| The popularity of Apple's iPod has spawned a huge | | | | a lot of time in the car and listen to your iPod while |
| industry of iPod accessories. There is such a wide | | | | driving (through speakers or an iTrip, please don't use |
| variety to choose from, it can be hard to decide | | | | headphones while driving), a car charger that plugs |
| which ones are important to look at and which ones | | | | into the lighter jack will ensure that you have music |
| are pointless fluff. Here's a look at the five iPod | | | | the whole way. |
| classic accessories that every iPod owner needs to | | | | Cables |
| consider. | | | | Cables are another necessary iPod classic accessory. |
| Case | | | | With just about every computer peripheral now using |
| The first iPod classic accessory that every owner | | | | a USB connection, free USB ports may be at a |
| should purchase is a protective case. A case is | | | | premium on your computer. Fear not, because you |
| especially important if you travel with your iPod, and | | | | can get a cable that lets you connect your iPod to |
| if you shove it in your pocket or purse with your | | | | your computer's FireWire port instead. Also, if you |
| keys you're just asking for trouble without a case. | | | | have iTunes installed on your computer at the office |
| The finish of the iPod classic is especially vulnerable to | | | | as well as your home computer, an extra sync cable |
| the dings and dents of everyday life. A protective | | | | will save you from having to transport the cable back |
| case will keep your iPod looking pristine, and helps | | | | and forth. There are also cables available that let you |
| keep dust and dirt away from the vulnerable | | | | connect your iPod to your home stereo. |
| electronics inside. | | | | Speakers |
| Screen Protector | | | | Speakers are one of the most popular iPod classic |
| Almost as important as a case is a screen protector. | | | | accessories, and therefore come in a wide variety. |
| Most cases do not cover the screen, because users | | | | Most speakers plug into the headphone jack, and are |
| want to be able to see the screen without taking it | | | | either battery powered or plugged into a wall outlet. |
| out of the case. A screen protector will protect the | | | | There are also speakers that the iPod classic can |
| screen, which is even more vulnerable to scratches | | | | dock with, which will have the added benefit of |
| than the metal body. And a scratch across the | | | | charging the unit while it's playing. Many of these |
| screen is even more annoying than a scratch across | | | | docking station speakers come with a remote, so |
| the body, because you'll be looking right at it every | | | | you can skip songs and adjust the volume without |
| time you look at the screen. Like the case, if you | | | | going over to the unit. Speakers will generally give |
| move your iPod classic around a lot, a screen | | | | better sound than headphones, and will allow you to |
| protector is a valuable iPod classic accessory that will | | | | share your music with everyone in the room. If |
| keep your iPod looking good. | | | | you're looking for portability, go with the |
| Charger | | | | battery-powered speakers. Otherwise, AC-powered |
| An iPod with a dead battery is basically a | | | | speakers will sound better and can have the added |
| paperweight. An extra charger or two is an iPod | | | | functionality of being a docking station. |
| classic accessory worth having, both for convenience | | | | The wide variety of iPod classic accessories available |
| and to reduce the chance of running out of juice. | | | | can be overwhelming. Now, you've been given the |
| Having an extra charger means you can charge your | | | | information that should help you to decide on what |
| iPod at home and in the office, and you won't run | | | | accessories you need, and what ones you can avoid. |
| out of power in the middle of the day. If you spend | | | | |