Apple iPod Touch accessories

Jasmine France, Senior Associate Editor December 2, 2008

So you've managed to get your hands on one of the world's most sought-after MP3 players, the Apple iPod Touch. This sleek and innovative device will keep you plenty entertained for sure--especially with music apps from Pandora and AOL adding Internet radio capability--but you'll soon realize that a little extra investment can help you get the most out of your player. For one thing, those stock Apple earbuds aren't the best-sounding--or most comfortable--headphones to be had. The first step is to upgrade, and our top headphones list is an excellent place to start. Pay special attention to models with built-in mics, such as the Etymotic hf2, which allow you to take advantage of the players voice apps.

Once you get your music piping through some decent headphones, it's time to protect your investment. The iPod Touch is probably the most delicate of the bunch, not to mention the priciest. The XtremeMac's TuffShield will help to keep that large and lovely screen in good condition, or try out Griffin's Reflect Mirrored Chrome Finish Case to add a touch of shine while keeping the entire Touch out of harm's way. For a more rugged look that acts as a hardcore defense mechanism, check out the Speck ArmorSkin. If you're after something a little more versatile, keep an eye out for the Mophie Juice Pack, a nonslip case with a battery that adds an additional 24 hours for audio and 7 hours for video. Next up is the DLO HomeDock Deluxe HD, which will charge your iPod while letting you output content to your HDTV. Finally, the Airport Express will let you take full advantage of Apple's new Remote app.

More Resources

Apple iPod family album,

CNET's iPod Central,

MP3 Insider podcast,

Editors' top headphones