Outputs
Of course, the most important thing about the iPod is the music, man! Those who own an iPod know that you need quality sound-production equipment to complement the player's clean, powerful output. Below, you'll find the products that make the iPod sound better on the go, in the car, or at home.  
 So far, the iM7 looks like the best fully portable speaker option designed for the iPod. The Belkin Auto Adapter not only keeps the iPod's battery fully juiced through the docking port but also offers a line-out jack for connection to your car stereo for a cleaner hookup than you can get with the wireless iTrip. Use the white Belkin cassette adapter (or any other brand) to help the iPod interface with the car stereo. You'll be up and running in no time. (Note: You can't use the iTrip with the Belkin Auto Adapter's line-out.)
If you don't mind paying a premium for great sound, then Bose's SoundDock could be just the speaker set for you. This stylish and sleek system will mesh perfectly with any docking iPod, and it even charges your favourite player while you listen. The SoundDock is loud enough to fill a small to medium-size room with your tunes, and it comes with a basic remote so that you won't have to get up to control playback.  Are the JBL Creature speakers too far out for your tastes? If you prefer a more conservative look for your home or office, check out Creative's equally powerful i-Trigue 2.1 i3350 speaker system. Like the JBL Creature set, this 2.1-speaker system sports three components: a subwoofer and two satellites. This portable speaker system won't take up much room in a backpack and can be deployed quickly to transform your iPod into a mini-boombox. We found the compact design appealing, liked the included carrying case, and (most of all) were impressed by how loud these things could get on only four AA batteries yet still sound good. If you're still using a clunky cassette-style adapter to connect your iPod to the car stereo, consider cutting the wires with Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter. The iTrip lets you transmit music from the iPod directly to the car's FM tuner. While the sound quality through any portable FM transmitter is less than perfect, the iTrip is the best of its category. These units let you choose the broadcasting frequency from the iPod's elegant interface, unlike others that offer a sparser selection of frequencies that must be selected via a tiny switch.
These speakers from JBL will not only slake your thirst for good design but will also astound you with their excellent sound quality. The JBL Creature 2.1 powered speaker system plugs into your iPod's headphone jack or the line-out jack on its cradle and outputs to three speakers: a subwoofer powerful enough to shake your desk and two high-quality satellites that reproduce sounds above 180Hz. Combined, this system delivers superb sound in every register. The Creature speakers are sold in three colours: white, silver, and blue. Finally, an FM transmitter that really delivers -- the PodFreq amazed us in testing by delivering a clear, strong signal with a great range to our stereo. If you've wasted money on other transmitters that have that have a range of -- literally -- centimetres, then this is the product for you. The iPod fits snugly inside the PodFreq, which can transmit to any FM setting from 88.3 to 107.7. The PodFreq doesn't use batteries; instead, it draws power from the iPod itself (a factor to consider since the player is infamous for its short battery life). It has FireWire and mini-USB ports to make up for the covered connection port, and it comes with a soft carrying bag.
Although it's anybody's guess whether Apple will release an iPod with integrated Bluetooth wireless capabilities, Logitech has stepped up to the plate with its Wireless Headphones for the iPod (AU$250), the first set of Bluetooth headphones for Apple's MP3 player. The well-designed product includes white neckband-style headphones with foam-covered ear pads and built-in controls, a low-profile Bluetooth 1.2 wireless transmitter (measuring 32mm by 64mm by 19mm) that attaches to any dockable iPod, and a charger cable. The transmission range of up to 10 metres lets you conveniently stash your iPod in a messenger bag or a purse, for instance, while listening untethered. Click through for our full review. | |||||||||
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Mal Peck
13/08/2004 11:01 AM
OK, but what about accessories for the 4G iPod?
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JP
24/08/2004 08:39 AM
"You bought the best MP3 player around". I don't think so. You bought "the one that the crowd buys". The best MP3 player around is the Iriver H320. Most of the accessories discussed in this article aren't necessary, cos they're all included...!
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