iPods are not only becoming more and more popular; they are getting easier and easier to use to! Now, with the ever growing ipod car accessories market, you can take your iPod to your car with both style and functionality.
Here are some descriptions of different iPod car accessories that will make a car trip that much better, categorized into three common uses: Playing your iPod through your car stereo, keeping your iPod in place through the car ride, and charging your iPod.
Playing your iPod through your car stereo
Ever wanted to play your iPod music through your car stereo? Well, you can! FM Transmitters, Cassette Adapters, and Audio Jacks all serve that function, eliminating the need to listen to over commercialized radio, carrying around several CDs and cassettes, or listening through your earphones, which can be dangerous while driving. You’ll want to invest in at least one of the three, it’ll make time in the car more pleasant.
1. FM Transmitter
A good FM Transmitter will allow you to play your iPod music in the car. You put one end of the transmitter into your car’s cigarette lighter adapter. Then adjust your car’s radio station to the same as the one on the transmitter, and voila - the music from your iPod will come through your car stereo. It is dependent on the radio signal, however, so you may experience some difficulties under bridges, or other places with unclear signal.
Kensington FM Transmitter/Auto Charger for iPod (White)
The All-in-one FM Transmitter & Auto Charger plays and charges iPods using the car’s FM radio and DC power source. Convenient push button operation with digital display.
FM Transmitter For Apple iPod nano 3rd generation
Specially designed for iPod Nano 3rd generation. Broadcast your iPod’s songs to FM radio. Change transmitting FM frequencies with “+” / “-” button controls. Supports international FM frequency ranges. Frequency information displays on LCD screen. Powered by iPod directly (no need for external power sources).
Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)
The iTrip was specially made for the iPod, to make your music a lot more enjoyable and convenient. Just connector the iTrip FM transmitter to your iPod and you’ll play your favorite music through any FM radio. Listen on on you car’s FM radio, or anywhere else the mood strikes you. The elegant design matches the top of your iPod perfectly. Frequency response - 50 Hz to 15 KHz Operating range - 10-30 feet, depending on the quality of the FM radio Receiver
2. Cassette Adapters
Cassette adapters are a great option if your car has a cassette player. You just stick the “cassette” into the cassette player, and connect the cord to your iPod. Unlike FM Transmitters, you don’t need radio signals, so the sound is consistently clear!
Belkin Cassette Adapter for iPod, MP3 Player, CD Player, and Laptop
The Belkin Mobile Cassette Adapter easily connects the new iPod to a car stereo through the car’s in-dash cassette player. Providing an easy way to transfer quality sound from any portable audio equipment to a car stereo, it is designed for outstanding audio performance and use on the road. The Adapter reduces noise by automatically maintaining the correct tension within the cassette deck while driving. The device includes a 3.5mm connector and works with front- and side-loading cassette players
3. Audio Jack Cable
If you have a newer car, a cable is great. It’s the cheapest (only a few dollars) and is the easiest to use. Just connect the cable from the car audio jack to the iPod earphone jack. It also has other features, such as being able to play audio from your iPod through anything with an audio jack, such as a laptop or other speakers.
Use this comfortable stereo headset to talk on your Apple iPhone, or watch video clips, play games or listen to songs with a stereo headset for your iPhone or any phone with a 3.5mm hands-free headset/headphone jack. Lightweight and comfortable this Stereo Headset ensures great sound quality when you’re on the go. The headset features an easy-to-use control button, so you can answer, end or mute phone calls and pause or play music, all with a single touch. Enjoy this quality made product made by yooZoo.
Keeping your iPod in place during the car ride Where do you put your iPod in your car when you’re listening to it? You can’t hold it, because you’re driving. We all have our own places for putting the iPod, places that really… weren’t designed for holding an iPod. Since car rides can get bumpy, they can also be susceptible to falling or shaking around. iPod car mounts and cup holders fix this problem, because they were designed for holding an iPod in the car. And they’ll hold it securely and safely, to protect the wonderful gadget.
1. Car Mounts
An iPod mount literally mounts on your windshield or dashboard. (Note: Some places have laws against placing things on the windshield, for safety reasons) To me, the dashboard makes more sense because then you can place it closer to the radio and cassette adapter, for easy access. A good car mount will keep it secure through the ride, as well as keep it in view and within easy reach.
Kensington Car Mount for iPod; iPhone 1G, 3G; and MP3 Players (Black)
Kensington designs high-quality, stylish computer accessories for today’s computer users. Well-known for its commitment to research and extensive experience in the accessories marketplace, Kensington supports innovative product development in computer security, mobility accessories, mice and trackballs, and other categories.
2. Cup holder mount
Cup holder mounts will hold your iPod and keep it secure in your car’s cup holder (as long as you don’t accidentally put your coffee on it!). Like the dashboard/windshield car mounts, it’ll keep your iPod safe and free from shaking or any scratches.
Charging your iPod
There are many car chargers on the market, that will charge your iPod through the cigarette lighter adapter. Some have combined uses; for example, some FM transmitters will automatically charge it as you play.
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For more information on iPod car accessories, and specific model recommendations for each of the different accessory types, click here. Andy Xie is an expert on cars and car accessories and publishes tips on buying cars and car accessories. |