Congratulations! You are the proud owner of n iPod; maybe more than one, if it’s just after holiday season and you were the beneficiary of such nice presents!

Now, we’re noted earlier that Apple has done a very good job of making things as simple as possible. However, there are limits to how simple things can get; and there are elements of iPod ownership that can be a little bit complicated.

If you’re intimidated by technology, or if like a lot of people you’re worried about doing some damage, then this section is for you!

--> The Remote

The iPods are small, delicate things; particularly the iPod nano. While they are somewhat designed for real-life usage, they are vulnerable to the elements and to scratching. For this reason, many people gladly reach for their iPod remote instead of fiddling with their precious little device by hand.

Fiddling with your iPod while driving is risky business, but if you absolutely must do so, think about using a remote control, a valuable device even if your iPod is within reach. Apple makes one and it retails for about $40.00-$45.00.

--> Car iPod?

Yup, in case you aren’t aware, you can mount your iPod in your car and enjoy it as you motor to work (or anywhere else for that matter). In June of 2004, MacWorld magazine conducted a survey of mounting options available for iPods, and discovered about a dozen products available, ranging in price from $15.00 to $50.00. Some devices hook into vents, some are for dockable iPods only, some tilt and swivel, and still others attach to car dashboards.

If you do decide to mount your iPod to your car (thus making it a much cooler car!), you probably want to know how to fine tune your iPod once it’s mounted. This is a little easier said than done! It takes a bit of tweaking the mounting installation so that you can get the sound quality and direction that you want.

A man named Franklin Tessler, who allegedly and in his own words spent more money than he should have installing an iPod in his Infinity G35, wrote:

“if you hear a humming or whining sound when the iPod is playing, install a ground loop isolator between the iPod and the head unit.”

He adds that Radio Shack sells one for less than $20.00 (part number 270-054).

If you browse through any computer or electronic magazines, the iPod-related advertisements alone should clue you into the many ways you can use your iPod: many iPod users like to listen to their iPods in the car – probably the one single place where most listening is done.

Griffin (www.griffintechnology.com) is marketing the iTrip which attaches your iPod to the built-in FM stereo of any car.

Mia LaCron is the founder of IpodFunctions.com - http://www.ipodfunctions.com/ - devoted to helping individuals get the most out of their Ipod.

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