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Travel Accessories for the iPod and iPhone Michigan

These add-ons for Apple gadgets, for the plane, car, and hotel room are cool--but are they worth the money?

1. Local Companies

2. Introduction

3. Getting Power on the Plane

4. In the Car

1 . Local Companies

Computer Asset Mgmt Corp
(810) 231-2883
4730 E Mi 36
Pinckney, MI

Computer Giant
(810) 720-3111
G3496 S Saginaw St
Burton, MI

Mid Michigan Computer
(989) 832-6026
222 E Main St
Midland, MI

World Wide Technology
(248) 844-4400
2817 Bond St
Rochester Hills, MI

Hi-Tech System Service Inc
(810) 326-9000
3070 Palms Rd
Casco, MI

Burtka Business Systems Inc
(586) 954-3800
Clinton Township, MI

Computer Builders Warehouse
(586) 247-8801
45179 Market St
Shelby Township, MI

Shintech
(734) 622-8099
1715 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI

Clio Computers
(810) 687-6968
172 W Vienna St
Clio, MI

Syo Computer Engineering Services Inc
(586) 532-6382
48581 Hayes Rd
Shelby Township, MI

An Apple iPod or iPhone is an essential travel accessory in its own right. Not only can you listen to music and watch videos, but you can also store your business contacts on either device or use your iPod to back up files.

But as feature-packed as Apple's devices are, you'll probably still want to accessorize them. Here's a look at some cool add-ons for the airplane, car, hotel room--or anywhere you travel.

3 . Getting Power on the Plane

The Inflight Power Recharger ($35 to $50), about the size of a small tape measure, converts the audio output from an airplane's passenger seat headphone jack into power that can recharge your iPod, iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, and any other handheld devices that support USB connections.

Here's how it works: At your airplane seat, find a music channel with up-tempo tunes; turn the volume all the way up; plug your gadget into the recharger and the recharger into the airplane seat audio output jack. You don't have to be in an airline seat to use the recharger, however. With two AAA batteries the Inflight Power Recharger can juice up your device without an airplane audio jack.

I tested the Inflight Power Recharger with my video iPod on two recent cross-country flights. The device extended my iPod's playback time by about 30 minutes--but it took nearly 2 hours to get that charge. And it was awkward to have my iPod and the recharger in my lap, dangling from the airplane seat audio jack.

The iGo powerXtender ($16) is another option for gadget recharging in transit. The portable device uses two AA batteries to recharge iPods, iPhones, and other gadgets, wherever you may be. But you've got to buy a tip to connect a device to the recharger, and a tip that fits iPods and iPhones costs $13. Plus, they're relatively small and easy to lose. However, with so many available tips, it's likely there's one that fits your small gadget.

4 . In the Car

The iPod is among the technological advancements that rendered the car cassette tape player obsolete. And yet one of the easiest ways to play iPod music in the car is through a cassette tape adapter. Ironic, huh?

If your car stereo doesn't have a cassette deck or an iPod hookup, you can wirelessly transmit music from your music player to unused FM frequencies on your car radio.

For example, Griffin Technology's iTrip Auto is a sleek, black device that works with iPods and iPhones to wirelessly transmit tunes via FM frequencies. It's easy to change frequencies using the device's LCD. And because it connects to your in-car power port, the iTrip Auto also charges your gadget while beaming your tunes (not all transmitters do this). It can be frustrating to find a clear, unused FM frequency without static in urban areas, however. At $70, the iTrip Auto is pricey, but I've seen it online for under $50.

Read more about Travel Accessories for the iPod and iPhone

- How To Buy Apple iPod Accessories Michigan

After purchasing your Apple iPod, it becomes apparent that you will need several accessories. The following article talks about what some of the accessories, as well as where to find them.

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- LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone Michigan
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- iPod Basics Michigan
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Regional Articles

- Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Michigan

The adapter and firmware update add a Nike+ option to your iPod menu. Using the Nike+ option, you can set up workouts for yourself based on the distance you want to run, the time you want to run for or the calories you want to burn. Your iPod then gives you regular spoken updates on how you're doing, telling you when you reach your halfway mark, when you've only got a few minutes or a short distance left, for instance.

- iPod Touch (Second Generation) Michigan
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- LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone Michigan
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- What I've Learned Writing 'Gadget Freak' Michigan
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Travel Accessories for the iPod and iPhone Michigan

1 . Local Companies

2 . Introduction

3 . Getting Power on the Plane

4 . In the Car