iPod accessories

With the number of people listening to music on the go, it's no surprise portable headphones are flying off the shelves. For those who are looking for extreme portability, the obvious choice is earbuds, but certain users are uncomfortable sticking things in their ears. For them, there are compact on-ear models like the Phiaton PS 320 Primal Series headphones, a lightweight set that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.

This $199 set of earphones is a good option for travel hounds and commuters who are looking for an alternative to standard earbuds, but the set is relatively light on features.

Read the full Phiaton PS 320 review.

Phiaton PS 320 photos

Are you looking for a stereo Bluetooth headset that works as well for music as it does for calls? After spending a week with Altec Lansing's $99 BackBeat 903, I think I've finally hit on a Bluetooth headset that can successfully juggle both tasks without breaking the bank or making me cringe.

It's hard not to be picky when it comes to technology you wear on your head. Some people can't stand headsets that pinch their ears or rub against the neck, or they hate designs that make them look like blinking Bluetooth cyborgs. There's no perfect stereo headset for everyone, but so far, the BackBeat is one of the all-around best-sounding, best-fitting models we've tested in this price range.

To read the full review on the Altec Lansing Backbeat 903, head over to CNET Reviews.

Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 photos

Digital music aficionados who are constantly behind the wheel are often faced with the dilemma of how to connect their MP3 players to their car stereos. The lucky ones have head units with direct line-in ports, and a few may even be driving around in vehicles old enough to sport the good-old cassette deck.

Either instance requires a simple wired attachment, but for those who aren't blessed with such accouterments, playing MP3 audio in the car is a little more challenging. Two options remain: custom install a hardwire connection or play music over often-spotty FM transmitters. Thankfully, there are a handful of transmitters on the market with solid performance, including the Eznex EzCube, a tiny device that connects to any MP3 player and will set you back about $50.

Read the full review of the EzCube FM Transmitter.

Eznex EzCube FM Transmitter photos

The iLive iB109 iPod speaker.

Boom box designs typically go to masculine extremes. Products like the Sony Xplod or Altec Lansing iM7 look like they belong on Vin Diesel's shoulder launching rockets at enemy helicopters. Even classically styled boom boxes like the Lasonic i931 are purposely designed to be unwieldy, oversized contraptions that require a gym membership and an unhealthy appetite for punishment.

The iLive iB109 strikes a retaliating blow against the male-centric design of these beat-blasting behemoths by mimicking one of the most emasculating objects ever devised--the purse. With its flexible strap, glossy finish, and iPod-matching color schemes, this portable speaker system is just a Hannah Montana sticker away from repelling men like kryptonite.

Aside from looking adorable, the iLive iB109 will only set you back $29, and includes an AM/FM radio, universal iPod dock, and aux input. You also get the added assurance that men will never ask to borrow it.

(Via Chip Chick)

The Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod Dock.

(Credit: Buy.com)

As a child of the '80s, I can distinctly remember a time when decorative electrostatic plasma lamps were very cool. They were also very expensive and--for the most part--useless. These days, though, I can't look at one without thinking of that creepy, evil, wizard crystal ball thing from Lord of the Rings.

Whatever side of nerd nostalgia you fall on, the Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod dock has you covered. You get an iPod dock, clock radio, USB port, and a bitchin' plasma lamp--all for $34.99. I'm not sure how they shield the speakers from interference, or protect your iPod from the constant static-electric charge, but I know wouldn't risk putting an iPhone in there. Anyway, I wouldn't want Saruman the White reading my e-mail.

(Via Techfresh)

Apple's iTunes software makes it dead-simple to copy music onto your iPod, but when it comes to moving files in the opposite direction--from the iPod to your computer--there's no obvious solution. I get an e-mail on this topic at least once a week, usually from someone who's had his laptop stolen or watched helplessly as his hard drive crashed. After an incident like that, it can be a relief to know your music collection (or at least part of it) is backed up on an iPod.

Of course, relief can quickly turn to frustration when you plug that iPod into a new computer and can't figure out how to grab those files. Worse yet, iTunes will sometimes prompt you to erase the iPod if it's not recognized. Saying yes will only end in tears.

To be fair, iTunes isn't completely useless when it comes to pulling media off your iPod. Under the iTunes File menu, there's an option for "Transfer Purchases From iPod" that will work to pull any content purchased through the iTunes Store back to your computer. It's a nice place to start, but to get the rest of your content off your iPod, you'll need to download some additional software.

Get stuff off your iPod--photos

There are two very useful applications out there that will transfer the rest of your music, videos, playlists, and metadata off your iPod and back to your computer. In truth, there are dozens of programs that can accomplish the same thing, but for the sake of simplicity, we'll stick with these two since they're easy to use, and work with all models of iPods and iPhones.

