There are many companies that make accessories for MP3 players. Even though MP3 players are cool by themselves, accessories can make them easier to use, add extra features or protect your player from damage.

You can find all kinds of functional and fun gadgets for your MP3 player; there are devices for sharing you music, charging your player, increasing your portability and many just for fun.

For Sharing
Why keep your music to yourself, when you can share with friends? Why not untangle yourself from your headphones and play your tunes on other devices?

• Speakers: There are many types of speakers available for MP3 players; there are even portable, battery operated speakers. If you want to chat, don't feel like wearing your earbuds or just want to share your tunes this is an excellent alterative to headphones.
• Docking Stations: Many docking stations not only connect your portable to speakers but also charge your player at the same time.
• Splitters: If you have ever wanted to share a song with someone who also has headphones, you could have used a splitter. A splitter will allow you to connect two or three sets of headphones to one player; some even have their own volume controls.
• Projectors: Now you can enlarge your viewing area by projecting images onto a large surface. If you are listening at home, you could just look up on the wall and see which track is playing, or you could share your video clips with friends.
• FM Transmitters: Driving with headphones is always a bad idea, but with an FM transmitter you can play your audio files over your car stereo.
• Camera Connector: With a camera connector, you can bypass your computer and use this device to download pictures from your camera (or a friend’s camera) directly to your player.
• Stereo Connector: With this type of connector, you can connect your MP3 player to your stereo or even to a television. So you can listen to music for hours without having to change a single CD.

For Charging
MP3 players are powered by internal, rechargeable batteries that last 10-30 hours.

• Adapters: Many players recharge through a USB port and do not come with an AC adapter for charging, but you can purchase one or a universal adapter for travel. Or if you are on the road a lot, you can get a car charger for your player.
• Solar Chargers: If you like to travel off the grid, you can use a solar charger anywhere you can get some sun.
• Charging Station: Not currently available in the US but in some areas, you can find charging stations. They are similar to vending machines; you put in your money and lock in your portable (some also charge cell phones), come back 45 minutes later and take the juiced up player out.

For Portability
MP3 players are designed to be used on the go. But what if you don't have pockets, are out in the rain or out after dark?

• Straps: There are all kinds of ways to strap a player to your body for hands free listening. You can find compatible armbands, finger straps, belts and more. These are especially popular for people who take their MP3 player along for a run or for workouts.
• Lanyards: This is just a fancy name for a necklace that can hold your player; some even have incorporated headphones.
• Cord Winders: So you don't get knotted up in your earphone cords while you are on the go, you could use a cord winder that conveniently gets the cords out of your way.
• Protective Skins and Overlays: If you are out in the elements a lot or are just rough on your equipment, you may want to consider a protective skin or overlay. A protective skin covers the entire device while an overlay is a thin film that protects the display.

For Looks
Just having a cool MP3 player is not enough when everyone else's looks just like yours. Maybe you want to stand out in the electronic sea of devices, or perhaps you just want to mark it to make it harder to lose.

• Sparkles and Dazzle: You've seen them on cell phones; well you can now get them for other mobile devices as well. With sparkles and dazzles, you can bejewel your device with sequins, rhinestones and other sparkly accessories.
• Purses or Backpacks: These bags have pockets for holding your player. Usually the pocket will have a clear panel so you can still use the MP3 player interface.
• Covers: You can protect and stylize your player in leather, plastic, easy-grip rubber, fur or even in a knitted sock. You could go business formal with a portfolio type leather cover that makes your player look like a PDA. Or go retro, with a case that makes your player look like an 80's Sony Walkman.

For Fun
Most accessories are functional, but some are just for fun.

• Toys: Dancing dogs and iPod kitties, why not? You can find cute electronic toys for your player; with some, you hook them up and they light up or move to the music. Or with the kitty, you scratch its belly to change tracks.

References
Apple Computer, I. (2006). Apple - iPod - Accessories . Apple Computer, Inc. from http://www.apple.com/ipod/accessories.html
Belkin Corporation |. (2005). Belkin : iPod Accessories . from http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526
Newegg Inc. (2006). Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg . from http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Page=6&Nty=1&N=2100210362+ 1291518734&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=362
n.d.). iWorld -. From http://shop.ipodworld.co.uk/iPodWorldSite/category/all_iPods_General%20Accessories/page/2.htm
n.d.). popXpress - UK. from http://www.popxpress.co.uk/result.tpl?cart=11527441662615361&listing=subcategories&dept=Accessories& category=iPod%20Accessories&subcategory=Misc&startat=26&max=25&SortOrder= Searchorder6&nocache=492917
Shopping.com Shopping.com is an. (2006). MP3 Accessories . from http://www99.shopping.com/xPP-MP3_accessories-~PG-2