accessories

Belkin's 'Portable Video Player for iPod'

Belkin may have to work on that name a little, but I'm happy to see some more competition entering the portable video iPod accessory space. Like the Sonic Impact Video-55, this Belkin device lets you dock a 5G iPod to view its video content on a more capacious screen. Unfortunately, Belkin had very few details to provide on the floor at CES, though I was able to snap the shot at right. I can also tell you that the device has a 7-inch wide screen, an external stereo speaker, and an A/V input for use with other devices. … Read more

Swiss Army iPod accessory

Convergence among devices is one thing, but it's happening with accessories as well. The Duracell PowerFM ($79.99) from Battery-Biz is three iPod Nano (1G and 2G) add-ons in one: an FM transmitter, a protective silicone case, and a battery pack.

The transmitter sends your iPod's audio out to any FM radio receiver within about 8 feet via a user-selectable frequency, while the lithium-ion battery pack doubles the life of your iPod's built-in battery. The PowerFM isn't hideously obtrusive, and a pass-through port on the bottom lets you hook up other iPod accessories that use the … Read more

Viewsonic ViewDock projector for iPod

Well, this is a first...the first one I've seen, anyway. Yesterday at CES, Viewsonic announced the ViewDock projector, which features a built-in iPod dock. According to Viewsonic's press release, iPod users are "three times as likely to download video clips, movies and Web casts to their computers"--the company is obviously interested in capitalizing on this fact. Viewsonic asserts that the ViewDock is great for on-the-go sharing, but at 3-plus pounds and roughly 12 x 10 x 5 inches (my estimate), it's not really all that portable. In a car, certainly, but I wouldn'… Read more

Zune accessories gone wild

Would you believe that the Girls Gone Wild trailer is a mere 25 yards from CNET's CES 2007 edit trailer?

I'd include some pictures to prove it, but then we might start confusing this trade show with the Adult Entertainment Expo (warning: link leads to adult content). No, instead I have for you several Microsoft Zune Accessory Packs, handy multidevice packages meant to help you make the most out of your Zune in various environments. First, there's the Car Pack, a $79.99 kit that includes an FM Transmitter with AutoSeek and a car charger. Next, we … Read more

iPod speaker goes swimming

Can't live without your iPod, even when you're taking a dip in the pool or grabbing a quick shower? The EGO Waterproof Sound Case is a waterproof iPod speaker system that's made of the same shatterproof polycarbonate that goes into bulletproof glass. It protects your iPod from water, and it even passes the "will it float?" test. Specs include a pair of neodymium speakers, a waterproof membrane for the iPod Click Wheel, and 30-hour battery life (with four AA alkaline batteries). Throw in wrist and shoulder straps and an adjustable stand, and you've got … Read more

Shure's new 'buds

Shure dropped some new sound-isolating earphones, dubbed the SE line, onto the masses. The company redesigned its popular E series and gave the models spiffy new looks as well as new, more confusing names. The SE210 ($149.99), the SE310 ($249.99), the SE420 ($349.99), and the SE530 ($449.99) all offer far better sound than those garbage earbuds that came with your MP3 player.

The SE210 and SE310 are both single-driver models and come with deluxe fit kits that include sets of replaceable tips, so you get that all-important ear canal seal (and so you don't gross … Read more

Sennheiser cancels the noise

Sennheiser is clearly gunning for number one with its latest noise-canceling headphones. The PXC-450 is a set of full-size closed-back cans that make use of Sennheiser's brand-new NoiseGard 2.0 technology to make mincemeat out of ambient noise. But unlike a certain other brand (ahem, Bose), these will still work when the battery is drained. Another nice touch is a "TalkThrough" button on the right earcup, which lets you hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones. There are also volume and on/off buttons right on the headphones, and the detachable cable is … Read more

Control an iPod or iTunes remotely with Keyspan TuneView

Just as Keyspan starts selling its wireless TuneView iPod remote control, the company has announced it will release a similar product that will let you control your iTunes playback via a USB transceiver, sometime this March.

The original TuneView ($179), which went on sale just before the New Year, includes an iPod dock/transceiver and a TV-like remote control with a color LCD. Your iPod content is transmitted over the 2.4GHz-frequency band from the dock and displayed on the remote's screen. This allows you to control your iPod as if you were holding it, from up to 150 … Read more

RCA catches iPod accessory fever

There are a ton of iPod accessories on the market, but RCA didn't let that stop it from rolling out two new iPod speaker systems at CES. RCA announced, under the Acoustic Research brand, the blackVault 2.1 speaker system, which brings some analog warmth to your digital music by way of a vacuum tube amplifier. The all-black design--along with the exposed tube--is eye-catching, although it definitely will look best with a black iPod. Atop the subwoofer is the dock for the iPod, which--like most of the units we've seen--is capable of charging your iPod. There's also … Read more