Recently, I had the opportunity to review the iStik for iPod Nano — the solution to the annoyances I’ve mentioned above.  The iStik comes in 2 parts, a durable plastic case with 4 magnets fused at the back and a “fastener” equally with 4 magnets.  Using the iStik is straightforward — simply place your iPod Nano into the case, put it to your shorts, your shirt, your blouse, your bag, or your cap and place the “fastener” on the opposite side of apparel.  The 8 magnets will stick to each other like super glue and thereby securing your iPod Nano just the place you want it to be.

Currently, the iStik is available for 2nd generation iPod Nano.  If you own a 3rd generation iPod Nano, do not despair as there will be one available very soon. You can however, pre-order the iStik (3rd generation) for $26.95 by sending an email to stikit@goistik.com.

This big piece of ingenuity is small on the pocket — at just $24.95. Please note that the iStik will not make your iPod waterproof.  If you are going to take your iPod near water, get a waterproof case.  Since the iStik uses strong magnets, it is advisable to keep it away from your pacemaker or wrist watch.

What about the data in my iPod, will it be affected by the magnets? No, it will not.  That’s because the iPod Nano uses flash memory to store your music and videos.

With the iStik, your iPod experience will increase one notch; comfort and convenience wise.

Although its oval (semi circle if you must) shape appears a bit gimmicky at first, the unique shape of the JBL On Time is designed to offer 360 degree sound using speakers placed around its circumference, and when you listen to it for the first time, it is certainly very impressive when compared to more traditional iPod speaker docks.

The On Time features a standard iPod universal Dock Adapter, making it compatible with all models in the iPod range including the iPod Nano and iPod Video. It also has a small headphone jack so you can plug in any other kind of MP3 player (with an audio outlet), or even your laptop to provide a huge range of options and allow you to source your music from pretty much anywhere — radio included.

The speakers are of the highest quality, and although they are only 6 watts, thanks to the phoenix neodymium drivers, they offer significant sound, and are well balanced across tones to give a rich sound at most levels.

The actual functions of the 10” tall base station of the JBL On Time extend beyond just providing loud speakers but also an integrated LCD screen with a very user friendly menu system allowing you to set the clock, find radio stations, and even navigate through tracks on the iPod, although you may still find it easier to use the job wheel instead if you are more used to it.

Overall, the JBL On Time looks fantastic and delivers where it counts – the sound – making it a great addition to the ever increasing range of iPod docks that are currently available. It comes in 3 colors — white, black and aluminium; available at a MSRP of $249.99; while Amazon is offering at $207.95 at press time.

The Tekkeon myTalker is a highly compact and sleek looking device that fits in perfectly with the Apple iPod, and thanks to its ingenious construction and use of Bluetooth technology, it will allow you to answer and reject calls without touching your phone, and then speak to your friends with its built in microphone and your existing headphones.

As with all Tekkeon products, the myTalker ET7000 is manufactured to the highest quality standards, and includes many touches that are rare on a device in this price range. The ET7000 features the latest technology throughout its construction including a fully rechargeable lithium polymer battery that will offer 5 hours of talk time and more than 120 hours on standby from a single charge. For charging, the pack also includes a standard USB 2.0 connector, so you can simply plug the myTalker into your Mac or PC and charge it up quickly and conveniently.

Thanks to its ingenious integrated microphone, and intuitive one touch operation, using myTalker ET7000 is as simple as can be. The unit has audible and visual indicators to let you know when you have a call waiting, and it will switch the signal effortlessly between phone and iPod, when you answer the call.

Thanks to its use of Bluetooth V1.2 wireless networking, the myTalker connects directly to your mobile phone within a distance of several metres, meaning that you can leave your cell phone comfortably in your pocket or even on the table, and simply push the call answer button on the myTalker, and it will communicate directly with your phone to answer the call without you needing to reach for the button on your phone.

At press time, Tekkeon’s MyTalker is available from Amazon for $131.97.

iPod Wraps together Memorex’s exPressit Label Design Studio software allow you choose choose from over 1500 backgrounds, images, and clip art (you can even select your own family photos or portraits). Your choice can then be printed using your inkjet printer unto the printable Wraps and attached to your iPod. With Memorex’s removable adhesive iPod Wraps, you can now have decorate your iPod and at the same time protect it from scratches.

There are different iPod Wraps for iPod Mini, Shuffle, Nano, iPod 4th Generation, and the new iPod with Video. For more information, please visit Memorex’s iPod Wraps page.

Starting from a fee of $64, right up to $449, you can transform your Apple products into attention grabbers. With a tag line like “We will continue to create and transform our products beyond what the original manufacturers intended“, rest assured that ColorWare will transform the ubiquitous beige computers into custom-colored works of art.

