As far as digital music players go, the iPod reigns supreme. And while others might disagree on that fact, it still holds true for me. Yes, I have seen the Sansa and I think it lacks in some areas the iPod excels in. One question I get from my friends who are considering buying iPods is what accessories they need to purchase. With the iPod accessory market already the largest for any media player and growing larger each day, figuring out what you need to get you started on a long lasting relationship with your new gadget can be a bit overwhelming. As a result, for today’s article, I have compiled a list of what I feel are the most necessary iPod accessories that one must purchase with their iPod or soon thereafter.

• 5) Audio/Video Cable: The main reason you probably bought the iPod was so that you could listen to music on the thing. However, if you bought the iPod with Video, you can also use it to watch television shows, movies, and music videos purchased from the iTunes Store. The good news is, you are not limited to watching these videos on the 2.5 inch screen. You can purchase an audio/video cable for anywhere from 15 to 30 dollars depending on what brand and connection type you want. Simply plug the cables into your TV, start a video, and you are watching the videos on your iPod on your television. Also, Apple just updated the videos on the iTunes store to be 640×480 resolution so the videos are going to range from watchable to high quality depending on the television you watch them on.

• 4) FM Transmitter: I have already established that you probably bought your iPod so you could listen to your music on it. With the ability to carry so many songs around on such a portable device, the idea of carrying CDs around and leaving them in your car just became obsolete. With an iPod you can carry (up to) several thousand songs in the same space that 2 CD jewel cases would take up. While there are several options that will give you the ability to listen to music from your iPod in your car, the quickest way is to buy an FM Transmitter. For this job I recommend the Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Charger (link goes to iLounge’s review) because it has the best overall quality of the available transmitters and will charge your iPod at the same time. After you have recovered from your iPod purchase, I would highly recommend purchasing an Alpine stereo with Full Speed iPod Integration. This kind of integration allows you to store the iPod away from prying eyes and control it from the face of the stereo. A set up like this can cost around 200 dollars or more.

• 3) Case: When you pay $250-$350 for media player, protecting that investment should be one of your biggest priorities (when related to the device). A lot can happen to your new iPod. You can drop it, hit it, or even scratch it (all by accident of course). So it needs protection from you and the elements. The answer is a case that you can put the iPod in and have it be surrounded by something else to take the beating that will ensue over time. If you do not have a ton of money and want the best bang for your buck, you can not go wrong with a iSkin eVo. These silicon/rubbery cases completely cover the iPod and depending on what you get the screen and scroll wheel as well. There are practically thousands of different cases from just as many manufacturers so picking one can be time consuming but I found the iSkins to be the best for price and quality. The nicest cases I have seen are made by Vaja but these come at a premium price start at around $75 USD.

• 2) Earphones/Earbuds: Once again, you have purchased this new iPod so you could listen to it. You just paid somewhere around 300 dollars for this generation’s Walkman so why on earth would you use the cheap ten (10) dollar earphones that came with it? When you use the earphones that come with the iPod, you are robbing yourself of much needed frequencies and sounds that make that music sound so much better. Just like cases the number of headphones, earphones, and in ear monitor phones that are available for purchase is just outrageous. I personally recommend buying something that will cost you at least 50 dollars and up. Most people do not need to purchase earphones that cost multiple hundreds of dollars and if you are most people I would limit yourself to no more than 100-120 dollars total. While most people can get by with ear/headphones that cost 50-70 dollars, spending that little bit more is only going to improve your listening experience. I personally recommend the Shure earphones (E2’s and E3’s) for best overall quality in sound. But to be honest, you are probably going to need to try several different kinds, brands, and models of ear/headphones before you find something that you like.

• 1) Applecare Protection for iPod: This extended warranty should be purchased with(read: at the same time) as you buy your iPod. This extends your parts and labor warranty from 1 year to 2 years as well as increasing your phone support from 90 days to 2 years. If there is an Apple store in your area, you can take a broken iPod into the store and have them repair or replace it right there on the spot. This all goes back to what I said about buying a case for your iPod, you need to protect it and the Applecare warranty helps you do that very well.

Number 3 and number 2 can be interchanged depending on how much you care about sound quality. Sound quality is important to me so I made it number two on my list, but your mileage may vary.

Editor’s Note: Almost all the product links are linking to product reviews on a site called iLounge, a website dedicated to the iPod as well as iTunes. The people who run iLounge have a vast knowledge of the iPod and the accessory market associated with it. I consider their product reviews to be the highest authority when it comes to the subject of iPods and iPod accessories. If you do not like my personal recommendations for the items I have mentioned please visit their review section or more simply download their Buyer’s Guide which contains information and reviews on several of the highest rated accessories for the iPod.

When it comes to buying an iPod, a new user can easily be overwhelmed by all the various options, accessories, and products that are there. Hopefully this list has helped you make better purchasing decisions about the iPod. Do you have a favorite accessory for your iPod that you could not live without? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

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