• Detachable, modular cable so you can make the cable longer or shorter depending on your activity
• Connector compatible with earphone ports on both iPod and iPhone

Specifications

• Speaker type: Hi-Definition MicroSpeaker + Tuned BassPort
• Frequency range: 22Hz-19kHz
• Impedance (1kHz): 28 Ohms
• Sensitivity (1mW): 111 dB SPL/mW
• Cable length : 18.0 in

6. iHome iH9B6 Clock Radio

Price: $99

The new iH9 is basically a clock radio for the iPod. It is the successor to the hugely popular iH8 and offers several new features and capabilities including a remote that controls both the unit and iPod menu functions, programmable snooze, and a soothing negative LCD display. Other features include AM/FM presets, EQ controls for bass, treble, balance, even 3D sound for an enhanced audio experience. It sports a sleek design and intuitive interface as well as great sound quality.

Features

• Wake to your own custom playlist
• Full-function remote control controls unit and iPod menu functions
• Programmable snooze feature with intervals from 1 to 29 minutes
• Extra-large, backlit custom negative LCD Display with dimmer
• Wake or sleep to iPod, AM/FM Radio or buzzer
• Universal dock with inserts to fit docking iPod models
• Charges iPod while docked
• High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers to deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power
• Patch cord included to connect other audio sources
• Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep increase/decrease Alarm/Sleep volume allows gentle wake up or sleep
• Dual alarm with AM/FM presets
• Bass, Treble, 3D, and balance controls for best sound
• Speaker jack for adding separate speakers
• 7-5-2 Alarm settings (everyday, weekdays, weekends)
• DST switch for quick daylight-savings time adjustment
• Backlit buttons

Specifications

• AC power: 10V, 1.4A
• Dimensions: 9.05 x 4.25 x 3.54 in

7. Apple iPod Radio Remote

Price: $49

And last but not the least, we present before you the Apple iPod Radio Remote. One of the reasons people quote for not buying an iPod is the absence of a FM tuner (radio). With the iPod Radio Remote, Apple has attempted to solve this problem and it has worked very well. You can access it through the Radio menu on your iPod and even save your favorite stations easily.It even supports RDS so you can view the song, artist and station information directly on your iPod display.

It comes with a wired remote to control slideshow, video and music playback — adjust volume, skip forward/back within a playlist and switch between radio stations and turn the radio on or off. The iPod Radio remote is powered by the iPod batteries itself which make it even more compact and hassle free. Weighing just about 15 gms, the compact remote features a simple, familiar interface and plugs into the Dock connection on your iPod or iPod nano. You can use your own standard earphones instead of the bundled ones with the 3.5 mm audio jack.

For more details on these accessories, visit the Apple Online Store