iPods are an incredible piece of technology, so much so that it often feels like a waste to keep the music all to yourself. In this comprehensive guide, Ivan Gregor from the-ipod.com shows you how to free your iPod so that everyone can enjoy what you're playing.
When Akio Morita introduced the Sony Walkman in the late 1970s, his colleagues thought he was out of his mind. The prevailing belief was that people wouldn't want to walk around wearing headphones. However, by the early 1980s, Morita's vision had become a reality. The Sony Walkman was the iPod of its time, and it was nearly impossible to walk down a street, ride a train, or sit in a waiting room without seeing someone with headphones.
The Walkman wasn't just popular among the youth; middle-aged and elderly people also embraced it. Fast forward a quarter of a century, and while headphones have evolved, the concept remains the same. The current trend, initiated by the iPod, is for white in-ear headphones, but you'll still see a variety of colors and styles adorning people's ears.
What if you want to enjoy your music without headphones? Whether you want to share your tunes with friends and family or use your iPod as the audio centerpiece of a party, there are numerous accessories available to meet your needs.
At the top of the price range is the Bose SoundDock. Known for their high-quality, small-footprint speakers since the 1980s, Bose offers an iPod-compatible speaker system that costs just under $300. While this may not be affordable for everyone, the SoundDock is worth considering if you prioritize top-notch sound quality.
For those who value portability, iSoundz offers several practical solutions. The iSoundz Wallet, for instance, includes a rechargeable speaker and a storage space for your iPod, all within a sleek leather wallet. Priced at under $50, it comes with all necessary cables. However, the sound quality is mediocre, making it less suitable for serious music enthusiasts.
Altec Lansing offers several options under the inMotion label, providing excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. Like the Bose SoundDock, the Altec Lansing inMotion system also recharges your iPod while you listen to music.
Speakers aren't the only way to share your music. FM transmitters allow you to broadcast your iPod's audio to any nearby FM radio.
One of the most popular FM transmitters is the iTrip from Griffin Technology. This small unit plugs directly into your iPod's headphone socket. You can select the transmission frequency via the iPod display and tune in a nearby radio to listen. However, it draws power from the iPod, so ensure your batteries are charged or your device is connected to a charger.
In addition to the iTrip, you can find quality FM transmitters from manufacturers like Belkin and Kensington. Prices range from around $20 to $100.
I hope this guide helps you break free from the confines of your headphones. Listening to music doesn't have to be a solitary activity. With the tools mentioned above, you can share your iPod's contents with friends, family, colleagues, and anyone else within earshot.
By leveraging these accessories, you can transform your iPod into a versatile audio device that enhances your music-sharing experience.
