| The iPod docking station is probably the "must have" | | | | from a small package. As with the simple cradle |
| accessory to go with your iPod, especially if you are a | | | | docking stations, the iPod is easily connected to the |
| constant or frequent user. The docking station allows | | | | computer with a USB cable or FireWire connection. |
| the iPod to fully charge while still allowing the listener to | | | | This allows synchronizing and downloading of songs |
| enjoy their music without interruption. The docking | | | | while charging the batteries on the iPod and listening to |
| station also keeps the iPod safe and secure, avoiding | | | | tracks through the speakers. |
| the chance of damage if it were simply left on a chair | | | | Some docking stations have optional battery power to |
| or on a table. | | | | charge the iPods, typically using four or more AA |
| There are several different options in iPod docking | | | | batteries. This additional battery feature makes it an |
| stations and the choice is largely one of price and | | | | ideal choice for having to connect to a computer in |
| convenience. For the tiny iPod Nano, a simple docking | | | | areas where there are not enough power outlets, or |
| cradle gives the basic stability to the player and allows | | | | even for playing and charging your iPod outside or in |
| the Nano to be synched to the computer for | | | | remote areas. Most of the larger, speaker-equipped |
| downloads while charging. While the simple cradle does | | | | docking stations range in price from $30.00 to under |
| not have speakers of its own, an audio-out port allows | | | | $100.00. There are some very unique in-wall docking |
| the Nano in the docking cradle to be connected to | | | | stations that keep your iPod in a safely recessed dock |
| external speakers, headphones, or even through your | | | | that is permanently mounted to a wall behind or near |
| computer to play all your favorite songs while charging | | | | your computer, but these are usually quite a bit more |
| the battery. Typically these smaller cradle style docking | | | | expensive. In addition many of the docking stations |
| stations are less than $20.00 US. | | | | also have radios and additional features to make them |
| Larger docking stations for iPod Video or MP3 players | | | | more versatile. |
| typically have built-in speakers on either side of the | | | | When purchasing an iPod docking station it is important |
| docking cradle. These speakers are designed to be | | | | to carefully read what size and type of iPod the |
| ultra high quality to preserve the sound from the iPod | | | | docking station can handle. Typically iPod docking |
| itself. Many of the larger docking stations come with | | | | stations will have additional inserts to allow them to |
| surround sound speakers, subwoofers, tweeters and | | | | hold a Nano but not all can hold the smaller, new |
| 3-D sound processors for an amazing sound quality | | | | generation of iPods. |