Last week, I took a look at several cases for the iPod shuffle. As any iPod owner will tell you, though, cases are only half the fun when it comes to iPod accessories. There are also numerous devices that can change the way you use, transport and even display your iPod. The Shuffle is a bit more limited in what it can do, but that hasn't stopped numerous companies from cutting themselves a slice of the iPod pie. And just how tasty are they? It all depends upon the slice: SuperClip, Flip Clip, SuperHook, USB Dock Cable, USB Flex Dock, Shuffle Dock, DecoDock and AirPlay FM Transmitter.

When Apple first announced the iPod shuffle, I thought, "There's something I'd lose in a matter of days." For some reason, that tends to be a concern of mine. With the iPod shuffle, though, my concern was premature. Of course dozens of companies were going to release cases to help you keep track of, protect and show off Apple's runt iPod. Below are my thoughts on some of the more readily available ones.

iPod Shuffle Fan Book isn't the most detailed resource out there, but it's not really meant to be. It's light and stylish, like the iPod Shuffle itself, and it offers about as much as the iPod shuffle offers. It's designed to look good on the coffee table, not on the shelf with the computer manuals, and needs to be considered as such. Although Shuffle owners will learn a few things from it, I think it's better put to use as an iPod shuffle marketing tool; a chance for others to see what the Shuffle can do since, you know, you're not going to share yours with them.

The only trouble with the iPod accessory market is that it's becoming over saturated, and many of the products are starting to run together. Soon, I'll be writing a comparative review of iPod shuffle accessories and cases, but here's one that deserves a review of its own. This is because the Song Sling from Mophie, Inc. is an accessory, a case and a pair of headphones all rolled into one, and it does a fairly good job at each.

Okay, you've got your Shuffle, you've loaded it up with songs, and now you want to exercise. The supplied lanyard isn't great because the Shuffle bounces and swings around while you run. The arm band that apple provides (for sale) is fine...until you sweat. Here is a viable alternative: the iMojo.

Latest iPod New Products, News, Commentary, Review links...... click for full list of today's topics

OK, you have your iPod, you've downloaded 167 songs from iTunes, you've brought over every CD you own into your iTunes and have added those songs to your iPod, and you are still not satisfied. What do you do? Well, if you have The Boom Box, you can bring in your photograph albums, record stuff off the net, bring in podcasts, listen to self-created audio books, and enjoy new shuffle combinations you might not else wise have thought to mix.

More than just a fashion statement

Although their mainstay was Mac and PC accessories, Griffin Technology wisely branched out into the world of the iPod. Indeed, five out of seven products currently featured on their home page are iPod products, and why not? As great as the iPod is in most of its incarnations, it certainly does leave plenty of room for expansion features. With the TuneJuice and AirClick devices, Griffin addresses a couple issues that we've heard numerous iPod owners raise, and which now have fairly inexpensive solutions.

The best thing about the 3G and 4G iPods is that you can cover them up with cases. These protect your iPods, but they also give them life. Same goes for the numerous accessories available for the iPod mini. Trouble is, some of these designs actually interfere with the standard look of the iPod mini. Which ones are worth the obstruction? Read on.

• DLO Flexible Dock Cable for iPod shuffle
• BiblePod 1.0.1 - The Bible On Your iPod
• iPodder 2.1rc1 Podcast Receiver
• Coalition Calls on Apple to Go All The Way on iPod Takeback
• WWDC: Apple Reveals More Podcasting Details
• Radio Industry Hits Shuffle
• iPod Can Be Music To A Data Thief's Ear
• Backstage: Apple switches to Intel; iPod impact, zero (for now)
• DLO Brings the iPod shuffle Out Front
• Rivet GRAB for the iPod

It's the little things that make the 4G iPod better than its predecessors. There's the capacity, of course, and the improved battery life, the slim shape...all the obvious things they've improved. But use one of these devices and you'll appreciate some of the less noticeable improvements.