How to Select an iPod Charger

When I began using an iPod some years back, I was often frustrated that it'd often die on me in the middle of a trip and I'd have no means by which to charge it. New users of what was turning out to be an indispensable part of life just had to wait for technology to catch up and provide an iPod charger for people on the go.

If you like using your iPod at home, work, during the long commute to and from the city, AND for your workout, it can be terribly inconvenient to constantly charge it throughout the day.

Those of us who were afraid to overcharge our iPods or shorten the iPod's life by frequent charging had to simply make do without music when the thing ran out of power and charging was impossible.

But today there are gizmos that can make your iPod go on and on. Portable chargers using AA batteries are available for around $30.

iPod Charger Checklist

Consider the following before buying your portable iPod charger.

1. Check product reviews to make sure that the iPod charger you purchase is safe against overcharging.

2. If you're a heavy iPod user (as you probably are if iPod battery life is your concern), it would be a good idea to buy a battery charger and rechargeable batteries instead of having to use up loads of disposable AA batteries on your portable iPod charger each month.

3. Make sure that you can still use your portable iPod charger if you decide to upgrade iPods at least twice. Many portable chargers under $30 work with iPod with Video as well, so this shouldn't be a problem.

4. Look for bargains at online or outlet stores that periodically slash the prices of iPod accessories when new models become available. As long as you can use the same charger with an iPod upgrade or two, there's no reason why you have to spend on the latest charger model.

Between a car charger, a solar powered charger, and a battery-powered portable one, the latter is the best option. It gives you the flexibility to charge your iPod away from your car or indoors.

Besides, there's no reason why you can't charge your iPod with a portable charger and dump the whole contraption in the backseat of your car. If you fear you might forget to take it out of the backseat before the kids scramble in, then simply use an in-car iPod cradle.