Accessories and tips to keep your hep music player looking as good as brand new.
The iPOD is just so alluring as are the accessories. However, do you buy just about everything in sight? Are you spending a whopping amount on fancy additional accessories which don't come handy? Rahul Misra, senior manager (retail division) for SWITCH (an electronics store located in Lamcy Plaza, Bur Dubai) gives tips on choosing the right accessories for your iPod.
e+: How do you guard an iPod against scratches?
Rahul Misra: Any LCD screen tends to scratch easily, iPods are no different. Versatile, impact-resistant, element protection, interactive, dust-proof, waterproof, and drop-resistant are some series of iPod cases available in the market to protect your iPods.
There are Japanese anti static silicone that provide 1.0mm all- round protection and flexible, durable high-grade silicone skin. It slips over your iPod creating a protective barrier against scratches. Stretchable with an anti-slip grip, it's durable and washable. Bullet-proof shields for iPods also keep them scratch-free.
Using Duravú technology, each shield helps repel scratches from both the front and back of your iPod. As they are ultra-thin, they can be used with most other iPod accessories or cases.
Do dock stations (below) offer better music quality?
Yes, the bass notes don't crack at high volumes and computer-optimized equalisation seamlessly blends the tones for clarity. Dock stations are usually compatible with all versions of the iPod, with stereo mini-jack connections. Besides this, they are usually compact so you can take them virtually anywhere. They are also a better way to sync your iPod with iTunes and charge your player. And best of all, some docking cradles come with Audio Out so you can connect it to your stereo and/or listen to your iPod with your headphones while charging.
What are the best ear-phone options for iPods?
Waterproof and sport headphones are the most durable. You can take them to the gym, go swimming, running, biking, hiking, skiing, camping, traveling or even spend a day at the beach without any cause for
concern.
Special headphones like those with neck-wraps are a good option as well as they help the phones be in place. Silicone ear pads are comfortable options too.
InMotion earphones are good. They use Etymotic technology to deliver a perfect combination of near-perfect sound reproduction and dead-quiet noise isolation. They also assure smooth treble, clear and natural piano, crisp percussion and rich orchestral music. Then there is the comfortable, folding design with Bluetooth wireless technology for a freedom-filled listening experience on your iPod. You can also connect the headset to your home stereo receiver via the Line Out port using a universal jack, and use the iPod as a remote from up to 30 feet away!
MUST HAVE iPOD ACCESSORIES
Wireless remote kit
It wirelessly controls the iPod through a 5-button wireless remote. It can also be used in the car as it can be put into the steering wheel adapter or into the wrist adapter for quick easy control while on the move. The kit also includes a dash mounting kit and cassette adapter to make you car stereo and iPod work together seamlessly.
Speaker kit
The kit comprises an audio amplifier driving two bookshelf-type loudspeakers, which claim a bass as low as 50Hz. Hooking up your player is also easy as the amp plugs straight into the headphone jack of your player. And you aren't just limited to hooking up your player, as you can also connect the system to anything with a headphone output, such as your computer, radio, walkman or CD player.
Big impact speakers
These portable speakers are compact and light weight with some coming in a foldable design. They are battery or AC powered, rechargeable, with removable holders and have USB cables. With a durable hard cover case, they include universal adapters, advanced digital amplifiers, matching Neodymium speaker drivers and Maxx Bass Psycho-Acoustic Technology.
Klipsch iGroove
It is an all-in-one digital music system that delivers audiophile-quality sound. The iGroove accepts and charges all dockable iPods.
HANDY TIPS FOR iPOD OWNERS
A fully charged battery gives you optimum performance. - However, try not to let it run out completely if you can avoid it.
- Save your iPod casing with a good cover especially if you have the habit of leaving it around too frequently.
- If the wheel gets clogged with dirt particles, it slows down the speed.
- Clean it regularly with a damp soft cloth.
- If you want to keep your music to a high quality, leave the settings as standard on iTunes. But if you prefer the loud music, select all of your music in itunes, right click, and turn the music volume to 100 per cent louder.
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
- The iPod Mini is made of anonised aluminium and is sturdier than the iPod. The mini version does not scratch or get dirty easily. However, buy a screen, wheel protector or a skin wrap for safety.
- Besides the screen, other vulnerable areas include the click wheel and the back of the iPod. Get a good silicon skin and a wheel protector that does not use adhesive glue.
- Excessive heat or cold can affect your iPod's performance. Ideal temperatures are 10 degrees to 35 degrees Celsius. If you leave your iPod in in a hot parked car, allow the iPod to cool down to room temperature before using it.
