Great IPod Accessories and Peripherals

If you've got an iPod (and these days, most of the population tends to), you may have noticed that store shelves are becoming increasingly well-stocked with iPod accessories and peripherals. One of the big advantages the iPod has over the competition is market share, and with so many loyal fans, the iPod has tons of companies constantly looking for new ways to accessorize the product. Here are a few of the best and most unique products out there:

iTalk
Griffin's iTalk is one of the most useful iPod toys because it lets you record your voice and play iPod music through a small speaker on the device. The speaker's quality is very low, but still comes in handy when used with the alarm clock feature of the iPod, especially on trips when it can be inconvenient to carry a larger alarm clock. The recording quality is pretty good, and the object itself is solidly made (as with most Griffin products).

iTrip
While we're discussing Griffin, it's worth a look to examine their iTrip, one of the most successful iPod peripherals. This handy device lets you transmit your iPod's signal through your car stereo or any other stereo with an FM radio. For iPods without video (fourth generation and older) there is a great version of this product that hooks up to the headphone jack. Sadly, the new version of the iTrip is very disappointing, and barely has any range.

iLounge
If you listen to your iPod in the bathroom, you might want to take a look at what is undoubtedly the oddest iPod speaker system on the market. The iLounge (affectionately called the iPood behind its back) is an iPod charger and speaker system with a built in toilet paper dispenser. You simply install it and go! Er, go listen to music, that is. The sound is good, though it's advisable not to use this product while taking a shower, as steam can damage an iPod's electronics and click wheel.

Cases
The most fundamental iPod accessory is a case, since the devices take on scratches like a pale hemophiliac. However, not all cases are created evenly; there are tons of cases with different materials, styles, etc. When buying a case, plan on spending $20; you don't want your iPod scratched, and most of the cheaper cases and skins can't offer very much protection. I've also had some bad experiences with Belkin cases scratching my 'pod, so you might want to avoid that brand altogether. The safest cases will completely cover the front of the iPod when not in use.

iPod Scratch Removers
If you do get scratches on your iPod, don't stress it. Pick up some Brasso, which goes for about five bucks a can. Then, take some tape and completely cover your iPod's click wheel. Put another strip of tape around the entire outside of the iPod, covering the space between the white face and the silver back. Then, put some Brasso onto a microfiber cloth and rub with firm pressure on the iPod face. Repeat for about twenty minutes and most scratches should be removed. This is a great low-cost alternative to expensive iPod scratch creams which basically do the same thing. The important thing is persistence; it may take quite a while to get deep scratches out.
Many other iPod accessories are available, from a variety of companies including Apple itself, which recently released an FM Radio receiver for the iPod (which is unfortunately overpriced). Plus, new iPod accessories are developed every day. Just make sure that the accessory you're looking at is compatible with your model of iPod and check online reviews, especially with products that have potential flaws.