If you have an Apple iPod, and who doesn’t these days, you will eventually want to improve it’s functionality by adding an accessory. As the leading portable digital audio player on the market, there are an incredible number of accessories available for the Apple iPod and this article will take a look at a few of the products for 5G-iPod-Video available from Belkin, a leading computer, mobile, and network accessory company.

Battery Pack for iPod
Price: $49.99
Compatible with: all docking iPods including video, 4G, 3G, and photo. Not for iPods with FireWire ports on top.

If the battery life of your iPod is not adequate for your daily use, perhaps the Belkin Battery Pack is just what you need. The battery pack is a white, plastic extended power pack using 4 AA batteries and providing up to 15 hours of additional power (up to 6 hours of video playtime on the iPod Video) for your iPod. Featuring a On/Off power switch, Battery Level Check button, and 4 power LEDs inside the case, the Battery Pack is easy to use. Simply attach the iPod to the Battery Pack by firmly pushing the iPod onto the 2 rubber suction cups on the back of the Power Pack. Two additional, replacement suction cups are included in the package. Connect the Docking Connector to the iPod and you are ready to go. Push the Battery Check button to see the power level of the batteries via 4 green LEDs. When you want to power the iPod from the Battery Pack, just set the power switch to on. When the Battery Pack’s power is depleted, just replace the 4 AA batteries. This is a very easy to use product and gives you the extended battery life for those long trips and plane flights.

The Belkin Battery Pack is easy to use, but is fairly large and heavy. With the Battery Pack attached, the Apple iPod Video 60GB is almost double the weight and triple the thickness. Plus it will not charge the iPod’s internal battery. So if the size and weight is not a problem for you and you want to have portable power for your iPod, enough for even the longest airplane trip, check out the Belkin Battery Pack for iPod. Sorry, but it only comes in White.

Kickstand Case for iPod Video
Price: $29.99
Compatible with 5G Video (30GB and 60GB). Other models are available for other iPods.

The Belkin Kickstand case is a unique design that combines a quality, protective case with a flip design that allows the case to function as a stand that gives the iPod a comfortable angle for hands-free viewing on a flat surface. The Kickstand case is made of high quality leather with strong stitching and has clear, protective covers over the screen and control wheel. The case can fold in the middle to form the stand and has a rubber reinforcement band on the back. The fit is a little tight with the 60GB, but firm and non-slip for either model iPod Video. A strap on the back slips through a clip ring on the bottom to keep the iPod in the case. The connector on the end of the strap can snap onto the bottom of the case to keep the iPod secure or, with the strap removed from the clip ring, onto the top of the case when it is folded to keep the stand stable and at the correct angle. There are also openings for the Lock Switch and Headphone Jack.

Using the Kickstand is a little cumbersome. You need to unsnap the strap from the lower connector, remove the strap from the clip ring, slide the iPod halfway out of the case, fold the case back, push the iPod back into the case, and snap the strap onto the top connector. When you want to put the Kickstand case back into protective mode, reverse the procedure. The Kickstand case includes a detachable carabiner clip. Personally, I would never carry my iPod using a carabiner clip and the Kickstand case does not have a belt loop/clip. Although a little awkward to use, the kickstand idea is really cool. With its quality material and construction, the Belkin Kickstand Case is very protective and offers a useful feature for those to like to use their iPod upright on a desk. It even comes in Black, White, or Pink.

Classic Case for 5G iPod
Price: $24.99

The Belkin Classic Case is what a case should be. The case has high quality leather with strong double-stitching, protective cover for the screen and control wheel, openings for the docking connector, lock switch, and headphone jack, and a belt clip. The only thing missing is it is not water-proof. The iPod slips in from the top and there is a leather strap that slips into a slot on the back to keep the iPod secure. The belt clip is well designed with a built-in headphone cord management feature. An adhesive-backed mounting knob is also included for attaching to any flat surface, such as in a car, and slides onto the belt clip giving you an easy way to mount the iPod/Case in your car, home, or office.

The Belkin Classic Case is a great case with the right features, high quality, and a reasonable price. This is one case I highly recommend. Too bad it only comes in Black.

Protective Overlay for iPod Video
Price: $14.99
Compatible with iPod 5G with Video.

Since the Apple iPod is extremely prone to scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints, how is an owner supposed to keep it shiny and looking good?  With Belkin’s Protective Overlays for iPod Video.  The Protective Overlay attaches to the front and back of the iPod to give it a protective layer against scratches and minor cosmetic damage.  The Overlay is easy to apply and remove without damaging or leaving any residue on your iPod.  A wet and dry cleaning kit is included to prepare your iPod for the Overlays.  Simply follow the included instructions for applying the Overlay and you will have an iPod you are not afraid to use and show to your friends.

The Belkin Protective Overlay for iPod Video includes a wet and dry cleaning kit, plus separate overlays for the back, front, and control wheel.  The front overlay is different from the one pictured above.  The main front overlay covers the front, but has a hole for the control wheel.  There is a separate round overlay for the control wheel.  The two pieces together will give the front of the iPod a clean, professional appearance.  The only negative about the Belkin Protective Overlay for iPod Video is that the back overlay does not cover the sides and corners of the iPod, so they remain unprotected.

While a little expensive, I still recommend the Belkin Protective Overlay if you want to keep your iPod looking good.  The product would have been better if it protected the sides and corners.

Reviewed by Harvey Lee,
Senior Technology Editor

Product: Belkin iPod Accessories
Manufacturer: Belkin
Web Site: http://www.belkin.com
Category: Mobile / Audio Accessories