Got a new iPod or MP3 player for Christmas? Time to accessorise!

Your guide to accessorising and customising your iPod

If you were lucky enough to get an iPod (or some other MP3 player) for Christmas, you've probably got to grips with all the software, and you loaded all your favourite tunes onto it, but there is no reason to stop there - now it's time to accessorise!

While we all personalise our iPods with the music that we put on it, they still look the same one the outside, so accessorising is the best way to make it stand out and make it "yours".

You've probably seen the standard accessories by Apple such as the funky socks. While these are pretty cool, every man and his dog has them. Fortunately more and more independent brands are bringing out their own accessories, so you can really personalise your iPod.

iPod Accessories by Boxfresh

Boxfresh have brought out this very cool camo iPod holder. It has a thick canvas belt loop on the back to keep it secure, and a reflective strip on the front velcro ed panel.

If you're looking for something to carry a little more than just your MP3 player, then take a look at the Airdrop Shoulder bag by Boxfresh. This has an internal pocket for your MP3 player and a special rubber grommet in the top through which you can pass the headphone cord with having to leave the bag open. This bag also has loads of extra pockets and a long adjustable shoulder strap - perfect for carrying your keys, phone, money, etc.

iPod Cases by Mixx

Mixx have brought out a great range of neoprene (the same material that is used for wetsuits) iPod cases. This one is the hooty case for the iPod Nano featuring a cute owl graphic. It has a window so you can easily access all the controls and has a short canvas loop so you can easily attach it to your purse, tote bag or belt. A version for the Video iPod will be available very soon...

If you like that and you also have a laptop, you may also like the matching laptop sleeve - perfect for safely transporting your laptop within any other bag instead of having to get a standard boring, geeky laptop bag.

Make your own iPod cover for free!

We stumbled upon this fantastic site recently. At iPaperCraft, you simply select which iPod you have, then upload any image from your computer and with it generates a template that you can print out, cut'n'paste, and like magic you have your very own custom paper case for your iPod! Once you see how the templates are laid out, you can easily work out your own designs in photoshop (or whatever graphics program you use), so that you can create the exact case you want. We've already wasted many an hour playing with this! If you create any very cool paper covers - let us know and we'll stick them online!

Software Tools for your iPod

All of the following software tools are completely free, so check them out and see which ones you like. This isn't a definitive list of iPod software, so if there is anything that you cannot live without that I have missed off, drop us an email and I'll check it out and add it.

Lyrics on your iPod

Need a bit of help with your singing? Use Canto Pod to get song lyrics onto your iPod - now your friends can only complain about your singing - not the fact that you don't even know the words!

Customise your screen

With iPodWizard you can customise the font, graphics and text on your iPod, so you really customise how it looks on the screen as well as on the outside. It can also perform a few other mods such as removing the volume limit on European iPods.

Get Fit!

Your iPod can help you to keep your New Year's Resolution to get down the gym and keep fit! Don't believe me? Just get yourself over to iPod Gym and download the exercise videos and descriptions of over 80 different exercises.

Watch the weather

Get weather forecasts on your iPod using Weather for Me which downloads weather forecasts from MyForecast. MyForecast has over 32,000 international forecasts so it'll also be great use when you are traveling.

Convert Videos for your iPod

If you've got an iPod Video, then you'll probably want to get some video files from your PC onto your iPod. Videora is a free application that enables you to easily convert your regular PC video files (avi, mpeg, etc) into the correct format to be played by your iPod.

del.icio.us Digg It Furl Reddit Yahoo! Stumble It!