Other Sites

Shopping guides are tricky things to write. I see them all over the web and in magazines, and it always amuses me when they're suggesting $800 cameras and $400 iPods. I don't know what you all do for a living, but I don't do the kind of the thing that would allow me to spend $800 on everyone I know combined, let alone one gift for one person. Maybe if you'd all hurry up and get my play produced in your town, that'd change. Until then, I'll keep the costs a little lower.

They're also tricky in that the majority of the items I'll mention in this article are for sale at Gadget Locker, which is run by the very same people who bring you the mighty Applelinks.com. Am I writing this article just to move some items? No. I'm writing it because I've reviewed some great products this year, and I want to make sure you're aware of them.

iPod Cases

I start here because, after all, what's the fun of getting an iPod if you can't take it anywhere? If you know of someone who is getting an iPod this year, here's your chance to show how cool you are and still spend a couple hundred less than the person who purchased the iPod itself (most cases run from $10 to $50). I mean, anyone can think of getting an iPod for someone for Christmas, but only the hip friend/relative knows to get a case.

Now, I haven't reviewed 2nd Gen nano cases, so I can make no specific suggestions here. I can, however, offer some buying advice: know the user. There's no shortage of options, but don't be intimidated by that. If the recipient is active, get him a case with plenty of options for keeping it attached to himself (belt clip, arm band, etc.). If the person travels a lot, focus on protection. If she uses the iPod as a fashion accessory, focus on aesthetics. A good tip is to see what kind of case the person has her cell phone in, then get something similar for the iPod.

With the 5G iPod, however, I can make some direct suggestions. I've reviewed many in the past year, and feel that the Contour Showcase, Sidewinder for iPod video, eVo 3, InvisibleSHIELD were the best options from last year, meaning they either offered the best balance of protection, function and aesthetics or were so great in one category that you could forgive the lack of attention to the others.

For more iPod case recommendations and details on the suggested models, just visit our iPod review area.

iPod Accessories:

While you're there, you may note that we've reviewed many iPod accessories, as well. It's no longer just enough listen to your iPod, you need to watch it as well; show off its contents to others. There are a couple devices available that make this possible.

First, there's my favorite: DLO's HomeDock Deluxe ($135.00). This handy device makes it easy to watch iPod videos and photos on your TV; great for those movies you've downloaded or the football highlights of the game you missed. Photo slide shows play through as well, of course, rendering the old slide projector obsolete. Oh, and of course you can play your music through the TV as well.

The bonus here is that the HomeDock Deluxe has its own on screen menu for selecting songs, so you can use the remote to play your music by artist, album, playlist, etc. when sitting on the other side of the room. It's a great way to handle music at parties. Yes, $135.00 is getting up there again, but if you look at it as a gift for the whole family, it's not too bad.

For more details on the HomeDock Deluxe, you can read the Applelinks review.

Now, if you like the idea of a bigger screen but in a portable fashion, you should consider the unfortunately named iLuv Portable Multimedia Tablet-Style DVD Player ($199.00). Obviously, you get the DVD player, which is good for long trips and evenings in motels, but you also get fantastic iPod compatibility. The 5G iPod plugs directly into the back of the unit, and you then use the iPod's controls to play your videos and photos on the iLuv's 7" Active-Matrix TFT LCD Screen. Better yet, you can run the video from the iLuv to your TV, so if you get this, you may not even need a product such at the HomeDock Deluxe.

The unit isn't perfect, though. You can do no better than stereo sound, the iPod compatibility makes it heavier and chunkier than other DVD players, and the Ni-MH battery will only go for about 2 to 2-1/2 hours before needing a recharge. But iLuv does compensate a bit by giving you plenty of connection options (including a cigarette lighter adapter for car use).

Again, yes, it's $200.00, but that's still less than the iPod for which it's designed, and it can be seen as a single gift for an entire family. Not sure if it's for you? My full review may help you along.

iPod Headphones:

I suppose I should preface this section by stating how much I dislike Apple's earbud headphones that ship with the iPod. I don't feel they offer very good sound, and I don't find them at all comfortable even when I can get them to stay in my ears for more than a minute at a time. Just about any pair of third party headphones will be better than those Apple provides, but I feel the two covered below offer a great balance of sound, price, size and comfort.

First, you've got Griffin's EarThumps ($29.99). With a name like EarThumps, you know they either have to be heavy on the bass or are fans of the JYD (good luck tracking down that reference, people). In this case, it's bass...perhaps too much. Apple's earbuds scatter sound all over the place, but the EarThumps, because they rest in your ear, send all the sound to where it should go. You're therefore able to hear things you otherwise would miss, but you also have to deal a muddier sound if your songs aren't of the best quality to begin with.

The in-ear pads are comfortable and help to keep the headphones in place, and they also help block external sounds from interfering with your music. They come in three different sizes, so you should have no trouble finding a set that fits your ears.

Perhaps most important, though, is the fact that they're portable. Like Apple's earbuds, it's very easy to move these around with your iPod. If the included carrying case is a burden to you, you could also go with the Sidewinder iPod case above; I used the two in tandem and found the combo to be hassle free. You can learn more about the EarThumps in the Applelinks review.

When you're considering the EarThumps, though, you should also consider the Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset ($49.95). Their sound is comparable to that of the EarThumps and they come with a carrying pouch of their own. But they also offer two things that the EarThumps don't. First, you get different styles of padding for the headphones, so there's less chance you'll be stuck with something you find uncomfortable. Second, there's a microphone.

The microphone is detachable, so you don't need to lug it around when you only need to hear your music. However, should you also be using the headphones for playing online games and such, you're covered in one unit. The microphone is fine for that or even telephony purposes, but don't figure you'll be recording vocals in GarageBand with it.

Of course, the microphone comes at a premium. You're paying $20 more for the set than for the EarThumps. But if your gift recipient has a use for it, $50 is a good price the Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset. For more details, read the Applelinks review.

And there you have some quick ideas for iPod related gifts. Obviously, there are far too many items available for us to cover here, but the joy of seeking out these items is that you'll discover many more items in the process. The iPod is a wonderful device that begs to be dressed up with third party accessories, and you'll be impressed at the things it can do with a little help. Oh, but first, be sure you're shopping for the right iPod. If you need help determining which model your gift recipient has, Gadget Locker details them for you.