iPod Stands

In today's age of electronic gizmos, our work desks tend to get cluttered fairly quickly. My digital camera with its dock is over there. Next to that is my iSight video camera that I use to videoconference. Then there is the spot for my Canon Digital Camcorder for when I need to import video to my computer. Of course, you cannot forget the place my high-tech speakers go. Oh, and the media card reader for the various digital cameras I review. And on and on it goes. Every few months, it seems, some new gizmo pops up that somehow finds a place on my desk. Does this sound like you?

Tip

If you move your iPod from your computer desk to, for example, your home audio cabinet, consider buying more than one stand, so that you don't have to move the stand from place to place. And if you dust as infrequently as I do, moving the stand gives away how much dust is actually on your furniture!

The iPod is not an inexpensive toyjust the opposite, in fact. When you are not using your iPod, you can't simply lay it on its back on your desk. How cool would that be? So, unless you have an iPod Dock, you need to buy a stand for your iPod. Prices vary, of course, and some stands look better with your computer desk layout than others. You can go for a more traditional looking stand, high-tech, brushed metal, clear plastic, colored plastic, and many other cool stands. They all perform the same function, so look at price and design when making your choice.

Habitat

The Habitat is a clear plastic stand from Bubble Design. Unlike some other stands, the Habitat, besides holding your iPod, also has a place for your earbud headphones and FireWire (or USB 2.0) wires. It is very attractive, and helps with clutter. Your iPod fits into a slot standing up at a 60-degree angle or so. One drawback, however, is that because the iPod fits in a slot, this is not an ideal solution for iPod Mini users, nor iPod users who use a protective carrying case.

Price: $24.99

www.BubbleDesign.com

ModPod

Another plastic stand, this one comes in a variety of colors besides clear. The ModPod allows easy access to the front of your iPod and to the cables, and has clips on the back of the stand to help control wire clutter. Like the Habitat, you cannot use the ModPod if your iPod is in a protective case. It works with all models of iPod, including the iPod Mini, though it will not hold the thinner Mini as securely.

Price: $14.95

www.MacSkinz.com

PodHolder

The PodHolder was one of the first iPod stands on the market. It is a simple "L" design with rubber bumpers to both protect your iPod from scratches, and keep it from sliding around. A clear piece of plastic, the PodHolder almost disappears when an iPod is sitting in its cradle. The simple, but effective, design makes the PodHolder a nice unit.

Price: $9.95

www.PodShop.com

PodBoard

A very unique product, the PodBoard works with all iPods, except the iPod Mini. This flat piece of stainless steel has leather straps on the back, and displays your iPod on a flat panel. Think of it as a picture frame for your iPod. The iPod fits into the PodBoard almost flush, and you can also download "skins" for it. A skin is nothing more than a picture, but it gives the PodBoard the option of looking like a piece of art on your desktop. There is also a plastic wire clip on the rear of the PodBoard to help hide and organize your FireWire and headphone wires. This is a very unique product!

Price: $37.00

www.alscher.ch/podboard.html