Update: an updated version of Pod to PC (version 3.02) offers compatibility with iPhone OS 3.0 but requires a $9.95 activation fee. The original, free versions of the software outlined in our slideshow and video are still available using the Download.com links below, however, they are not compatible with iPhone OS 3.0.

Depending on the type of computer you're transferring to, download Pod to Mac or Pod to PC from Download.com. If you're looking to get photos off your iPod, go ahead and download Pod Photo Transfer (PC only), as well.

To see how the process works, CNET's Tom Merrit made a handy video that walks you through the steps for retrieving files from an iPhone. The process is identical for iPods, so don't feel left out when Tom says "iPhone"--just overdub it in your mind with the iPod model of your choice. For a few extra iPod media transfer tips, check out our CNET slideshow.

Extreme sports and music go hand in hand, so it's not surprising that companies such as Skullcandy and Nixon take advantage of this relationship to market headphones to teens and young adults with an interest in such activities. Now you can add Roxy to the list. The female-centric surf-wear maker has teamed up with JBL to offer a line of stylish earphones aimed at young women. At the bottom end of the spectrum are the superaffordable Reference 230 earphones, a standard earbud model that lists for $20. While they hit the Roxy style on the head, these earphones probably won't fit all people well and the sound quality leaves something to be desired.

Read the Reference 230 review.

Roxy Reference 230 earphones--photos

(Credit: Monster)

I bet companies like Monster are breathing a sigh of relief now that rumors of an integrated iPhone 3GS FM transmitter have been proven false. Otherwise, there's simply no way monster could have justified its newly announced $99 iCarPlay Wireless 1000 in-car FM transmitter and iPod/iPhone charger.

Truth is, I still don't know how you justify a $99 FM transmitter, or even a $79 FM transmitter like the also-announced Monster iCarPlay Wireless 800 (pictured). FCC regulations have pretty much capped the power of these things for the past few years, making it hard to argue that the devices are any more effective than last year's models. To Monster's credit, the refreshed gear looks twice as slick as last year's line-up, and this time around they're officially iPhone 3G certified.

Still, to anyone willing to drop $100 on an FM transmitter: do yourself a favor and please just upgrade your car's stereo. Also, remember, all you iPhone and iPod Touch users can use stereo Bluetooth now (hint-hint).

All ranting aside, Monster unveiled a few other in-car audio accessories today, including the iCarCharger 1000 iPod/iPhone power adapter ($49), the $19 iCarPlay Cassette 800 (yes, they still make these), along with a grab bag of $15-$30 aux cables (iSplitters, iCables--you get the idea).

(Credit: CBS Interactive/Corinne Schulze)

Sometimes, working with a very specific type of tech product for so long will make one doubt whether anything truly unusual is ever going to flutter in through the mail slot. I was in just such a slump when I came across the CyFi Wireless Speaker while researching fitness-friendly tech. This unique, bicycle-mounting gadget seemed like just the ticket for active types who shun the gym in favor of hitting the streets on two wheels.

Far be it for me to look down my nose on anything that encourages cyclists to shun dangerous earbuds in favor of a safer way to enjoy tunes on the go, but the CyFi is not exactly the perfect solution. Don't get me wrong: it has plenty of things going for it, not the least of which is its weather- and shock-resistant design. Plus, the Bluetooth functionality and included iPod adapter are great for eliminating cord clutter.

However, the sound quality is decent but not great, and turning it up loud enough to hear over the sound of traffic was slightly embarrassing (I'm not much for foisting my musical tastes on others, though). I also discovered during testing that the mounts have a tendency to fall apart, as the washer from the screw handle permanently fell out during one adjustment. Despite these complaints, I still think the CyFi is a sweet idea, just one that could perhaps use a bit of fine tuning. It was certainly one of the more fun products to play around with, and the price of $160 for the iPod version is not too ridiculous, given the features. The gallery below includes some more information on the results of my testing.

CyFi Bluetooth bike speaker hits the streets--photos

Extreme sports and music go hand-in-hand, so it's not surprising that companies such as Skullcandy and Nixon take advantage of this relationship to market headphones to teens and young adults with an interest in such activities. Now you can add Roxy to the list.

The female-centric surfwear maker has teamed up with JBL to offer a line of stylish earphones aimed at young women. At the top end of the spectrum are the still-affordable Reference 430 headphones, an on-ear set that lists for $70. They're not particularly comfortable, and the bass may not be thumping enough for many, but the colorful style has a good chance of appealing to the target audience.

Read the Roxy Reference 430 headphone review.

Roxy Reference 430 headphones--photos