With 28 outrageous colors to choose from, you are really spoilt for choice. The following are the prices for various Apple products:

• iPod Nano G1 – $64
• iPod Nano G2 – $74
• iPod Video – $74
• Mac Mini – $99
• iBook – $399
• PowerBook – $449
• MacBook – $449
• MacBook Pro – $449

For more information and ordering instructions, please visit www.colorwarepc.com

The SpeckTone Retro sports a four-inch subwoofer and delivers 28-watt output where the volume is controlled using a large knob located smack centered (this system is remote control-less).

You can get your very own Retro Speakers in white, black and green for $99. For more information, visit www.speckproducts.com.

Buy it now at iHomeDirect for $99.95 or if you prefer, from Amazon for $74.88.

In the packaging, you can find the main unit, remote control, power cord and adapters for different iPod models. To start enjoying the iGroove HG, simply choose the proper iPod adapter, dock your iPod and turn on the power. While you enjoy the music streaming out, the iGroove HG charges your iPod. The iGroove lacks in terms of portability as it does not run over batteries; power sockets are your only choice of powering this shelf system.

One last word, with the super glossy finish and curvy shelf system, the iGroove HG begs to be placed smack center on your shelf; gathering attention as it is meant to be. Docked and loaded, the iGroove HG is indeed a rockstar in your home.

Retailed at $249.99, Amazon is offering this product at $199.99. More information on the iGroove HG can be obtained from Klipsch’s website @ www.klipsch.com.

Owing to the fact that the Claro is crystal clear, your iPod’s will continue to show its natural color (great if you have personalized your iPod); and if you are in the mood for colorful iPod, you can add on Claro Slims (sold separately) that comes in 2 packs – the Cruiser Pack (Blaze Red, Prince Purple and Blush Pink) and the Chill Pack (Ebony Black, Sonic Blue and Ghost White glow in the dark).

If you are the one who uses Apple Dock, there is a minor drawback when using iSkin Claro – you would have to remove the iPod from the outer layer to dock it. One of the great ideas I love about the iSkin Claro is the integrated kick stand in its low profile belt clip. Such ingenuity allows you to stand your iPod upright whenever you are watching videos.

You can have your own iSkin Claro for $39.99 and the add-on Claro Slims at $25.00 at www.iskin.com. Amazon has the iSkin Claro at $28.99 and the Claro Slims at $22.99.

The Boomtown Mini speaker plugs right into your iPod headphone slot and then opens into an upside down tripod or if you prefer, an upside down umbrealla. All of your songs, movies and podcasts that you have selected will be played through the Boomtown Mini speaker. It can provide approximately ten hours of usage on a single AAA-sized battery.

Best of all, you can take the speaker with you anywhere that your iPod goes- great for use in the car or at the beach. Speaking of its aesthetics, this ingenius tripod design allows you to get great quality sound in a circular area around the iPod and works with any size of the iPod. Each portion of the speaker folds towards the middle to make it easy to carry. This is a great alternative to a higher priced iPod speaker or dock if want to be able to listen to music on the go without headphones.

Priced at $39.95 the Boomtown Mini comes in white or black colors. You can also get the Boomtown Mini from Amazon at $34.99.

The iJet Wireless RF Remote for the iPod is the answer for iPod remote control. The remote works with a RF signal that will control your iPod from a distance of up to a 150 feet. You just need to remember to have the iPod in hold position in order to use the remote.

This iPod remote control work through walls so you can actually use it while you are in your backyard; and if you have your precious iPod safely hidden in your backpack, while rushing through the streets, the remote will allow you to control it without having to take it out in the open.

It is easy to use, looks great –as all iPod gadgets do- and above all is handy and practical. If you can’t live without your iPod and you take it everywhere and need to control it while on the go, or you if are just a couch-potato, this might be the gadget for you after all. There are 2 variant to the remote control; iJet 2-Way LCD Remote and the iJet Wireless Remote with Bottom Dock. The difference is that the LCD allows you to view song selections, artists and playlists while the other does not.

As of this post, Amazon’s price for the iJet 2-Way LCD Remote is $87.99 and the iJet Wireless Remote is $32.18.

To use, simply attach the TuneTalk to the base of your iPod which houses 2 omnidirectional microphones. However, to review or listen to your recorded memo, you still require an earbud or through iTunes. An extremely important accessory when required, you can use your iPod with TuneTalk to record that important meeting, interviews, college lectures or even normal conversations.

To save your hands from cramps, this accessory comes with a stand allowing you to operate in a hands-free mode. It even charges your iPod if the cable is connected; ensuring that you do not lose power in the middle of recording.

