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Quick Guide to iPod Accessories Since iPod's initial release in 2001, manufacturers of iPod accessories have grown so big and are continuously growing so much, that financial analysts now call the market of iPod accessories as "iPod ecosystems." Engineers and stylists are not running out of ideas on how to accessorize an iPod from generations one to five, including the nano and shuffle lines. Even the established corporations such as the Altec Lansing and Bose have joined the crowd of iPod accessories retailers. This shows how iPod has etched its name as the leading brand for digital audio player market. However, there are many iPod accessories out there that are expensive but useless. In order to save you time and energy in finding the most useful and least expensive iPod accessories, we've scouted the net and listed the five (5) top iPod accessories worth having. 1. SPEAKERS. Companies such as Altec Lansing, JBL, Bose and Kessington jumped into the iPod accessories bandwagon and started manufacturing speakers that are designed to work with iPods, using the iPod's dock connectors. Speakers come in the usual "Apple white" color, and sleek, lightweight design to complement other iPod accessories. Although these speakers are smaller in size compared to the usual speakers bundled with audio component systems, iPod speakes' sound remain crisp, there is no cracking sound, and the bass booms in that thick, pumping sound. We rated Altec Lansing inMotion iPod speakers as No. 1, for staying cheap while remaitaining its high quality. It is priced for only around $149. Why speakers? Although iPod does have a small, built-in speaker, it's main function is not to emit sounds from audio files. The small, built-in speaker's use is for warning tones only.   A separate speaker will allow you to play your favorite song outside of the earphones. The rich and crisp sound of iPod speakers are good enough to play for small parties. 2. FM TRANSMITTER. Companies such as Monster Cable and Griffin Technologies introduced the FM transmitter to the iPod accessories community. With this iPod accessory, you can play not only the songs from your playlist but also music played over the radio. 3. iPOD CASES AND iPOD SKINS These iPod accessories are designed primarily to protect iPods from dirt and scratches. In order to increase sales, iPod skins and iPod cases manufacturers came up with stylish and innovative iPod skins. Known manufactureres of fashionable iPod cases are iSkin, Kate Spade, Incase, Xtreme Iconz, Chums, and Speck. iLounge.com offers the best iPod skins in the market at low prices. These iPod accessories are a must-have item that will help your iPods last longer. We recommend you choose the silicone types rather than the leather ones since silicone skins are much cheaper than leather skins and offer better insulation from heat. 4. ARMBANDS You can enjoy your iPods while running or jogging with iPod armbands. iPod armbands are one of the most innovative iPod accessories there are. An iPod armband allows you to do your daily workouts while listening to your iPod Abs Workout Music. You can even do the most difficult Yoga position and still keep your iPod, playing a soothing crystal and waves sound, in place. These iPod accessories keeps your iPod in place and screen scratch free with a Screen Protector. 5. SOUND ISOLATION EARPHONES These iPod accessories are best for transcriptionists, musicians or students preparing for exams. Etymotic Research ER-6i sound isolating earphones offer high accuracy in emitting sound treble and bass and keep all the noise at bay. They are lightweight and portable and come in the usual "Apple white" color. SOME UNIQUE IPOD ACCESSORIES 1. CAR INTEGRATION ACCESSORIES BMW was the first automotive company to release an iPod-related accessory for their automobiles. BMW introduced iPod automobile interface sometime in 2005. An iPod control was integrated into the built-in steering wheel, alongside the control and radio head buttons. The iPod unit is safely confined inside the glove compartment and is attached to a cable harness to keep it in place every time the car speeds up or is traversing rocky and bumpy roads. The iPod steering wheel control allows the driver to create and shuffle five (5) "BMW playlists." The playlists are displayed through the small LCD of the vehicle's radio head. 2. iTalK VOICE RECORDER FOR iPod Tired of listening to your iPod everyday? With this iPod accessory, your iPod can now listen to you.

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