When Apple's iPod debuted in 2001, it became a phenomenon. It was like the Michael Jordan of the electronics world; every company wanted to be like it or be friends with it. And frankly, who can blame them? In September 2009, Phil Schiller, Apple's senior VP of worldwide product marketing, told the world that since its debut, the iPod has sold a mind-boggling 220 million units.
It's no wonder that so many manufacturers and retailers were clamoring to stock iPod accessories. It soon became obvious that this little trinket wasn't just a gadget du jour or permanent fixture for the kitchen drawer. It's actually an icon -- and icons like to accessorize.
Almost nine years later, the storm has yet to die down. Countless companies are still cranking out compatible accessories. Here are 6 of our recent favorites.
B&W Zeppelin
B&W took the Led out and left the best part -- the Zeppelin. This isn't a brand new device, but it's one of the best iPod speakers as far as we're concerned. This blimp-inspired speaker system has a single 5-inch woofer to output 50 watts of sound, with two pairs of aluminum dome tweeters and glass-fiber midrange drivers cranking another 25 each. Other salivating specs include a frequency range of 6dB at 47Hz and 22kHz, an internal subwoofer driver, and composite and S-Video outputs. An egg-shaped remote ups the volume, as well as the envy over this stylish piece. [MSRP: $599.95]
iHome iP39 Kitchen Timer/Alarm Clock Radio Speaker System
If your favorite style of cooking is "charred," this might be the perfect kitchen companion. Aside from cranking sounds from an iPod, iPhone or favorite FM station, iHome's latest Apple-friendly device spices things up with two independent bake timers. That means that even during those high-traffic moments in the kitchen, you can perfectly time pasta and chicken, turkey and ham, or peanut butter and jelly, all without missing a beat.
Stainless-steel accents make this product easy to incorporate into the modern kitchen. Also, iHome says that the device features a button membrane that's simple to wipe down after even the most grueling food fight. It also has a dual alarm clock, which really only helps if you spend your nights heavily guarding the Oreos. However, another welcome feature is that the built-in dock makes for an easy way to follow recipe apps or cook up something truly special: A fully charged iPod for the next day's use. [MSRP: $99]
Vestalife Ladybug II Speakers
This pretty little Ladybug won't fly away -- at least not without some help. Keep your eyes on it, though, because the funky design really makes it a must-have, as well as a nice conversation starter. Inside, it's got a digital amp and built-in subwoofer. However, when this Ladybug spread its wings, it really comes to life, thanks to a pair of fold-out speakers. Perfect for kids of all ages, the device runs off an AC adapter or four AA batteries for music (or charging) almost anywhere. Right now, this cute little bug is an Apple Store exclusive. However, its predecessor is still rocking retail stores everywhere. [MSRP: $99.95]
Etymotic Research hf2 Hands-Free Earphone Headset with Microphone
For those about to rock -- well, try keeping it to yourself. This award-winning headset will surely help. Even though you might feel like you are rocking in and out to the free world, the noise isolation features should be shielding approximately 35-40 dB of outside sound. Of course, that's not going to help if you like to sing along. That might be a problem too, since this slim set outputs a decent 120 dB SPL of sound.
Other features include a 20 Hz -15 kHz frequency range, a sensitivity rating of 105 dB SPL, and 16 Ohms impedance. One more very noteworthy perk is the in-line button, which allows you to click through or pause music, all while keeping your portable nestled in your pocket. Also, if you want to make your mental notes a little more permanent, it has a microphone embedded in that same in-line controller.
Livespeakr
Livespeakr brings your portable music to the masses. Looking at this thing, you'd think it was a plastic toy -- one that you probably wouldn't want to spend money on, let alone bust out at parties. However, the unit works surprisingly well, cranking out pretty big sounds from an extremely compact 12.8-ounce package. Adding to that light weight is the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which boasts up to 16 hours of music. It's also not too fussy, flipping between landscape and portrait mode, which makes it perfect for sneaking in a movie or a few episodes of Lost during your lunch break.
H2O Audio Capture
Nothing says summer fun like cannonballs to the beat of Guns 'N Roses, Alice Cooper, the Grease soundtrack, the Ramones, and all of your other favorites that send the neighborhood kids running. Why leave your favorite summer soundtrack next to your flip-flops and inflatable duck? This waterproof case takes the party into the pool.
Designed specifically for the nano with video (5th generation), this add-on allows users to rock out in and under water, as well as have easy access to the nano's new video camera features. The Capture comes with a belt clip and sport armband, so you won't lose momentum or your device in the water. Also, you can add on H2O's Surge Pro super-small headphones for the complete underwater musical experience.
