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