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A list of 10 of the most interesting iPod accessories.
http://www.businessweek.com/technolo...718_915334.htm

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JULY 19, 2006
Technology
By Ian Sager

iPod Accessories Gone Wild
The desire to personalize the Apple music-player experience—and make a fast buck—has resulted in some downright odd products

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The early, runaway success of Apple Computer's iPod has spawned a whole ecosystem of third-party suppliers pushing accessories for the music player—everything from scratch-resistant cases to colorful ear buds to high-fidelity speakers that will turn the music player into a digital boom box. Some estimates put the value of the iPod accessory market in the neighborhood of $1 billion.


Just how successfully iPods flew off shelves in recent months has come into question of late, with some analysts revisiting their forecasts. Credit Suisse (CSR) analysts, for instance, say Apple (AAPL) shipped 7.75 million of the devices in the fiscal third quarter, compared with an earlier forecast of 8.25 million. The reason: It's been almost a year since Apple made major "updates and price concessions," analysts led by Robert Semple wrote in a July 12 note.
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But that's having little apparent effect on the accessory market. In fact, iPod add-ons have gone, shall we say, fringe. There's a growing list of weird and wacky accessories that range from a leather thong case (it's not what you think) to a dock that doubles as a toilet-tissue holder.

In some cases, necessity is the mother of iPod accessory invention. Take Handstands' iSticky Pad. You can bet that somewhere, someone took too sharp a turn in their car, and that nifty iPod, which just seconds before had been sitting on the dash, went flying out the window. Next thing you know, someone's come up with a creative and functional iPod accessory designed to make sure your player stays in place.

Whatever other impulses are at play, iPod add-on creation is also driven by a desire to personalize the experience. Although the sleek design is one of its main selling points, the overall look and feel of the iPod has remained little changed from the start, barring certain size alterations and the addition of features such as video. Bear that in mind the next time you see an iPod in a thong.

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Powder Room Player
iCarta iPod Toilet Paper Holder

www.old-fashioned-values.com
$99.95

For the iPod lover who needs the music player within reach at all times, here is iCarta's dock with bath tissue. The device boasts four waterproof speakers and a universal toilet-tissue holder.

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iPod Shoulder Bag

BrightonNet
12,800 yen

Move over, boom box. The iPod Shoulder Bag lets the music-loving fashionistas sport their iPods and let passersby hear what's playing—all in attention-grabbing white vinyl case. The player fits conveniently in an outside pocket for easy click-wheel access, and the speakers run on four AAA batteries.

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Money Music
CEO Card Wallet for iPod Nano

Marware
$24.95

Here's an iPod add-on you can take to the bank—literally. Available in four colors, this leather wallet carries the iPod nano, and has space for cash and business and credit cards.

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Big in Japan
Bullet-Proof iPod Case

Private individual
Not for sale

The maker built this aluminum case to stand what may the ultimate test of an iPod's craftsmanship: an overcrowded Japanese commuter train. Should it not succeed as an iPod accessory, the roughly one pound item could make a fine paperweight.

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Song Thong
iPod Nano Thong

mycellworld.com
$19.95

For showing off the iPod's already sleek design, slip it into a leather thong. With an adjustable leather strap, this case is sure to turn heads wherever you take it.

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Belted
iPod Nano Belt

www.tunebuckle.com
$59.95

For showing off the iPod's already sleek design, slip it into a leather thong. With an adjustable leather strap, this case is sure to turn heads wherever you take it.