Fun, functional iPod gear

Available iPod accessories include socks to protect the mp3 player's body and gummy earphones.

By Katlin Stinespring
Hurricane High School

With the widespread popularity of iPods, it could be easy to mix up mp3 players among owners. However, there are hundreds of choices of accessories to personalize iPods instead of opting for the standard stark white iPod look.

First, Apple is producing the new iPod Nanos and Shuffles in colors like silver, black, turquoise, lime green, pink and orange. Plus, there is a red Nano, specifically created to help fight AIDS in Africa.

Another way to spice up your iPod’s look is with a protective cover, which prevents scratches and fingerprints in addition to giving it a stylish appearance. There are two main styles: a plastic or silicone cover that slides over top of the iPod and fits like a glove or a closing case made of materials like leather and suede.

There are also sock covers. Not the kind you wear on your feet, these socks are designed specifically for iPods. They come in six different colors in one package: purple, blue, green, pink, yellow and gray.

And though the standard iPod ear buds may be seen as a status symbol by some, they’re also uncomfortable to wear and don’t fit most ears, so you can further personalize your iPod with whatever earphones you prefer. Some listeners choose a headset style, while others use smaller, form-fitting ear buds.

My personal favorites are the Gumy ear buds from JVC, which have gel material around the edges, making for a comfortable listening experience. They come in multiple colors, including purple, blue, green, orange, yellow and pink. There are also types of ear buds that are squishy like earplugs, so they contract to go in your ear and then expand to a comfortable fit once inside the ear.

And accessories aren’t just for decoration. There are useful ones, too, such as the iTrip, a wireless device used to listen to iPods in vehicles, and the iPod Hi-Fi, hands-free speakers that also charge your device. You can also get iPod alarm clocks, pillows (with speakers for hands-free listening) and even iPod backpacks and jackets (which have iPod controls conveniently built in).

Accessories are fun to use to both protect and identify iPods. Choose your favorite color or design to give your iPod a dose of your own personal style.