Dr. Bott iPod Connection Kit with FM Stereo Transmitter

This kit is very similar to the Dr. Bott iPod Universal Connection Kit, except that it replaces the cassette adapter with an FM transmitter so that you can broadcast your iPod’s output and receive it via FM radio. This package includes the following items:
■ FM transmitter
■ iPod auto charger
■ Mini-jack to RCA cable
■ Six-foot audio cable extension
■ Mini-jack to mini-jack cable
■ iPod carrying pouch

Web Site: www.drbott.com
Pros: Great versatility and includes what you need to use an iPod with home and car stereos; the included FM transmitter is a good way to play iPod music over other components; great value because of the variety of components it includes; supports iPods and iPod minis.
Cons: Cable quality not as good as the Apple or XtremeMac kits.

Dr. Bott iPod Universal Connection Kit

Dr. Bott is another excellent source of iPod accessory items. The Dr. Bott iPod Universal Connection Kit includes a wide variety of components that you can use to connect your iPod to both home and car stereos. Its components include the following:
■ Cassette adapter
■ iPod auto charger
■ Mini-jack to RCA cable
■ Six-foot audio cable extension
■ Mini-jack to mini-jack cable
■ iPod carrying pouch

Web Site: www.drbott.com
Pros: Great versatility and includes what you need to use an iPod with home and car stereos; great value because of the variety of components it includes; supports iPods and iPod minis.
Cons: No FM support; cable quality not as good as the Apple or XtremeMac kits.

XtremeMac’s Get Connected iPod Audio Kit

XtremeMac is an excellent company that provides all sorts of iPod accessories. The XtremeMac Get Connected iPod Audio Kit provides a broad range of tools to enable you to use an iPod with both a home stereo and a car stereo. Its components include the following:
■ Cassette adapter
■ iPod car charger
■ iShare earbud splitter
■ Mini-jack to RCA cable
■ Seven-foot audio cable extension
■ Mini-jack to mini-jack cable

Web Site: www.xtrememac.com
Pros: Extremely versatile kit that includes what you need to use your iPod in just about any situation; excellent value because of the number and type of components; supports both iPods and iPod minis; good quality cables.
Cons: No FM support.

Apple’s iPod Stereo Connection Kit

The Apple iPod Stereo Connection Kit enables you to connect an iPod to a home sound system. It includes the following components:
■ Stereo Mini-jack to RCA cable
■ FireWire to Dock connector cable
■ Power adapter
■ Dock base
■ Dock covers
Notice that this kit includes several items that might have been included with your iPod, those being the Dock, power adapter, and the FireWire to Dock connector cable. These are indeed the same components that you might already have. The only thing unique to this kit is the Stereo Mini-jack to RCA cable.

To use this kit, you connect the Dock to your stereo and then place an iPod in the Dock when you want to listen to it over the stereo (you’ll see the details of this in a later section in this chapter). Because everything you need is included, you can quickly and easily connect your iPod to a home stereo. The included power adapter and Dock mean that you don’t need to mess around with cables when you want to listen to your iPod’s music. You simply place your iPod in the Dock, and its music is instantly accessible. However, this kit is somewhat limited when compared to other kits described in this chapter because it doesn’t provide components you can use to connect an iPod to a car stereo as well.

Web Site: www.apple.com
Pros: High quality Monster cable; includes Dock and the accessories you need to power the iPod when using it with a home stereo.
Cons: No auto stereo components; no iPod mini support; expensive.

iPod Mini Armband by Apple Computer

If you prefer to wear your iPod mini on your arm, you can use the iPod mini This band features a neoprene wrap that goes around your arm and adjusts via a Velcro strap. You then snap the iPod mini into the armband’s holder. This type of holder can be more comfortable to wear than those that use a belt clip.
Web Site: store.apple.com
Pros: Holds the iPod mini firmly in a convenient location for exercise or other activity; neoprene helps protect the iPod mini from moisture coming through the band.
Cons: Wide band is stiff and cumbersome to use and somewhat uncomfortable to wear; doesn’t protect the iPod mini from any elements or inadvertent contact.

Deluxe iPod Case by XtremeMac

XtremeMac’s Deluxe iPod Case provides good protection for your iPod and features a swivel belt clip design to make attaching or removing the iPod from your belt fast and easy. The design of the clip attaching system prevents the iPod from being ejected from the clip unless it has been rotated to 90 degrees (if you have ever used a cell phone whose clip doesn’t require this, you understand why this is good). The case’s cover is permanently attached to the case; you access the iPod by flipping the cover up (it is held down by Velcro). When you do, there is nothing between the iPod and your fingers to interfere with controlling the unit.

• Web Site: www.xtrememac.com
• List Price: $29.95
• Pros: Swivel clip design makes attaching and removing your iPod to and from your belt fast and easy; cover design prevents damage to iPod screen from rubbing contact; Headphones and Remote ports always accessible; quick flip of the cover provides access to Dock Connector port and iPod controls and display; available in black or camel tweed.
• Cons: Cover design makes the use of devices that attach to the top of the iPod, such as the iTrip, cumbersome.

SportSuit Convertible by Marware

The SportSuit Convertible is a “big brother” to the SportSuit Basic. In addition to all of that case’s features, the Convertible also sports a cover to fully enclose and protect your iPod. (The Convertible gets its name because you can easily remove the cover when you don’t need the extra protection it offers.) You also get an armband so that you can wear your iPod on your arm while exercising or in other situations.

• Web Site: www.marware.com
• List Price: $39.95
• Pros: With its cover installed, the Convertible offers maximum protection for your iPod; cover can be removed easily; when the cover is removed, the Convertible provides good access to the iPod display and controls; belt clip makes it easy to carry your iPod with you; armband is included; other clip options are available; available in many colors.
• Cons: None.