Smart Home Lifestyle

May 6, 2006

New accessories for your MP3 player combine function with fashion

Whoever said, “Diamonds are a girls best friend,” must not have owned an iPod. Besides the fact that MP3 players are cute, compact, and coordinate with just about any style and mood, they’ve also got some real function to their form.

Kick your feet up

Enjoy your music lying down? Then check out iPillow, from Brookstone. IPillow combines a foam interior and micro-suede exterior with two 3” built in speakers. Simply plug in your iPod, or any MP3 player, and let the lulling begin.

The iPillow uses an AC adaptor or six D batteries, and has a large rotary volume control. It even has a netted zip pocket on the side to hold your iPod. IPillow comes in silver and costs $75.

The Softsounds Speaker Eyemask is sure to sooth. The Souftsounds Eyemask, from Brookstone, provides built in stereo speakers. One side is soft and furry, and the other, a smooth Lycra fabric. And, since they’re no power required, simply plug in your MP3 player for simple sound. The Eyemask runs $35.

The ultimate taskmaster

Like to hear the sound of your own voice? Brookstone’s MP3 Voice Recorder plugs into a fullsize iPod and has a built in microphone and speaker, so you can leave your headphones at home. Just remember, the Voice Recorder, costing $35, doesn’t work with iPod Mini MP3 players.

For true illumination, let your Blinkit light the way. The Blinkit flashlight (www.blinkitnow.com), plugs into any iPod with a dock connector, providing a bright burst of light simply and safely. Blinkit works off your iPod’s batteries and can be used simultaneously with your headphones. Blinkit offers several programmed light flash patters, and it even has a “flash to the beat” of your music mode. Blinkit offer a rainbow of changeable transparent cap colors, and runs around $30.

The iBeam is another nifty gadget. Like the Blinkit, this flashlight multi-tasker sheds light on the subject while keeping you safe and your area well lit, but it also adds in a laser pointer. iBeam’s powerful red laser beam can be seen over a quarter of a mile away, and comes in handy for presentations or just some fun with the cat. iBeam can be purchased at www.everythingipod.com for around $18.

You wear it well

Crating around your iPod Nano’s a cinch with TuneBuckle. TuneBuckle’s belt and buckle combo allows iPod owners to discretely carry their Nano around their waist, while leaving the screen and controls visible and accessible.

TuneBuckle’s chrome buckles come in three styles including the original, and full moon and full metal jacket that will be available soon. Belt colors include black and white, and come in five sizes to fit just about any waist. TuneBuckles range in price from $59.95 to $69.95 and can be found at www.tunebuckle.com

And for fashion with the right amount of tech at the gym or on the track, check out GymGirl skirts made by SkirtSports (www.skirtsports.com). GymGirls skirt boasts SpeedSilk fabric, with Shorties that are built in right under the skirt. So, where does the hi-tech come in? SkirtSports sewed an electronics compatible pocket into the side leg of the Shorties. This means you have a secure pocket for your MP3 player or even your cell phone. And that's not all. SkirtSport added a buttonhole just under the waistband to easily thread headphone cords up. GymGirls come in six colors including flirtini, daiquiri ice, root beer and blue Hawaii and cost $70.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec