Every Zune-ster needs accessories

Donald Bell, Senior Editor December 18, 2008

Living in a non-iPod world isn't easy. Sure, there's a lot to love about Microsoft's line of Zune MP3 players, but when it comes to shopping for accessories, you start feeling like the only vegetarian at a steakhouse. Don't fret, brave Zune-ster, there are plenty of worthy accessories made for the Zune. In fact, the quality-to-crap ratio for Zune accessories is unusually high, since most off-brand manufacturers would rather chase the iPod.

The hottest-selling MP3 player accessories are traditionally small speaker docks and in-car FM transmitters. The Home AV kit Microsoft made for the Zune is a great buy, considering that it offers a charging dock with both component and composite video outputs, a remote control, and a portable USB wall-charger. Charging docks (including speaker docks) are also a particularly good accessory if you like using the Zune's wireless sync feature, since docking your Zune will automatically trigger the sync. The latest addition to this list is the iHome ZN9 Zune alarm clock, which can hold its own against the best offerings for iPod.

If money is no object and you're shopping for the ultimate Zune accessory, the 2008 Ford Focus SES and its Sync media system allows voice-activated browsing of your Zune while you drive. Now that's cool.

More Resources

Zune Central,

MP3 players and PVPs,

MP3 Insider podcast,

Zune vs. iPod