With a price tag of $69.99, the Belkin TuneTalk comes only in black color. At press time, Amazon’s price is $46.22.

The NYKO speaker dock is an excellent choice for someone considering the purchase of a speaker dock. It has a round speaker with the iPod mounted on top. It looks much more stylish than a traditional dock system which typically features a square base which the iPod is placed into.

The NYKO dock contains two speakers which provide high quality sound. Not only does it sound great, but it works to recharge your iPod while you are listening to music. In addition, it contains a port to allow you to transfer files at the same time you are charging your iPod. It has an adjustable base so that it can fit any size iPod except the iPod Shuffle which is great for a family or individual who has more that one iPod.

It can run off of batteries or using an AC adaptor. The iPod base can be moved around for ease in watching videos if you have an iPod with that capability.

The NYKO speaker dock will cost you around $80 which is a great price and comparable with other docks that are less stylish and have less features. For more information, visit NYKO’s webpage.

The MYVU Personal Viewer comes in two models: one specially designed for the iPod and the “universal edition” that works both with the iPod and with portable DVD players. The universal edition can pretty much be used with any media device as long as it has a video out port; plus is cheaper than the other model, although it uses 3 AAA batteries and not an ultra-thin lithium battery like in the iPod edition.

The MYVU Personal Viewer is a cutting-edge technology in portable display giving you the smallest and lightest eyewear display in the market. Plus the design is irresistible and it comes with extra gadgets like a belt pouch to carry it and the iPod model includes a travel case.

Though it facilitates visual portability, it lacks high-quality resolution; displayingg only 320 x 240 pixels and 24 bit color depth. Futhermore, it’s not exactly an affordable Christmas or birthday present, the MYVU is priced at $299 for the universal edition and $399 for the iPod model.

For more information, visit http://www.myvu.com

The good-looking Geneva speakers come in two versions, the model L and the model XL. The difference is in the size of the speaker box. You can choose from the red, white, or black model. There are also optional floor stands which lift the speaker box off of the ground.

The Geneva iPod speakers can play your iPod Video, iPod photo, iPod Mini or the iPod nano in addition to CD’s. It also has FM radio capabilities. All the stereo features can be controlled by the remote control.

Perhaps the only drawback to the Geneva speakers is the price tag. The smaller model L unit costs $599 and the larger model XL unit costs $1075. However, if you are serious about digital music and you want a speaker system that will provide high quality sound from your iPod this system might be the way to go.

For more information, visit Geneva Lab at http://www.genevalab.com/

Made in Holland by Miniot, the casings come in two sizes; iWood Nano (synonymous to the iPod Nano) and iWood 5G (synonymous to the iPod Video). These casings are made from a single piece of hardwood which ensures that you dress your iPod in style without visible wooden joints.

When you purchase your iWood, not only do you get your wooden casing, you can personalize your very own monogram engraving on the top and an additional 2-line message on the inside. The iWood Nano is priced at €75 ($95) while the iWood 5G is priced at €85 ($108). For more information and purchasing details, please visit Miniot’s web site.

The TinPods currently feature illustrations by Kurt Ketchum who is a renowned illustrator based in Rochester, New York. All these TinPod designs are actual paintings by Kurt who believes in blurring the lines between art and graphics. According to Kollective.de, they are starting off with these 3 designs as limited editions – more designs are expected to arrive.

If you want to do your bit for charity; for every TinPod that you purchase, a dollar will be donated to CityArts charity. The TinPod is available in 3 designs (L’Orange Lune, Change Attitude and Die Blechdose) and is priced at $16.95 each or $29.95 for two.

If you want to continue using the default earbuds from Apple and yet would like to enjoy your music at a higher level, you may want to consider Griffin’s EarJams. This product looks like an in-ear extension that snaps onto your iPod earbuds; funneling the music directly into your ear and increases the sound volume by 10 decibels. Using the EarJams, you will experience a higher level of improved sound and bass; comfortable wear of the iPod earbuds.

The EarJams comes with 3 earpads sizes and can be purchased for $19.99 available from Griffin Technologies or from Amazon at $6.99 (press time).

If you really want to draw the full potential of your iPod and really want to listen to music as it should be, do yourself a favor and get one of these Sony MDR-EX71SL Fontopia. These earphones comes with an extension cable for longer reach and 3 earpieces so as to allow the owner to find a comfortable fit.

These earphones fit into your ear canal and does in fact block off external noise allowing music to then flow in all its majesty into your eardrums.

When you purchase this casing, a stainless steel belt clip and a cling-on screen protector are included. Totally a doable DIY casing.

These specialized covers are available directly from www.c6mfg.com at the following prices:

• iPod Nano – $39.99
• iPod Video 5G – $49.99