Gadgets: Pimp your iPod

Not surprisingly, lots of new iPod stuff is on the shelves. If you're an iPod junkie or just want the latest and greatest in the new stuff, here are some items to choose from: If you have a new iPod Nano, just slide it into the iFrogz Audiowrapz Speaker Case and you'll never have to untangle headphones. Once the player is in the case, it's connected with a headphone jack, which is built into the speaker system.

Combining the Nano and the speakers make it about the size of an iPod classic and is a whole lot easier to share songs or videos with others close by.

It's made of silicone so it protects the player from dust and scratches. No batteries are required since the speakers are powered by the iPod.

Users have full control of all the functions while the iPod is in the case, including switching to headphones while attached.

Audiowrapz, which is distributed by the popular iPod suppler Dr. Bott, is available in aqua, black, gun metal, pink, hot pink, mint green, neon green and red.

Information: www.drbott.com., $24.99


Hands-free is always a good thing for iPhones while driving, and the DLO VentMount makes that happen.

The car bracket gives the device a secure mounting system, which is hooked onto the air conditioning vent. While in use, the mount gives full access to the controls. The iPhone can also be charged, and this makes it an ideal mount for Bluetooth headset users.

The device rotates horizontally or vertically so the bracket is as multifunctional as the device itself.

Users can also make a quick conversion from the car mount to a belt mount with the belt clip, while others might choose to use it on a desktop with the locking desktop surface.

Information: www.dlo.com., $24.99


Griffin Technology has some additions to its case lineup for iPod with the FlexGrip and FlexScreen and a new kit to keep the iPod Touch shiny and clean.

The FlexGrip is a silicone case for the iPod Nano and iPod Touch, which protects the devices from dirt, dust, scratches and hopefully some small drops.

A black front and gray back make up the multicolored case, but what makes the cases unique is what Griffin describes as a “textured, nubby rear surface." This makes it easy to grip and hold on to as well helping it grip a smooth table top surface better then the front smooth side.

While the device is in the case, users will have full access to all the controls as well as having a static peel touch screen protector and cleaning cloth included.

FlexScreen for iPod Nano has the same color combination and the textured back. Also included is a crystal-clear, scratch-resistant polycarbonate face shield, which snaps onto the outside of the case for added protection.

Screen Care Kit for iPod Touch has five static peel screen protectors, and a lint-free cleaning cloth to remove dirt and the never ending battle with fingerprints.

Information: All are priced at $14.99 and are in retail sites as well at www.griffintechnology.com..

Gregg Ellman is the Star-Telegram's photo director/technology. His Gadgets column appears weekly.