Well you finally broke down and purchased an iPod. It's hip and you just adore how user friendly it is, how good its sound quality is, all the room on it for music and audio books, and the added option of using it as a flash drive. What? Are you saying you didn't realize it was made for storing things other than music? Hey, pretend it's a data CD, open it in your computer, and then do the famous drag and drop move, dude.

You can do a lot with an iPod, but some of it requires iPod accessories. Just searching the internet for "ipod accessories" leaves you with millions of choices. So, how do you find the good stuff? How do you find iPod add ons and iPod replacement parts? And how do you know if the stuff you buy is compatible with your hardware? Here's the acid test: search for the model name and generation of your iPod when looking for your iPod accessories.

You may be wondering what you can buy. The only truly replaceable parts of the iPod are the screen, the battery, and the headphones. You should only replace the screen or the battery if they break, and don't forget to check your warranty--if it is still in effect, you can send the iPod back to it's manufacturer to have it repaired. When it comes to headphones, however, you can purchase a set that will really improve the iPod's sound quality, and in general you get what you pay for, to a point. Be wary of sites that promise seemingly impossible sound improvements, because these are often too good to be true.

But there is a wide variety of iPod accessories out there. From arm band holders you can use while exercising to silicon rubber or leather skins to add drop and bump protection, and all but invisible plastic films that make the device impervious to scratches. Companies have been offering for years speaker docking stations that let you turn your iPod into a stereo system. And some car companies are getting in on the act with in car connections dedicated to the iPod.

Remember, there are so many choices of pre-designed electronic add ons available, ranging from mileage trackers for runners to DJ mixing tables. So far, however, there does not seem to be an available GPS receiver. You might often find the best items in the store on the manufacturer's website, but you might want to check around and compare prices before you make your purchase. In your search, you might find something cool that you hadn't thought about before.

For those who want to take it to the next level, consider altering your music player from Apple. You will learn many hints, including ways to add a separate operating system to please those more technically inclined. If you are better with your hands, you can replace a piece or two and end with a device for those more exacting about their listening experiences. Remember that any of these items will void your warranty, so be aware of the consequences!

For more information on IPOD accessories try visiting http://all-things-ipod.info, a website that specializes in providing helpful ipod tips, advice and resources to include and more.