Apple's family of iPods continues to reign as the most popular digital music player. And for good reason: the iPod line boast elegant good looks and an easy-to-use interface. No doubt you use your iPod as a portable jukebox — that's still its main function. You may also watch downloaded TV shows or movies on your iPod classic, iPod touch or iPod nano. But what about using your iPod as a video source for your home theater, or as a music source for your car stereo? Transforming your iPod into any of these devices is simple. All you need is a handy accessory designed to work with your player.

A case (or backpack) for your iPod

This case incorporates a stand for viewing videos on your iPod.

Portable listening is the specialty of every iPod, for the matchbook-sized iPod shuffle, the slightly more stocky iPod classic, and the sleek iPod touch. So why not protect your player when you're out and about? There is an impressive array of cases available for iPods. Many feature a clear panel to protect the iPod's screen, and some include padding or a folding flap, for even more protection.

If you like to listen on walks or workouts, you can find a case outfitted for easy mobility with an attached arm band, belt clip, neck strap, or wrist strap. There are versions with a built-in stand, which position your iPod for easy video viewing. Some cases even have built-in speakers, for settings where you don't have to keep your music to yourself.

And fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice style for functionality. Cases come in a variety of colors and designs, from conservative black leather to neon pink, blue, and green.

Want a "case" that can hold your books, keys, and cell phone in addition to your iPod? Check out iPod backpacks. They come in a variety of colors, have a special pouch for holding your iPod, and storage aplenty for your books, laptop, and just about anything else you need to take with you. Some even include built-in iPod controls.

More power to your player

Your iPod came with a USB cable that you use to charge the player's battery via connection to your computer. But what if you don't feel like fishing around the back of your computer for a free USB port every time your iPod needs a charge?

The DLO HomeDock Deluxe lets you enjoy your iPod's music and videos your home A/V system.

That's where the Dock comes in. Simply place the player in the Dock, and you've got an easy, always-available way to power your player and transfer songs and shows. You can also find models specially made to connect to certain brands of home receivers, so you can control your iPod with your receiver's remote.

Of course, chargers are available for listening in the car, too; they plug into your car's cigarette lighter. There's also a charger for listening on-the-go. Simply load it with 4 "AA" batteries and attach it to your player.

With the right power accessory, the music doesn't need to stop when your iPod's battery is drained.

Listening options on-the-go and at home

Possibilities abound for listening to your iPod on the go. One of the first accessories many iPod owners pick up is a nice set of headphones — as with home speakers, the quality of headphones ranges widely from affordable "sport" designs to noise-canceling models with impressive bass and clarity. You may also want to consider a Y-adapter, which lets you plug two sets of headphones into one iPod. This can be helpful for listening on an airplane, train, bus, or any other setting where you want to share your music with another person.

At home, you can choose from an impressive array of speaker possibilities. There are mono, stereo, and even 2.1-channel speaker systems custom-designed for getting full, warm sound from your iPod — plus, you always have the option of connecting your iPod to your home A/V system. Best of all, many systems are styled to match the iPod's sleek looks. Here's a sample of what's available:

The Bose® SoundDock® includes a credit card-sized remote, you can control your iPod from anywhere in the room.

• iPod Speakers — while some of these systems connect to your iPod through a stereo minijack cable, most feature a built-in Dock connector. Just slip your player onto the speaker system, and enjoy the sound. Many are also portable, so you can take them to a friend's house, the basketball court, or anywhere you want to listen. They often provide the option of using batteries (usually "AA"s) or AC power. Some include an AM/FM radio. Higher-end systems can work well as a permanent sound system for an office or dorm room. Many include a remote.
• Computer speakers — Some speaker systems designed to provide multichannel sound from your computer can also work with your iPod. These systems connect to your player quickly and easily via a stereo minijack cable. And since many include subwoofers, they can deliver even more room-filling sound than systems with built-in Dock connectors.
• Your home A/V system — If you already have an audio system, that's probably the very best way to get great sound from your iPod. Hookup is simple, with the aid of a stereo miniplug-to-RCA cable connecting your iPod to your receiver. Alternatively, you can connect your Dock to your receiver this way. Some manufacturers even sell special Docks that connect to their receivers, so you can view your iPod's menus on your TV, and control the iPod using the receiver's remote.

Lately, wireless solutions have also cropped up for listening to your iPod at home. Employing RF, Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® technology, wireless transmitters plug into your iPod's headphone jack and transfer data across your living room to your receiver or powered speakers.