As MP3 players become more popular, the age at which a child is introduced to them continually decreases. And finding appropriate headphones for youngsters presents a few unique challenges.
First and foremost, any responsible parent wants to ensure that any sounds being piped into their little ones' ears are coming through at safe listening levels. While it's important to consider music volume and hearing protection at any age, kids' ears are more sensitive the younger they are, which is why it's important that their headphones employ a volume limiting feature. And then there is the lesser--but still important--issue of fit, as children need smaller-size earphones.
All of the models here take both concerns into account, and a few of them even offer fun design considerations for the younger set. And perhaps best of all: none of them will break the bank, making any set a great stocking stuffer option.
Read our roundup of kid-friendly headphones.
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The Container Store)
Chances are at least one of your friends or family members owns an iPod. Or maybe you're planning on giving one as a gift this holiday season. Perhaps you have one yourself and think even inanimate objects deserve presents.
Whatever the reason, it's the perfect time to pick up some accessories for this ubiquitous MP3 player. Rest assured, there is no shortage of add-ons for the iPod; in fact, wading through the sea of cases, speakers, chargers, and car mounts for this device can be a bit of a daunting task.
This is precisely why we've packaged a slew of neat little extras right here in this handy one-stop-shopping post. Heck, there's even some iPhone-worthy stuff scattered about, so make sure you give 'em all a look.
Q: I need your help on this one. I am trying to decide what accessory to get for my iPhone so that I can hook it up to my car and charge it, but at the same time hold it up as a dock. Here are the four choices that I have so far:
- Griffin TuneFlex Charger
- Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe Auxiliary Car Kit
- Kensington LiquidAUX Auxiliary Car Kit
- Kensington Power Port Car Mount
Now I understand the last one is just a holder and that you have to buy the charger, but I want one that will hold my phone so that I can see it, but I can charge it directly as well. I don't want something that I have to stick to my windshield. Do you have any suggestions? Can you help me on this one? Have you guys done a review on things like this before?--Rob, via e-mail
A: I'm presuming that the inclusion of an FM transmitter is optional, since some of those options don't include that feature. That would make a difference in the suggestion. But if you have aux-in on your head unit, that's a better way to connect anyway.
We haven't reviewed a lot of these solutions in recent times, but in the past DLO has been the most impressive. The TransDock Classic is a good option if you need the FM transmission; if not, then check out the AuxDock, which is available for just $25 on Amazon. You could also try the TuneBase Direct from Belkin.
The PocketDock adds line-out and mini-USB connectors to your iPhone or iPod.
(Credit: SendStation)The SendStation PocketDock Line Out Mini USB solves two problems--both of which you can probably guess from the name. First, it adds a line-out jack to your iPhone (or nearly any iPod model).
What's the big deal about line-out? Well, if you're plugging your device into, say, a home or car stereo, the headphone jack just doesn't cut it. It's not sufficiently amplified, and it doesn't deliver quite the same audio fidelity.
Second, the PocketDock supplies a mini-USB port, meaning you can use any industry-standard mini-USB cable to charge and sync your iPhone (and at the same time you're using the line-out jack).
The little gizmo has other perks as well. According to SendStation, the line-out jack consumes a bit less battery power than the headphone jack, so you might get a little extra playtime.
Also, the PocketDock comes with a pair of audio cables: one mini-to-mini (also known as a patch cable) and one mini-to-RCA, the latter for plugging into a stereo's composite-audio jacks.
I'm not sure all that helps justify the PocketDock's $29.95 price tag, which strikes me as steep for such a small piece of hardware (it's no larger than the iPod end of Apple's stock USB cable). But I sure wouldn't mind owning one.
What do you think? Is this something you'd buy? If you agree with me that it's overpriced, what's a fair price? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The IDR350m comes with interchangeable color caps.
(Credit: Scosche)If you don't want to shell out $80 for the Apple In-Ear Headphones, but still want the convenience of an inline remote, Scosche has a solution for you. The accessories maker just introduced the IDR350m Increased Dynamic Range earphones with tapLINE control technology, which is all just a fancy way of saying "in-ear earbuds with remote." The headphones, which sell for a more reasonable $49.99, include a module that lets you control play, pause, adjust volume, skip tracks, navigate playlists and activate the Voice Over feature to hear the name of the song and artist. There's also an integrated mic for recording voice notes to the iPods that have the functionality. The design is a pretty standard iPod-white, but Scosche does offer a bit of flair by including six interchangeable color caps in white, red, pink, green, blue and chrome. The IDR350M is currently available on the Scosche Web site, and the company will be releasing the darker-hued IDR350MD in August.
On Sale Now: $70.42 - $83.25
View the latest prices for Apple In-Ear headphones
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Scosche)
Despite the fact that I finally caved and purchased a second-gen iPod Touch, history will tell you that I'm no iPod fangirl. Still, one thing the iPod has going for it that no other MP3 player can match is a seemingly endless array of third-party add-ons.
There are hordes of cases; gaggles of speakers; and a shocking supply of docks, recorders, FM transmitters, and other feature-adding devices...not to mention all those apps for the Touch and the iPhone.
Over the past several years, there have been a number of iPod accessories that tempted me to bow to the pressure of the 'Pod. I've rounded up the top 10 choices here for your viewing pleasure. Maybe some of them will entice you in the same way.
One of several problems that can plague portable speakers is a lack of stereo separation. The easiest way to remedy this issue is to create a design where each speaker driver is actually housed in a separate unit, so that the left and right channels can be placed some distance from one another. Sony implements this technique in its SRS-M50 Portable Speakers, a compact set that retails for $49.99, and there's no doubt the unit offers better separation than most ultraportable speakers. In fact, overall sound quality is pretty decent, the style is likable, and the design lends itself well to portable use, all of which makes the SRS-M50 a great option for frequent fliers. Read the Sony SRS-M50 review.
You may have heard: companies are dropping like flies when it comes to exhibiting at CES 2009. Philips is one of the casualties and has instead elected to announce a grip of gadgets for next year before 2008 has even come to a close. Among the products are several rather slick-looking iPod docking stations with integrated speakers and precious few new features. Sure, one has HD Radio and another integrated Bluetooth, but neither functionality is shockingly innovative. Still, the look of all six systems ain't half bad. You can find more information on the SBD7000, SBD8100, DC315, DC350, DCM250, and DCH250 in this slide show.
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Philips)
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Streaming Networks)
Part of the reason the iPod has been so successful is that compatible content is so simple to acquire--and there's plenty of it. Now, the iRecord Pro, a simple one-touch personal media recorder, makes content even easier to get. And the beauty of it is that it's not only for the iPod, you can also record directly to the Sony Walkman, the Sony PSP, and other devices.
Unfortunately, the iRecord Pro is way overpriced at $259, and while it will save you money on content in the long run, the fact that it's crippled by its lack of a scheduling feature--and that it offers only real-time recording--makes the price tag exceedingly hard to swallow.
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Griffin)
So you've managed to get your hands on one of the world's most sought-after MP3 players, the Apple iPod Touch. This sleek and innovative device will keep you plenty entertained for sure--especially with music applications from Pandora and AOL adding Internet radio capability--but you'll soon realize that a little extra investment can help you get the most out of your player. For one thing, those stock Apple earbuds aren't the best-sounding--or most comfortable--headphones to be had. The first step is to upgrade, and our top headphones list is an excellent place to start. Pay special attention to models with built-in mics, such as the Etymotic hf2, which allow you to take advantage of the players voice applications.
That done, head over to our iPod Touch accessories page and find a variety of cases to protect your investment, as well as some innovative ways to enjoy your content on-the-go and in the home.
