iPod o' rama

I've gotten into the iPod lifestyle in a big way.

My mp3 history started with a Dell Jukebox my wife, Nancy, gave me several years ago. It was easy to use but I was limited to my CD library or "other means" for my song selection.

Then a year ago, I was given an iPod shuffle at work and fell in love with iTunes and the ease of syncing it up with the iPod.

When the nano was introduced, I jumped all over it. With 4GB of storage and the small size, I knew it was the right one for me. I like the small size, color screen and large storage capacity. Having the contact list, calendar, photos, etc. are a plus but the small size is critical for being truly mobile. True, the screen can easily scratch but when the backlight is on, its hardly noticeable (to me anyway).

Accessories - stop the madness!
I'm sure the average consumer spends much more on accessories than the actual iPod itself and I'm no exception. Here is the list:

• Lanyard - Plug it into the dock connector, throw it over your neck and you're completely mobile. I can pick my playlist and drop it inside my shirt or jacket and its easy to forget you're wearing it. No bulging pocket or geeky hip attachment to annoy you.
  
• Griffin RoadTrip - I've tried a Belkin battery powered FM transmitter before and was unimpressed. Interference from other stations was a problem when driving around and dealing with low batteries were a pain. With the RoadTrip, you plug it into the cigarette lighter, drop the iPod into the slot and you're "good to go". I have had no problems with interference from other stations, avoids low battery issues, and charges the iPod. I view it as my substitute for Satellite radio. My own song or podcast selection (more on podcasts later) with no commercials.
• Decal - I got a decal for the front and back from decalgirl.com. Cheap and helps me avoid obsessing about the outside appearance getting beat up. I went with Dark Burlwood but at last check there are 166 different designs to choose from.
• Dock - I like the idea of dropping the nano into a dock connected to my stereo so I can enjoy it in the living room. It makes it very convenient but I'm not using it as often as I thought I would. I usually just end up using the lanyard around the house.
• JBL On Stage II - What a great unit! Nice size and great sound. It makes a very nice boom box. Plus it has a remote for volume and pause/play. I use it in the bathroom where I can crank the tunes while I shower. I know Apple has introduced something similar, but I think its over priced and I like the form factor of the On Stage better.
• iH5 Clock Radio - Last but not least, the iH5 seems to be available everywhere and after checking out the reviews, seems to fit the bill nicely as a clock radio/iPod player. Sound is very good and does everything you would expect a clock radio to do plus charge and play your iPod. Of course you can wake to your favorite playlist. My only complaint is the beep when you turn on or off the alarm.

Podcasts

A lot of hype about podcasting these days. And I think its not just hot air. The seamless experience of finding a podcast that interests you in iTunes, subscribing to it and loading on your iPod make it a joy. Its my satellite radio substitute. In fact I find myself listening to podcasts much more frequently than music.

• Some of my G rated favorites are "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer", the various NPR flavors, "American Experience", and Leo Laporte's voluminous output (especially This Week in Tech)
• Non-G selections include "Diggnation", "The Dawn and Drew Show", "Tiki Bar TV" (okay this one is video and doesn't work on the nano, but its hilarious)