Beyond the iPod, accessories are hot items

SEATTLE - Got an iPod during the holidays?

Chances are, you're already shopping for the perfect case or eyeing a new kit to plug your portable digital music player into a car stereo system, while browsing the plethora of other accessories available for Apple Computer Inc.'s popular product.

"The Apple iPod transcends just being a piece of technology," said Jeremy Horowitz, senior editor of iPodlounge.com, which he described as the largest source of information on the iPod and related hardware and software.

Industry experts claim that the typical user spends about 20 per cent on top of the price of the iPod to dress it up in an attractive case or make it more versatile by attaching speakers or docking it to an automobile stereo system.

With iPods selling for anywhere from US$250 ($348) to US$600, depending on the model, that translates into a hot business opportunity for many manufacturers looking to tap into the enthusiasm of the iPod user market.

"The iPod market is quality-centric and less price sensitive," said Brian Van Harlingen, senior technology manager at Belkin Corp., known as the maker of various accessories that match the white colour and design curves of the iPod.

The top accessory, by far, appears to be the case. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them -- leather, silicone, plastic, vinyl, neoprene, fabric, metal and even knitted ones, ranging in price from US$5 to more than US$200 for designer-label items.

"You see this beautiful thing sitting in front of you and you don't want to see it tarnished," said Horowitz. The way he sees it, the iPod's mirror-like back cover is just begging for protection from nicks and scratches.

The next must-have item for the iPod enthusiast is usually an automobile related accessory, typically a dock that allows music from the iPod to be played on a car's stereo system and draw power from the car, said Horowitz.

For most, the least expensive way to connect to a car stereo is via an FM transmitter that broadcasts audio from the iPod over the radio to the car stereo. For cars with direct input plugs, a simple cable will do.

Japanese car stereo maker Alpine Electronics Inc. already offers iPod-compatible car audio systems, and other car electronics makers are expected to offer iPod-friendly systems in 2005.

While most accessories are intended to enhance the iPod experience, others are used to improve upon the standard hardware that comes with the machine.

Many users, unsatisfied with the quality of the signature white earphones that come with the iPod, usually opt to upgrade to higher-quality buds that can range in price from US$40 to over US$300.

Another issue for some mobile users is the iPod's battery life. Various battery-backup options range from US$20 to about US$150.

For those looking to use the iPod as a portable mini-stereo, there is a growing market for docking stations with built-in speakers from brand-name manufacturers such as Bose Corp. and JBL.

"The iPod is not a utilitarian item for a vast majority of users -- it becomes one of the centrepieces of daily life," said Belkin's Van Harlingen.

Belkin, for example, is planning to unveil at next week's Consumer Electronics Show an iPod bluetooth transmitter that allows users to send audio from the iPod to a home stereo without the need for cables or wires.

For the most part, the iPod accessory market thrives with the blessing of Cupertino, California-based Apple Computer.

But iPodlounge's Horowitz warned that users should be careful to choose a quality product for the iPod, especially if it involves the product's power. Some users have reported that cheaper battery packs have blown out the iPod's hardware and software.

Other useful iPod accessories include a microphone adapter that turns the iPod into a voice recording tool, offered by several manufacturers.

There are also memory-card adapters that allow users to transfer digital files from small memory cards onto the iPod's generous hard drive.

The ultimate iPod accessory maker, however, may be German car maker BMW, which has four automobile models equipped with stereo systems allowing drivers to control their iPods with button on the steering wheel.

- REUTERS