This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Other iPod Car Accessories
Two other categories of iPod accessories make use in your car a bit easier. These include power adapters (so that you don't drain your iPod's battery) and car mounts (so that your iPod has someplace to sit while you're driving).
Power Adapters
If you're going to be driving for more than a few hours, it's a good idea to provide some auxiliary power for your iPod. Otherwise, you risk having your iPod's battery fizzle out in the middle of your trip, which is less than ideal.
The typical iPod power adapter, like the DLO Auto Charger shown in Figure 14.8, plugs into your car's cigarette lighter or power jack. A short cable connects the power adapter to the dock connector on the bottom of your iPod. The power adapter thus provides a steady stream of power for your iPod and recharges the iPod as you drive.
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Figure 14.8 The DLO Auto Charger for the iPod and iPod nano.
Some of the most popular iPod car power adapter/chargers include the following:
- Arkon CA070 iPod Car Charger ($12.95, www.arkon.com)
- Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/Dock Connector ($39.99, www.belkin.com)
- DLO Auto Charger ($19.99, www.dlo.com)
- Griffin TuneFlex ($49.99, www.griffintechnology.com)
- Griffin PowerJolt ($19.99, www.griffintechnology.com)
- iRock 12V DC Charger ($12.95, www.myirock.com)
- Macally USB Car Charger ($19.99, www.macally.com)
- Monster iCarCharger for iPod ($39.95, www.monstercable.com)
- Ten Technology flexibleDock ($49.95, www.tentechnology.com)
Car Mounts
Finally, there's the issue of where you put your iPod while you're driving. You could just lay it on the dashboard (until it slides off) or place it on the passenger seat (unless you have a passenger). A better solution, however, is to somehow mount it on your car's dash or windshield, where it's within eye sight and arm's reach—so that you can quickly and easily operate the Click Wheel while you're driving.
All manner of iPod car mounts are available. Some are vehicle specific, designed to mount to your car's dashboard or center console with bolts or adhesive tape, like the Pro.Fit miMount shown in Figure 14.9. Others are more portable, fitting into one of your car's cup holders, like the Griffin iSqueez shown in Figure 14.10. Still others attach to your windshield with suction cups, or fit into your car's cigarette lighter and do double-duty as power adapters. Which type of mount you choose depends on how attached you want it to be and where you want it positioned.
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Figure 14.9 The Pro.Fit miMount iPod mount.
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Figure 14.10 The Griffin iSqueez iPod cupholder mount.
That said, here are some of the more popular iPod car mounts:
- Arkon CM160-W Swivel Vent Mount ($19.95, www.arkon.com)
- Belkin TuneDok ($29.99, www.belkin.com)
- Gomadic Dash Car/Auto Mount ($34.95, www.gomadic.com)
- Gomadic Vent Car/Auto Mount ($34.95, www.gomadic.com)
- Gomadic Windshield Car/Auto Mount ($34.95, www.gomadic.com)
- Griffin iSqueez ($9.99, www.griffintechnology.com)
- Nyko Universal Car Mount ($39.99, www.nyko.com)
- Pro.Fit miMount ($29.95–$39.95, www.pro-fit-intl.com/mimount)
- ProClip Mounting System ($26.99–$59.99, www.proclipusa.com)
- Ten Technology iRide Glove Box Organizer ($79, www.tentechnology.com)