The iPod is the ultimate symbol of the digital age and only those entirely out of touch haven't heard about it by now. It’s today's hottest gadget! Owning one immediately makes you one of those iPod people! You know, audiophiles in love with their iPods. That said, what kind of self-respecting iPod person would you be if you didn't pimp your iPod? You may be asking, just how do I do that? With iPod accessories of course! Fortunately, there are numerous companies that offer the best and most exciting hardware and software available. There are accessories to compliment and personalize your "baby”, no matter what your taste!

The first and most basic accessory is the skin. First, second and third generation iPod owners often had to be content with iPod accessories that consisted of cases in leather, rubber, aluminum or fabric, to protect their iPod/MP3 from scratches, dust and moisture. Depending on your requirements, there are covers that allow you to carry your iPod/MP3 player with you on all your activities. From water-resistant cases to sweat-proof sleeves, these iPod/MP3 accessories help your iPod to be truly versatile and portable.

The next must-have accessory is headphones or earphones. iPod/MP3’s usually come with earphones, but the quality is many times not up to the standard of most sophisticated modern day listeners. Upscale head phones include the retractable headphones, which are great to use outdoors. Then there are the headphones with attached speakers, the infrared wireless earphones and  water-resistant earphones for those times when you can't even take a bath without listening to your iPod.

Aside from these basic earpieces, external speakers and carrying case iPod/MP3 accessories are quite popular. The iBoom iPod player has a dock for your iPod player with speakers attached to the sides. It is perfect for picnics and beach outings where music is a must to liven up the party. Another brand, called the iBag, is an accessory with FM stereo capabilities that adds more fun because you have the option of surfing through local radio stations for even more great music.

More iPod/MP3 accessories are available to the iPod junkie online. A number of websites do product reviews of these iPod/MP3 accessories and you can get a preview of the items you may want to buy through them. Simply Google iPod/MP3 accessories to find them. They not only provide you with the price, features and product compatibility details but they will also give you the pros and cons of each iPod/MP3 accessory.

Other iPod accessories that are must haves for any iPod/MP3 warrior include the Belkin Voice Recorder that allows you to record reminders, meeting and notes into your iPod/MP3. There's also the hands-free accessory called the iPod remote and earphones. With it, you don't have to worry about struggling with the iPod controls as you drive or jog. A stationary variation of this remote is also available. It's called the NaviPod IR Remote. It gives you the power to control your iPod's audio from across a room. Another essential iPod accessory is the iPod Dock that recharges your iPod at work or at home.

For car lovers, there are iPodMP3 accessories to accommodate your stereos. The first of these, the Belkin TuneDok Car Holder, holds your iPod in place. Another iPod accessory is the Sony Car Cassette Adapter. This connects your iPod to the car's cassette player. Last but not least, is the Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter. You can play your iPod through the FM radio of your car. All it requires to work is the iPod dock connector. It draws a small amount of power from your iPod and doesn't use any batteries.

You can really pimp your iPod/MP3 player in many exciting ways. These accessories not only improve your player, but a pimped out player is the number one status symbol for any hardcore iPod owner and lover.