Once I got an iPod, it seemed I took it everywhere with me.  On the road, it's my music player, calendar, address book and even an alarm clock!  And I got so used to the seamless streams of music and customized set lists, it's become my #1 music player at home too.  But when I'm at home, wearing headphones just isn't practical, especially when I'm going to sleep or writing new Hubs. 

My solution was to explore the world of iPod docks!  These great accessories let you use an iPod but you don't have to carry it or use headphone or ear buds.  A dock can not only be a save and reliable place to put down your iPod, it can recharge it, let you listen via speakers or even combine your iPod and some other useful household appliance.  So, get more than ever before from your favorite electronic device with great iPod docks!

Do you like to listen to music as you go to sleep, but need to keep the music to yourself? Hate dealing with headphones or ear buds in bed?

Give an iPod Speaker Pillow a try! These soft, plush pillow designs have speakers inside them and are ready to connect to your iPod. Put your head down on the pillow and you'll be able to hear your music!

These are fantastic for little kids (and big kids) whether it's nap time or bed time! Make riding in the car or enduring a long airplane flight a lot more fun and enjoyable. (Hint, hint: try a speaker pillow and an audio story book for cranky little ones in the backseat on those long drives to Grandma and Grandpa's house.) Also great for college students in dorm rooms where you can't be blasting tunes all night long...

One of my favorite things is to have my iPod provide some background music while I write my Hubs. But I don't like to have tons of clutter on my desk. After all, there's the computer, the telephone, external computer speakers, my docked digital camera, the monitor... you get the idea.

A great way to reduce clutter is to combine your iPod dock with something else that regularly sits on your desk. My favorite is a combination of a desk lamp and a docking station! Sometimes I need a little extra light to see what I'm working on and in the winter, I like to have a full spectrum bulb on to help keep my spirits up. Now I can have my light and my music in all-in-one.  This is also a great idea for university students or the overly-bare work cubicle that needs some personality added.

Most people have a clock radio by their bedside. But with the rise of the iPod, why just have the radio when you can have whatever music you want?

If that sounds like you, why not give a dock plus clock radio a try? These docks let you recharge and play your iPod, but also offer up all the conventional features of an alarm clock and radio with which you are familiar.  If you'd like to wake up to precisely the song you wish, look for one with an alarm clock feature built in that will let your iPod wake you up with your chosen song or playlist.