iPod Rocks when the Power is Strong

OEM does not stand for exclusive. OEM is an acronym for "Original Equipment Manufacturer" but there is often replacement equipment that works just as well. Not to mention that the cost is often much lower. IPod travel chargers are no exception.

The field of available iPod accessories is so large that for our purposes here I will talk about BargainCell versus the Kensington iPod chargers. Both companies offer multiple iPod replacement chargers. There are the single charger cables, docking stations, cassette adapters and car kits. Most any iPod docking accessory will double as a charger. FM transmitters are common to many of these chargers and some not only double up on functions but some perform as many as 4 functions at once.

 

Before purchasing a non-OEM iPod charger take into consideration which model of iPod you own. Not all chargers work with all iPods due to some non standard charging ports on models such as the Nano and the Shuffle. If you have such a dilemma, don't give up too quickly. There are adapters that make some chargers work with those pesky non conforming models.

A few of the features that I believe are important to look for in a charger include:

• LED power indicator

• Technology that will not let the iPod battery overcharge

• Surge protection for the iPod while it is attached to the wall or to a car cigarette lighter

• Provide more than one use

The list below gives you an idea of some of the available iPod chargers from Kensington and BargainCell.

Kensington Travel Plug Adapter with USB Charge

Compatible with any USB iPod connection

Charger/Sync - Charger only

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - small travel adapter for use at home, office or hotel room

Multiple uses - N/A

4 in 1 charger for the car

Compatible with-click wheel, iPod Nano and iPod with Video

Due to the pass through feature it will charge an iPod shuffle, cell phone or PDA via a USB cable

Charger/Sync - cigarette lighter or in the house or office with a USB 2.0 to dock connector cable

Surge Protection - A fuse protects from a power spike

Design - fits hard to fit cigarette lighters

Multiple uses - powers and charges iPod, FM transmitter, USB power and charging for any other USB powered device

Kensington FM Transmitter, Auto Charger for iPod

Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector

Charger/Sync - charges iPod through the cigarette lighter

Surge Protection - fuse protects against spikes

Design - compact

Multiple uses - powers and charges iPod, FM transmitter, wireless Aerielle technology that transmits up to 15 feet between the iPod and the FM radio

Kensington Digital FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod

Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector

Charges/Sync - charges iPod through cigarette lighter

Surge Protection - fuse protects against spike

Design - car charger with digital display (3 buttons saves presets)

Multiple uses - powers and charges iPod, FM transmitter

Kensington Entertainment Dock 500 for iPod

Compatible with all iPods with dock connectors

Charger/Sync - charges

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - Dock cradle w/RF remote

Multiple uses - powers and charges iPod, listen to music through stereo, show photos and videos on television

BargainCell Emergency Charger for iPOD

Compatible with iPods (I suggest that you verify your model with BargainCell)

Charger/Sync - charges

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - compact, LED screen, cable with 9V battery hookup for emergency iPod charging

Multiple Uses - powers and charges iPod

BargainCell 2-IN-1 Apple iPod FM Transmitter Car Kit with Charging

Compatible with iPods (I suggest that you verify your model with BargainCell)

Charger/sync - Charger

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - Car charger through cigarette lighter

Multiple Uses - Charger, FM Transmitter

BargainCell 2-IN-1 HotSync & Charging USB Data Cable for Apple iPod

Compatible with iPods (I suggest that you verify your model with BargainCell)

Charges/Sync - Charges and Syncs

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - USB connection

Multiple Uses - Charging, HotSync

BargainCell 2-IN-1 Retractable HotSync & Charging USB Data Cable for Apple iPod

Compatible

Charges/Sync - Charges, Syncing

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - Retractable cords, USB connection

Multiple Uses - Charging, HotSync

BargainCell 5-IN-1 Car Kit

Compatible with iPods except Nano bought after 09-2006

Charges/Sync - Charges

Surge Protection - N/A

Design - Car Charger, LED display

Multiple Uses - Charging, FM Transmitter,

Of course, these are not the only iPod charges on the market. There has been an entire new industry developed to cater to iPod users. My alarm clock charges my iPod and I can wake up to music every morning. There are multiple iPod docking stations, pillows with iPod connections with speakers, children's purses that change colors and rock to the music of iPods and the list goes on and on. One important tip however is to check the compatibility with YOUR iPod since some models sport non-standard connectors.

It is difficult to choose a favorite and most useful model but I must say that I love the idea of the BargainCell Emergency Charger for iPOD. Just stash a 9V battery in your car or bag and whether you are close to civilization or not you will always have power.