Making Music Matter with iPod Accessories

With the development of the MP3, music was given a new face. With the release of the Apple iPod, however, music has been given a new soul. The iPod has revolutionized digital music through accessibility, compatibility and sensibility: it has united the entire digital music front under one major general. It has also revolutionized music as a whole, revitalizing an industry that suffered under poor quality and poor presentation. However, the key component to the success of the iPod is its customizability: while the iPod itself only comes in a few shapes, sizes and colors, iPod accessories are infinite. And these infinite possibilities allow every listener to own a unique digital music player that reflects his or her dreams, personality and desires.

What to Get

While there are hundreds of iPod accessories to choose from, not every accessory is tailored to the needs of every iPod user. Each accessory has its own purpose that advances the capability and functionality of the iPod. Some are more or less generic: iPod cases, sleeves, socks and carrying bags protect the music player and its components from the outside world. These protective accessories are available in a rainbow of colors and a plethora of styles, each lending its own charm and ambience to the look and feel of any iPod. But for the most part, most users will be sure to cradle their iPods in the arms of one of these iPod accessories. Others will take advantage of the docking systems, radio tuners, USB cables and car hook-ups that allow their iPods to be used anywhere, anytime. Since many people view their iPods as their musical hearts, they are hesitant to ever leave home without them.

Other iPod accessories, however, are not as universal in their approaches. They are tailored toward specific, individual uses for the music player. One of the best selling points of the iPod is that it reaches into a realm beyond music; Apple has been sure to include every possible feature on their devices, from videos to photographs to games, calculators, address books and calendars. With so many different uses, it is only evident that Apple and other manufacturers release iPod accessories angled toward these varied interests.

From arm bands that allow easy access to the iPod while running, to special attachments designed to transmit data from a pair of Nike sneakers to an iPod Nano for the purpose of tracking workout statistics, any exercise enthusiast can benefit greatly from iPod accessories. Other iPod accessories are aimed toward kids and kids at heart alike; they connect an iPod to a series of robots and dancing animals triggered by the beats of the songs. While the iPod is, foremost, a digital music player, it is also so much more; and with iPod accessories, every listener can express him or herself in the comforting hands of a music revolution.