iPod: a blank canvas

By TIMOTHY McNULTY
Scripps Howard
It's not so much that anyone sane would want an $840 Valentino crystal-studded iPod holder. It's that the thing exists at all.
The holder -- available at neimanmarcus.com -- is part of an estimated billion dollar yearly business that has built up around the ubiquitous digital media players, covering everything from utilitarian iPod cases and headphones to massage chairs and sex toys.
Clearly, a great key to the iPod's success has been its simplicity, in both its design and use. With more than 1,000 iPod extras on the market, it ironically appears that personalizing the plain white device is increasingly part of its appeal.
Success for Apple
Apple sold 6.5 million iPods during the first nine months of this year, pacing the company's record $3.7 billion in revenues during the period. It expects to have a record sales quarter during this holiday sales season because of the units.
Sales of accessories -- manufactured by Apple and dozens of other companies -- reached $412 million in the same period and could reach $1 billion by year's end, according to tech industry analysts from the NBD Group. The sales increased 370 percent over the same period in 2004 -- without even including headphone sales (since they can be used for other electronics, too).
The steps to accessorizing
So what are -- or should -- people be buying? Most iPod owners could get by with only some new headphones or speakers, but there is plenty more for those who want to wade through all the dizzying options.
Luckily, iLounge.com, the leading iPod news and review site on the Web, just released a 106-page buyer's guide on the very subject, and its editor in chief, Jeremy Horwitz, recently unveiled some of the best accessories.
Headphones
Despite all the new video and photo features in the past two versions of the iPod, most people primarily use them to listen to music. The white in-ear headphones that come with the iPod are OK but uncomfortable -- so dropping another $50 or so on new headphones makes the listening experience better.
"Each additional, incremental step you make up the ladder improves audio quality and improves the listening experience," Horwitz said. "When you start getting up into the $150 and higher headphones, you begin to reveal details in your music that you've never really heard before."
For most of us, Horwitz recommends the Sony MDR-EX81 ($50). These headphones have good sound, adjustable rubber ear-buds and come in white or black, to match the iPod.
Those buying Valentino can think about the best iPod headphones on the planet, the Ultimate Ears UE-10 Pro. To get fitted for the custom-made $900 earpieces, it takes a trip to an audiologist.
Speakers
Sound also matters when hooking up the iPod to speakers. Consumers with old-fashioned stereo systems can connect their iPods with simple Y cables, but those looking for optimal sound will need an iPod dock that pulls the best signal out of their stereo system.
Horwitz recommends two: Apple's own iPod Universal Dock ($39) connects to both a stereo and a TV. It's best for video on the latest player, which has its own 21/2-inch diagonal screen but can also play on computers or televisions. A separate remote costs $29.
Another option is the Kensington Stereo Dock ($90), which has a remote control included.
For luxe listening, there's Sharper Image's iJoy ZipConnect Massage Chair with built-in speakers and subwoofer (sale price: $700).
All-in-one systems (which combine an iPod dock and speakers) are becoming some of the most popular accessories. It helps that they work for young consumers who grew up listening to music on their computers -- and don't have stereos -- as well as adults who want to show off.
The Apple store in Shadyside alone sells a dozen of the systems, across all price categories. Horwitz likes the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 ($250), which sounds and looks good and works with AC or battery power.
Batteries
The biggest iPods have good internal batteries that will play music for about 20 hours, with smaller versions such as the Nano and Shuffle playing 12 and 14 hours, respectively. Those who need more power for long flights or hiking trips could use external batteries. These are also good for the new video iPods, which run out after 31/2 hours of video playback.
Two good ones are the BTI iPod Battery ii ($80) and the Lithium House iCel ($99-$249), which can play for up to 200 hours.
Protective cases
The last essential is a protective case of some kind. It's also where the iPod can get its most individual stamp -- from the haute couture of Valentino or Dolce & amp; Gabbana to cases you make at home.
XtremeMac makes lots of good cases, especially for sports, most for around $30. Another company, Incase, makes "a great series of arm bands for every sort of iPod," according to Horwitz, from simple plastic sleeves to leather holders that also serve as wallets.
Those buying cases and some other accessories (such as FM tuners) should double-check what kind of iPod they are buying for. The latest iPods have moved their headphone jacks and eliminated the data port on the top of the units. Some old accessories will not work with them, though they will continue to work with older units. The packaging should provide a guide.
A little something extra
For the iPod that already has everything, there is plenty more to spend money on. Sharper Image sells a massage chair with built-in iPod connections, on sale for $699. The Audi-Oh ($69.95) provides a different kind of massage, by buzzing in time to songs. The Speck iGuy ($30) is an iPod holder that looks like Gumby. If you must, you can also dress your iPod in a leather thong, available from several companies.
So just about anything goes