Do you have music lovers on your Christmas list this year? They probably already have Apple iPods or other MP3 players. So, give them gifts that help them get more out of their players. I’ve got five great ideas to get you started:
Earphones
Music players come with headphones, but most are mediocre. Music aficionados want to hear the music without extra noise. That’s why they need noise-isolating earphones.
Noise-isolating earphones fit snugly inside the ear and seal out outside sound. Manufacturers say these earphones block 90 percent of outside noise. This means you hear more at lower volumes.
Etymotic (www.etymotic.com), Shure (www.shure.com) and Ultimate Ears’ (www.ultimateears.com) noise-isolating earphones provide a richer, wider sound range. A good pair of earphones can be quite costly. Expect to pay at least $100.
Don’t buy noise-canceling headphones. They produce a noise that cancels outside noise. In quiet rooms, they may emit an audible sound.
Car kits
Your music fanatic will want to listen to the player in the car. Unfortunately, music players are difficult to connect to car CD players. But there are a few options.
FM modulators transmit music from the player to the car’s FM radio. Wireless ones connect easily. Wired ones connect directly to the stereo, requiring more work.
Belkin (www.belkin.com), Griffin (www.griffintechnology.com) and Scosche (www.scosche.com) make modulators. Prices start around $30. You’ll also find kits that connect to the stereo’s line-in jack.
Some allow you to control the player via the car’s stereo. Others include special displays or controls. Expect to pay upward of $150. Make sure the kit is compatible with the car.
Nike + iPod Sport Kit
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit from Apple is the ideal gift for music fans who run. It requires an iPod Nano and special Nike running shoes.
A sensor slips inside the running shoe. The sensor measures time and distance, plus it calculates the number of calories burned. Information is transmitted wirelessly to the iPod. Workout data is synced with iTunes. It’s cool! The Nike + iPod Sport Kit costs $30.
Cases
A case is always a welcome accessory for any music player. Cases help protect players from scratches and falls. And they can add a little extra personality.
You’ll find cases online or at your local electronics store. Make sure you’re buying one for the correct make and model of player. If your music nut already has a case, consider a travel case. This holds cables and chargers, in addition to a player.
Gift cards
For the music maniac who has every accessory, buy a gift card for an online music store. More music will be a welcome gift.
For iPods, the iTunes Music Store is the only option. Likewise, Microsoft’s Zune is only guaranteed to work with the Zune Marketplace.
